Mixed Martial Arts: Compensating Athletes Who Risk Their Lives For A Living!
How much would I have to pay you to fight a 205 pound former lightweight champion, Tito Ortiz? How does 1 million dollars sound? Before you answer, I will also tell you the organization promoting the fight would stand to make 42 million dollars in revenue. I will also add that if you win the fight , the contract would automatically extend. Let's remember that during the fight you could be seriously injured, permanently paralyzed, or even killed. Still interested in the cool mill? Recently, top stars, like Ortiz, have publicly voiced their opinions about The Ultimate Fighting Championship(UFC), and have accused the UFC of being a parasitical company thriving off of new athletes that risk their entire existence for the growing sport that they love.
Robert Massey, an attorney and MMA enthusiast, has been trying for over 10 years to urge fighters to work together to form a fighters union. Rob points out the fact that the UFC's contract are ridiculous, but realizes that with the UFC buying up all major organizations such as Pride and recently the WEC, they have monopolized the fight game. Thus, by gaining total control over fighters they are left with no other options and have nobody arguing in their favor.
Dana White, President of the UFC, has been labeled a street-brawling, trash-talking, street hustler who has forced fighters into "playing his game, or no game at all!" says Randy Couture. Randy is a five time heavyweight champion and a three time light heavyweight champion who "knows the UFC's ropes". Randy was one of about 20 fighters who met with Robert Massey in 2003, with the agenda to form a strike against the UFC. This started as a good idea, the only problem was that they needed all the big named fighters in the UFC and they needed all of the title holders. "There were too many holdouts" to proceed says Rob. The bottom line is that anyone in the UFC has signed the same contract, and it's "water tight" says Couture. Currently with the UFC buying all of the smaller organizations(competitors), the fighters have no where else to turn.
Tito, Randy, and now Ken Shamrock have been publicly disputing the amount of money that they were paid compared to what the UFC made. Since none of the three currently fight in the UFC, they are all trying to warn the young talent, and make it known that they have other options and they don't have to fight in the UFC. Randy and Tito are both currently fighting for Bellator MMA and hope one day that it will grow bigger than the UFC. "With all of the controversy surrounding the UFC it shouldn't be very difficult", says Tito. All three men say that they are well off, they just think the people who are in the ring risking their lives should get paid a better percentage of what the company brings in. Furthermore, the fighters should be able to re-negotiate the terms of the contract after winning fights and their popularity grows. With popularity comes following and following creates revenue. "UFC's contracts control fighters top to bottom. And if anyone makes waves they'll be dropped and black-balled in a heartbeat" says Randy.
When asked about the disputes, Dana defends the UFC saying the fighters are well-compensated for fighting, and "Tito is a moron, the worst kind of moron. He(Tito) keeps talking about Mayweather making 42 million a fight. Dumb ass this isn't boxing!" Dana points out the fact that HBO puts all the money up promoting the fight and pays the fighter and they keep everything else. The UFC is different. "We assume all the risk for our fighters". He also says that his and Tito disputes are mostly personal stemming from years and years of constant head-butting about the ins and outs of the fighting world. He also tells reporters that Tito is jealous of him for making so much money without having to risk his life.
When it comes to any job, the "risk" factor should always be taken into consideration. If someone were to ask me how much it would cost for me to fight against a professional, I would have to say that it would be way more than the top organization is willing to pay! The evolving level of competition demands fighters to train longer and harder than ever before. It takes constant dedication depriving fighters of everything from food to family. Risking their lives for a company who only cares about the money they make and not the lives they take. It is time for all fighters to take action against the parasite named the UFC!
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Saturday, November 30, 2013
brainstorm for argument essay
I want to argue about fighters (especially UFC fighters) getting paid more for what they do. It seems to me like the "Organization" has made billions off of hard-working men out there putting their lives on the line and not having enough money to retire on. If I can find enough credible info, I would like to Use Randy Couture and Tito Ortiz to argue with.
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
cause and effect
UFC: Boxing Is A Dying Sport!
What has the UFC done for the sport of combat? The most obvious, is that it has created countless jobs. It has evolved the sport of combat turning away from standard boxing, paving the way for MMA. Perhaps the most relevant, the UFC is on the forefront of diversity with TUF 18 introducing women onto the main stage of MMA.
