MILWAUKEE - If there ever was a true adrenaline junkie, 25-year-old Jesse Lennox might lead the list of contenders. Patrolling the streets of Cedar Rapids in an ambulance, his job delivers his thrill to heal, but it definitely disagrees with his hobby to hurt.

In Milwaukee, he finds the caged contradiction to his paramedic principles. The world of mixed martial arts delivers Jesse into a dangerous dichotomy.

His dad, Roger Lennox, says, “The first fight, I wasn’t sure whether to root for him or hope that he got beat up real bad so he’d never want to do it again.”

From high school wrestling to college boxing to a fan club president turned fiancee – Amy Huls.

She says, “My heart starts to beat really fast, and I start to sweat because I get so nervous… He just tells me to sit back and look pretty while he’s out there fighting.”

The slogan on his T-shirt, “Chicks Dig Scars” shows just how upbeat he is about beating someone up.

Amy says, “We do have a deal. For every scar he gets on his face, I get to gain ten pounds, so if he doesn’t want a fat bride, he can’t get too many scars on his face.”

Jesse says, “She’s been behind me 100%, so she’s a good girl.”

With a record of 10-1, he’ll need all the support he can stir up. Tonight’s Gladiator Challenge could be his most crucial or crushing career blow yet.

Amy says, “There is blood sometimes, if they get elbowed or knocked out.
What if he doesn’t get right back up?”

The announcer beckons, “In the blue corner, Jesse Lennox.”

With a hometown advantage, his competition will be tough.

“John ‘White Trash’ Friedland.”

At 5’9”, 170 lbs., Jesse is the underdog.

“Whoever wins it will be the new Gladiator Fighting Welterweight Champion.”

He realizes the risk, saying, “I’ve been stitched up after a fight, but that’s it.” A person can only take so much pain.

But there is a commonality in his life’s conflict. In the field, a quick response can mean the difference between life and death. In the ring, every second is an inch toward injury.
As the fight drags on, Amy says, “I like them short and sweet. 30 seconds. Out.”

Both men are bloody and beaten down, but this ultimate-fighting paramedic has not peaked. The crowd’s support swells, especially from a chick with a sentiment for scars.

Amy says, “He’s going to go all the way, and I’m going to be there rain or shine.”

Seemingly renewed for round two, Jesse prepares to strike his opponent. Pinning him against the cage, Jesse goes in for the kill. 14 minutes into the fight and John “White Trash” Friedland is on the ground grappling with the underdog.

A person can only take so much pain… until his body gives up.

The announcer’s sweet words: “And the winner by technical knockout and the new Gladiator Welterweight Champion… Jesse Lennox.”

His dad beams, “That’s him. He’s an adrenaline junkie, I think.”

The man who dares to lead a dual lifestyle walks away with a win and into the arms of a very understanding woman.

Jesse exclaims, “I got one good chick, so obviously it worked out for me.”
If everything goes as planned, Jesse says he has about ten years of fighting left in him. He plans to continue training with Team Hard Drive in Cedar Rapids. But he also knows a lot could happen in that time.

He and Amy plan to marry next fall. And if their kids want to fight, they say, “Bring it on.' For now though, he just won't be quitting his day job.

Email Josh Hinkle, Reporter, at Josh.Hinkle@kcrg.com

Email Matt Nelson, Photojournalist, at Matt.Nelson@kcrg.com