In Episode 20 of Beyond the Mats, Mel Trueblood shares one of the most intense journeys we’ve had on the show. After a life-changing moment in 2023, Mel found MMA as a way to channel his anger into something positive—and never looked back.

He opens up about getting shot, fighting with a bullet still in his hip, and the mindset it took to step into the cage under those circumstances. From surgery and recovery to making his return and competing again on March 7, this episode is all about resilience, purpose, and refusing to quit.

Mel also talks about the teammates who’ve pushed him along the way, how his team shaped his growth, and what’s next as he sets his sights on more fights in 2026.

This is a raw, powerful conversation about turning pain into fuel and finding yourself through the fight game.

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