Who is Paralympian Zion Clark? Meet the MMA fighter, wrestler and Guinness World record holder who won Conor McGregor's seal of approval

From the moment he was born, a remarkable athlete has relentlessly defied the odds and created a legacy to be proud of. 

Zion Clark, 22, from Ohio, U.S., is on the brink of achieving something extraordinary - competing in the 2024 Paralympic Games.

Clark was born without legs due to Caudal Regression Syndrome, a rare and serious disorder which impairs the development of the lower spine.

And his difficult start to life continued when he was given up for adoption after he was born, before being placed in the foster care system where he was cruelly bullied by his peers. 

Despite these hardships, Clark has gone on to become a distinguished fighter in professional MMA and wrestling, holds three Guinness World Record titles and has even earned a seal of approval from Conor McGregor himself. 

As he prepares to represent the United States in Athletics at the Paralympic Games, FEMAIL takes a look at Zion Clark's remarkable journey in the world of sport. 

A challenging start 

Zion Clark is a 22-year-old pro wrestler, MMA fighter and Guinness World Record holder who grew up in Columbus, Ohio, United States.   

Clark's journey began with significant challenges, as he was born in September 1997 with a rare birth defect called Caudal Regression Syndrome that left him without legs. 

Abandoned at birth and placed into the foster care system, he was subjected to constant bullying and frequent moves between homes. 

Labeled a 'problem child', the foster care system gave up on him early, but his foster mother, Kimberlii, eventually adopted him at the age of 16, and has since remained by his side. 

Amid the turmoil of living in abusive living situations, he found solace and strength in two unexpected outlets: wrestling and music.

At the age of seven, Clark was introduced to wrestling. Initially, it didn't fare well - in fact, he didn't win a match for several years. 

He told MailOnline: 'I adapted my wrestling by a lot of trial and error. Spent years figuring out what would work. 

'People would make fun of me because I didn't have legs. The best way to deal with haters is to use the hate to lift yourself up.'

'I now train twice a day, about six days a week. It’s a grind, it's a lifestyle. Being born without legs hasn’t stopped me from doing the things I want to do.'

Clark's early adversity only fuelled his drive. By the time he reached his senior year at Massillon High School in Ohio, Clark had achieved an impressive 33-15 record, a turning point that would set the stage for his future endeavours.

Rising Through the Ranks

Clark's wrestling career continued to flourish as he attended Kent State University, where he also excelled in wheelchair racing, securing his second high school state championship title. 

But it wasn't just wrestling where Clark would make his mark. 

In December 2022, he made his professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) debut on Gladiator Challenge: Seasons Beatings, fighting against Eugene Murray and winning by unanimous decision. 

The victory caught the attention of UFC legend Conor McGregor, who praised Clark's technical skills and expressed deep respect for his journey.

Three days after Clark's performance, McGregor wrote on X: 'Absolutely fascinating to hear about this man's debut and now see it. Lightning entry on the low single. Wow!

'You should not connect to him in any shape or form. Frames only. Frame to strike. Fascinating! Congrats and so much respect to that man Zion Clark! MMA is the best sport!'

In response, Clark wrote: 'Appreciate the love and respect. This is just the start for me I'm excited to see how far I can take my fight game! I proved the doubters wrong in wrestling becoming an All American and D1 Wrestler. All respect.' 

Record-Breaking Athlete 

Clark's athletic achievements extend beyond wrestling and MMA. He is a three-time Guinness World Record holder, recognised as the fastest man on two hands. 

His record-breaking feats include walking 20 meters on his hands in just 4.78 seconds, performing a 0.83-metre box jump with his hands, and completing 248 diamond push-ups in three minutes. 

Each accomplishment highlights Clark's incredible upper body strength and drive.

Reflecting on his diamond push-up record to Guinness World Records, Clark noted: 'It was definitely a mind game. 

'Doing these push-ups, you cap at 100, 150, 200, and that is when real pain sets in. One of two things is going to happen: you are going to fold and stop, or you are going to keep pushing until you achieve that goal.'

In addition to his record-breaking feats, Clark has explored other athletic pursuits, including powerlifting, boxing, wheelchair bodybuilding, and even circus arts. 

In 2023, he showcased his talents on "America's Got Talent," advancing to the semifinals before being eliminated from the top five. Nonetheless, Clark left a lasting impression on both the judges and the audience. 

Aiming for the Paralympics 

Clark's most ambitious goal yet is to compete in the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, where he's set to represent the United States in Athletics.

Having previously trained under the guidance of his manager Craig Levinson and alongside Olympic and World Champion Jordan Burroughs, Clark is determined to make history. 

According to his website, zionclark.com, his dream while Tokyo hosted the 2020 Olympics was to become the first American athlete to compete in both the Olympic Wrestling and Paralympic Wheelchair Racing Games. 

As he prepares to compete in Paris, the world will be watching, eager to see how this remarkable athlete continues to defy the odds and push the boundaries of what is possible.