Menlo Wrestling Alum Rysan Leong Wins Professional MMA Debut, Expands Impact Through Coaching in Hawaiʻi Posted on March 30, 2026March 30, 2026 by George Retelas ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Rysan Leong ’24 won his professional MMA debut by unanimous decision on March 22 at Anthony Pettis Fighting Championships 22. Facing previously undefeated Khetag Moroav in a lightweight bout, Leong delivered a composed performance across three rounds, controlling key moments to secure the judges’ decision and hand Moroav his first loss. Known for his finishing ability and a 5-0 amateur record, the 2023 NAIA National Champion showed a new dimension by going the distance for the first time. Rysan Leong ’24 wins his professional MMA debut on March 22, 2026. The victory adds to an already accomplished résumé as the Hawaiʻi-born and -raised athlete continues his transition from national champion wrestler to professional MMA fighter. Leong’s path reflects Menlo College’s emphasis on hands-on learning, where students apply classroom experience to real-world opportunities that can evolve into careers and community impact. While at Menlo College, Leong launched Hawaii Intensive Wrestling Camps (HIWC) as part of his Sports Management internship. What began as a project to explore careers within his Sports Management major has grown into a program that provides high-level wrestling training within Hawaiʻi, eliminating the need for athletes to travel to the mainland for elite instruction. Rysan Leong teaching the next generation of wrestlers at the Hawaii Intensive Wrestling Camps (HIWC). Each summer, HIWC hosts clinics and an overnight intensive camp at Kamehameha Schools Kapālama. Athletes train in a structured environment focused on skill development, discipline, and resilience. The program has quickly become a key part of Hawaiʻi’s wrestling community. Leong’s motivation comes from personal experience growing up in Hawaiʻi, where travel costs often limited access to exposure and training opportunities. “Back then, my family had to start a GoFundMe just to get me to camp,” Leong said. “When I returned, I knew we needed something like this in Hawaiʻi. We have the talent right here, so why send our kids across the ocean when we can build it ourselves with Hawaiʻi-grown wrestlers that have competed at the collegiate level?” That idea became reality during the COVID-19 pandemic when Leong created HIWC as his internship project. Today, the camp brings together top Hawaiʻi athletes and collegiate wrestlers from across the country to train and mentor the next generation. At Menlo College, students are encouraged to build, test, and launch ideas before they graduate. Through both his professional career and his work with HIWC, Leong continues to represent Menlo College while helping shape the future of wrestling in Hawaiʻi. Learn more about Hawaii Intensive Wrestling Camps: https://hawaiiwrestlingcamps.com/ About Menlo Menlo College is a private, non-profit institution offering four-year undergraduate and graduate degrees. Located in Atherton, California, in the heart of Silicon Valley, Menlo integrates academic excellence with leadership development and competitive athletics. Known for its strong business and psychology programs, Menlo prepares students to lead with confidence, integrity, and purpose. Contact pr@menlo.edu
