Late on a Friday night in Taiwan — Friday morning on the East Coast — this writer hopped on a Google Meet with Frank ‘Chopper’ Wells. He appeared on screen with a fresh black eye, completely unfazed. That set the tone for the conversation. For a fighter who has taken plenty of damage across his career, one more bruise was nothing to worry about. Frank ‘Chopper’ Wells was relaxed, confident, and far more interested in reflecting on the bigger picture than the mark on his face.

Cage Fury FC’s Frank ‘Chopper’ Wells: Fighting With No Regrets

There’s no drama in how Wells talks about fighting — just the plain truth of a man who’s lived it. Even the story behind his nickname, Chopper, reflected that simplicity. He explained that he got the name because he loves to kick people — and not in a playful sense. It was just part of his identity as a fighter, the thing he enjoyed most about being in the cage. He said it matter-of-factly, without smirking or posturing, and it was clear he meant it in the spirit of competition rather than aggression.

That ability to strip things down to their core — a kick is a kick, a fight is a fight — runs through his entire outlook on MMA. It’s part of why he can talk about a career of battles with no hint of regret.

Frank "Chopper" Wells.Image: Cage Fury Fighting Championships.
Why Cage Fury FC Stood Out for Frank ‘Chopper’ Wells

When asked about his time in different organizations, Frank ‘Chopper’ Wells singled out Cage Fury FC as one of the best. He described them as consistently reliable and professional. The weigh-ins were always on time. The opponents they promised him actually showed up. The whole operation had a steady, predictable structure, and that made a big difference for a fighter’s peace of mind.

In a sport where so many fighters have horror stories about chaotic weigh-ins, late changes, or broken promises, Wells’ appreciation of Cage Fury FC came through strong. He didn’t oversell it — he just noted that they did things right, and he respected them for it.

Retiring After Justin Patton: Frank ‘Chopper’ Wells Leaves on His Own Terms

Wells’ final fight came against Justin Patton, and from the start of our conversation it was clear his decision to retire wasn’t based on how that fight went. He had already made the call that this would be his last appearance, win or lose.

The way he spoke about it carried no drama. It wasn’t bittersweet or conflicted. Instead, it came across as a casual inevitability. Frank ‘Chopper’ Wells had given years of his life to the sport, and he was ready to move on. That calm acceptance said a lot about the man — he was leaving on his own terms, not because the sport had forced him out.

At the same time, he showed respect for Patton. Wells admitted that an early exchange in the first round gave Patton momentum, especially with his wrestling, but he made sure not to downplay Patton’s performance. It was a respectful acknowledgment of a tough opponent.

What’s Next for Frank ‘Chopper’ Wells: Coaching and Helping Others

When the conversation shifted to the future, Frank ‘Chopper’ Wells’ tone lifted. He explained that his next step would be helping others, both in MMA and in general fitness. Coaching fighters is part of the plan, but so is strength and conditioning work for people outside the cage.

The way he described it wasn’t about building a business or chasing fame — it was about impact. After years of putting his own body through the grind, Wells now wants to use what he’s learned to make others stronger, healthier, and more capable. He sounded genuinely motivated by the idea of giving back.

A Fighter’s Gratitude and Final Impressions

Not everything we talked about was tied to fighting. When asked about travel, Frank ‘Chopper’ Wells chuckled and admitted that his wife enjoys it more than he does. Their recent trip to Brazil was mostly for her, though he was happy to go along because it mattered to her.

As for the UFC question, Wells’ response was grounded in gratitude. He mentioned having had some title shots and chances along the way, but there was no bitterness about not getting to the big show. He seemed thankful for what he experienced, framing it as part of a larger journey rather than something to regret.

When asked what he’d tell his younger self, Wells’ answer circled back to the theme of discipline and appreciation. His advice boiled down to sticking to the plan and valuing the experience. That thread of gratitude tied together everything he said.

By the end of the call, one thing was clear: Frank ‘Chopper’ Wells may be stepping away from competition, but he isn’t stepping away from impact. He carried himself with the kind of quiet confidence that comes only from years of fighting and surviving, the mark of a man who has absorbed punishment yet still stands tall. Wells isn’t looking back with bitterness or regret. Instead, he’s focused forward — ready to turn the same toughness and discipline that defined his career into helping others grow stronger.

For a fighter who adored “kicking the crap out of people,” his legacy might now be measured less by the kicks he threw and more by the lives he changes. For Wells, the real fight now is shaping others — and that may be the legacy that lasts longer than any black eye.