Issue 136

December 2015

In one of the most daringly illegal fight finish attempts in MMA history, Samir al Mansouri attempted to choke out Ali Hassan using the bottom rope in their welterweight encounter at the small-hall Merseburger Fight Night event. Thankfully the referee spotted the devious move and stood both men up before putting them back into position in the center of the canvas. The fight was eventually scored a draw, with Hassan likely treated for rope burns.

West Virginia, US: ‘Brown Bomber’ drops his load

Unfortunately for those in attendance, Ruckus in the Cage heavyweight Daniel Cooper literally beat the crap out of rival Travis Wolford to the extent that the cage needed to be washed out for the fight card to continue. After landing a barrage of ground ‘n’ pound hammerfists, Cooper switched to a guillotine choke, which allowed everyone to see that Wolford had defecated in his shorts.

England, UK: Don’t mess with the ref!

Referee and FO Third Man Marc Goddard proved his combat credentials by scooping double gold in the NoGi British Open jiu-jitsu tournament, conquering both the elite and absolute divisions in October. “It was tough,” he explains to FO. “I’m getting older and the field is getting younger.” 

Worldwide: McGregor show goes global

Notorious, the documentary about the life of Conor McGregor produced by Irish broadcaster RTE, is going international. Broadcasters in Australia, Europe and Africa have picked up the show, which first screened in Ireland last year. Four airlines also bought the rights to add it to their in-flight entertainment.

California, US: Diaz rolls up as a judge

Nick Diaz didn’t have any issues with pesky athletic commissions in his last gig, working as a judge at the First Annual XO Gold Cup marijuana lifestyle convention at the San Bernardino, California. Nick and his brother Nate were guest officials responsible for crowning the winner of the indicas class of cannabis at the event, which also featured live music, a car show and tattoo vendors.

West Virginia, US: $800k

The amount raised via GoFundMe to pay the medical bills of former amateur MMA fighter and Oregon college massacre hero Chris Mintz. He took five bullets as he charged the lone gunman to save his classmates at Umpqua Community College and miraculously survived.