SHELBYVILLE, IL. — One area MMA fighter, Quartus Stitt, serves as a shining example and a worthy ambassador for, what some consider, the brutal sport of mixed martial arts.

Despite the fact that MMA has gained such a massive amount of popularity, many people from the outside looking in may picture Mixed Martial Arts fighters as brutal individuals, due to the brutal nature of their particular combat sport.

Neverthless, there are fighters out there that serve as examples of how MMA can be an venue for quality athletes and individuals to make a difference.

of Quentin “Rampage” Jackson.

Even moreso, there are great role models for children within the sport as well, such as Illinois’ own Clay Guida and Matt Hughes, who may be one of the most decorated champions in the history of the sport. However, one may not have to look to the UFC to find such a role model. In fact, one exists in amateur fighter, Quartus Stitt

Quartus, who fights as a welterweight (170 lbs), has been fighting for two years as an amateur, putting together an impressive amateur record of eighteen wins, and four losses. However, Quartus was very secure in admitting that he was still a work in progress, despite his immense success. “My submission defense is a work in progress, for sure” said the Decatur native. “I’ve been working real hard on defending against Jiu Jitsu, but it’s still something I’ve got to work on.

Though he describes his style as Freestyle, Quartus actually has what UFC commentator Joe Rogan considers the best base for MMA, a wrestling background. “I actually wrestled in high school, and my coach Gary Cook really helped me out, and helped me develop my wrestling well. It’s an invaluable talent, because it lets me choose where I want to fight. It lets me fight my fight.”

Though the young fighter’s main camp is Dojo USA, he has also trained at H.I.T. Squad out of Granite City, NTC Training Center with the aforementioned Clay Guida and his brother Jason, and even at Arizona Combat Sports. However, he considers Dojo USA his home, headed up by his manager Tim Fekkes. “It’s really a great place to learn, and we’ve got great camp. My friends teach me a lot, and help me fill in the holes in my game. I also do the same thing for them. It’s like we’ve got a family over there.”

Quartus, during the interview, alluded to the idea of actually turning pro very soon, possibly making his professional debut in either the Bellator or Strikeforce promotions. When I took the time to ask him who we would like to fight most, whether it be professional or amateur fighter, he gave an interesting answer. “I’d like to fight Jason MacDonald, if I fought in the UFC. I know I’d have to go up a weight class, but I’d like to fight him. He’s a gamer, and he never backs down, man.” On top of that, however, it seems that he may have a grudge match in the future.

“There’s this guy named Jacob Volk I really want to fight. Because of some promotional issues, I wasn’t able to defend a title that I hold, and the promotion made an interim title, and [Volk] won it. Well, I don’t think you can really be the champ until you beat the champ, so I really want to fight him next. Aside from that, he’s really experience too, and I know it would be a good fight for me, for sure.”

Quartus and I spent much of the second half of that night’s card speaking, and during the other parts of the interview, he mentioned that he volunteers for the Decatur Park District, and enjoys teaching MMA, seeing it as a great way for people to learn respect and discipline.

Throughout the conversation, the impression that most came through was a young man who the sport had really benefited. Here is a young athlete, who carries himself with confidence, but is not cocky due to his success. Through MMA, Quartus displays the example of a model citizen and someone who serves as a great ambassador for MMA.