By Hunter Homistek

Valor Fights middleweight champ Sid Wheeler can't legally buy a drink. Or rent a car.

At 19 years old, there's a whole lot Wheeler can't do. Apparently, losing inside the cage is one of those things.

He's 4-0 as a professional mixed martial artist and his latest victory was second-round knockout of Justin Fisher at Valor Fights 31, where he defended his 185-pound strap for the first time.

A two-time Georgia state champion wrestler in high school, Wheeler's transition to MMA was inevitable. He's practiced boxing, kickboxing, and the full spectrum of skills required to succeed inside the cage from a young age.

His success, then, should surprise no one.

"I've been training since I was 11, and I had my first fight at 14," Wheeler told FloCombat. "I was 14, and the kid I fought was 17. It went all three rounds, and I won, which was awesome. I loved the feeling."

Lately, Wheeler's penchant for punching people hit another level. He's blowing through older, veteran fighters with ease. He will face 33-year-old World Series of Fighting veteran Kendrick Miree Saturday at Valor Fights 33, and he cherishes the opportunity to wipe out another more experienced foe.

"I see many traits in my last opponents [in Miree]," Wheeler said. "I see that he’s good. He’s got good stand-up. He’s got a good ground game…He’s not as fast as me. I know he wouldn’t disagree with that. My speed is tremendously faster than his."

Besides the speed advantage, Wheeler believes a potential strength advantage owned by Miree—who has also competed at light heavyweight—will be negated on fight night.

"He actually might be a little stronger than me, but that’s OK," Wheeler said. "Because when it comes to those late rounds, those championship rounds, my strength’s going to outlast his. And the speed is going to be there. The pop is always going to be there."

With another victory, Wheeler might attract the attention of some of the sport's biggest players. Two-time state champion wrestler. Undefeated kickboxer. Lifelong martial artist. 19 years old. Undefeated.

It's all pretty damn appetizing—a point not lost on Wheeler.

"I absolutely do think I’m on the cusp of a UFC shot," Wheeler said. "I think I’m young, and I think the UFC needs somebody like me, somebody young and handsome and just absolutely’s got raw talent. I’m all-around a great fighter. I think I’m going to impress a lot of people and showcase my skills in a way a lot of people aren’t going to see from another fighter."

Tune in Saturday, right here on FloCombat, to see if Wheeler can take that next step toward the UFC Octagon.