Mentor, OH – Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Jason Dent is acknowledged as a Pinnacle Professional Member Inner Circle of Excellence for his contributions to Leading with Strength and Purpose at GriffonRawl Combat Sports & Fitness.
Jason Dent has spent over three decades building a legacy in mental and physical health training through discipline, instruction, and service to his community. As the owner, operator, and head instructor of GriffonRawl Combat Sports & Fitness since 2002, Mr. Dent has developed the gym into a respected pillar of the regional combat sports landscape.
A lifelong martial artist and educator, Mr. Dent is hands-on in his approach, spending every day at the gym providing private lessons, teaching group classes, and fostering an inclusive environment for clients of all ages and skill levels. His commitment to holistic fitness goes beyond the gym floor. As an instructor at New Life Christian Academy, he teaches self-defense with a focus on respect, personal growth, and the responsible application of martial arts.
Mr. Dent’s passion for combat sports began in 1993 when he enrolled in karate classes at Richard Fike’s Madison Combined Martial Arts School. This early dedication led him to achieve a first-degree black belt in karate and a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. These foundational skills became the cornerstone of a professional fighting career that spanned national and international stages.
Known in the ring by the nickname “Dynamite,” chosen to honor his father, Mr. Dent rose through the ranks of mixed martial arts to compete in the world-renowned Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he secured several notable victories inside the Octagon. Among his many achievements, he earned performance honors such as Fight of the Night against Roger Huerta and Submission of the Night versus Cameron Dollar. Prior to joining the UFC, he secured five different regional championships, including titles in the Extreme Fighting Challenge, International Fighting & Boxing League (both Lightweight and Welterweight divisions), the North American Allied Fighting Championship, and Next Level Fighting.
With a total of 22 professional wins, Mr. Dent was recognized for his contributions to the sport with induction into the Cleveland Martial Arts Hall of Fame in 2024—a testament to his impact both as a fighter and a mentor in the combat sports community.
Mr. Dent’s background includes college business coursework in management and leadership, which has supported his success in running a multifaceted fitness center. Guided by faith and family, Mr. Dent credits his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for the foundation of his life and work. He also expresses deep appreciation to his wife, Masda, their son Lincoln, and loved ones who have supported his journey, including his parents William and Terry Dent, his sister Lamatha, his lifelong best friend Donny Walker, and mentors; Rick Fike, Dan Rawlings, Ryan Madigan, Craig Cramer, Donald Park, Jeff Starr, Jorge Pereira, Dan Henderson. He also extends a special thank you to Dana White for revolutionizing the martial arts industry and creating opportunities that helped shape his own path.
Looking ahead, Mr. Dent remains focused on expanding the reach of GriffonRawl Combat Sports & Fitness, mentoring others, and continuing to promote health, strength, and character in every corner of his community.
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