Brian Imes - The Human Cockfighter

AJ Fronce, the son of a mechanic, won his second amateur MMA bout at “Fight to the Finish 5” in Grain Valley, Missouri this weekend. It took just over a minute for AJ to finish his opponent by rear-naked choke and raise his record to 2-0.

Todd Brooker, a restaurant server and custom gun manufacturer’s apprentice, won his second amateur MMA bout in Clinton, Missouri at “Throwdown N’ C-Town”. A second round arm bar finished the job for Todd after some great striking from the clinch. Todd is also now 2-0.

Chances are high that you have never, and may never again, hear about these men in MMA circles. They are unknowns, new to a sport they love, who train only when time and money allow, but these two men risk as much or more as anyone who participates in the world’s greatest sport.

Without the aid of sponsor’s money or even fight purses, Todd and AJ will continue to chase their dreams. They are dreams that demand the best of them and offer no tangible rewards. Their rewards can only be measured spiritually and psychologically.

There are thousands just like them all over America, sweating and bleeding in unpleasant environments, solely for the opportunity to feel the glory of victorious battle. WE THE PEOPLE owe them that glory for the example they set and the sacrifices they endure.

The legalization of the sport of mixed martial arts has fostered a grass roots phenomenon not seen in this country for a long time. Warriors are now embraced by pop culture bringing competition back to our social conscience. I believe that we have only seen a glimpse of what this phenomenon can bring to our communities.

Just before AJ walked out for his fight Friday night I said, “Your whole life you have been told not to hit. Tonight you are encouraged to Thump a Stranger!”

It was my honor to be with AJ because he trains in the same smelly gym, with the same sweaty guys that I do. His parents and sister sat ringside and watched him enjoy his victorious glory.

Nearly 3,000 people crowded into Whiskey Tango to observe over thirty men punch, kick, sweat, and bleed for free. No one was seriously injured and all had a good ol’ hillbilly time! After the fight AJ said, “Man, that is so much fun!”

Sitting in his corner Friday night I remembered why I love this sport so much and why I left all I knew behind to pursue a career amongst its elite. The twists and turns and bumps in the road can hurt, but the glory is still out there.

I am ever aware that somewhere is a little boy or girl noting the honor and humility of the warrior inside. The training takes away the doubt and the success removes the fear. Hillbilly Fight Wear is now proud to sponsor both AJ and Todd. See ya at the gym boys.

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