Paulo Filho's Side of the Story

by Kid Nate on Nov 8, 2008 11:35 AM EST in News Comment 36 comments

Paulofilho2_medium Josh Gross talks to Paulo's people:

True to his word, Paulo Filho has agreed to vacate the WEC middleweight belt after losing unanimously on points to Chael Sonnen on Wednesday. Flying back to Los Angeles from Florida the day after what was supposed to be a five-round championship fight, Filho's manager, Ed Soares, said he planned on shipping the belt to Sonnen as soon as he could.

...

Having returned to his locker room after refusing to engage for 15 minutes, Filho (16-1), told several times he'd lost, reacted as if he was unaware the fight had even reached its conclusion, Soares said.

Soon, Filho drew attention from doctors when the dilation of his pupils didn't match. Later that evening, however, the 30-year-old grappler was released from a local hospital, his eyes functioning as close to normal as they'd done all night.

And GonzoDamon in the Fightlinker forums has some commentary on the kind of issues Paulo's been dealing with:

I’m trying to find the article where it specifically mentioned that Filho went through a pretty hardcore withdrawal from painkillers at rehab clinic in Brazil. I assume that his money paid for a good clinic, but you never know.

Regardless, recovering from years of opiate abuse is VERY TOUGH. The generally accepted knowledge is that is takes your nervous system/body/mental equilibrium as long to recover from opiate abuse as you have used. With this in mind, I don’t that we will see the buzzsaw Paulo for quite some time.

This was a man who’s pride, love of fighting, and dedication to his team/organization/self led him to step into the cage WAY BEFORE he should have. I saw a man on Wednesday night in that cage that is still in the beginning stages of recovery. It only factors in slightly that Paulo is physically fit. Withdrawal and recovery is mostly mental. No amount of training is going to be able to trick your body and mind that you aren’t adjusting to producing your own dopamine again, which is at a greatly reduced rate than usual.

The imbalance of dopamine in the body can have some seriously overwhelming effects. Also, who knows what he is being prescribed to help recover? There are tons of different medicines prescribed during opiate withdrawal and recovery - most very serious medication.

Having spent a lot of time around recovering addicts and studied the whole system myself, I can do nothing but hope the best for Paulo. It is unfortunate that he is receiving all of this negativity from people that couldn’t even begin to understand his struggle. The fact that he managed to convince himself to take this fight at all is remarkable. It was an embarrassing performance indeed, but it pales in comparison to what he is already going through personally.

I wish you the best Paulo. May your recovery be swift. May you find your happiness again in a world without opiates. I hope that you make it through these rough times and remember the dominant fighter that you can be again.

I have to echo those sentiments. Pain killer addiction is no laughing matter. I feel bad for both Filho and Sonnen in this debacle. Its too bad the fight wasn't cancelled sooner. I hope Paulo has some good friends around him right now.

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Considering all the warning signs ahead of time, I’m surprised WEC/Versus went ahead with showing that fight live.

by smoogy on Nov 8, 2008 11:53 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

If Filho is going to be recovering for a long time, why not hand that belt over immediately to Sonnen. Don’t cheat either fight and most of all don’t cheat the fans who will have to wait months and months just to see another title defense.

by Fluke on Nov 8, 2008 12:00 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

they could’ve booked an title fight for Chael.
But I’m sure there was a lot of pressure to get Filho back in the cage. He needed the money I’m sure. And for the WEC it must’ve been a priority to get him on the card before the division went away.

by Kid Nate on Nov 8, 2008 12:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

To be fair..

People are speculating. There is no official evidence regarding what Filho’s struggles presently are. And I’m almost positive there are no official reports of how severely he abused. It’s obvious he has some serious issues, but that FL commentary went from cautious speculation to essentially damning his detractors.

Drug abuse is a serious thing. But I know enough from my personal life not to feel bad for people who abuse drugs. Because they abused drugs.

by Blackout612 on Nov 8, 2008 12:18 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

We’ll have to differ on that.
Drug addiction and alcoholism are diseases. Personal responsibility has a huge amount to do with it, but the evidence is pretty clear that there’s a huge genetic component too. And my personal experience leads me to a great deal of sympathy for people battling these demons.

by Kid Nate on Nov 8, 2008 1:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I have sympathy for anyone battling demons (like Filho) but not for those embracing them (like Junie, to flagellate the deceased equine). If Paulo was getting advice from non-existent cornermen, he really shouldn’t have been fighting. I hope he goes on hiatus to sort this mess out. Even if he never fights again, he needs to get stable. Evan Tanner beat his demons and fought again.

Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better. -Samuel Beckett

by themachiavellian on Nov 8, 2008 1:58 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

so I suppose when someone’s granny dies of lung cancer you say “ha ha you stupid old bitch, shouldn’t have smoked cigarettes”

by Kid Nate on Nov 8, 2008 1:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Haha. I like Kid Nate’s first, measured response, followed one minute later by a more irate rejoinder!

by klown on Nov 8, 2008 1:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

sorry, didn’t mean to lose my cool!

Was just thinking of some of the musicians I’ve known who died from alcoholism and it really is a disease. Sure they were dumbasses for drinking in the first place but who doesn’t drink in the first place? Its just those among us who can’t escape from demon rum that pay the big price.

by Kid Nate on Nov 8, 2008 2:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

If she smoked, then i would have said it a lot more tactfully but yes…she shouldnt have smoked if she didnt want to die from lung cancer.

Take responsibility for your actions and the consequences of those actions.

by iiowyn on Nov 8, 2008 2:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Absolutely. But I think its critical to extend sympathy to those whose mistakes and fuck ups cost them.

I try to be a hard ass with myself and forgiving of other people.

