Shiner's Pride: Zachary Reese Finds Success Amidst Small-Town Charm
Zachary Reese, a rising star in the UFC, has found his stride both inside and outside the octagon. While his fighting career takes him to the bright lights of Vegas and the exotic landscapes of Thailand, Reese remains firmly rooted in his hometown of Shiner, Texas, a quaint and unassuming town with a population barely exceeding 2,000.
"She's amazing," Reese says of his partner, acknowledging her unwavering support amidst the challenges of his fighting career. "She puts up with me, and just being together so long, the ups, the downs, the lefts and the rights, and she can even hold pads pretty well. It's our little secret. But yeah, she's a great woman, for sure."
For Reese, Shiner represents a sanctuary, a place where he can unwind and recharge after the intensity of training and competition. He speaks of the town's serenity, a stark contrast to the bustling metropolis of Houston, just a few hours away.
"There's definitely pros and there's definitely cons, but it is just so much quieter," he explains. "Everyone here is friendly. We have one stoplight in the whole town. The whole school is kindergarten through 12th grade, and there were 48 kids in my graduating class. So it's a great little town. I feel like it's kind of a throwback to maybe what Americana was maybe 50 years ago. You drive by, everyone waves, everyone's nice, everyone's respectful and quiet. And yeah, even driving to Houston, man, I don't know if I could live there or live there permanently just because of the amount of people and traffic. I can't deal with traffic."
Reese's contentment with his small-town life is evident. It provides him with a sense of grounding, allowing him to focus on his training and his ambitions within the UFC. He's not one to chase the glitz and glamour of big city life; he's content with the simplicity and genuine camaraderie of Shiner.
"I'm prepared for whatever comes," he says, displaying an unwavering confidence in his abilities. "But my style is going to resonate with fans. I was a fan before I was a fighter, and I'm always looking to go out there and finish guys. I don't think about fighting for points. I don't think about winning rounds. I don't think, oh, it's a close round, let me get a takedown to win the round. I'm constantly looking for finishes, and that's how I've always thought about fighting. It's how I've trained and, yeah, it's been working good."
Zachary Reese is a testament to the fact that success can be found in unexpected places. He's found a balance between the demands of his fighting career and the peace he finds in his small-town roots. Shiner might be a far cry from the bright lights of the UFC, but it's a place that fuels his drive and provides him with the strength to chase his dreams, one knockout at a time.
