Steve Montgomery

Born and raised in Florence, SC, Steve Montgomery’s journey in martial arts began at a small country gym, where he first crossed paths with author Mark Tullius. Their friendship continued over the years, eventually bringing them together again in South Florida when Mark interviewed Steve for Unlocking the Cage.

Steve is the head of the American Top Team Striking Program, where he leads boxing, kickboxing, and MMA training. As a fighter, he maintained a perfect 6-0 amateur MMA record before going pro, earning a 10-6 record against world-class opponents. A Bellator veteran, The Ultimate Fighter 25 contestant, and two-time UFC competitor, Steve has spent over 15 years training, 11 of them at Top Team Headquarters in Coconut Creek.

Beyond his own fighting career, Steve is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Bob DeLuca, with ranks earned from legends like Rafael Rebello and Ricardo Liborio. He has also made a name for himself as a highly respected coach, cornering fighters in UFC, Bellator, The Ultimate Fighter, The Contender Series, ONE FC, Titan FC, and countless other professional and amateur events.

Now, Steve brings his experience and passion for storytelling to the page, blending his deep knowledge of combat sports with gripping narratives that keep readers hooked.