There is not another more recognized MMA organization in the world. The UFC is home to over 100 contracted fighters alone. This also creates opportunities behind the scenes as the UFC holds anywhere from 3-5 pay-per view shows a year. The UFC also has a reality show that is in it's 18th season called The Ultimate Fighter(TUF). As a whole, each year the UFC directly and in-directly provides thousands of jobs to an ever growing, globally recognized competition. In the last 15 years the UFC has tripled it's employees proving that boxing is a dying sport and MMA is here to stay. This makes UFC "Boss" when it comes to viewers, and "Bosses" can hire. .
The UFC claims that UFC 61, Bitter Rivals generated $775,000 just from pay-per view subscriptions.. This is the highest amount of money in the history of any sport from a pay-per view audience. Neither Muhammad Ali or Mike Tyson even came close to generating this much from a heavyweight title fight. The main card on UFC 61 with Tito Ortiz and Ken Shamrock was not even for a title and still doubled the total revenue of any Tyson or Ali fight combined.
TUF 18 has been in the controversial spotlight with women fighting MMA this year, making countless "headline" stories in news. The UFC is single-handedly choking the life out the stereotypical roles of men and women today. This has created yet more "buzz" around the sport of mixed martial arts opening the eyes of viewers around the world.
In conclusion, as the snowball continues to roll and gain momentum, the sky is the limit for the UFC. The next 10 years projects a 15% increase in employees and fans alike. When people talk about what the UFC has done for combat, the numbers speak for themselves. As a whole, the UFC has done nothing but explode into the highest paying, highest grossing, and the most dominating stage for MMA today.
What has the UFC done for the sport of combat? The most obvious, is that it has created countless jobs. It has evolved the sport of combat turning away from standard boxing, paving the way for MMA. Perhaps the most relevant, the UFC is on the forefront of diversity with TUF 18 introducing women onto the main stage of MMA.
There is not another more recognized MMA organization in the world. The UFC is home to over 100 contracted fighters alone. This also creates opportunities behind the scenes as the UFC holds anywhere from 3-5 pay-per view shows a year. The UFC also has a reality show that is in it's 18th season called The Ultimate Fighter(TUF). As a whole, each year the UFC directly and in-directly provides thousands of jobs to an ever growing, globally recognized competition. In the last 15 years the UFC has tripled it's employees proving that boxing is a dying sport and MMA is here to stay. This makes UFC "Boss" when it comes to viewers, and "Bosses" can hire. .
The UFC claims that UFC 61, Bitter Rivals generated $775,000 just from pay-per view subscriptions.. This is the highest amount of money in the history of any sport from a pay-per view audience. Neither Muhammad Ali or Mike Tyson even came close to generating this much from a heavyweight title fight. The main card on UFC 61 with Tito Ortiz and Ken Shamrock was not even for a title and still doubled the total revenue of any Tyson or Ali fight combined.
TUF 18 has been in the controversial spotlight with women fighting MMA this year, making countless "headline" stories in news. The UFC is single-handedly choking the life out the stereotypical roles of men and women today. This has created yet more "buzz" around the sport of mixed martial arts opening the eyes of viewers around the world.
In conclusion, as the snowball continues to roll and gain momentum, the sky is the limit for the UFC. The next 10 years projects a 15% increase in employees and fans alike. When people talk about what the UFC has done for combat, the numbers speak for themselves. As a whole, the UFC has done nothing but explode into the highest paying, highest grossing, and the most dominating stage for MMA today.
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
trio on blogging.
I enjoy blogging because it's my voice, my freedom of speech. This is the difference between mainstream media and a personal blog. Radical as it may sound, I don't have to be educated or even knowledgeable at all to blog. I'm not under any restrictions at all on what I say. this makes for a new and exciting way to communicate, in the right circumstance, hell I might even learn something.
I think I mostly agree with Andrew Keen, in that we are allowing each Internet user to publish their own ideas. The nations media, thus far,(before the Internet and blogging) has been highly controlled. The news is often considered propaganda. Doesn't quite add up, you say? News is news, right? Wrong. News is controlled in a way that only what they want you to hear, you hear. So we must ask ourselves, who are "they"? In this instance "they" are considered to be Big Media- CNN, World-news broadcasts, most record labels, and even Hollywood movies are content controlled.
The Internet favors the self made musician, the home-made filmmaker, and the amateur blogger. More-over, they can all use this platform to get their voice heard, and even the most under-educated are encouraged to do so. Excuse my LOL, but this is exactly where I fall in. I am the most uneducated loud-mouth to ever give an opinion. The most beautiful part, is that on the Internet, I can say whatever I want. I can comment on anything I like, don't like or anything at all. I enjoy the freedom to speak, and I try to use it to my advantage.
