I'm just sitting around watching the Strikeforce event where Brett Rogers fights Fedor. I'm watching his pre-fight interview, and I really like his attitude.
They're interviewing him, and he has no ego. He works in a tire shop, and does MMA because he loves the sport/training. He's humble, down to earth and seemingly approachable.
I like fighters that carry this attitude.
They are inspirational because they show us they are human beings first; athletes second. Their demeanor helps people of all ages and demographics realize that they can be great too- even in their ordinary lives.
Don't get me wrong. I love athletes who hype (Mayorga & Baroni come to mind)! But having an athlete who is down to earth helps people realize they can do more, give more and be more.
One of the first fighters I've seen who has this attitude is Randy Couture. From the start, I've loved that his attitude is "you win some, you lose some, but you fight either way." I also like Hendo for this same reason... and Shane Carwin.
Shane, I hope you're reading. I've always been a fan. But since you've started posting on MMA.tv, you've not only had me as a fan, but you've earned my respect.
I think it's great that you're able to balance a family life with a full time job, and at the same time be a top tier athlete. I appreciate that you dedicate time to wishing your opponents good health, and provide attention for those who have much more serious battles.
I've always been a fan of fighters who are humble, down to earth and human. As such I've never waivered in my appreciation of fighters such as Randy Couture, Dan Henderson, and now, undoubtably Shane Carwin.
I'd also like to say Matt Serra also belongs in this after seeing him on TUF, and also to Joe Stevenson who was absolutely tops when I met him here in Sydney.
TTT for athletes who are decent human beings first. If you've got stories, please share them.
And Shane, best of luck in your title bid. I'm sure I speak for a majority on the underground when I say "We're with you!"
While this may not be a popular sentiment around here, I agree.
CJJScout - While this may not be a popular sentiment around here, I agree.
Thank you. I've been thinking I'm the only one...
CJJScout - While this may not be a popular sentiment around here, I agree.
+2
The silent minority.
I know that Forrest has give tons of money and time to lots of charities.
One story that I'll share. Forrest and his gf at the time were at a WalMart or something around Christmas. He was talking with the cashier about buying gifts...she doesn't know who he is....but she mentions something about getting her kids gifts off layaway at some other store...no big deal. When he pays, he slips her an extra $100. I know he did this a few times.
I can't even begin to tell you some of the huges checks he's written to some charities. And shit, the guy has signed pics, gloves, etc for me when I needed extra cash...and let me sell his tshirts through his webpage and given me a %.
Forrest is a good dude.
There is nothing better than a fighter that can go forth and give you that feeling that he's one of us. Somebody that you can look at, not as an athlete, but someone you could see on the street, and approach, someone that ultimately, you could see being your typical John Doe, and being the same person as he is, even though he's a professional and of a higher status.
Guys like Carwin, Forrest, and Jake Shields, who goes unnoticed in this regard, will always have fans because of how they carry this attitude, and ultimately, never forgot where they came from, or let the business get the best of em.
Small annecdote: Jake Shields is fighting in Nashville tomorrow night. The man left a day earlier than he was supposed to, and went to a Nashville Area Hospital to do a meet and greet with patients that are registered to the Make-A-Wish Foundation..
The man didn't have to, but he did. That's not just a great fighter, but a great human being.
Kudos to those fighters out there who do things like this.
We need more of you.
Can't be arsed to read the FRATness, but how you going to TTT a thread that didn't exist when you TTT'd it?
BanTheUKmmaNoobs - Can't be arsed to read the FRATness, but how you going to TTT a thread that didn't exist when you TTT'd it?
This thread is all about hating UK fighters.. TTT.
Justing kidding Noob. I've been watching the sport for a while, and want to bring attention to the people who have been doing this as a hobby and keeping their ego in check, long before there was money to be made out of this.
TheDevilAndGodRageInsideMe - There is nothing better than a fighter that can go forth and give you that feeling that he's one of us. Somebody that you can look at, not as an athlete, but someone you could see on the street, and approach, someone that ultimately, you could see being your typical John Doe, and being the same person as he is, even though he's a professional and of a higher status.
Guys like Carwin, Forrest, and Jake Shields, who goes unnoticed in this regard, will always have fans because of how they carry this attitude, and ultimately, never forgot where they came from, or let the business get the best of em.
Small annecdote: Jake Shields is fighting in Nashville tomorrow night. The man left a day earlier than he was supposed to, and went to a Nashville Area Hospital to do a meet and greet with patients that are registered to the Make-A-Wish Foundation..
The man didn't have to, but he did. That's not just a great fighter, but a great human being.
Kudos to those fighters out there who do things like this.
We need more of you.
Absolutely agreed...
While I didn't realize Shields did this, it's important to realize there are more important things in life. Giving your time to another human in need can be the greatest gift in the world.
oh my god...give me a fucking break
What are the odds your home smoking out when this all came to you?
really gay thread. you should be embarrassed.
flesheatingbull - really gay thread. you should be embarrassed.
Why?
One guy that never gets credit is Vitor Belfor. He's actually a gentleman IN the ring. He really stopped most of his own fights rather than wait for the ref. When Coture was hurt he told the ref if i remember correctly. What other fighter wouldn't have given Lindland or Franklin unnecessary punishment? I know he's hated by many on here but i can't remember him even bad mouthing an opponent. Remember Tito trashing him saying he faked an injury to avoid fighting Tito? Even when pics from the operation at the hospital were shown people here didn't believe him. Then Tito gets hurt and Vitor says it's a shame, i'm sorry he's injured and can't fight. The only thing i hate about him is he gets hot chicks and i don't.
Rory and Adam Singer are both quality guys.
Adam still works his day job as a research scientist with a Masters in biological engineering (or something like that) while still finding the time to train world champions from the ground up.
frankiscool - I know that Forrest has give tons of money and time to lots of charities.
One story that I'll share. Forrest and his gf at the time were at a WalMart or something around Christmas. He was talking with the cashier about buying gifts...she doesn't know who he is....but she mentions something about getting her kids gifts off layaway at some other store...no big deal. When he pays, he slips her an extra $100. I know he did this a few times.
I can't even begin to tell you some of the huges checks he's written to some charities. And shit, the guy has signed pics, gloves, etc for me when I needed extra cash...and let me sell his tshirts through his webpage and given me a %.
Forrest is a good dude.
That's cool. I didn't know that about him. To be honest I wasn't really a Forrest fan but this helps haha.
I think Houston Alexander gets way too much hate. He's definitely not a complete fighter, and I don't think he should fight top talent anymore. But as a person, he's a great man.
STORY TIME: So I'm listening to an Alexander radio interview shortly after his loss to Irvin, and at the end he gave out his e-mail address. He told people to "just leave your phone number" because he's "not an e-mail guy" and he'd rather "just talk with the fans." So I figured, what the hell, I'll e-mail him, give him a few kind words, and drop my number to see if anything actually happens.
No more than three hours later, I get a phone call with the area code 402. I didn't think anything of it, so I answered it, and a deep voice said "Is this John?" I was like "Uh yea...who's this?" And he goes "It's Houston, man." I was in shock that he ACTUALLY called, so soon no less, and he just wanted to call to thank me for his support and he wanted to "get to know the fans." I kept it short, because I'm sure he had a few numbers to call, so I told him that if he keeps treating the fans this way he will ALWAYS have people supporting him, no matter what happens in the fight.
He told me to keep his number and call him if I needed anything. I never did lol but I still have his number saved on the phone I still have. Awesome man, I don't care if he never wins again, nobody will ever take away from him as a human being.