Reason number 451 why the internet was invented: slow motion violence. It seems so much less brutal when you watch it unfold slowly. Fast motion makes things funny, slow motion makes things intriguing. Weird. These aren’t all fight-related (especially the last two), but fun to watch nonetheless.
In case any of you need a little extra for your training. Because without you guys, the puzzle is incomplete…
GM: Hi Diego, thanks for taking the time to speak with us.
DS: YES!!!
GM: Great! I love the enthusiasm. Congratulations on your successful foray into the lightweight division. Both you and Joe appear to have greatly improved your standup. Is that something you’ve been working a lot on?
DS: YES!!!!
GM: I know you’ve been training up in Big Bear. What kind of difference do you think training at altitude makes in the actual fight?
DS: YES!!
GM: Uh. Alright. I know you’ve trained extensively with Greg Jackson in New Mexico. What made you decide to begin training with Saulo Ribero?
DS: YES!!
GM: … you can’t answer every question with “yes”. These aren’t all yes or no questions.
DS: YES!!!
GM: OK I see wh…
DS: YES!!
GM: Diego, ple…
DS: YES!!
GM: Can we plea…
DS: YESS!!!
GM: OK you’ve got a little bit of spit foam and it’s flying at me.
DS: YES!!!
GM: Why did we even…
DS: YES!!
GM: Thanks for your time Diego.
DS: YES!!
MMA vet Kimo Leopoldo was picked up Monday by the cops in a Tustin, CA parking lot for possession of methamphetamine. Kimo was wearing a Long Beach PD jumpsuit uniform and flip flops which drew the attention of the Tustin five-oh.
Full story at the OC Register
I thought I’d take this opportunity to revisit the past of one of the strangest men in MMA history. First, here’s an MMA training video called “Kimo’s Fierce Fighting”. The first minute or so are golden.
And finally a blast from the past, here’s Kimo’s match against Royce Gracie in UFC 3. It’s been a while since I’ve seen these old fights, so it’s really entertaining to watch the hair pulls and head butts.
The UFC is teaming up with Mark Mastrov (24 Hour Fitness CEO) to launch a bunch of branded UFC gyms. From their interim site:
Announcing UFC GYM! Take the World’s top MMA icon, The Ultimate Fighting Championship™, blend it with the Ultimate Fitness Center, and you get the UFC Gym. It’s a dynamic, high energy, MMA and fitness training center that will redefine the way you get results! UFC Gyms will feature:
- Premiere fitness & cardio equipment
- Group class programming
- Personal training
- Private MMA training
- Octagon discipline instruction
- Kids ultimate fitness care center
- MMA Cafe
- Full locker rooms
I’m no marketing expert, but It sounds a lot like they’re going for a family atmosphere with a brand name that is primarily targeted toward a male 18-35 demographic. I’m just not sure mainstream society is willing to embrace the brand as families just yet.
Another issue I see is the encroaching of the UFC on the personal legacies of martial artists. Many martial artists who have gained a high level of accomplishment eventually move on to open schools and want to pass on their knowledge to future generations. Would Mr. Miyagi teach at a 24 hour fitness?
So far Georges St-Pierre and BJ Penn have been signed to have their names tied to UFC gyms in Montreal and Hawaii. According to the Vancouver Sun, these gyms “will earn them an ongoing royalty payment for use of their names, even if they retire from the sport”.
But what happens to BJ’s own training and fitness center? Wouldn’t the UFC gym cut into his own business? It’ll be interesting to see how this business plays out.
