KENOSHA, WI — Adam Haas has officially etched his name in youth MMA history. The Shoreland High School standout and Kenosha native secured his third world title in dominating fashion, capturing gold in the U18-74.9 kg division at the 2025 GAMMA Youth MMA World Championships in São Paulo, Brazil.
Representing Team USA, Haas stood atop the podium after a commanding tournament performance, including a first-round submission and a strategic finale win over one of Europe’s top-ranked contenders.
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Haas wasted no time asserting dominance on the global stage. He kicked off the tournament with a rear naked choke submission in the first round against an Ecuadorian opponent, setting the tone for what would be a championship run defined by skill, poise, and precision.
Defeating Europe’s best to claim gold
The championship match pitted the Kenosha native against a Polish fighter who had earlier knocked out the 2024 79.4kg World Champion from Ukraine. Haas showcased elite-level tactical awareness and conditioning, walking away with a decisive win that solidified his third global title.
“This win wasn’t just for me,” the champ said post-fight. “It was for my team, my coaches, and everyone back home in Kenosha.”
Team behind the champ
Once again, Team USA Coach Dave Strasser guided Haas throughout the tournament. Strasser, a legend in Wisconsin MMA, praised his athlete’s relentless work ethic:
Adam Haas is in the corner receiving pre-match coaching.
“Adam’s mindset is different. He’s already training at a professional level—disciplined, focused, and always improving. I couldn’t be prouder,” he said.
In addition to training at Freestyle Academy under Strasser, Haas sharpens his skills at Primal MKE in West Allis and Veneration BJJ in Kenosha. His balanced regimen across wrestling, striking, and submission grappling has made him a nearly unbeatable force in the youth circuit.
Three-time world champion at just 16
Haas’s résumé now includes:
2025 GAMMA Youth MMA World Champion (-74.9kg)
2024 GAMMA Youth MMA World Champion (-74.9kg)
2023 IMMAF Youth MMA World Champion (65.8kg)
2023 GAMMA Youth MMA National Champion
2023 USFL Youth MMA National Champion
At just 16 years old, Haas has become one of the most decorated youth fighters in the country. He’s also one of the most humble—rarely speaking about his accolades, letting his results speak for themselves.
“A quiet fighter” with big goals
Known for his quiet demeanor outside the cage, Haas continues to impress both fans and coaches alike with his dedication and discipline. His father, Nick Haas, remains an integral part of his training team and emphasizes the core role that wrestling plays in his development:
“Wrestling builds control and conditioning—those are the foundations of Adam’s success,” Nick said. “He trains like he’s already in the UFC.”
Represented by SuckerPunch Entertainment, Haas has clear ambitions to go pro, and his trajectory suggests that dream is well within reach.
Haas is supported by elite gyms and sponsors like VB Health, Stone Excavation (ID), and Dickie’s Bar in Racine.
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