Fighters Only

Issue 106

October 2013

This is your page to tell us what you think of all things Fighters Only and MMA. Get your feelings off your chest where it really matters – in print! Send us your best pictures with your favorite fighters, or copies of FO, and we’ll print them too.

WHAT A TRIP

On one of our first dates, my husband and I watched UFC 1 on a VHS tape. We bonded over our affinity for martial arts. Cut to 17 years later, we purchased UFC 162 Fan Expo tickets for our 15th wedding anniversary. When we got in the car and headed for Vegas, we had no idea what was in store for us.

The first event we attended was the Dana White Q&A. I had a question I thought of a few years ago. My husband said it was a great question and I should give it a try. So, I waited in line and heard many people asking for things from Dana White, like tickets, and to meet fighters, even job opportunities.

There was a young man behind me on crutches. He and I started to talk about his health. He was epileptic and came here to ask Dana White for medical information about the treatment that Dana recently underwent for his Meniere’s disease, because he believes it will help him. I let him go ahead of me because it was close to the end and his question was more important than mine. Dana told the young man he would help him, and I was so floored at his generosity after constantly being asked for things.

I asked Dana my question about his unique perspective of looking at the fighters during the weigh-ins stare down, and if he notices any patterns that foretell the outcomes of the fight. He started to answer my questions, then stopped and asked me if I want to see for myself, by standing on stage with him at the weigh-ins. I could not believe it. Of course, I said yes!

When the time came, Dana had me come on stage, he introduced me to everyone and my mind was blown. It was like a dream. I then was able to stand on stage and see the fighters stare each other down. I cannot put into words how exciting it was. Dana was so kind. I was freaked out beyond belief and in awe of the whole experience. I will never forget it. My son and family watched it live on television, and my son and husband both think I am beyond cool. I want to thank Dana and the only way I can think of repaying him is by spreading the word that Dana White is the real deal.

Stephanie Barden, Hesperia, California

READER TWEETS

@begt: Dear @RondaRousey, If my boyfriend@Bernard_Oliver runs into u and confesses his love at #UFCFanExpo, please respond with an armbar.

@redhedneck: Man we really met some of the nicest dudes at the @ufcfanexpo. You just have no idea how humble the majority of mma fighters are...

@ForTheLoveOfBJJ: Must like Overeem with Bigfoot.If u are in the UFC u must have some skills and Weidman did but Silva thought otherwise.He just got caught.

@nickyBsaysthis: I mean... Anderson got knocked out. He also wasnt being smart. Can’t take it away from Weidman but come on. I’d like to see a rematch

@AttackButton: @MieshaTate OH MY! Your #body issue of #ESPN Miesha, I know we don’t know eachother but I think we should get married. ;) love ya girl haha

FIGHT TWEETS

@MattSerraUFC

Words can’t describe how I’m feeling right now!!! Beyond happy proud & excited for

@ChrisWeidmanUFC

@julesk_fighter

Don’t boo Anderson Silva. The man has delivered an incredible legacy and set the bar higher than anyone

@danawhite

If ur not a JOE DIRT fan UNFOLLOW me cause u have no taste!

@ChrisWeidmanUFC

God is good! Thanks to everyone that believed in me!! Belts coming back to longisland baby!!

@JoeJitsu

You really feel like you’ve “made it” the first time you sign a girls chest! #ufcfanexpo