Zion Clark is a leg-less athlete born with caudal regression syndrome. He recently trained with UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling at the UFC Training Center.
The inspiring athlete has a wrestling background, going 33-15 against able-bodied competitors, and even set a Guinness World Record for the highest box jump using only his hands.
Zion Clark’s Background and Achievements
Caudal regression syndrome is a rare condition that affects the lower half of the body’s development, occurring in only one out of 60,000 births. Despite this challenge, Clark never gives up and continues to break records and inspire others.
Clark was helped by his high school coach and has a wrestling background. He has gone 33-15 against able-bodied competitors and set a Guinness World Record last year by scoring a 30-inch box jump using only his hands, beating the previous record by six inches.
Clark also made his mixed martial arts debut in December against an able-bodied opponent, winning via unanimous decision by relying heavily on his wrestling skills.
Training with UFC Stars
Clark also had the opportunity to train and spend time with several UFC stars, including bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling and newly crowned heavyweight champion Jon Jones.
In a recent video uploaded to social media, Sterling can be seen doing BJJ with Clark. The two athletes showed mutual respect, with Sterling calling Clark “king.”
During UFC 285, Clark met Jones backstage and challenged him to a push-up contest. Jones managed around 40 push-ups before giving up, while Clark was still effortlessly moving. Jones accepted defeat and the two shook hands.
Zion Clark’s story is an inspiration to many, proving that with hard work, determination, and the right attitude, anyone can achieve their goals, no matter how difficult the journey may be. His dedication to his craft and overcoming adversity is a lesson to everyone, and his training with UFC champions like Aljamain Sterling and Jon Jones is a testament to his skills and abilities.