So today is April 26th, 2010... It's been exactly 2 years since we held our 1st Fighters Nation Sanctioned MMA event. It was held in Calgary, AB, Canada at the Stampede Coral(Also the 1st location WEC "World Extreme Cage-fighting" planned to use this June). The event was definitely a lot of work putting together, and even more work putting it on; but we made it happen, and things turned out much better than expected.
We had a huge after party set at the 'Road House' bar; which also hosted our pre-fight media weigh ins for the fighters; for those of you not familiar with what "weigh ins" are, they take place less than 24 hours before the first fight on the event card, where all participating fighters have to make the exact weight in their fighting class e.g.(Middle Weight = 84kg/185lbs). Now to be honest,I think this is definitely one of the most amazing things a fighter can do; being able to know, control and understand their own body so well, they can literally lose or gain a substantial amount of weight(10lbs-30lbs)in such a short period of time(apx24-72hrs), then are able go back to their consistent weight by bed time. If your not familiar with the fight lifestyle you may not really understand "WHY" they do this? Though I'm not get into it much more on here, I will however tell you it something that you can watch for as part of many similar topics on our TV show this season, so be sure to watch.(www.fightersnation.tv/fntv).
So Back to the event night, wow what a night, the fights, fans, models, ring girls, DJ's and UFC's Claude Patrick, Max Maren and import model Steph Ly's live commentating, and oh let us not forget the "feds" and all their hard($100/hour)work...lol But of all that was accomplished that night, I will never forget the moment the event was over, and I went outside through the back to find myself alone; I looked up at the dark but star filled sky, took deep breath and said to myself "what's next". I remember that moment so well because it came with such a strong emotion or feeling, not one of accomplishment, or happiness; but one filled with pure hunger, the type of hunger that drives someone crazy, but for me it was something else... Similar to the feeling you would get finally learning how to ride a bicycle; instead of learning how to ride it, your now thinking "where can it take me, and how far can I go".
2 Years later, I'm still learning, I'm still hungry; but I've traveled very far, and been involved with so many different aspects of this business. I feel this way I can understand not only what I want to do, but whatever it is, I make sure that I do it well and go to sleep content.
I don't let anything hold me down; if I'm not dead, I'm only getting faster, smarter and stronger with every rise and fall. This I believe is how people learn, this I except, because to be able at any moment to sacrifice what we are for what we could become, I believe is the only way to reach your true potential. So many people, including me at times allow the things around us have way too much influence on our decisions; making your own decisions while accepting change is a start to achieving your goals. My goals right now in terms of Fighters Nation lay behind the scenes, inside the cage and in front of a camera lens; I want to take what I have learned and experienced being engaged into most major aspects of the 'Fight' industry, and show the world a different, in depth look... Which hopefully helps strengthen the sports image, recognition, and create more outlets of opportunity for fighters.
- | April 2010
There’s no denying the impact that Mixed Martial Arts is having on the world of sports and sports entertainment. What was once an obscure and esoteric fighting style with a small fan base has gone on to become a major multi-billion dollar industry, filling basements, pubs and barrooms with devoted followers. Detractors call it brutal, governments treat it with hostility, but there is no denying the draw of Mixed Martial Arts; it is a fight that is pure, a fight that is completely unhinged, a perfect display of two athletes willing to push the limits of the body; shedding blood, sweat and tears in order to carve out one more victory… or fall at the feet of the others shadow.
After a long run with events, clothing, models, gyms, special parties, and some... FN has taken "Fight" to the television industry, with some pretty amazing talent to make it all happen...
