by admin | Jul 18, 2010 | NEWS
RISING STAR As a former United States Marine and current member of the Minnesota National Guard, Mike “the Marine” Richman embodies the “Warrior Ethos.” Upon graduation from Rosemount Senior High School in suburban Minneapolis, Richman enlisted with the United States Marine Corps. Richman’s served four years of active duty based out of Camp Pendleton, California, and was deployed to Iraq on three separate occasions. Richman received an honorable discharge from the Marine Corps in January 2008, achieving the rank of Sergeant, but still had the itch to serve. The United States Marine Corps Reserves, however, did not have an infantry unit in Minnesota. With a desire to stay close to family and pursue a career in mixed martial arts, Richman joined the Minnesota National Guard, and currently works full time as a recruiter and holds the rank of Staff Sergeant. At just 24 years old, Richman boasts an impressive 8-0 record, with 7 submission victories and 1 knockout. Standing at 5’9 and weighing 145 pounds with a background in boxing and brazilian jui-jitsu, this featherweight has already gained a reputation for continuously pushing the pace and engaging in exciting fights. Richman currently trains with Sergio Cunha at the Minnesota Fight Factory located in Burnsville, Minnesota. You can see videos of Richman’s fights by clicking here and here....
by admin | Jul 17, 2010 | NEWS
The United States Marine Corps and the Ultimate Fighting Championship formed a new formal cross-marketing partnership early this year. For fans and Marines, most probably saw this partnership as beneficial to the sport and for the image of the Corps. In a February article published in the Marine Corps Times online, Gunnery Sergeant Pauline Franklin stated “we did a lot of investigation into it. The image UFC [once] had was not as closely in line with our core values. A lot of people still think of it as a blood sport, but they are not familiar with the new organization.” There is no doubt that Marines and UFC athletes both share what is considered the “warrior ethos.” I believe this to be true for the vast majority of mixed martial artists, and one of the reasons mixed martial arts is an amazing sport.
by Rob Maysey | Jun 7, 2010 | NEWS
An Open Letter to Lorenzo Fertitta (and Dana White)
In response to a question regarding the potential unionization of fighters asked during the UFC Fan Expo 2010, you responded by stating the UFC had no position, either in support of or against such efforts. “We have no role. . . That’s entirely up [to the] fighters.” I fully agree, and your public acknowledgment of the UFC’s complete neutrality is admirable and greatly appreciated.
