​AUSTIN (KXAN) — Elton Wells has spent almost two decades coaching mixed martial arts, but for the longest part of his career, he had never taught a youth student. That changed seven years ago when Jackson Glass came into his life. It started with Glass’s father, Mitchell Glass, who relentlessly encouraged Wells to take on his son. “Actually it was his dad. His dad kind of really nagged me a lot about it,” Wells recalled with a smile, now grateful for the friendship that grew from that push.
Mitchell’s son Jackson began training with Wells when he was just 11 years old. Wells watched as a natural curiosity blossomed into a genuine passion. “I could see that it was something he really wanted to do,” Wells said about starting to coach Jackson Glass. “It inspired me.” The Glass family had already been immersed in grappling and combat sports for years—Jackson had started training in Jiu-Jitsu when he was three, and contact sports have always been a part of his life.
As a coach, Wells quickly recognized something more than just talent in Jackson. “For me, it’s just focus and determination to win. Kind of once I’m in the octagon, anything I need to do to win,” Jackson explained about his mindset in a fight. Wells echoed that sentiment, saying, “It’s who he is. It’s how he lives. It’s not something that he does. It’s a lifestyle for him.”
Today, Jackson Glass is 3-0 as a professional MMA fighter, and he has a major opportunity ahead. On July 18, he will make his Professional Fighters League debut at the Moody Center in Austin. Glass admits the prospect feels surreal. “For me, it’s pretty crazy. I wasn’t expecting it at all this year. It’s very rare. Austin isn’t really known for MMA. When MMA fights come to Austin, it’s kind of a big deal.”
At 18 years old, Glass will square off against a 34-year-old opponent in what promises to be a high-profile event at Moody Center. To outsiders, such a mismatch might seem unusual, but Glass remains unfazed. “For outside people, they think it’s crazy. But I feel ready for the moment. I’ve been training with adults and guys way older than me since I was three. None of that stuff really gets to me,” he said.
Glass’s commitment to the sport is nearly unmatched. He trains five to six hours a day and still finds time to teach younger students for a few hours. He may not claim to be the most naturally talented athlete, but he believes his dedication sets him apart. “I think the thing to get excited about here is this is an opportunity to see somebody who objectively, I truly believe is a rising star,” Wells said. “Somebody who is going to be a big name in the sport one day.” Glass remains humble about how far he has yet to go. “I’m still very, very young and far away from where I can be, but I know over time I’ll get there,” he added.
This story highlights not just Jackson Glass’s ascent in MMA but also the mentorship that helped shape him. Wells’s decision seven years ago to coach a youth student has become a turning point for both coach and fighter, illustrating how a single push from a supportive parent can ignite a journey that inspires many. As Glass prepares for his Pro Fighters League debut, the bond between mentor and athlete stands as a testament to the power of dedication, discipline, and belief in a rising star. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.