I also agree that this form of information with no "guiding light", so to speak, helps the world to separate the elite. It has opened doors for the average person that normally would not have been in reach. The world is changing form a need to know someone important or right place at the right time to, countless opportunities via the Internet. More and more people each year are making their way where they want to go, using the voice and talent they have to spread their words through social media.
Furthermore, the Internet also provides somewhat of an anonymous character you can be. You can make up a blogger name or handle to use. In my opinion, people can be more honest and open and not so afraid to talk about controversial topics. We can't all possibly be Khanye West, just lashing out at the way media portrays certain aspects of news and information. What we can do is put ideas out there, with the intent, that others in a more dominant position can elaborate on those said ideas.
In conclusion, I'm not sure that the Freedom of Speech Amendment was ever supposed to support the un-educated underdog, but give me a little freedom, and I for one, will run a mile, with a blogger name or handle, of course.
I think I mostly agree with Andrew Keen, in that we are allowing each Internet user to publish their own ideas. The nations media, thus far,(before the Internet and blogging) has been highly controlled. The news is often considered propaganda. Doesn't quite add up, you say? News is news, right? Wrong. News is controlled in a way that only what they want you to hear, you hear. So we must ask ourselves, who are "they"? In this instance "they" are considered to be Big Media- CNN, World-news broadcasts, most record labels, and even Hollywood movies are content controlled.
The Internet favors the self made musician, the home-made filmmaker, and the amateur blogger. More-over, they can all use this platform to get their voice heard, and even the most under-educated are encouraged to do so. Excuse my LOL, but this is exactly where I fall in. I am the most uneducated loud-mouth to ever give an opinion. The most beautiful part, is that on the Internet, I can say whatever I want. I can comment on anything I like, don't like or anything at all. I enjoy the freedom to speak, and I try to use it to my advantage.
I also agree that this form of information with no "guiding light", so to speak, helps the world to separate the elite. It has opened doors for the average person that normally would not have been in reach. The world is changing form a need to know someone important or right place at the right time to, countless opportunities via the Internet. More and more people each year are making their way where they want to go, using the voice and talent they have to spread their words through social media.
Furthermore, the Internet also provides somewhat of an anonymous character you can be. You can make up a blogger name or handle to use. In my opinion, people can be more honest and open and not so afraid to talk about controversial topics. We can't all possibly be Khanye West, just lashing out at the way media portrays certain aspects of news and information. What we can do is put ideas out there, with the intent, that others in a more dominant position can elaborate on those said ideas.
In conclusion, I'm not sure that the Freedom of Speech Amendment was ever supposed to support the un-educated underdog, but give me a little freedom, and I for one, will run a mile, with a blogger name or handle, of course.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
peer edit for process analysis
"cutting weight" is a very aggressive and dangerous way for
fighters to lose weight in order to make a weigh in the day before a
scheduled fight. Today in mma most fighters are in a weight class which
means they agree to a certain weight that a fighter can not weigh over
to be allowed to fight. About 60% of today's fighters are cutting a few
pounds off in order to make the correct weight. Some fighters are
actually cutting 5-10 lbs and this is where danger factors in.
The first thing to do is weigh yourself to see exactly how much weight you must cut, and how long you have to do it. Most fighters rely on a vigorous work out schedule and a proper diet. When a fighter has a lot of weight to cut off, the more aggressive the workouts must be. Usually the last 24 hours before weigh in are the most dangerous because this is when starving and dehydrating the body are the most common ways to get weight down.
Obviously by not eating you will not gain weight, but it is not recommended. Fighters need calories but don't want to add weight. Eating foods with high calorie low weight are good ideas. Energy bars usually supply high calorie low weight to a body.
Next is probably the worst and most frowned upon by spectators and fighters alike, this is dehydrating the body. Fighters can cut anywhere from 0- 10 pounds in water weight alone. This means no drinking water and also most fighters use saunas and still workout. Doing this, cuts fat off the body and also dehydrates you to dangerous levels.
