Brian Imes looking for a triangle.

It takes humility to get through this crazy life, but participating in the world’s rawest of combative sports takes a lot more than that. Professional fighters don’t get to eat a lot of pie. Instead, we swallow pride, sweat, blood, tears, and reality. In my experience these are the best things for you.

At the Bellator Fighting Championships open tryout in Lenexa, Kansas, Saturday, each fighter got two minutes from his knees to show his ground skills. 80 fighters from literally all over the country showed up to try their hand, including three men that I have faced professionally.

The promotion’s owner and several of its brass were on hand to evaluate talent and promote their product. Ringside provided the John Brown Training Center for the festivities.

Sam Caplan paired each fighter by approximate weight for the two minute tussle. I was a part of the last pairing and my partner in the tussle was a man by the name of Leonardo. I was told after the incident that he holds a 3rd degree BJJ black belt from Brazil.

Nonetheless, we had a nice tussle. I don’t very often get turned around on the mat, but this was as mentioned, humbling. I did not get submitted, but I learned the hard way just how high a level the highest can be. My demise in the grappling match meant that I would not be invited to stay for the striking portion of the tryout.

Damn, that’s where I can impress the most!

The reality I swallowed today does not set me back. Instead, the experience is more valuable motivation for this crazy life. Fighting will teach you limits.

The struggle, success, and failure exposes your fears, talents, and weaknesses. There is nothing in life that fuels my passions like fighting. I have longed my entire life to be exposed and vulnerable in front of my neighbors. What better stage than mixed martial arts?

I go back to work tonight tending bar at PBR Big Sky in the Power & Light District. Bellator comes there for the first of four live events April 29th.

Brian Imes will be a humble spectator this time around, but the adventure is yet written. Opportunities are around every corner. All you gotta do is cock your head.

-The Human Cock Fighter

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