Semerad embraces a new challenge in the arena

By Jared Lankford Special to Monett Monthly

There is an old adage in prize fighting that every fighter has a plan until they get hit for the first time. 

For Joey Semerad, he hopes his new career path will be one in which he gives more than he receives.

The Monett alumnus has had a busy year. In March, he earned All-American wrestling honors for McKendree University. Not wasting any time, Semerad launched into a chase for his passion in mixed martial arts, picking up a victory in his first bout.

“I knew what I wanted to do after graduation,” Semerad said. “I moved to Las Vegas to begin an MMA career. It is something that I have always wanted to do. I know that most MMA careers are short-lived lived, but I am young, in great shape and am chasing my dream.”

Described by his Monett coaches as a hard worker and driven, those who know the former Cubs grappler are not surprised by his challenging choice.

“Joey was one of those wrestlers who was never satisfied with just learning and being good at one or two things [in wrestling],” said Ben Hohensee, Monett head wrestling coach. “He always was adding to what he knew. He wasn’t a cocky wrestler, but he was a confident wrestler. His confidence was rooted in the fact that he outworked his opponents. 

“In practice, he never backed down from a challenge. He would wrestle the best he could find. That was something we tried to do as a team. We didn’t want undefeated wrestlers going to state. We wanted to find the best kids for our guys to wrestle so that they were well-rounded by the time the state championships got here.”

Semerad is currently the second active Monett alum pursuing an MMA career, joining Cristobal Renteria.

“I went and spent some time in Arizona with Chris,” Semerad said. “I always looked up to him when we were in school. He gave me some great advice and told me to take my skills and just apply them to the arena. He said we were shown the blueprint and have the drive. We just need to go a compete.”

At Monett, Semerad posted a career mark of 195-18. He excelled once he and the opponent were both on the mat. Those skills led to him qualifying for the state tournament all four years and winning three state championships, one each in his freshman, sophomore and senior seasons.

With the ground game skills set, the 135-pound bantamweight said the focus for him has been adding to his baseline to grow and be a better fighter.

“The big thing is being patient and learning what to expect and when to expect it,” Semerad said. “I’ve spent a tremendous amount of time working on Jujitsu and my fighting technique.”

One thing both of Semerad’s former Monett coaches talked about was his hatred of losing.

“Joey never wanted to lose, and that drove him in high school,” said Daryl Bradley, former Monett wrestling coach. “He never backed away from the best, whether in practice or in competition, and I think that mindset will serve him well as he pursues a professional career.”

While in Vegas, Semerad said he has been tested and knows that there is much still to learn.

“I have faced several professionals in sparing matches,” Semerad said. “Their feedback is important to me. I am always listening to them for tips or advice. Right now, it is important for me to just get better one day at a time. You can’t force the growth.”

On Sept. 20, in Springfield, Semerad will put his 1-0 record on the line in a bantamweight bout against Cohen Bane (4-1), of Springfield.

“My goal is just to go out and fight my fight,” Semerad said. “I want to be exact in technique and make the night memorable for my friends and family in attendance.”