After fighters officially weigh in, after cutting a lot of weight usually need to take a few steps in order to get ready for the actual fight which is usually 24 hours later. fighters should start by drinking small amounts of water slowly. This allows you to hydrate quickly, chowing down or eating heavily immediately will slow the hydration process down immensely. Eating foods high in fiber also help to keep you full longer, so after cutting weight you would normally want to avoid these foods for the first 12 hours.
Many people want to lose weight for many different reasons and I feel like I should add that people have actually died trying to cut weight off and it is recommended that NO ONE READING THIS SHOULD TRY TO LOSE WEIGHT IN THIS FASHION. This is not recommended to anyone anytime, if fighters need to cut weight it is always recommended that the person is supervised at all times.
The first thing to do is weigh yourself to see exactly how much weight you must cut, and how long you have to do it. Most fighters rely on a vigorous work out schedule and a proper diet. When a fighter has a lot of weight to cut off, the more aggressive the workouts must be. Usually the last 24 hours before weigh in are the most dangerous because this is when starving and dehydrating the body are the most common ways to get weight down.
Obviously by not eating you will not gain weight, but it is not recommended. Fighters need calories but don't want to add weight. Eating foods with high calorie low weight are good ideas. Energy bars usually supply high calorie low weight to a body.
Next is probably the worst and most frowned upon by spectators and fighters alike, this is dehydrating the body. Fighters can cut anywhere from 0- 10 pounds in water weight alone. This means no drinking water and also most fighters use saunas and still workout. Doing this, cuts fat off the body and also dehydrates you to dangerous levels.
After fighters officially weigh in, after cutting a lot of weight usually need to take a few steps in order to get ready for the actual fight which is usually 24 hours later. fighters should start by drinking small amounts of water slowly. This allows you to hydrate quickly, chowing down or eating heavily immediately will slow the hydration process down immensely. Eating foods high in fiber also help to keep you full longer, so after cutting weight you would normally want to avoid these foods for the first 12 hours.
Many people want to lose weight for many different reasons and I feel like I should add that people have actually died trying to cut weight off and it is recommended that NO ONE READING THIS SHOULD TRY TO LOSE WEIGHT IN THIS FASHION. This is not recommended to anyone anytime, if fighters need to cut weight it is always recommended that the person is supervised at all times.
Friday, October 25, 2013
compare/ contrast block style
When paying almost $60.00 for a current UFC pay per view fight, would you rather see more boxing or wrestling. 270,000 people paid to watch UFC 164. Roughly 80% or approx. 168,000 of those people wanted to see a knockout rather than submission. I will be using Sambo and Jiu Jitsu for comparison. Both styles in the right hands would secure a win, so which is better?
Sambo is an aggressive and even brutal style of fighting. Using mostly the fighters fists as main attack. This style also concentrates on throws/trips to take an opponent to the ground. Using major wrestling from top position to gain advantage using an average amount of joint locks and leg locks to gain submission. Sambo also uses a medium amount of chokes to win an MMA fight.
On the other hand, Jiu Jitsu is a very smooth and precise style of fighting. Using mostly submissions as main attack. This style uses throws/trips very little in any fight. Using minor wrestling, Jiu Jitsu concentrates on ground positioning to set up submission victory usually from bottom ground position. Furthermore, chokes are the "bread and butter" of any Jiu Jitsu practitioner.
Both styles use a minimum of kicks, and both styles win fights. Since both styles take timing, precision, and massive amounts of training it seems most people like to see a fight end in dramatic fashion. The age old question of who would come out on top of a classic boxer vs, wrestler MMA fight has yet to be answered. It has gone both ways numerous times, I think I agree with most people that while a knockout punch deserves a prime spot on a highlight reel, the most technical of matches happens on the mat.
In conclusion, the answer to both questions lay in your hands. Depending on your background, maybe you wrestled in your high school, and just maybe you took a few boxing classes last year. The beautiful part is that there is no wrong answer. You can enjoy MMA today and see both styles win the most prestigious of fights.
Sambo is an aggressive and even brutal style of fighting. Using mostly the fighters fists as main attack. This style also concentrates on throws/trips to take an opponent to the ground. Using major wrestling from top position to gain advantage using an average amount of joint locks and leg locks to gain submission. Sambo also uses a medium amount of chokes to win an MMA fight.
On the other hand, Jiu Jitsu is a very smooth and precise style of fighting. Using mostly submissions as main attack. This style uses throws/trips very little in any fight. Using minor wrestling, Jiu Jitsu concentrates on ground positioning to set up submission victory usually from bottom ground position. Furthermore, chokes are the "bread and butter" of any Jiu Jitsu practitioner.
