We are half way through the year, here’s where we’re at:

Woahhh We're Half Way There

We have done some pretty big things this year already folks and it’s about half way through so let’s recap on some of the changes and maybe even update a few things.

MMA Rule Changes In PA:  Without giving too much away, (nudge, wink) things are going to be a little different around here and for the better.  Pat yourselves on the back for this one because it took everyone’s efforts to make it happen.  Just remember one thing, when this sport blows up around here because promoters are having more shows now that the rules that may or may not be changing (*wink* points at you knowingly) try not to hate all of the new dumb fans who think they know stuff about fighting.  It happened in 05’ and we all survived just fine. Sorta.

Thick As Thieves:  You have helped push our number one sponsor to the upper echelon of T shirt stardom and for that I thank you. When Jeremiah first started sponsoring the site, Thick As Thieves was not much more than an idea and now not a day goes by where I don’t see someone rocking a TAT shirt whether it be on Bellator or Facebook.   You guys make me look really, really good and trust me, that ain’t easy with all the snarky imitations I have been tossing out lately.  

Check out the rest in the full entry:

Fight Club Pittsburgh: It’s hard to believe that this gym has been reborn and re-centered as the consensus number one training facility in the area.   Pittsburgh desperately needed a super facility and FCP owner and operator Mick Murrow (who will be pissed that I mentioned him by name) has done nothing less than a superior job of building one we can all be proud of.

When I first started working on this site there was a lot of talk about PA fighters avoiding the NAAFS and its formidable amateur tournament.    Now Pennsylvanian athletes are not only surviving inside the NAAFS cage but they are winning more than their fair share of bouts against opponents who at one time were thought to be completely superior.  The next step in our evolution is a Pittsburgh fighting series.

The Newest Super Gym in town is Wright’s Gym in Crafton, Pa.  Some of you may recognize that name because it is the semi – new location of Pittsburgh Muay Thai but the school is undergoing an MMA facelift of sorts and is putting together a serious cast of talents.  They will be pulling in coaches from the Cobra wrestling club, Steel city jiu jitsu, Pittsburgh Muay thai and rounded out under the careful eye of the Independent Crew’s Brian Pfeifer.   With all of the aforementioned ingredients, this school will be producing some of the area’s top tier athletes for years to come.   More on this coming soon.

Warning:  Beware of Falling Opinions

To me fighting sports are like other peoples shot of whiskey after a hard day’s work.  I have loved these sports my entire life but have never quite understood what some meant when they said it was a dirty business.  After two full years on the business side of the game, I now know exactly what they are referring too.  In the last 23 months I have seen everything from promotions cancelling events at the last minute without notifying the fighter(s),  gym owners bad mouthing their own fighters who’ve helped create their brand and company owners spreading rumors and lies for their own very small benefit.   

I’m not a save the whales type of guy;  I realize that whales die and on the same line people will do shady things for their own benefit and will continue to do so til the end of time. But if the purest sport in the world is tainted by the frauds that surround it safely on the outside of the fence, I’m not sure much farther it will or can progress.

This sport showcases some of the world’s bravest men and women but unfortunately is surrounded by some of its biggest cowards. 

The only way this will improve is if the people involved, the fans, coaches, fighters and teams, demand more and accept nothing less than full and open transparency.  Remember you are the ones who make the show and there for generate the profits. Making a profit isn't a sin if you are careful not to exploit those who are helping you make it.   End rant. 

Editor Note: My memory is shot so if I am forgetting some important things that are jumping out at you and you would like to remind me (*cough Freestyle*) feel free to add those in the comments below.