MMA - mixed martial arts training

The rumors are true, and just like the cliche' everything is bigger in Texas, the drives, the crowds and the excitment of our latest show. I have just returned from McAllen Texas and the latest IFC show, "Rumble on the Rio". The brand new Dodge Arena played host to our latest contest of skill and tenacity. The show like any other, was not without its problems. Commission paper work, no-show fighters , and last minute glitches added to some of the curve balls that were thrown our way. As always , Paul Smith and Co. have managed to deliver a spectacular show with up and coming fighters. The most obvious question was how the fighters and crowd were going to react to the open handed rules since closed fists were not allowed by the commission. The answer to the open handed question was quickly answered when the first few fighters opened up with huge open handed strikes and the action proceeded accordingly.

The crowd did not seem too concerned with the state of striking rules , they just wanted to see any form of striking. One fact brought up to me by a submission wizard that will remain nameless was that he was surprised by how respectful the crowd was when the fighters would go to the ground . Sometimes at shows, the crowd grows beligerent when the action goes to the ground. Not in Texas, they appreciated any display of skill. Definitely A nice change.

Texas has a great attitude towards sports and boxing is huge there. It only made sense that mma would be just as big. As the crowd entered the spacious Dodge Arena , you could feel the excitement. The fighters were abuzz and you could feel the anticipation in the air.

The show went off without a hitch and the crowd was especially pleased. What made the show even more spectacular was the great people that we met while we were down there. Everyone was enthusiastic and supportive as well as very willing to help out. Texas loves its mma and it looks like its not going anywhere soon.

Other news: Badbreed.tv, with whom i have had a casual working relationship with, was on hand to capture all of the excitement for future dvd release. Having badbreed there is a treat because they are the only current production company covering as many mma shows as quickly as they do in the mma world. If that weren't enough, they are also starting a new paper called "American Fighter" that will cover the most up to date events in the mma world and will be contributed by yours truly.

A friend of mine just got back from England and brought back something called "Salad Cream", by Heinz. Is it mayonaisse, or is it salad dressing? Since i am in the middle of a training circuit, I don't think that I will find out any time soon, but it does look intriguing. I will say this, I did try some of the English made Chocolate, and the "Flake Bar" is a definite treat.....Just as I was writing this, a group of first graders came to my door singing Christmas carols. Here I am trying to tell you stories about American MMA and I am being interrupted by a bunch of toothless 7 year olds singing about a jolly fat man........

Back to mma: Yves Edwards. You may have heard of him. He has fought in the UFC a few times and is a genuine bad ass. I didn't get a chance to interview at our last show, but I did get a chance to see him interact with his fighters. Edwards is huge for a lightweight and you can see that this guy is a warrior. One thing you might not know is that this guy is very intelligent and very resourceful. Seeing him corner his fighters was a treat. If there is a situation or encounter, Edwards knows at least three different ways to get out of it. I don't know what he tells his guys before they fight, but these cats are extremely calm and collected. I didn't get a chance to see his last fight , but I heard it was a powerful performance. Edwards comes prepared and is ready to bang. Word has it, he might be fighting in California next month at the WEC in Lemoore. If that is the case, I suggest you check this guy out, he will be there to fight.

While in Texas, I had a chance to hang out with Andy Anderson. You might remember this gentleman from the early UFC's where he fought the giant John Hess. Andy Anderson has a huge reputation as a partying legend, and I am here to tell you the rumors are true. Andy Anderson is indeed a partying legend who has a heart of gold. Did I get to party with Andy? No, I was too busy working and keeping things going with the show. How do I know he is the real deal? I saw the aftermath. Fighters and associated mma brass dragging in at seven in the morning holding their stomachs. Andy kept some people out of Mexican prison. Andy bought enough drinks to drown 20 sailors at the after party when he opened a tab for all of the fighters. While I didn't get to drink with him, i did get to talk to him and he has more mma stories than just about anybody out there. Some of the stories can never be told to the public, they are just too scandalous. This sport is filled with great people and great sto!ries and Andy Anderson is both. If you get a chance, hang out with this guy. He is a hoot.

The upcoming new year:

2004 is fast approaching and we are gearing up for a big year here in America. There are several match ups that are waiting to happen and the b-level shows are battling for supremecy. In my humble opinion, 2004 is going to be the judgement year for several mma related companies and organizations. With mainstream dollars out there waiting to be grabbed, the competition will be tighter and tighter. The fighters to watch in the next year include, Nick Diaz, Mike Kyle, Jeremy Horn who is going to be back in a huge way and of course the never ending reign of Matt Hughes. Jennifer Howe will be the female fighter of the year, but Judy Neff will be back to bring some pain as well.

A special thanks needs to go out to Met-rx who helped with the IFC battle bags which are gift bags for fighters who fight for the IFC. Met-rx sponsored the battle bags in conjunction with Badbreed.tv and they were a huge success. Met-rx who has been there for mma since the beginning, kicked down with protein bars and powders as well as some rtd drinks. I sincerely ask you guys to support the companies that support the sport. I only buy Athletic gear and products from companies that support our sport. It just makes sense, so if there is a local or national company that helps out your sport or team, support them and let them know you appreciate them. This is the time to pull together and get all of the factors to this sport together.

Pay attention to the World Extreme Cagefighting website, wec.tv, I will be doing some direct interviews with some of their headliners for their January show. In the next couple of collumns, I will be conducting more interviews as well as mma scene updates. If you have any questions, comments, or story ideas, please write me at dustin@ifc-usa.com, I look forward to your suggestions.

Email me at dustin@ifc-usa.com