Entertainers or Athletes

     The UFC is becoming more and more popular with every televised match. People are tuning in for pay per views by the millions and many more jump on their favorite website to watch the same fights being web casted. An amazing accomplishment given the simplicity of sport fighting. Those who train a discipline of martial arts know why they watch, athletes and sports fans know why they watch it. But what draws in the average Joe? What is it about the UFC and its analogs that is getting them those great ratings... Where are the showmen?

    One Jason "Mayhem" Miller answered that call. While working his way through the Japanese circuit, he established himself with his entrances. A moment of pure spectacle, the showman presents himself. Now i know that cage fighting is very serious because quite frankly if you aren't focused... you are gonna pay for it. But i still appreciate seeing some character. "Mayhem" may not have had the most stellar record in cage fighting with no wins in the UFC, however he was fearless. An athlete and a showman. "Mayhem" recently was released from his contract over an unknown incident behind the scenes at a weigh in. But regardless, thanks for the show, and with all due respect, it was much more fun watching you bleed in the ring than it has been with anyone else.  So farewell "Mayhem", and don't piss anyone else off or else no one will get to see you fight anymore.

Jason "Mayhem" Miller is released from the UFC

I Can Relate

Any traditional instructor will tell his students that the belt has significance. It represents your time in the system and how much you have learned. However, to make sure students don't get a big head. Their instructor may remind you that beyond showing rank a belt is just there to keep your Gi closed.
    A title belt however is more like a trophy or an accolade. Something to display and be proud of. Recently one Vinny Magalhaes decided that his title belt was nothing he wanted to display and remember and put it on e-bay at a starting bid of 0.09 cents. BRILLIANT!
 The article states that he was having conflict of interests with the organization who awarded him the belt and found a very direct way to let them know he was cutting ties for good. I personally have destroyed a 1st prize trophy awarded to me. It was liberating. I felt the organization running the competition was barely organized and I hated the hierarchy there. I ended up having to fight only my own classmates for the trophy. So when we got home we took turns kicking and chopping this 4 foot trophy into bits. In any case I feel Vinny Magalhaes selling his belt was a right proper F.U. It was his belt and he can do what wants with it. But what do you think. read the article and weigh in with your thoughts in the comments.
Cage Fighter Sells Title belt on E-Bay