Both styles use a minimum of kicks, and both styles win fights. Since both styles take timing, precision, and massive amounts of training it seems most people like to see a fight end in dramatic fashion. The age old question of who would come out on top of a classic boxer vs, wrestler MMA fight has yet to be answered. It has gone both ways numerous times, I think I agree with most people that while a knockout punch deserves a prime spot on a highlight reel, the most technical of matches happens on the mat.
In conclusion, the answer to both questions lay in your hands. Depending on your background, maybe you wrestled in your high school, and just maybe you took a few boxing classes last year. The beautiful part is that there is no wrong answer. You can enjoy MMA today and see both styles win the most prestigious of fights.
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
process analysis
"cutting weight" is a very aggressive and dangerous way for fighters to lose weight in order to make a weigh in the day before a scheduled fight. Today in mma most fighters are in a weight class which means they agree to a certain weight that a fighter can not weigh over to be allowed to fight. About 60% of today's fighters are cutting a few pounds off in order to make the correct weight. Some fighters are actually cutting 5-10 lbs and this is where danger factors in.
The first thing to do is weigh yourself to see exactly how much weight you must cut and how long you have to do it. most fighters rely on a vigorous work out schedule and a proper diet. When a fighter has a lot of weight to cut off, then the more aggressive the workouts must be. Usually the last 24 hours before weigh in are the most dangerous because this is when starving and dehydrating body are the most common ways to get weight down. Obviously by not eating you will not gain weight but it is not recommended. Fighters need calories but don't want to add weight. Eating foods with high calorie low weight are good ideas. Energy bars usually supply high calorie low weight to a body. Next is probably the worst and most frowned upon by spectators and fighters alike, this is dehydrating the body. Fighters can cut anywhere from 0- 10 pounds in water weight alone. This means no drinking water and also most fighters use saunas and still workout. Doing this cuts fat off the body and also dehydrates you.
After fighters officially weigh in, after cutting a lot of weight usually need to take a few steps in order to get ready for the actual fight which is usually 24 hours later. fighters should start by drinking small amounts of water slowly. This allows you to hydrate quickly, chowing down or eating heavily immediately will slow the hydration process down immensely. Eating foods high in fiber also help to keep you full longer, so after cutting weight you would normally want to avoid these foods for the first 12 hours.
Many people want to lose weight for many different reasons and I feel like I should add that people have actually died trying to cut weight off and it is recommended that NO ONE READING THIS SHOULD TRY TO LOSE WEIGHT IN THIS FASHION. This is not recommended to anyone anytime, if fighters need to cut weight it is always recommended that the person is supervised at all times.
The first thing to do is weigh yourself to see exactly how much weight you must cut and how long you have to do it. most fighters rely on a vigorous work out schedule and a proper diet. When a fighter has a lot of weight to cut off, then the more aggressive the workouts must be. Usually the last 24 hours before weigh in are the most dangerous because this is when starving and dehydrating body are the most common ways to get weight down. Obviously by not eating you will not gain weight but it is not recommended. Fighters need calories but don't want to add weight. Eating foods with high calorie low weight are good ideas. Energy bars usually supply high calorie low weight to a body. Next is probably the worst and most frowned upon by spectators and fighters alike, this is dehydrating the body. Fighters can cut anywhere from 0- 10 pounds in water weight alone. This means no drinking water and also most fighters use saunas and still workout. Doing this cuts fat off the body and also dehydrates you.
After fighters officially weigh in, after cutting a lot of weight usually need to take a few steps in order to get ready for the actual fight which is usually 24 hours later. fighters should start by drinking small amounts of water slowly. This allows you to hydrate quickly, chowing down or eating heavily immediately will slow the hydration process down immensely. Eating foods high in fiber also help to keep you full longer, so after cutting weight you would normally want to avoid these foods for the first 12 hours.
Many people want to lose weight for many different reasons and I feel like I should add that people have actually died trying to cut weight off and it is recommended that NO ONE READING THIS SHOULD TRY TO LOSE WEIGHT IN THIS FASHION. This is not recommended to anyone anytime, if fighters need to cut weight it is always recommended that the person is supervised at all times.
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
illustrative essay
Do you believe there is a right place and right time to fight? Most people will do just about anything to avoid a fight or confrontation. Fighters train 75 hours a week to do just that...FIGHT! Is this why mma is the most diverse and fastest growing sport in the world today? These people dedicating their lives, brains, and bodies to a sport that will eventually take everything they have for a few dollars!
