Local teen wins Youth MMA World Championship

by: Erin Valle

Posted: Jul 29, 2019 / 06:07 PM CDT

Updated: Aug 14, 2019 / 05:23 PM CDT

Billie Merreighn, a 15-year-old professional fighter from Weldon, is coming home from Rome, Italy with a gold medal. The teen won his division of the 2019 Youth MMA World Championships and now his hometown is celebrating. Upon his return, Billie rode through town on a firetruck, was welcomed with posters and a big cake, and even the Illinois General Assembly recognized him with an award.

Bloomington, Ill. (WCIA)

Billie Merreighn, a 15-year-old professional fighter from Weldon, will compete in the first ever Youth MMA World Championships in Rome. Out of 34 Americans, he is the only representative from Illinois. The event takes place August 3-4 and is focused on promoting MMA fighting as a safe outlet for youth.

Merreighn, who is focusing on pankration fighting, trains with the Bloomington Team 1 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu club out of the Band of Brothers Martial Arts and Fitness gym.

“He’s quick, he’s smart, he’s strong, one of the strongest 15-year-old kids I’ve ever seen. He’s in my class submitting grown men,” Merreighn’s instructor, Casey McCullough said.

Competition entrance fees are paid for by the United States Fight League. However, Merreighn would like to thank his sponsors for funding half of his travel expenses.

“It was very exciting to get the help to actually get out there,” Merreighn said.