“NEF 24: PROMISED LAND” takes place the night before Father’s Day 2016 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine. In anticipation of NEF 24, all week we will be profiling “Fighting Fathers,” or, “dads that could beat up your dad.” Find out what drives these working dads as they battle to build a better life for their children. In this interview, we speak with NEF newcomer, Stacy Lupo.

How many children do you have and what are their ages?

I have six kids; three mine, three step children, ranging from 15 to 26! Regular Brady bunch!

What does being a good father mean to you?

I haven’t always been the best dad—I’ve made my mistakes. But, I do my best by them, trying to balance helping them along versus teaching them to be independent, tough job.

If your children decide at some point that they would like to train and compete in combat sports, will you approve and what are your feelings on it?

I’ve never pushed my kids towards martial arts. As they want to learn, I teach them. But if any of them wanted to compete, I would wholeheartedly support it. Proper mindset, training, diet, etc. I would make sure they were properly trained before ever entering the ring.

What type of legacy do you hope to leave as a father and how does that dovetail with your combat sports aspirations?

As far as my legacy, I want my kids to pursue their dreams, live life to the fullest, never back down from a challenge, meet it head on! I set that example, best I can. Four of my children will be in attendance at the fights, they are proud, I think, But I just want what all dads want—my kids to be happy, healthy and hope they are proud of their dad!