Already undefeated back home in Sri Lanka, the 24-year-old learned the sport from his father, a national martial arts champion.
Mayura Dissanyake left his family, moved to Houston, and took a job at a gas station off the Gulf Freeway and Wayside to pay for MMA training at Metro Fight Club.
His two worlds collided earlier this month when a co-worker was attacked for money outside the gas station. In the store's surveillance video, Dissanyake is seen rushing to help.
"While I was running outside, I was looking at his hands, I didn't see nothing. Even if he had something I think I could kick him in the face and he wouldn't be able to shoot me," Dissanyake said. "I saw my friend on the floor, getting beat. That's the best I could do, just go out and help him."
Both robbers quickly left after the altercation.
"They're not ready for me, ya know. They just think it's a regular guy," Dissanyake said."I just don't feel scared when I go to a fight."
His quick decision received praise from Ultimate Fight Championship president Dana White.
With his new-found fame, Dissanyake is hoping he'll be asked to fight in more competitions and maybe catch the attention of the UFC.