Sam Kilmer, a talented Mixed Martial Artist from Northern Virginia, has been making waves in the regional fight scene. At just 23 years old, he has already cemented his status as a force to be reckoned with. Most recently, Kilmer delivered a dominant performance at Fury FC 100, where he submitted Shimon Smotritsky via rear-naked choke in the very first round to capture the Fury FC Welterweight Championship.
Kilmer’s rise has been anything but smooth, but his dedication to taking on tough competition and improving his skill set has made him one of the most respected prospects in the game. Notable battles against the likes of Josh Quinlan, Mansher Khera, and Kody Steele have tested his abilities and helped shape him into the fighter he is today.
The Highs and Lows of the Fight Game
During our interview, Kilmer reflected on the highs and lows of his journey. He acknowledged taking a short break from fighting to evolve his skills and reset both physically and mentally. The decision came after enduring a tough three-fight losing streak earlier in his career—something that could have derailed a lesser fighter.
When asked how he managed to break out of that slump, Kilmer emphasized the importance of self-belief.
“Accepting losses and getting back to the drawing board,” he said. “Sometimes you need to lose in order to hit that next level. It’s part of the process.”
For younger fighters facing setbacks, Kilmer offered valuable advice, explaining that fighters shouldn’t take losses too personally and should instead use them as an opportunity to retool and regroup.
Evolution as a Fighter
Kilmer has long been known for his high-level wrestling and grappling abilities, but he made it clear that his development as a striker has been significant. When asked about the lesser-known aspects of his game, he confidently responded:
“You guys haven’t seen [my striking] yet. One of these days I’m gonna get an opponent where I’ll get to show a lot more of my striking and how much it’s developed. I never used to be able to hurt people on the feet standing, but now I can. That makes a difference.”
A Breakout Year in 2024
If 2024 wasn’t already a breakout year for Kilmer, his recent performances solidified his status as a top prospect. It all began with a first-round submission victory over the then-undefeated Shane Keefe, who was 4-0 at the time. That win set the stage for a major test against UFC veteran Josh Quinlan at Fury FC 98.
Despite facing an opponent with UFC experience, Kilmer never wavered. He was confident in his game plan and executed it flawlessly, earning a crucial win over a well-respected competitor. The victory over Quinlan propelled him directly into a title shot against Smotritsky, a former Dana White’s Contender Series veteran.
The Road to the Fury FC Title
Kilmer embraced the opportunity to fight for the Fury FC Welterweight Championship.
“It was a dream come true. I wanted that fight,” he said.
Despite being the underdog, Kilmer was unfazed. He believed the takedown would be there, and while he prepared for a grueling five-round war, he was surprised at how quickly he was able to secure the finish.
He mentioned that Smotritsky had grabbed the fence during the fight, which may have affected the sequence, but ultimately, Kilmer capitalized on the moment.
“Once I took his back, I knew the fight was over,” he explained.
What’s Next for Sam Kilmer?
With championship gold now around his waist, Kilmer is eyeing even bigger challenges in 2025. One name he mentioned was Isaac Moreno, a former opponent he hopes to face again at some point—whether under the Fury FC banner or elsewhere.
As Kilmer continues to refine his skills and prove himself against top-tier competition, expect to hear his name more frequently. His combination of elite grappling, evolving striking, and an unshakable mindset make him a fighter to watch. If 2024 was his breakout year, 2025 could very well be the year he takes the next big step in his MMA career.
