Clifford Starks

Clifford Starks, known in the fight world as Big Cat, is a Hall of Fame mixed martial artist whose athletic background established the foundation for a second career as a transformational coach and keynote speaker. Before entering professional mixed martial arts, Starks competed as a collegiate wrestler at Arizona State University, finishing third in the PAC-10 and participating at the NCAA Nationals alongside future UFC champions. He earned a bachelor's degree in kinesiology from Arizona State University, contributing to his expertise in mind-body performance and athletic coaching.

Starks is recognized as one of the fastest amateur fighters to reach the UFC, making his debut in 10 months and competing in the Middleweight division. He entered the UFC as a short-notice replacement at UFC 137, securing a win by unanimous decision, and later participated in high-profile bouts, including a matchup against Yoel Romero at UFC on Fox 7. Starks also competed for Bellator MMA and World Series of Fighting, building a professional career across multiple major mixed martial arts organizations. His experiences in the cage, including overcoming adversity such as being knocked out on live television, inform his approach to resilience and mental toughness in coaching and public speaking.

Following his retirement from professional competition, Starks applied the discipline and strategic mindset developed through years of elite fighting to business leadership and personal development. He founded Starks Transformational Coaching and created the "Fighter's Formula" framework, a six-step system designed to help entrepreneurs and executives convert pressure into performance. His clients include Fortune 500 CEOs and emerging business owners seeking a competitive advantage through high-performance coaching. Starks is the author of "Awaken the Superhero in You" and "The Fighter's Formula: Winning the Game of Life," which present his methodology for success in business and personal growth.

As a keynote speaker, Starks addresses topics such as mindset, resilience, leadership, and entrepreneurship, drawing on his direct experience in combat sports and business. His programs, including "The Training Room," "2% Business Owners," and "MasterMIND," focus on helping individuals develop mental strength and unlock their potential. Starks continues to work with leaders across industries, emphasizing the value of embracing pressure and pursuing personal and professional growth.