Exclusive Interview with Cody Shelton

 

A cozy studio with a relaxed atmosphere, the walls adorned with posters of legendary fights and championship trophies. Cody Shelton sits comfortably, ready to share his thoughts, while journalist Koa Hanohano prepares a mix of serious and sharp-edged questions.

 

Koa Hanohano :

Welcome to a new episode of Spotlight! Today, I have the honor of speaking with one of MMA’s brightest rising stars, Cody Shelton. Fresh off his latest victory, he’s now a champion with seven wins under his belt and a reputation that hits just as hard as his punches. Cody, how are you feeling after that last fight?

 

Cody Shelton :

Hey Koa! I’m feeling pretty good, thanks. It’s always satisfying to see hard work pay off. That win against Bob Michigan felt like the culmination of everything I’ve been building toward. It’s just a shame he didn’t get up fast enough after the KO—I had a few questions lined up for him about life after consciousness.

 

Koa Hanohano:

Don’t worry, Cody. I’m sure he’s reflecting on his life choices while getting back on his feet, probably wondering if his brain has all its papers in order. That’s MMA for you: one good shot to the gut, and your day turns into a roller coaster ride. Just kidding—but seriously, you were impressive as always. How does someone go from being a fresh-faced BJJ belt holder to a brawler who can send anyone to dreamland in under two minutes?

 

Cody Shelton:

Haha, yeah, it’s been quite the shift. Someone once told me, “If you want to see if you’re a real fighter, drop your BJJ belt and see if you can still stand after a kick.” Of course, I’m joking, but there’s some truth in adapting. Initially, I aimed to be a pure grappler, but after a few striking sessions, I realized I had a knack for landing bombs. And honestly, I think it suits me better.

 

Koa Hanohano:

If you ask me, you’re the kind of guy who shouldn’t even bother with gloves—just wear destruction mitts. I watched your KO against Miles Janetty. Are you sure you didn’t send him on an all-expenses-paid vacation to dreamland? Let’s just say he earned a fast-track promotion to the “KO of the Week” club.

 

Cody Shelton:

Haha, that was a good one. I told him after the fight he might want to consider a career in the sleeping arts, but I don’t think he remembered much—he was still trying to figure out what year it was.

 

Koa Hanohano:

After a hit like that, even his mom might’ve mistaken him for a piece of furniture. But let’s talk about the future. Seven wins, four title defenses… Do you think you can keep this domination going, or is it just a matter of time before someone decides they’ve had enough of your face on the highlight reels?

 

Cody Shelton:

That’s the goal, right? Staying on top. But you can never get too comfortable. MMA is a jungle, and there’s always a lion waiting to knock the king off his throne. As long as I keep throwing uppercuts and hooks, though, I’ll hold my ground. Honestly, I’ve always dreamed of kicking back on a lounge chair after fights, cocktail in hand—but first, there are still some skulls left to crack.

 

Koa Hanohano:

Now that’s a champion’s strategy! If you had to pick your next opponent, would you prefer someone who pushes you to your limits or an “easy win” to extend your streak while giving you more time for selfies?

 

Cody Shelton:

Good question. I’d rather face someone who tests me, forces me out of my comfort zone. Easy wins don’t do much for me. If I wanted those, I’d stick to grappling leagues where everyone’s still waiting to grow their first beard. I want to keep growing, keep learning, and face opponents who push me to my limits.

 

Koa Hanohano:

So you’ve got that competitive fire—not just a guy collecting medals to hang on the wall. I see. Final question, Cody: what keeps you motivated to keep putting your opponents through the floor every time? Is it just for the adrenaline, or do you have a master plan to take over the world, one armbar at a time?

 

Cody Shelton:

Honestly, it’s both. The adrenaline is unbeatable—there’s nothing like that moment of suspense right before a KO. But I also have this vision: to climb to the top until there’s nothing left for anyone to question. One day, I want to be the guy everyone talks about—not just as a fighter, but as a phenomenon. If I’m going to take over the world, I’ll do it with style, one win at a time.

 

Koa Hanohano:

Ah, so you’re in conqueror mode. I’ll be keeping an eye on the KO forecast in the weeks ahead. Thank you for this, Cody, and may your path to glory stay as sharp and clean as your hooks!

 

Cody Shelton:

Thanks, Koa. A big shoutout to my team at Honu Fight Arts, based in Hilo, and to its owner, Da Jumba, for giving me this incredible platform to chase my dream. And to the fans out there—you’re the real MVPs. See you in the octagon—I’ve still got some proving to do. Catch you soon!

 

End of Interview

 

As the studio lights dim and the crew packs up, the energy of this conversation lingers in the air: a mix of respect for the art of combat, an insatiable hunger for greatness, and a personality that leaves no one indifferent.