"When it comes to fighting, you have to deal with what opportunities present themselves," said Christian Carr of Landisville. "I like to display my ability to control and submit the people I fight." Carr's 2-0 professional record consisting of two grappling submissions substantiates his claim.

Carr began wrestling at the age of 4 in Penn Manor School District and switched to Hempfield a few years later. As a young child, he attended a co-op at Grace Baptist Church and transferred to PA Cyber School; his flexible schedule as a homeschooler granted him the ability to focus on wrestling. Carr began training at Gracie 717 in Lancaster at the age of 14, and although MMA fighters can't compete in Pennsylvania until they are at least 18 years of age, he consistently honed his skills at the gym as well as wrestling for Hempfield High School.

Carr soon after expanded his skill set to include jiu-jitsu and kickboxing and began fighting as an amateur once he was able. Over the course of his amateur career, Carr fought six times and only lost once, becoming the No. 1 ranked featherweight fighter in Pennsylvania. He made his professional debut in August and fought again on Nov. 19, winning both matches and maintaining an undefeated pro record.

Carr is contracted with Maverick MMA, a regional promotion circuit based in the Poconos, and his final fight with his current contract is anticipated to be held in March. At the beginning of their professional careers, fighters often work through the ranks of a regional circuit in order to advance to an international circuit like the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Fighters in the amateur circuit are limited by a set of rules dictating which techniques a fighter can use during a round, so Carr is relieved to be competing as a professional and to be able to utilize his entire arsenal. "As a wrestler, some of the rules (in the amateur circuit) inhibited me," Carr said. "Moving to pro, I can fight with a more well-rounded style and have more weapons to work with." Carr won both of his professional bouts by finishing his opponent with a rear naked choke, and he exhibited his own signature finish, the "Strictly Business Choke," during his most recent fight. "I enjoy striking, but if I knock someone out, it was by accident before I could submit them with a choke," said Carr.

Carr hopes to build his credentials and refine his coaching system; he would like to open his own gym someday. In addition to Gracie 717, Carr trains at other locations in the area and is in no hurry to move out of Lancaster. "I'm open to going out there and making the best of it, no matter what that is," said Carr.