By Chris Hopkins

Deshawn ‘Unkle De’ White (4-0) is the new Arnold Amateur MMA bantamweight champion, but he is also much more than that. He is a natural athlete who recognizes and respects his gifts and works his hardest to get the most out of them.

I’ve had the chance to have a few conversations with him at events in the last few months, and I’ve been impressed with his knowledge and passion for the sport as well as his easygoing and friendly demeanor.

Unkle De took some time out right before Christmas to let me know how he’s enjoying being champ.

What was your athletic background before MMA?

Basketball, baseball, football; I was a natural athlete, but wrestling was my passion. I wrestled at Columbus East in high school and while I did play a lot of other sports, wrestling was something I just loved and took to.

What got you started in MMA?

My friend [amateur fighter] Chico Bays. We’re childhood friends; he’s my cousin’s best friend which basically makes him a cousin. Chico talked to me and convinced me to come and train [at Buckeye MMA]. I was able to make it out to a few of his fights and it really got me curious about what I could do and I got in the gym. I came in and started working with Chico and [Buckeye MMA head coach] Josh Williams and I started talking and working together and I’ve been training ever since.

I know that you’re a motorcycle rider and love working with cars, tell me a little about that.

Yeah, I’m a rider. I’ve raced bikes on the track and the street, done stunt riding too.  There was a time when you might have seen me on my bike on the freeway standing on the gas tank doing 80mph. I also have a garage, I’m an auto mechanic too, been working on cars since I was young, about 13 or so.

How do you approach training?

Well I really love to train, but I have so much going on that I really can’t devote the time that I would like to. I have so much going on in life with my garage etc, that I train when I can and I step it up a few weeks before a fight. I’m blessed to be a great athlete, but I’m really looking forward to getting some things squared away so I can devote more time to training full time.

On November 25th, you won the Arnold MMA 135-pound title. How did it feel to capture that belt?

It was a group victory, I’ve won championships before in wrestling and other sports, so it’s not something I was chasing. That win was fueled by the people I have behind me, especially Chico for getting me into fighting, and also Geoff Campbell, Josh Williams, Buckeye MMA and all my supporters. Team Unkle De is my family and close friends, but it’s also people who support me and enjoy watching me compete.

I’m a food person, I love to eat. It’s plain to see that you stay in great shape, what’s your diet like?

I can pretty much eat what ever I want because I work hard in the gym and burn it off and my body has a high metabolism. I do mostly avoid fried foods and I try to keep it clean. I eat a lot of salads, snack on raisins and dried fruit.

What’s your one cheat food? What’s the one food you love that wrecks your diet?

Pancakes and syrup [laughs]. I love IHOP.

I wanted to thank you for taking time out to give me this interview so close to the holidays, is there anyone you would like to thank?

I would really like to thank Chico Bays, Buckeye MMA and Team Unkle De for the continued support.