Fighting for their future

Typically, you'd want to stop kids from fighting, but the right kind of fighting can be a positive thing.

It can help them get past all kinds of temptations that could take them way off track.

Mixed martial arts are one of the fastest growing sports in the world. A local trainer is using it to help troubled teens.

Bogie Blount thought he had it all mapped out.

"The Glenpool cops probably know me by my first name," said Blunt.

He wasn't doing so well, and he liked it.

"I had guns pulled on me, knives. My best friend got stabbed a few feet from me," said Blunt.

One day, three years ago Blunt followed a friend to World Class Fighting and Fitness. That's when he met Craig Blacklock.

"He's had huge turn around,” said Blacklock. "I knew he was tough."

He also knew Blount had a rough past. Whatever he'd gone through had made him angry. His entire life, people told him anger was bad, but not Blacklock.

"You give them a way to vent," said Blacklock.

He figured Blunt had never clung to anyone dependable. Someone that would invest in him; hold him accountable.

"I threatened him,” said Blacklock. “I told him I’m too old to put up with it, but I’m young enough to kick your butt."

It didn't take long for him to submit.

"Because he could beat me up,” said Blunt

Blacklock drained his savings for the gym a few years ago. Ever since, folks with a troubled past seem to gravitate toward him. It’s something he welcomes. He even trains Blunt for free.

"It’s tough love,” said Blacklock.

Already, he's trained two world champions in mixed martial arts.

His method: come here, work hard or else.

No one has time to get into trouble anymore, nor do they want to. Those friends Blunt used to run with have already shown him why he’s made the right decision.

"A couple of them are in prison, two of them are dead,” Blunt.

Blacklock’s students didn't know it, but all along they were looking for someone tough enough to get in their face to get their attention; tough enough to really care.

Blunt now has a legit job. He does spray installation, and he plans to have his next fight in December.