Amateur Prospect of the Month: October
Sam Mednick
Bantamweight
Age: 22
Fighting out of: Portland, Oregon, USA
Record: 7-1-0
Hailing from Portland, Oregon, Sam “Bing Bong” Mednick is one of the most compelling prospects on the amateur scene. Bantamweight is full of athletic talent, but 22-year-old Sam Mednick adds even more. He stands 5’6″ and fights out of American Top Team Portland. Mednick holds a 7-1 record and is riding a six-fight win streak.
Mednick’s most recent win was probably his toughest opponent to date as well as his most impressive performance to date. Facing an undefeated 6-0 opponent, Robbie Lopez, Sam Mednick was an underdog going into this bout. Doubters were quickly silenced. Mednick pulled off a nasty guillotine choke in the 2nd round, officially putting a target on his back as one of the best amateur fighters in the US.
While he’s only fought seven MMA fights, Mednick will likely find himself as the more “experienced” in every fight he accepts on this climb to the UFC. In a five round fight with now 5-2 Alex Chavez, Mednick’s ability to go a full five rounds during the rise of his young career was extremely impressive, earning the unanimous decision victory without a drop of sweat on his body.
Where I think Mednick holds an advantage over other prospects is his ability to control his athleticism. Most explosive guys are eager to jump out of the gate and get their offense off instantly, but Mednick’s explosion comes on the defensive side. Perhaps some of the most impressive sprawls I’ve ever seen on the amateur level, Mednick’s takedown defense is elite. Turning defense into offense, the Oregon native uses his athleticism to flip the script in any situation, you simply cannot count out Sam Mednick.
Mednick takes on Antonio Neal, a 5-13-1 boxer making his debut in MMA, on November 8th at Clinch Fight Club. Mednick also has some boxing background, winning a professional bout over Bryce Bradbeer back in August. This should be a can crush for “Bing Bong”, and if Mednick is legit, he should finish this fight in the 1st round. Keep an eye on the Oregon bantamweight to make waves on the amateur scene.
Mednick is also 1-0 as a pro boxer who came one decision shy of clinching the Oregon state golden glove title as an amateur in what was only his 5th fight. He is a valued training partner to ufc bantamweight Ricky Simon and has captured several amateur titles in both mma and kickboxing. Sam has competed in striking combat sports and won at 125lbs, 132lbs, 135lbs, 139lbs, 145lbs, 155lbs and 160lbs.
Sam is the former head assistant boxing coac at American top team Portland and still works full time as a coach and trainer under head boxing coach Jordan guenther.
Appreciate all the insight.