The Independent Voice of Mixed Martial Arts
MMA has had plenty of news in recent months. Rumblings of promotions not paying fighters, rumors of worked fights, while another promotion is in the news with doubts of collapsing altogether. Former dominating champions being seen dominated by others. Inspiring stories, salary concerns, and plenty of great skill displayed as always. Beginning this month, Legacy … Read more
Happy New Year everybody! The end of 2014 has come with transition as I have moved to a new corner of the country through this spring. I cannot be complaining as weather here is commonly in the 60’s-70’s and I’m wearing shorts as I write. It has been a pleasure to meet new people, help … Read more
My life in MMA is one that has me near some of the excitement and talk of the sport, both inside the cage and out. Significant injuries, controversial fighters, questionable decisions, I seem to be magnetized to such sources of conversation. You won’t hear me complain, but I’m definitely in the wrong position if I’m … Read more
The sport is growing and it has been discussed before how more people think they want to be fighters and find success and fame. I’m seeing the same growing desire from people wanting to be involved in MMA as cutmen.
This year will be my busiest year to date, having the opportunity to work over 40 shows from coast to coast. Each and every time, my goal is to help fighters and educate whenever possible. The sport in many ways is growing and needs to raise the level of what it brings the fighter.
Opinions are everywhere, and we are all entitled to them. Favorite burger, preferred MMA, fighting style, the topics are many. Those discussions can be fun given there is no empirical right answer. It’s a flexible conversation when no appropriate criteria exists that judgement can be based upon to create a consistent, factual conclusion. With some subjects it becomes just a popularity contest or a discussion based on emotion. However there are many topics in the world, and in MMA, that aren’t decided by opinion when facts are evident that eliminate the need for debate.
For me, I’ve always taken the approach of giving my best, staying focused, and making sure every fighter and promotion gets the same treatment, whether in a national guard armory or on AXS television in front of millions.
In my world as a cutman, there are proper procedures and simple expressions of respect for anatomy and my education that has me tape a certain way, grease a fighter properly, or approach swelling on a fighter. Those that say it doesn’t matter are speaking out of ignorance and the results are obvious.
This last weekend was an experience that very few others in their lives can say they have experienced. Many people seek fame, desire their 15 minutes of fame (I think that number has changed with today’s media and entertainment), or yearn for the spotlight.
I would welcome the chance to simply have open tryouts for cutmen at shows. Let the real experts prove themselves and earn their place. Fighters have to do it, just ask anyone who has tried out for TUF, XFC, or any other reputable place on an MMA stage.