Fighters such as Gerald Strebendt, Brian Stann, and Tim Kennedy, have shown that the American military can help produce some top tier mixed martial arts talent.

Once members of units, the faceless many of the armed forces, these fighters have managed to make the transition to one-on-one confrontation with great success.

Another fellow former military operator who has made the move towards being an individual against an opposing force is Wil Willis, host of the Military Channel’s Special Ops Mission and longtime MMA fan.

I think what draws guys to the MMA side of things is just the warrior spirit, Willis told MMAWeekly.com recently. It’s something that draws people to the military and kind of continues on into the ring.

Along with spirit, Willis sees similarities between how fighters prepare for a fight and the lifestyle that is experienced while in the military.

Structure starts in basic training and continues throughout your military career, said Willis. Every minute of your day is regimented.

When I really want to get something done and really need to focus, I am able to do that because of things I learned in the military.

While there are positive connections between the two, Willis also points out that entering onto a large stage such as hosting his own show has some of the same pitfalls many MMA personalities have experienced when thrust into the limelight.

You get put into this kind of an environment which is a business as well as entertainment and your job and you kind of have to change your tactics, he explained. You can’t be as blunt with people without hurting their feelings.

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