Issue 055
October 2009
This is YOUR page to tell us what you think of all things Fighters Only and MMA! What do you like? What don’t you like? Who do you want to see fight who? Send us your pictures of you with fighters – and if you can slip a copy of FO into the pic, even better! Write or email in and the most interesting letter gets an FO T-shirt.
Write to us, including your contact details, by email to [email protected]
What makes an MMA fan?
I am a bit concerned about a certain attitude creeping in towards fans of MMA. The article ‘How To Bluff your Way in MMA’ struck a chord with me that hurt a little. I keep hearing the phrase ‘armchair fan’ popping up. I am getting the feeling that people need to prove what kind a fan they are. I have no shame in admitting that I first came across MMA because of the first season of TUF.
At first like many, I thought it was just a slugging match, but as I watched the series I started to appreciate the hard work, skill and training that goes into it. By watching fights with the commentary I have also learnt to appreciate that good fights aren’t always the ones with the most blood. I am nearly 50 and also not physically capable of getting in the Octagon or ring, in fact I don’t like getting hit very much either (I’m not going to say ‘If I were a younger, able man’). I don’t know many other people who watch it personally and though I have a T-shirt, I don’t parade it around to attract attention or be something I’m not.
But I honestly do enjoy the sport. I appreciate the dedication and bravery of those who fight in the sport. I am no expert and have never been good at remembering the facts and figures of fights, though I recognize and know something about the fighters now. I hope one day to be able to afford to go to a fight for real but for now I am an ‘armchair fan’. Is there any shame in that? Surely with all sports or other interests there are different levels of involvement from fans, from doing it, to going to all events or concerts or just watching it on TV or buying the albums.
I have never been interested in other sports (music is my thing writing, performing and listening). Does this make me a plastic or pretend fan? Aren’t I worthy to say I am a fan? It would be a shame if snobbery crept into the world of MMA. How will its popularity grow if people are allowed to participate at the level they are happy with? It will alienate a lot of potential fans. This is a great magazine, thank you. It keeps me in touch and tells me more about the first sport I have ever really shown an interest in.
?Vin
ED: Well Vin, what can we say. You’ve proved right there that an ‘armchair fan’ can be just as passionate a fan as one who trains, or goes to every fight event they can. We’re glad you like the magazine and that you’ve found a sport you love.
GALLERY
Here is a picture of me with Chuck Liddell at the UFC 102 showing at the Bennigans in downtown Chicago. I was lucky enough to get a picture and his autograph. Fighters Only magazine is the best MMA magazine out here right now and I look forward to getting it every month. Keep up the good work.
Steve Nino Bondoc, Chicago, Illinois
Hello, I know you wanted pics of people with fighters but here is a pic of me and 1996 Olympic gold medalist in heavyweight freestyle wrestling and TNA Wrestling star Kurt Angle!
Bryan Reynolds, Wilmington, NC
Hi Fighters Only, Here is a drawing I did of Minotauro Noguiera out of one of the back issues I’ve seen. I did it whilst listening to a Vaughan Williams CD (who says fight fans aren’t cultured? Ha Ha!). Hope you like it.
Dylan Timms.
