MMA Institute (MMAI), Virginia’s largest mixed martial arts gym, is already home to the largest fight team of pro and amateur fighters in the state. But on Monday, the gym added accomplished UFC Middleweight fighter Tom “Filthy” Lawlor to its roster.

Tom Lawlor (9-5, 1 NC) has been a MMA fan-favorite ever since competing on Season 8 of The Ultimate Fighter. Renowned for his aggressive fighting style, as well as his wildly entertaining and inventive walk-ins, Lawlor has achieved several notable victories in the UFC, such as his stunning submission victory vs. C.B. Dollaway at UFC 100; and more recently, a submission victory of Michael Kuiper at UFC on Fuel TV 9.

“I’m really excited to be here at MMA Institute. I’ve had a chance to watch a lot of the fighter training and take a look at a lot of the classes that go on here. I’m really impressed with the abilities of a lot of the guys,” Lawlor said. “As far as myself joining the gym and working with the rest of the team, I feel like I bring a lot to the table.”

Lawlor defines himself as a student of Mixed Martial Arts, and enjoys sharing his extensive knowledge and experience with other students.
“Not only is this transition going to help me; but it’s going to allow me to go ahead and give back to some of the younger fighters, and provide them with an example of hard work that will help them to achieve their goals in the future. These guys here have a really dedicated fight team, and it’s a really great atmosphere inside the gym,” Lawlor said.

MMA Institute Head Coach Rick McCoy has already experienced training and working with a UFC-level fighter, having previously coached Amir Sadollah, winner of Spike TV’s The Ultimate Fighter 7. But, he’s just as excited to see what Lawlor can contribute to the team. The MMAI Fight Team currently has a record of 422 wins, to 222 losses, which is likely to increase now that Lawlor will be imparting knowledge to the younger fighters, as well as contributing wins through his own professional fights.

“Tom is a great addition to our already talented competition team,” McCoy said. “He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, and fits in great with the team.”

“We have the best and most caring coach in Rick McCoy, and our gym is a family. Tom Lawlor is a great stand-up fighter and will make a good ‘fit’ with our family,” said Mike Wade, a Pro fighter on the MMAI Fight team. “Tom is one tough S.O.B and I am personally thrilled to have him here, pushing me daily. Not only will his joining MMA Institute be great for training purposes, but will also help us establish more legitimacy amongst bigger organizations.”

The fact that Tom Lawlor has moved to Richmond, Virginia to live and train is an important one. Aside from Aaron Riley, Tom Lawlor will now be the only other resident in the Commonwealth of Virginia to compete in the UFC.

Mixed Martial Arts is the fastest growing sport in the world, and having a fighter of Tom Lawlor’s caliber here will not only bring more recognition to MMA Institute, but it could also bring another professional sporting event to Richmond, Virginia as well. With venues like VCU’s Siegel Center and the Richmond Coliseum, which are both capable of housing a UFC event, Lawlor’s transition to Richmond could indeed encourage the UFC’s exploration of hosting a future showcase here. Lawlor is a well-known, professional athlete and his impact from a coaching and mentoring standpoint, as well as his presence to the already unique and vibrant culture of Richmond is something that should be noted by area residents.

“I’m so excited to have another high-level, elite pro fighter joining an already talented team of fighters,” said Luke Hunsaker, an Amateur fighter on the MMAI Fight Team. “I can’t wait to train and work with him, and I hope it brings well-deserved recognition to the gym’s fighters and coaches.”

MMA Institute is excited about the addition of Tom Lawlor to their Fight Team, as well as their coaching staff. His experience at the pinnacle of the professional level, as well as his passion for helping younger fighters, will help make the entire gym stronger, and greatly increase the level of fighting talent in Virginia’s MMA community.

About MMA Institute: The MMA Institute is Virginia’s largest Mixed Martial Arts school, and utilizes a 5,000-square-foot training facility in Richmond. With state-of-the-art equipment, and a team of 10 instructors, MMAI offers training classes in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai Kickboxing, Strength and Conditioning, Judo, Submission Wrestling, Sombo, Kettlebell Training, and Fighter Yoga. The gym also features a kids program designed around building children’s self esteem while instructing practical self-defense.