Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
County champ debuts in MMA
Former Stranahan wrestler Boudreau has trained 8 years
FORT LAUDERDALE — Trent Boudreau is expecting his nerves to be at an all-time high.
And why wouldn’t they? It’s not every day a former high school wrestling champion makes his debut as a mixed martial arts fighter. Boudreau, last year’s Broward County wrestling champ, will fight Ruben Santana in a welterweight bout today as part of the Tournament of Titans card at Bahia Mar on Fort Lauderdale Beach.
“If I’m not nervous, then there is something wrong,” Boudreau said. “If I’m nervous I know I’m doing everything in my power to stay on my toes. I’ve got so many people coming out to watch me. I’m ready.”
Boudreau, 18, was a standout wrestler in the 170-pound division at Stranahan before deciding to give MMA a try after graduating last year. He has trained in the sport for the past eight years with American Top Team and also has a Jiu Jitsu background.
“My mom and I were driving and we saw an MMA gym,” Boudreau said. “She asked me if I was interested, and the next week I
signed up. Ever since then, I’ve been training six times a week for four hours a day. One day something came in my head and said, ‘Wow I’m actually good at this.’ I knew then this was something I wanted to do.”
Boudreau is entering the fight without knowing much about his opponent. That is exactly how he prefers it. This way, he will be prepared for anything.
“I don’t like to watch videos of my opponents,” Boudreau said. “I don’t like putting any thoughts in my head. I like to train and be prepared for every aspect, so whatever he throws at me, I’ll be prepared for it. I’ll be ready.”
Preparation has never been a problem for Boudreau. He was a Sun Sentinel second-team AllCounty selection as a senior. He lettered all four years and racked up 100 wins.
“Trent started coming to my room since he was in the eighth grade,” Stranahan wrestling coach Thomas Harrison said. “He has always been a hard worker. In the wrestling community, we call him a grinder. He just slowly pounds on you.”
Boudreau said his MMA career is only a temporary fix. He is currently training to become a Navy SEAL, which has been a lifelong dream. He always played other sports such as football and basketball but joining the military always took precedence.
“When I was 3 years old, Sept. 11 happened, and believe it or not, that’s about around the time when I said I wanted to go into the military,” Boudreau said. “It stuck with me ever since. Even through all the sports I’ve done, going to the military has never left my mind. Those are the real warriors.”
Even if his MMA career takes off, Boudreau said he will stick to his word about joining the military. He doesn’t want to go through life with any regrets.
“I have to say if I had two platters in front of me, with the one on the left saying sign this now and you’re a Navy SEAL and another saying you’re going to be a UFC champion. I’d take the Navy SEAL one in an heartbeat. I’m a go-getter. If I put my mind to something, I won’t stop until I accomplish. These Navy SEALs are the toughest guys on the planet.”