Already fought pro, but coach wants me to go amateur now.

I’ve been fighting professionally for a bit now — made my debut earlier this year. I’ve had a couple fights, nothing crazy, just learning on the job and building experience. Before I went pro, I had no amateur background, just years of martial arts since I was 13. Vovinam was my base, then MMA, BJJ, wrestling, muay thai, boxing. I also learned Jailhouse Rock from my uncle, who fought underground. Hands have always been my thing.

I train under a well-known head coach and his son, who’s also a pro (I beat his sons ass every day) They took me in not long ago, and after seeing how I moved, we jumped straight into the pro scene. I wasn’t even planning on fighting when I started, I just wanted to stay sharp and keep learning. But the opportunity came, so I took it.

Now, weirdly, my coach is telling me he wants me to start doing amateur fights. I was confused. I’ve already fought pro. I’ve filled out the paperwork. I’ve done the walkouts, weighed in, wrapped up, dealt with the commission. I don’t really understand how that works — if it even can? I thought once you go pro, that’s kind of it.

He says he just wants me to “get more ring time without the pressure,” but I feel like… isn’t that what sparring’s for? ( he always spends sparring time kissing me on the lips in the clinch though)

Also, I’m still juggling student life, driving 40 mins in Houston traffic every time I train. I’ve cleaned up a lot — quit smoking meth months ago, better habits now — but the pace of everything’s been pretty fast. And now it feels like I’m being told to slow down and hit rewind. Does he want me to start up the meth again?

Not sure if anyone else has been through something like this. Can you go amateur after you’ve already fought pro? I’ve never heard of that. I’d appreciate honest advice from anyone who’s been in a similar spot or has insight into the scene.

If anyone wants to see how I move (hips don’t lie- shakira) or train, I’ve posted a few clips over on r/OohWeeCircleJerk. Just looking for clarity. Still processing all of this.