Korey Gibson

Record: 5 – 0 – 0

Weight: 70kg

Rank: Blue Belt Integrated MMA

Korey Gibson grew up living in some of the poorest, toughest areas in New Zealand, where gangs and street fights were common. He began playing rugby with the Bell Block Marist Dragons when he was 10, learning at an early age that the thing he liked most about it was tackling! By 15 he was playing with the seniors, and then the National League Competition by 17. In 1996 he captained New Zealand to a win over Australia, owning the field over experienced Australian State of Origin players. At the age of 19, at which time he was considered one of the fittest men in the Auckland Warriors, he was diagnosed with cancer, resulting in surgery and years of post follow up scares.

In 2001, and having experienced numerous injuries – including spinal injuries – that he had continued to push through, Korey gave up Rugby League in favor of a shot at boxing. After winning two amateur fights, his work commitments forced him to stop, until two years later when he again tried his hand at fighting, only this time under Steve Compton who, recognising his talent, sent him to Integrated Martial Arts to train with Danny Higgins. He had his first MMA fight in October 2006, since which he has remained undefeated across four fights.

Korey is a true inspiration to all MMA fighters and fans alike, and on November 9, 2007, he succesfully achieved one of his goals by capturing the Australian Lightweight title at Warriors Realm 11.