‘Ruthless’ Fruita Sailor Sets Sights on Professional MMA Fighting

A Fruita sailor is hoping to take his MMA skills into the professional arena.

Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Rusty Turley, a native of Fruita, is currently with the Navy Information Operations Command (NIOC)Texas where he has been honing his MMA skills.

Turley recently was in the ring competing against Rolando Gomez and chalking up another MMA victory. According to NIOC Public Affairs, within 15 seconds Turley, whose nickname is "Ruthless,"  had taken his opponent to the mat, "mercilessly punishing him with blow after blow.'

Turley said, "When I fight, they know I'm going to take them down to the floor unless they have practiced some good defense."

Starting as a wrestler in 6th grade, Turley added mixed martial arts at age 14 and had his first amateur fight at age 18 before joining the Navy, where he's known for dominating opponents with his grappling style. With a record of 3-1, Turley said he learned from his loss.

"No matter how good you think you are, there is always someone out there training to be better than you. My loss was due to a lack of training. Never again will I lose due to a lack of training."

Turley will be separating from the Navy at the end of his current enlistment and has begun training for his first professional fight in August. If you are an MMA fan, remember the name Rusty "Ruthless" Turley - and we wish him great success as he turns pro.

[NAVY]