Lewis’ grandson, Sean Stebbins achieves World Recognition in Martial Arts

Sean Stebbins, 27 years old, a 125 # flyweight MMA competitor has a year to remember.

Sean Stebbins, grandson of David and Penny Lewis, celebrated with family over the Christmas Holiday.  This year, it was an extra special holiday, as over the past year he demonstrated his skills and achieved World recognition in Mixed Martial Arts Competitions.

Sean began as a very talented and dedicated athlete in High School, pursuing excellence in wrestling and an earning an opportunity in the state tournament. However, after high school, he never lost his competitive desire. He joined the Army National Guard and found more competition in the Army Combatives Program. He participated two times in the All- ARMY Combative National Tournament. He took runner up both times in this competition.

Sean began participating in the Mixed Martial Arts Competitions through Driller Promotions in Minnesota, claiming the title, and has advanced quickly. In May of 2017 he became the United States Amateur National Champion. This earned him an opportunity to represent the USA as a member of the USA TEAM in the World Championships in Bahrain.  Sean was the only athlete from Minnesota that earned a spot on this team. Sometime after his National Championship Title, Sean Stebbins became known as “Sean, The Sweetheart Stebbins” It was in November of 2017 he traveled to Bahrain to compete in the International World Championship Mixed Martial Arts Competition. Not only did he compete, but brought home the Bronze Medal, with his only amateur loss, a controversial split decision in the semi -final match. His amateur record is 10-1 and he is now looking to pursue professional competition in the UFC.

When Sean returned to the states and family, he shared about his experience:

“I finished with a bronze medal at the IMMAF World Championship Tournament.  No doubt, losing one fight short of the Gold was a hard pill to swallow, but the experience was nothing short of amazing. I am honored to have had the opportunity to represent the USA in international competition. Between traveling for over 30 hours each way, fighting within 36 hours of landing in Bahrain, adjusting to the 9 hour time difference, weighing in every morning and fighting against National Champions from around the world , competing in the IMMAF World Tournament is the most difficult thing I have ever done in my life. Thank You to everyone who reached out to show your support.  If I didn’t respond it was not because I was ignoring you, rather the support for the team and I was so great there is no way I could respond to everyone.  Just know your messages were well received. Last night I returned safely to the US and have never been more excited for Thanksgiving in my life. 

Practice resumes Friday!”

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a hybrid type combat sport that incorporates various techniques from boxing, wrestling, judo, jujitsu, karate, Muay Thai (Thai boxing) and other disciplines. It was originally described as a terribly brutal blood sport without rules, however, MMA modified rules and gradually rid itself of that image and has now become as one of the fastest growing spectator sports of the early 21st century.  These events are sanctioned in many countries and in all of the 50 states.

Sean currently lives in the twin cities, co-parents his two children and works two jobs. He has nearly completed a degree in psychology and plans to pursue professional competition in the UFC. You can follow him on instagram.