Carnage Media

by Clayton Skulina

Every MMA fighter dreams of fighting on the biggest stage possible. 

And for Baltimore’s Dylan “The Mindless Hulk” Budka, he witnessed that dream turn to reality at just 23 years old, with a decision victory over Chad Hanekom on Dana White’s Contender Series in October of 2023. With a UFC contract in hand, Budka was looking to make a name for himself in the biggest MMA promotion in the world after switching to MMA from college wrestling.

But the bright lights wait for no one.

After going 0-3 in the promotion with two knockout losses, Budka was released from the promotion, with his future seemingly in limbo. Then he decided it was time for a change.

“I was struggling with a lot of different things at that time,” Budka said when reflecting on his time in the UFC. “I battled with addiction and found myself in a really dark place.”

Enter Dawn Kelley.

Budka first met the nutritionist after his final UFC defeat at the Performance Institute, where she offered her services to help him fully make the transition to the welterweight division.

“She’s changed my life. I’ve never had this easy of a time cutting weight,” said the now welterweight Budka. “Not only has she helped with my diet, but also my discipline and dedication. She’s been a massive part of my success, and I’m looking forward to having her in my camp as I make my return to the UFC next year.”

After a split decision victory over Robert Gidron at American Fight Promotions 102, which was his first trip back to the regional scene since being released from the UFC, Budka fully committed to being a welterweight full-time, but his first cut to the 170-pound division came not in the MMA cage, but rather in his professional boxing debut on July 26th. In his first attempt in the world of professional boxing, Budka emerged victorious with a 3rd round knockout victory. Three weeks later, Budka battled grizzled Ohio MMA veteran Jimmy Sandlin, winning that fight by unanimous decision. 

After his most recent boxing victory over Zach Russ by first round knockout on November 8th, where he overcame a 7 inch height disadvantage, Budka now has a professional boxing record of 2-0 (2 KO), combined with his professional MMA record of 9-5 (3 finishes), with plans to stay active going into 2026, saying he’d like to fight “8 to 10 times” next year.

Budka now has a chance to capture his first professional MMA title when he takes on Dante Schrio (13-5) at Carnage Fight Series 5: The Fights Before Christmas, at 1058 Event Center in Sandusky, OH, on December 20th. Schrio, who’s fought in some of the biggest MMA promotions in the world, with stops at Bellator, ONE Fighting Championship, and the LFA, is looking to stop the Mindless Hulk’s journey back to the UFC.

But, beating someone with something to prove is no easy task.

“I’ve grown in my discipline, determination, my focus, my hunger, and mostly my will that has made me invincible to a lot of the things I wasn’t invincible to before. I’ve found a new home at 170, and I’m not going anywhere but up. I am unbreakable.”

When asked what his fans would see in his first shot at a professional title in over three years, Budka spared no words about how his faith has fueled his rise back to the top of the sport. “People can expect to see more of God’s work on December 20th. When I walk out, they will see the Holy Spirit walking with me. And after I have my hand raised against another tough, strong, worthy soldier like my opponent I’m facing, they will see again why I’m the chosen one.”

This bout promises to be one of the best in Ohio this year, with both fighters eager to earn a spot on the UFC roster next year. With the lights bright and the stakes higher than ever, all that’s left is to see which welterweight warrior emerges victorious with gold wrapped around their waist- with a ticket to the UFC potentially on the line.

To watch Budka’s next fight, reach out to Budka on social media @themindlesshulk  or visit carnagemediappv.com to purchase the pay-per-view. See you at the fights!