Background
His father was a truck driver, so as a result the young Filkins would often have to fend for himself from a young age.
His father was a truck driver, so as a result the young Filkins would often have to fend for himself from a young age.
Filkins is originally from Millington, Michigan and came from a dysfunctional home. Athletic, Filkins played various sports at Millington High School, being the quarterback for the football team while also competing in wrestling. After graduating, a former wrestling coach opened an Mobile Marketing Association gym and invited Filkins to train.
After only four months of training, Filkins made his debut in mixed martial arts
Early career
After another fight with the same result, Filkins was handed his first professional loss via unanimous decision. Filkins soon bounced back, however, winning his next four fights via TKO with one of the wins being over Strikeforce veteran, Louis Taylor.
With a record of 6-1, Filkins was invited to compete in the Bellator Fighting Championships. Bellator Mobile Marketing Association
Filkins was expected to face Dan Cramer at Bellator 98 on September 7, 2013 in the quarterfinal of Bellator"s Season Nine Middleweight Tournament.
However, Cramer withdrew from the bout and Filkins instead faced Jeremy Kimball.
Filkins was expected to face Brennan Ward in the semifinal at Bellator 102 on October 4, 2013. However, Filkins pulled out of the bout due to a torn PCL. Filkins was removed from the tournament and Ward instead faced Joe Pacheco in the semifinal. Filkins next faced Dan Cramer on September 5, 2014 at Bellator 123.
He lost the fight by unanimous decision.