Ryan Drew Thomas

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Ryan "The Tank Engine" Thomas (born November 5, 1984) is an American professional mixed martial artist (MMA) from Danville, Illinois.

1 Background
2 Career
3 References
4 External links

[edit] Background

After high school, Ryan moved to Yorkville, Illinois, where we wrestled at Waubonsee Community College for two years. While at Waubonsee, Ryan wrestled at 174 pounds his freshman year and 184 his sophomore year. He earned the honors of becoming a two time national qualifier.^[1] He later transferred to Eastern Illinois University,[1] where he wrestled Division I for another year, until the school dropped its wrestling program. While wrestling at EIU, Ryan started training Mixed Martial Art with his teammates Chase Beebe (WEC bantamweight champion) and Kevin Knabjian (WEC welterweight fighter), EIU wrestling coach Clay French (KOTC Lightweight Champion), EIU wrestling strength and conditioning coach Derrick Noble (UFC veteran and BodogFIGHT veteran) and Mike French (WEC bantamweight fighter).

[edit] Career

Ryan started his career at middleweight (185 pounds), but dropped to welterweight (170 pounds) after only a few fights. He has compiled a record of 13 wins and 1 loss, while fighting in organizations across the Midwest. Organizations Ryan has fought in include Courage Fighting Championships, Dragons Cage, Genesis MMA, World Fighting Championships, and he also won the "Iowa Meanest Man Tournament" (a sixteen man tournament) in Davenport, Iowa. Ryan is sponsored by FOOTSWEEP FIGHT WEAR (www.footsweep.net) They have cool apparel at great prices.