In one week, Austin resident Nate Williamson will know a lot more about where he stands in the world of Mixed Martial Arts Fighting.

Williamson, 22-year old former Austin wrestler and Lyle-Pacelli football player, will compete in his first title fight in the 165-pound division at the Brutaal all-American Cage Fights at the Holiday Inn in Austin Oct. 27 at 7 p.m.

Williamson is 6-0 in his fighting career, and he will be taking on Nick Porras, who is 6-1.

To prepare for the fight, Williamson had to gain 15 pounds in a month in a half and commit himself to a workout routine that saw him vastly improve his boxing skills.

“I started eating like crazy and hitting the weights,” Williamson said. “It’s pretty tough (to keep up with fighting), because I’m also working and going to school.”

Williamson, who is in nursing school, had a medical emergency of his own not too long ago. About a year ago, Williamson was hospitalized for a week and a half, due to a blood vessel disease that kept him from being active.

“Not being able to move threw me off. I was like ‘what would I do with my life if I couldn’t move,’” Williamson said.

Williamson is now sponsored by Total Domination, Inc. and he turned their heads when he knocked out his opponent in nine seconds in a fight in Owatonna.

But it was more than fighting that drew Total Domination to Williamson.

“We liked how humble he is outside the ring. He’s a good, down to earth kid to represent our company,” said James Jagerson of Total Domination. “I think the sky’s the limit with this kid. You can give him all the tools and training, but what he does is completely up to him.”

Williamson has been spending much of his time working out in Lifetime Fitness at Lakeville with Steve Toms, who graduated from Austin High School in 1995 and is now a personal training director.

In Lakeville, Williamson has worked out with Lance Anderson, who is one of Brock Lesnar’s sparring partners and Allen Litzau, who is a world class boxer.

There’s also the gym in Williamson’s garage that he continues to work out in on a daily basis.

“I’ve learned jujitsu and I’ve gotten a lot better with my boxing, but I still kind of revert on just tackling the guys sometimes,” Williamson said.

With Saturday night’s fight looming, Williamson hopes he can use it to move up even further with his fighting career.

“I’ll go wherever it takes me. I just have to keep winning,” Williamson said. “MMA fighting is a pretty big rush. It’s my favorite feeling in the world.”