Entrepreneur. Gym Owner. Champion.
Download VideoMeet Theo Rlayang, a 28-year-old professional MMA (mixed martial arts) fighter, gym owner and aspiring entrepreneur.
Rlayang was 8 years old when his father woke him up in the middle of the night to flee their small village. It took them more than a week to travel on foot through the perilous jungle to a refugee camp in Cambodia. They were shot at, there were dangerous animals, and some who traveled with them died along the way.
Montagnard Identity
Most people Rlayang encounters know very little about Montagnards. He wants to serve as a role model for younger Montagnards. He sees MMA as a way to increase their visibility and to show youth that they should pursue their dreams.
Montagnards (a French term for “mountain people”) are indigenous people of the Central Highlands in Vietnam and are known for assisting American soldiers during the Vietnam War. There are about 32 Montagnard tribes. Rlayang is a member of the Bunong tribe.
There are approximately 5,000 Montagnards in North Carolina, according to UNCG’s Center for New North Carolinians. Read more about Montagnards and how they came to Greensboro here.
MMA Journey
Rlayang’s early years in Greensboro were challenging, as he and his family tried to adapt to their new home. He was often bullied for being smaller than his peers. But he was drawn sports, first soccer, then wrestling. His high school wrestling coach saw his potential and encouraged and inspired him. Rlayang eventually discovered mixed martial arts and found his passion. By day, he worked as a nail technician at a salon, and by night, he fought and trained.
Family Reaction
Rlayang’s parents worry about his safety when he’s fighting, but they’re proud of his accomplishments
Gym Tour
Welcome, to Jungle Athletics Rlayang’s MMA gym in Asheboro, which opened at the end of March, 2023. Follow on Instagram @jungleathelticsgym
The Photo Album
This photo album is a paginated portfolio of images related to this interview. The download contains a zip file with all of the images.
Nancy Sidelinger Herring
Photography
Nancy Sidelinger Herring is a professional photographer with 25 years of experience in the Piedmont Triad of North Carolina. She spent 19 years working as the Special Sections photographer with the Greensboro News & Record.
She is passionate about helping homeless pets, whether it's taking their photos to help them find homes, volunteering at shelters, or teaching pet responsibility classes.
Nancy loves spending time with her husband, Jamie, their three dogs, her family and friends, and playing with her grandson, Kenai.
Tina Firesheets
Co-Producer PAVE NC
Tina started her career in journalism with her high school newspaper, then served as editor for the campus newspapers of both colleges she attended.
She was a journalist at the Greensboro News & Record for nearly 15 years, covering education, local government, community news, and business.
She was also the founding editor of 1808: Greensboro’s Magazine. Receiving awards in the Best Niche publications categories.
Currently, she is an associate creative director at Pace Communications. A lover of writing and creativity, she’s happy to be a founding Co-Producer for PAVE NC!
Dave, Maunaleo Ventures
Media Production
Dave is a builder, fixer, and protector of digital things. He has worked for small businesses and Fortune 200 companies across multiple industries, including financial services, manufacturing, and defense.
Dave was born in the District of Columbia but considers the Districts of North Kohala and Hamakua his spirit home [once from the District, always from a District]. Dave does not do social media or answer the phone very often, so if you want to reach him, you will probably need to go analog. Brah, dasswhyhard!
Volunteer: Be A Creative
Are you a "creative" professional? We have a number of ways for you to get involved. Whether you can only spare a few hours, or you want to take on a project, we will help you find the right opportunity.
Tell your story
Want to share your personal AAPI story? We’re intrigued! Introduce yourself and why you would like to be featured.
Be a sponsor
Our stories are rich, but we aren’t. We’re donating 100% of our time and resources to bring you this amazing content, so help us out here.