UFC’s Jalin Turner Says Jesus Transformed His Life: ‘I Got It All Wrong’

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Most people think of UFC as the Ultimate Fighting Championship of martial arts and boxing. For Jalin Turner, an American professional mixed martial artist, UFC is just one way he can share how God has transformed his life.

In an MMA Interview on Instagram, Turner explained that while he used to be ignorant of Christianity and cringed when people talked about the faith, he’s now experienced it in his own life. “It was ignorance. I didn’t have an understanding. I would be like, ‘What are you talking about God for?’…That was my mindset. Then I started reading for myself.”

Though Turner has been a professional since 2016, competing for Bellator MMA, the World Series of Fighting, King of the Cage and Tachi Palace Fights, he’s known for competing in the lightweight division of the UFC. Recently, his win over Kauê Fernandes in 39 seconds at UFC 330 in Philadelphia has spread like wildfire. Not just because of the win, but because of his hopes to be known for his spiritual journey and a dramatic shift in his thoughts on God.

“I’m feeling the joy of the Lord right now,” Turner told Relevant Magazine. “I gotta give all my thanks to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. You see that there’s a lot of fighters coming out here and saying that. There’s a revival happening right now, and I’m stepping in here with the Prince of Peace every time.”

While Turner retired from the MMA at age 31 last year and was ready to begin his coaching career, an encounter with God changed everything. Turner went from thinking God was the corniest thing to realizing "I “got it all wrong.”

“MMA is going to be my biggest ministry,” Turner said. “This is going to be my biggest platform and opportunity to speak to people that need to be found. I know this is what God’s called me to do. This is where I need to be.”

Following in the footsteps of influential faith fighters Rose Namajunas, Cody Heinisch, Dan Ige, and Diego Gross, Turner hopes to leave an eternal legacy behind.

Photo Credit: ©Screenshot/YouTube.com/MMAJunkie

Amber Ginter is a teacher-turned-author who loves Jesus, her husband Ben, and granola. Growing up Amber looked for faith and mental health resources and found none. Today, she offers hope for young Christians struggling with mental illness that goes beyond simply reading your Bible and praying more. Because you can love Jesus and still suffer from anxiety. You can download her top faith and mental health resources for free to help navigate books, podcasts, videos, and influencers from a faith lens perspective. Visit her website at amberginter.com.