The Human Cockfighter Blog: The Boxer

After four straight losses over a two and a half year time period, I lay face up with my hands raised. I submitted Brandon Gaines 2:32 into the second round of our three round light heavyweight fight on Saturday, via rear naked choke.

Tommy Tran was our host at Midwest Ultimate Cage Fights inside The Hilton Convention Center in Branson, Mo. Gaines, a steel welder, entered the bout with 79 amateur boxing matches under his belt.

Our fight consisted of mostly grappling and wrestling, following some heavy push kicks and knees from my end. The boxer ducked down for a single leg early in the first round and even sat back for an ankle lock from my guard.

He had done his homework, but I was not to be beaten this night. My thirteenth fight proved to be one of my best overall performances; 6-7 now, I will continue my advance toward professional accomplishment.

Alex McKinney, a Missouri Valley wrestler, won his professional debut by rear naked choke in the first round. Alex had an outstanding amateur career amidst his national champion collegiate wrestling years. It will be a pleasure to watch his progress in this sport. I hope we can get him to come train in the northland.

The Pint Sized Brawlers provided entertainment in the middle of nine professional MMA bouts.

It was a pleasure to have family in my corner. Steve Devenney, a collegiate wrestler, high school standout, and undefeated amateur mixed martial artist made the drive to tape my hands and offer words of encouragement. Chris Page, professional mixed martial artist and Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran, was there to motivate as well.

“Yes, you can. Thump a stranger,” was the moniker for the day. We concluded that the night was a success, not only because I won, but because the boxer went after my legs. I asserted my business abrasively, and that is what won the fight.

Confidence is rarely genuine, yet consistently intimidating.

I move forward with the growth of my brand. Many are joining the movement, while the majority searches for proof over faith. We may just have our own gym before summer, thumpin’ strangers for the good of the community. Hillbilly Fight Wear is fighter friendly, and so will be: Thump Gym. Coming sometime to a vacant space near you.

David Hammons will fight once again this Saturday in Eldorado Springs, Mo. Roger Partridge promotes amateur events in what is Hammons’ hometown. Hammons, 14-4 with four amateur belts, has dominated western Missouri heavyweight competition. He will proudly wear Thump Apparel, educating his neighbors about thumpology.

I proclaimed my thump this weekend as “Christian service” in an interview. Thumpin’ is lovin,’ for the good of your community. Teachin’ lessons is service.

My next fight should be just around the corner. Throughout my career, I have fought monthly for long periods. I’m game, like the old doctor. The movement toward liberty is growing. People are communicating openly about honest business. Keep the faith.

Brian Imes’ “The Human Cockfighter Blog” takes readers inside the mind and life of a pro mixed martial arts fighter. It is part of ProMMAnow.com’s ongoing series of content written by individuals involved in the MMA industry. Follow Brian online at Twitter @HillbillyFightW and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/brian.imes1.