Paul Hingle IV MMA: One Champion With 2nd Title in His Sights
Paul Hingle IV MMA is a story ten years in the making — and on May 23, 2026, it reaches its biggest chapter yet. The Thibodaux native and current CWC Amateur Flyweight Champion steps into the Pontchartrain Center in New Orleans to compete for the Bayou Fighting Championship title at 125 pounds. A win would make him a dual amateur titleholder and the most decorated amateur flyweight in Louisiana. This is how a quiet kid from Lafourche Parish became one of the most compelling rising names in Louisiana combat sports.
Paul Hingle IV MMA: From Thibodaux to 2 Title Shots
Paul Hingle IV grew up right here in Thibodaux, Louisiana. He graduated from E.D. White Catholic High School with the class of 2024 — a school this community takes pride in — and after walking across that stage, he went straight to work, currently learning HVAC as a tradesman while continuing to train and compete at the highest level of Louisiana amateur MMA.
That balance tells you everything you need to know about Paul. He’s not just a fighter. He’s a working young man from South Louisiana who earns everything he gets — inside the cage and out.
Where Paul Hingle IV MMA Began: Next Generation Martial Arts Thibodaux
In 2016, a small, quiet ten-year-old walked through the doors of Next Generation Martial Arts in Thibodaux, Louisiana. His parents, Paul and Stephanie Hingle, were looking for something that would build their son’s confidence and teach him real discipline. On the recommendation of a trusted local, Dr. Johnny Perez, they found their way to Next Generation Martial Arts — a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and martial arts academy now located at 401A Talbot Ave in Thibodaux.
What stood out about Paul Hingle IV MMA from day one wasn’t raw talent. It was his work ethic. He came to every class ready. He kept his head down. While kids came and went over the years, Paul stayed — year after year, belt after belt, fight after fight. That consistency is the foundation every champion is built on.
His father, Paul Hingle III — a former high school wrestler — didn’t just drop him off. He trained alongside him. In August of 2022, father and son were promoted to blue belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu together at Next Generation Martial Arts. The Hingle family’s commitment to martial arts isn’t a hobby. It’s a way of life.
Paul Hingle IV MMA Training: A Complete Fighter
Paul didn’t become a champion in one gym. His grappling foundation was built at Next Generation Martial Arts in Thibodaux, where he trained in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu from childhood through his adult years. His striking was developed at Extreme MMA in Houma, Louisiana. His full MMA game continues to be sharpened at both academies as he prepares for the biggest stage of his career.
That combination — a BJJ base layered with improving striking and MMA-specific preparation — is what makes Paul Hingle IV MMA a dangerous and well-rounded competitor at 125 pounds.
Paul Hingle IV MMA Record: 4 Wins, 2 Controversial Losses, and a Title
Paul Hingle IV enters the BFC title fight with an overall record of 4-2, and every fight in that record has a story worth knowing.
His first loss came on his MMA debut at CWC 30 at the Thibodaux Civic Center, when an equipment malfunction — his cup came loose mid-fight — ended the night in controversy before the fight could be decided. His second loss came due to an eye poke that left him unable to see between rounds. Two losses. Neither one a result of being outfought.
Paul asked for rematches in both cases. He got them. He won both.
Along the way he picked up a unanimous decision win in kickboxing at CWC 34, showcasing sharp and composed striking over three rounds. He earned a first-round TKO at CWC 36 with fast hands and relentless forward pressure. And most recently he defeated Daniel Angelle to claim the CWC Amateur Flyweight Championship — proving that Paul Hingle IV MMA is the real deal at 125 pounds.
Every setback in this record was answered. That’s not a coincidence. That’s character.
The Fight: Paul Hingle IV MMA vs. Jared Kirk for the BFC Title
On May 23, 2026, Paul Hingle IV MMA headlines at the Pontchartrain Center in New Orleans, competing for the Bayou Fighting Championship amateur title at 125 pounds.
He enters as the reigning CWC Amateur Flyweight Champion. A win over Jared Kirk would make him a dual titleholder — holding amateur flyweight gold in both CWC and BFC simultaneously. That kind of achievement is rare in Louisiana’s amateur MMA landscape and would firmly establish Paul as the top amateur flyweight in the state.
Standing across from him is Jared Kirk out of Alabama, entering with a perfect 4-0 record. Kirk is undefeated, experienced, and coming into Louisiana with something to prove.
Paul has faced undefeated opponents before. He’s not impressed by records. He’s built for this.
Why Local Businesses Should Sponsor Paul Hingle IV MMA
Paul Hingle IV MMA represents exactly the kind of athlete sponsors want to find before the headlines get big.
He carries himself with humility and purpose. He’s an E.D. White Catholic graduate from Thibodaux — a name that carries real weight in Lafourche Parish. He works in the trades, building a real career alongside his athletic one. He gives back by helping coach the kids’ program at Next Generation Martial Arts, mentoring the next generation of young athletes coming up behind him.
He doesn’t chase attention. The attention is coming to him.
For any local or regional business in the Houma-Thibodaux area looking to align their brand with a rising champion who represents work ethic, community values, and Louisiana pride — Paul Hingle IV MMA is that opportunity. The time to get behind him is now.
Thibodaux’s Own: Paul Hingle IV MMA Champion
Ten years ago, a quiet kid started learning jiu jitsu in a small gym in Thibodaux. He lost some fights. He came back. He won the rematch. He graduated, went to work, kept training, and eventually stood in the cage with a championship belt around his waist.
On May 23rd, Paul Hingle IV fights for a second one.
This is what Next Generation Martial Arts in Thibodaux is built on. This is what happens when a young man from this community refuses to quit.
Thibodaux, let’s show up for Paul Hingle IV.
Paul Hingle IV trains out of Next Generation Martial Arts in Thibodaux, Louisiana — a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and martial arts academy serving kids, teens, and adults at 401A Talbot Ave, Thibodaux, LA 70301. Call us at 985-860-6201 or start your free trial today at thibodauxmartialarts.com.