We live in times where the daily pace demands not only knowledge but also iron patience and emotional stability. Our team at "ArsaTrans," like many others, faces challenges every day, which is why we are particularly fascinated by people who know how to "put out fires" calmly, precisely, and with a clear goal in sight.
Combat sports are a perfect example of how character, discipline, and dedication turn into results. Today, we invite you to get to know Deividas, one of the founders of "Number One FightClub" (NOFC) and an UTMA fighter, who, after a successful fight, agreed to share his experience, his perspective on sports, and life in Palanga.
Congratulations on the victory! A week has passed – emotions have subsided a bit, as has the swelling (we hope!). How do you feel now, looking back at the journey and the completed fight?
First of all, I want to say a big thank you for the support and congratulations. We have only traveled part of the planned journey. I am still learning and developing as an athlete and coach, so I believe we still have a long way to go towards our goal. As for the fight, of course, we are happy – we executed the plan we had prepared. We felt at home in the ring, focused, and I think that is a very big achievement for us.
Deividas, many know you as an UTMA fighter, but where did it all begin? Why did you choose this particular sport, and how did the idea to step into the UTMA ring come about?
The whole path to the professional ring started a long time ago – about 16 years ago. It began with boxing training, which I started attending under the guidance of friends and my current coach, Ąžuolas. The beginning was incredibly difficult – I took hits from everyone. Only then did I realize that by working much harder than others, I could match my teammates. That was exactly what motivated me – the understanding that hard work pays off, so I continued my fighter career towards the professional ring. One of my dreams came true – to fight in the largest arena in Lithuania, the Kaunas "Žalgiris" Arena, in front of 12,500 people.
Deividas, while preparing for your first UTMA fight, were there any doubts that training only with your own developed athletes wouldn't provide enough "sparring" experience? How has your preparation process changed from the first fight until now?
I trust Ąžuolas as a coach, his preparation plan, and the sparring partners he selects to the maximum. At that time, Mantas Rimdeika – a big guy with even greater combat experience – Matas Naumcevas – a future talent in boxing – and Mantas Riepšas – one of my best students – were training at our club. Without the entire NOFC team, we wouldn't have achieved the victories we have.
Together, you opened a combat sports club that is now well-known in Lithuania. How did you meet? What prompted you to create "Number One Fightclub" in Palanga, and when?
Ąžuolas and I have known each other since kindergarten – we spent our entire childhood together. Later, our paths diverged: I turned to kickboxing, while Ąžuolas stayed in boxing. When Ąžuolas returned to Palanga from LSU, we met up to train. It was during the pandemic, and during training, we talked about how it would be fun to have our own club. Two hours later, we called each other and went to look at a space – the first one, which was set up like an apartment for summer workers to live in. We scratched our heads, dreamed about how everything should look, and decided – let's do it. That's how "Number One Fight Club" was born.
Palanga is more than just a resort. The city is changing, and people from all over Lithuania are moving here. How important is the progress of your hometown to you? Have you counted how many locals and how many newcomers train at your club?
It is incredibly gratifying to see Palanga growing – a city where people live, rather than just rush and race in a heavy rhythm. Personally, I cannot imagine a better city to live in. As for true locals attending our training sessions, I think I could count them on the fingers of one hand – most are from other cities or even countries. That makes it even more fascinating because everyone brings something unique to the training.
Palanga has been nominated as the "European Town of Sport 2026." For you, working with the sports community every day, this is probably no surprise, as Palanga has long been associated with being a summer sports base in Lithuania. How do you feel about this official recognition, and do you think it can change anything in your daily work and training?
In my opinion, the sports infrastructure here is very strong. We have a modern stadium, three schools with new sports fields, and pine forests adapted for running. It was a long road Palanga had to travel to have such an environment, and it is very pleasing. For our part, we strive to contribute to the development of sports in Palanga – we organize competitions, public sessions, and invite professional athletes to train at our club.
Five ArsaTrans employees train at "Number One Fightclub." Deividas, what brings more satisfaction – personal victories in the ring or watching how the knowledge you pass on shapes other people's character?
As coaches and founders of NOFC, it brings great satisfaction to see people's trust in us and to witness their progress and dedication during training. For some, this club changes their perspective on life, values, and goal-setting. We are creating a community where we help each other grow.
Sports is not just physical preparation, but also resources. What does the support of ArsaTrans and other business partners mean to you? How does such a partnership help achieve results in the ring?
Support and belief are very important. Preparation requires not only a lot of strength and time but also finances – full-scale preparation, sparring partners, physical conditioning, recovery, supplements, and everything else costs money. Therefore, financial support is extremely important, and it is very gratifying that there are people who believe in athletes and contribute to their journey.
Deividas, you are alone in the ring. What do you think about before the first round and what about before the last? Do you have any rituals that help you focus?
My coach ingrained a phrase in my head that helped a lot during the last fight: "Be here and now." I think this phrase will stay with me for a long time – not just in the ring, but outside of it as well.
In logistics, just like in combat sports, you have to face new challenges every day. What one piece of advice from the world of martial arts would you give to people working in a high-pressure office environment?
The advice would be the same – be here and now. Think, don't rush, prepare, and act.
What are the next plans in the UTMA organization? Palanga wants the belt – do you feel you are ready for it?
The goal is to be the best version of myself in the ring, to fight intelligently and responsibly, and the belt is the reward for all this hard work, which, I hope, will soon be displayed on our gym's shelf.
Deividas' story serves as a reminder once again – whether you are in the ring or behind a computer screen in a logistics company, success requires the same things: discipline, trust in the team, and the ability to keep a cool head even when everything around you is "on fire."
We are happy to contribute to the growth of the "Number One Fightclub" community and to watch our city – Palanga – become not just a place for summer vacations, but a center of true sporting will, where new businesses are created and thrive. Thank you to Deividas for the sincere conversation, and we wish him luck in chasing that elusive title belt!