Trials and tribulations are an unfortunate occurrence everyone eventually encounters. Face with a situation marked by physical and mental anguish it's ones willingness to overcome the adversity placed in front of them that makes them a stronger individual.

When analyzing the concept of toughness it by far the best characteristic that describe Shane "Lazarus" Lees. Stricken with his own series of conflicts his fearless mentality carried him through each test, which showcases the prime example of one's fortitude toward conquering an obstacle.

Growing up was no cakewalk for the young Shane Lees. With a father M.I.A and a single mother constantly working to provide for the household, troubles hit Lees with a heavy blow at the early stages of his life. However during this dark period would shine a glimmer of bliss with the assistance of his older brother and participation in wrestling.

With countless grappling titles to his name Genesis BJJ black belt Tony Tipton is another aspirant tackling the new venture of professional mixed martial arts.

Fully aware of the tough road that lies ahead the ambitious Texan looks forward to the rollercoaster ride the MMA world will take him on as he looks to attain his desired goals in the sport.

USCS Reporter Monta Wiley got the opportunity to speak with Tipton and get an in-depth glimpse of this rising prospect's plans on bringing a new flavor of excitement to the mixed martial arts scene.

Jackson-Winkeljohn MMA amateur fighter George Clynes will be headlining the MMA Summer Showdown, which takes place at Miryamura High School in Gallup, NM, on August 4, 2012, against Clube de Pitbull Jiu Jitsu's Greg Chavez, for the lightweight title.

There will be three other title fights, and many other gyms from around New Mexico, Texas and Arizona represented at this collaborative event: Bio-Dog MMA, Mean1 MMA, Bushido MMA, Perez Fighting Systems, Lujan's TKD, Sanchez MMA, Lovato's, Animal Freak Fitness, ABQ Kickboxing, J5 MMA, Team Kill It, Momma D's Dungeon, Sandoval's, Duke City Ronin, as well as some independent fighters.

US Combat Sports caught up with Clynes, after he finished a grueling session of strength and conditioning with the renowned D Jo Jones, at Momma D's Dungeon, to talk about his upcoming main event.

The game of life constructs its own voyage for each individual fighter. Going through a rollercoaster trip of highs and lows it's no surprise how these warrior's hearts remain so strong through the storm as they continue to chase their desired goals.

While one fighter's heart hungers for MMA aspirations and providing a better life for his family, another combatant's heart pumps profusely for the aim of reaching a feat no American athlete has done before him.

When examining the heart of American Judoka Nick Delpopolo it demonstrates the prime example of how a person's consistency and perseverance can take them to the highest pinnacle in combat sports competition.

A few months ago we introduced the USCS fans to Jordan Gaza, an amateur female mixed martial artist out of Corpus Christi, TX. This weekend, the up-and-coming prospect makes her long awaited professional MMA debut.

Coming off a recent loss, this "Ninja Princess" wants to get back on track by securing a win again Paige Vanzant, also making her pro debut. This will be the first time Gaza is fighting in her hometown of Corpus Christi, something she says is giving her the pre-fight jitters.

"This is the first fight I'm getting a little nervous for. It's not that I'm nervous for my opponent, no disrespect to her, but I'm nervous for the fight and being in front of my friends and family in the crowd," Gaza said.

The journey as a martial artist presents many twist and turns along the adventure. Starting his career as a youth, Muay Thai fighter Michael Chase Corley has had quite the journey in his fight career.

Undergoing his share of ups and downs along the way, the time he has spent in the sport has offered the Texan a life altering experience on a personal and professional standpoint.

Recently announcing his retirement following "Glory World Series", there is no denying the commitment Corley has put into his profession that has allowed him to have an extended and storied Muay Thai career.

USCS catches up with Corley as he reflects on his time in the sport and looks onward to future endeavors the game of life will take him.

Daniel Pineda has made his case to many people in Houston and throughout Texas that he belongs in the UFC octagon. His most recent victims consist of Pat Schilling, Mackens Semerzier, and next in line is Former WEC Champion Mike Brown at UFC 146.  Fighting at the highest level, on the biggest stage, and in the biggest promotion for MMA in the world has given everyone the chance to realize Houston’s own Daniel Pineda is truly on a path to greatness.

You've seen his face in photos and videos next to the biggest stars in the UFC, Strikeforce and Bellator, holding mitts or coaching from the corner. His name is Brandon Gibson, and he is the assistant striking coach at Jackson-Winkeljohn MMA.

A native New Mexican, with NM roots on both sides of his family, he grew up in the Southeast Albuquerque. Gibson was always interested in martial arts, even as a child, practicing on things and people.

Seeing that he needed an outlet for his excess energy, his parents signed him up at Ed Erler's Martial Arts & Karate when he was six-years-old. Since that time, there has not been any period of time longer than one month, in which he has not trained at one dojo or another.

As a new generation of mixed martial artists continues to assert themselves at the forefront of the sport, the careers of some of the most accomplished fighters in history are nearing the end.

One of these all-time greats is Sean Sherk. Already holding one of the greatest marks in MMA history at 38-4-1, "The Muscle Sherk" is looking forward to a "couple of more" appearances inside the cage and would love to revenge one of his four losses against Matt Hughes, B.J. Penn, Frankie Edgar, or Georges St. Pierre.

"I want to fight in a rematch against someone that I got beat by," Sherk told US Combat Sports. "I think that would be fun getting some kind of a rematch against one of the four guys that beat me earlier. I've got four losses over the course of twelve years and those four losses come at the hands of some of the best in the industry. It'd be a great rematch against any one of those guys and I think fans would definitely be down to watch something like that too."

Entering into the fight game one thing is for certain: success is never guaranteed or given out, however it is to be earned through one's commitment to striving to be the best at what they do.

Houston native Adam Schindler (10-3) is one fighter that fully understands the daily grind to ascend to the top. This mass abundance of dedication and commitment has rewarded him with major success.

Far from arriving at his final destination, Schindler's next pit stop finds him in an exciting battle against Ultimate Fighter competitor Chase Hackett for the "Fight to Win" lightweight championship in what could provide as a huge platform for Schindler coming closer to reaching his ultimate goal in mixed martial arts.