About Wildside Combat Sports Center
The original founder of the Wildside brand is running the Nashville flagship himself — bringing a world-level coaching resume to Music Valley.
Michael Merriman
Michael Merriman founded Wildside Combat Sports Center. Over 15 years he's trained and cornered athletes at the highest levels of mixed martial arts — the UFC, M1 Global, Bellator, and Strikeforce. He served as a USA Team coach at the WAKO Kickboxing World Championships in Bosnia, and has coached in the United States, Russia, Kazakhstan, China, Canada, and Bosnia. Athletes under his tutelage have become national and world champions.
Now he's built the Nashville flagship at Music Valley — combining every discipline he's coached at the pro level into one gym, open to anyone serious about training. He coaches on the floor, not just putting his name on the door.
Tested At Every Level
UFC
Cornered athletes in the UFC.
Bellator
Cornered athletes in Bellator.
Strikeforce
Cornered athletes in Strikeforce.
M1 Global
Cornered athletes in M1 Global.
WAKO World Championships
USA Team coach in Bosnia.
National & World Champions
Athletes he's coached to titles.
Where Real Fighters Train
This is where real fighters train. Beginners are welcome — every world champion Michael has coached started as a beginner. But this is not a fitness kickboxing gym. This is combat sports done right.
Wildside Combat Sports Center is located at 2416 Music Valley Dr Unit 144, Nashville, TN 37214 — in the heart of Music Valley, near Opry Mills, the Grand Ole Opry, and Gaylord Opryland Resort. Easy off Briley Parkway and I-40.
Seven programs under one roof — Gi and No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu, MMA, Muay Thai, boxing, fitness, and full-contact armored combat — plus 24-hour member access. One price. No games.
Come Train With Us
Walk in for a free trial class. No commitment, no pressure — just real coaching from a founder who's been in the corner at the highest level.