“Champ, I’ll Never Give Up on You”: Bodybuilding Legend Flex Wheeler Shows Support for Mixed Martial Arts Pupil

Bodybuilding legend Flex Wheeler was one of the greatest bodybuilders of the 90s. Going up against legends like Ronnie Coleman and Dorian Yates, Wheeler held his own on stage. After being forced to retire early due to a rare kidney disease, Wheeler has battled with constant health issues. However, despite enduring over 40 life-saving surgeries, The Sultan of Symmetry didn’t give up. Now the bodybuilding legend has decided to share his wealth of experience with other people. He also brings his never give up attitude when training his clients.

William A. Knight, one of Wheeler’s clients and former UFC light heavyweight, wrote about not giving up in the face of adversity. So Wheeler, who helped Knight with his strength training, could not help but voice his support for the martial artist.

Flex Wheeler admired Knight’s resilience

Earlier, the light heavyweight fighter took to Instagram and posted a video montage of some of his fights. However, it wasn’t a montage of his highlight reel finishes but showed the times when Knight faced adversity in the octagon. “I’ve been in numerous situations where it looked like I was done for,” the MMA athlete wrote in the caption.

The video also showed how Knight struggled against some of his competitors in the initial stage of his fights. However, like his mentor, Knight weathered the storm. “These are just a few situations where I appeared to be done for but little did anyone know I would claim victory and end up getting my hand raised,” wrote Knight.

After watching the video William A. Knight shared, his mentor and bodybuilding legend Flex Wheeler couldn’t help but admire his pupil’s resilience. “Remember one thing, champ. I’ll never give up on you. Team Flex Wheeler Athletes,” wrote the 57-year-old in his Instagram story where he shared the video. Besides training the former UFC light heavyweight, Wheeler also has had a close relationship with martial arts.

Martial arts was the bodybuilding legend’s first love

 While the world might know The Sultan of Symmetry as one the greatest bodybuilders of all time, martial arts played a massive role in Wheeler’s life. As a teen, the four-time Arnold Classic champion had to deal with bullies. However, he found the inspiration to stand up to his bullies after watching Bruce Lee’s Enter the Dragon.

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The bodybuilding legend began training in martial arts and became proficient. If fact, at one point, Wheeler had to choose between martial arts and bodybuilding. While he selected bodybuilding as his main profession, Wheeler practiced martial arts and even participated in tournaments.

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The UFC let Willaim A. Knight go after his contract ended with a string of losses. While he might not be in the best position in his career, Knight refuses to give up, and that’s something Flex Wheeler admires.