Imagine driving down the road and somebody cuts you off and throws you the bird. I can tell you have been in this situation before. Let me ask you this. If three miles down the road you see this same person pulled over by an officer, would you stop? Would you stop if you knew you could beat the guy up a little bit with no consequences? Imagine a world where if you had a disagreement with somebody and just like that, boom. A ring, 3 judges, and a referee drop from the sky. I don't know about you but I'm damn sure gonna climb in the ring first. That is where I do all my talking.. In the ring legally! I believe people do things because they find no consequences for their action and if they did something stupid and got beat up for it maybe it would happen less often?
So as the mma world evolves, there will be more fighters walking the streets and less people will be worried about banning guns and gun control in the U.S. More people will be trained in martial arts and I believe these people are more likely to act when they see something they don't like. I think to many people are afraid of confrontation, and avoid it at any cost, even if they see something they don't believe is right. I would like to see a world where people actually stand up for what they believe and rise against what they don't.
Imagine driving down the road and somebody cuts you off and throws you the bird. I can tell you have been in this situation before. Let me ask you this. If three miles down the road you see this same person pulled over by an officer, would you stop? Would you stop if you knew you could beat the guy up a little bit with no consequences? Imagine a world where if you had a disagreement with somebody and just like that, boom. A ring, 3 judges, and a referee drop from the sky. I don't know about you but I'm damn sure gonna climb in the ring first. That is where I do all my talking.. In the ring legally! I believe people do things because they find no consequences for their action and if they did something stupid and got beat up for it maybe it would happen less often?
So as the mma world evolves, there will be more fighters walking the streets and less people will be worried about banning guns and gun control in the U.S. More people will be trained in martial arts and I believe these people are more likely to act when they see something they don't like. I think to many people are afraid of confrontation, and avoid it at any cost, even if they see something they don't believe is right. I would like to see a world where people actually stand up for what they believe and rise against what they don't.
descriptive essay
As I entered the ring, the smell of sweat reminded me of a high school locker room. The smell was almost un-bearable. Again, I could see the smears of blood on the mat. The blood was kind of maroon looking. The adrenaline was pouring through my veins making it feel as if my veins were going to explode at any second. The crowd was erupting, every person was on their feet. This was the main event. The applause, the screaming, clapping, and stomping was giving me a headache. It was like a riot broke out inside the arena, it was pandemonium! I have never seen anything like it before. The lights go out, the crowd goes completely silent. So silent you could hear a pin drop. The music My opponent has chosen is an old L.L. cool J song called "mama said knock you out" Once again the crown goes crazy. I am not one who gets intimidated so the song just fuels the flow of adrenaline.
As he enters the ring, I can't even look him in the eyes. I know that my job is to devour him. To do whatever it takes to defeat him. I am like a caged animal, pacing. AS the ref brings us to the center of the ring for instructions, I tower over the boy. I am at least 8 in. taller than him. I can see him starting to get nervous. When we finally meet eyes I can see the fear building up in his tiny body. We touch gloves and return to our corners.
The ref asks if I'm ready and I nod, next him. He nods and the ref gives us the signal to fight. I'm like a cougar taking the center of the ring. My opponent slowly approaches. I lunge forward connecting a left then a right. I feel like the fight has already ended. My nerves are calm and I hands are steady. Just then he swings wildly. Left, right, left, missing all three. I smile and take a step back, constantly raising my left leg a little, wanting him to be weary of a kick. He steps forward and I explode a right kick on his temple. It lands with precision. His legs buckle and I run in for the kill. as he is going down it put a left knee to his chin and he is out. Completely out. My happiness turns to concern when he doesn't move and people are rushing the ring to help him.I feel every emotion all at once. Can't even contain myself. He gets taken out of the ring on a stretcher straight to the hospital. when the ref brings me to center of the ring I cannot believe what he is telling me, I have been disqualified for throwing a knee to a downed opponent.
As he enters the ring, I can't even look him in the eyes. I know that my job is to devour him. To do whatever it takes to defeat him. I am like a caged animal, pacing. AS the ref brings us to the center of the ring for instructions, I tower over the boy. I am at least 8 in. taller than him. I can see him starting to get nervous. When we finally meet eyes I can see the fear building up in his tiny body. We touch gloves and return to our corners.
The ref asks if I'm ready and I nod, next him. He nods and the ref gives us the signal to fight. I'm like a cougar taking the center of the ring. My opponent slowly approaches. I lunge forward connecting a left then a right. I feel like the fight has already ended. My nerves are calm and I hands are steady. Just then he swings wildly. Left, right, left, missing all three. I smile and take a step back, constantly raising my left leg a little, wanting him to be weary of a kick. He steps forward and I explode a right kick on his temple. It lands with precision. His legs buckle and I run in for the kill. as he is going down it put a left knee to his chin and he is out. Completely out. My happiness turns to concern when he doesn't move and people are rushing the ring to help him.I feel every emotion all at once. Can't even contain myself. He gets taken out of the ring on a stretcher straight to the hospital. when the ref brings me to center of the ring I cannot believe what he is telling me, I have been disqualified for throwing a knee to a downed opponent.
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
**Narrative Rough Draft**
I knew I wanted to be an MMA fighter in April of 1999. I realized this after watching my brother, Justin Davis, in La Crosse, WI second annual Toughman contest. So I began the long journey training in different disciplines to make me the best fighter i could be.
It was April 1999. I was in the dressing room with my older brother of three years. He was my childhood idle. He had no fear. He also had a major disadvantage in his lack of training. He was strong as nails. "Street Fighter" strong. He knew nothing about ring boxing, and was not afraid too admit it. When the ring announcer called his name and the crowd began to roar, I knew someday i would hear that same roar for me.
Justin ended up losing his fight that night in a very controversial decision. This is where I learned that training is the key to success, and i was not about to fail.
I was working part time and training full time. I was 6 feet tall and my walk around weight was between 143 and 148 lbs. I decided that i would cut weight down to 135 lbs so i would be taller than most of the other fighters at that weight. Since i took wrestling in school I decided the first step was to train boxing.
I began my boxing at 2 Step boxing gym in Rochester, MN. I spent every minute not working at that gym on the NE end of Rochester. After two years of solid boxing I felt ready to move on to Judo/Jiu Jitsu.
It was 2001 And I spent all my time consumed with training. I joined a new up and coming gym in IA. It is now known as Miletich Fighting Systems. Pat and I became good friends and the next three years would be the toughest of my life. Pat's gym was focusing on all types of mixed martial arts. Since wrestling and boxing were out of the way he suggested I start Judo/Jiu Jitsu. I was progressing very quickly and after three years I earned my purple belt.
I believe that all the training and discipline made me the person I am today. I learned about myself and my body through this long process. I also learned patience and how to be humble. With all that, I knew I would be prepared for anything the ring could throw at me and I was ready.
I knew I wanted to be an MMA fighter in April of 1999. I realized this after watching my brother, Justin Davis, in La Crosse, WI second annual Toughman contest. So I began the long journey training in different disciplines to make me the best fighter i could be.
It was April 1999. I was in the dressing room with my older brother of three years. He was my childhood idle. He had no fear. He also had a major disadvantage in his lack of training. He was strong as nails. "Street Fighter" strong. He knew nothing about ring boxing, and was not afraid too admit it. When the ring announcer called his name and the crowd began to roar, I knew someday i would hear that same roar for me.
Justin ended up losing his fight that night in a very controversial decision. This is where I learned that training is the key to success, and i was not about to fail.
I was working part time and training full time. I was 6 feet tall and my walk around weight was between 143 and 148 lbs. I decided that i would cut weight down to 135 lbs so i would be taller than most of the other fighters at that weight. Since i took wrestling in school I decided the first step was to train boxing.
I began my boxing at 2 Step boxing gym in Rochester, MN. I spent every minute not working at that gym on the NE end of Rochester. After two years of solid boxing I felt ready to move on to Judo/Jiu Jitsu.
It was 2001 And I spent all my time consumed with training. I joined a new up and coming gym in IA. It is now known as Miletich Fighting Systems. Pat and I became good friends and the next three years would be the toughest of my life. Pat's gym was focusing on all types of mixed martial arts. Since wrestling and boxing were out of the way he suggested I start Judo/Jiu Jitsu. I was progressing very quickly and after three years I earned my purple belt.
I believe that all the training and discipline made me the person I am today. I learned about myself and my body through this long process. I also learned patience and how to be humble. With all that, I knew I would be prepared for anything the ring could throw at me and I was ready.
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