Most would rather point fingers at others while they make excuses for their own antics.

by Kid Nate on Nov 8, 2008 2:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I try to be a hard ass with myself and forgiving of other people.

especially considering that whatever emotional reasons the person has for abuse probably is being compounded by the negativity of others towards that person’s faults. Things get exponential when you realize much substance abuse is to hide from one’s own faults in the first place.

by asa on Nov 8, 2008 3:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

What the fuck are you talking about?

Should have probably stuck with your first take. Who says I’m making light of his addiction? That’s an absurd and irresponsible implication. I have my own personal experiences to create an impression off of, so don’t wave your hands in my face like I’m shrugging at someones misfortune. I’m not going to argue philosophies and medical opinions on drug abuse with you, but I disagree with your position on the matter. When someone is addicted to heroin you merely chalk it up to disease? They did heroin. You don’t just go looking for it out of genetic obligation. Sometimes that sort of symphathy motivates addiction.

by Blackout612 on Nov 8, 2008 3:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

It’s really a combination of genetic susceptibilities and exposure to the drug IMO. You could have a predisposition to a drug, but if you’re never exposed to it and you never take that first leap to try it, nothing will really come of it. Even more interesting are people who seem to have a genetic predisposition to not like a drug, such as the small percentage of people who have extremely averse reactions to things like cocaine and nicotine.

by ilostmydog on Nov 8, 2008 3:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Sometimes that sort of symphathy motivates addiction.

Most likely if that reason is not used as the basis for treatment. Addicts often blame themselves for the addiction as well because its the only way they can handle [insert reason/problem] so mentioning genetic predisposition might be used as a reason for them to avert the blame of others onto genes, it is then often diverted as the reason to begin treatment; because you can’t fight your genes by yourself, you need medical help.

Sorry for the run-on sentence. I’m not trying to disagree w/your views, just wanted to point out another function of the “disease” theorem in multi-stage addiction treatment.

Personally, I dislike the use of the word “Disease” as I believe it has too much of a head-game-framing aesthetic to it.

by asa on Nov 8, 2008 4:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

most painkiller addicts got the prescriptions from their doctors.

Didn’t mean to be rude. Didn’t say you were making light of his addiction.

You’re grossly oversimplifying my position as well.

The whole mess makes me sad and bummed out, I don’t really have a handle on what your response is other than wanting to condemn people for “using drugs” — news flash, 99% of the population uses drugs ALL THE TIME — nicotine, caffeine, alcohol, tylenol3, vicodin, etc etc. They all have their uses, they all have their downsides, some more than others.

To me chemicals are just chemicals, not some kind of moral litmus test.

by Kid Nate on Nov 8, 2008 4:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I cant even count the number of times I have gone through caffeine withdrawal =X

by iiowyn on Nov 8, 2008 5:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I mirrored your implication that I would laugh at a dead grandmother over lung cancer. That’s absolutely ridiculous.

And I did not condemn anyone. As a journalist, who seems to have a relatively firm grasp of the English language, I’m willing to bet you have a pretty good idea that indicating I do not sympathize is miles from condemnation. Don’t jump to conclusions.

I’ve made it clear the drug use I’m talking about. I won’t attack you for how you feel about the matter. Our outlooks are particular to our experiences. I ask that you don’t assume to know what circumstances have brought me to mine, because I have no desire to discuss them in a mixed martial arts forum. I’m not straight edge, Nate. Look at my fucking handle..

by Blackout612 on Nov 8, 2008 8:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

this thread really has gotten deep, I really was hating on filho for everything but in light of all this I hope he wins this battle and the many that are sure to follow, we all make mistakes some bigger than others but second chances and sometimes third are a part of life

all you gotta do is...

by imapimp08 on Nov 8, 2008 10:13 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I hope he does too. But I don’t want to make excuses for his inability to make weight and/or be prepared for his fights. It’s not just about him, there are many parties involved. I think that’s a good middle ground.

by Blackout612 on Nov 8, 2008 10:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

cool, glad your not damning him to an eternity without parole, with a good group helping him and not enabling him, he could turn out as a sign to other people fighting addictions that they can be overcome

all you gotta do is...

by imapimp08 on Nov 8, 2008 11:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I don’t feel that the criticism Filho received before the fight was out of line. Like it or not, that comes with his job. However, I really don’t see the good in beating the guy up any further. No one outside the people closest to him really know the extent to which his drug dependency has affected him. Personal responsibility is something I hold in high regard. Something I don’t believe in is raking a person over the coals when there’s really no constructive reason to do so. Sonnen was put in a bad situation. I hate that he didn’t get the opportunity to win the belt, but that’s all over. I just hope that both guys are able to move on with their careers and lives.

by Cannon Jacques on Nov 8, 2008 2:13 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I agree with some criticism of Filho for not handing over the belt after the fight, and not getting after it more but nobody knows the whole story but Paulo. Sure im a fan of and i feel bad for Sonnen, but I feel bad for Paulo too. A vast majority of posters here and for that matter of people in general have not the first clue about opiate addiction and how serious it is. The depletion of dompamine aswell as unthinkable pain in withdrawal are just the beginning of the problems someone coming off them will face. I myself can relate being a mixed martial artist having battled opiate dependency for years. There was a point in my life where I had a $300 dollar a day oxycontin habit. The training while on and then coming off these drugs is like day and night, you don’t feel at all yourself for A VERY LONG time! As far as people taking responsibility for themselves well reasons vary case to case. I myself and alot of people were prescribed these drugs from a doctor not at all aware of the potential for the devistation that could arise. True alot of us were aware of the POSSIBILTY of addiction but not at all to the extent to which is actually possible. I wish both Chael and Paulo the best of luck and I hope both of their careers will flourish again.

by irepdaronx on Nov 8, 2008 2:26 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Gonzodamon is incorrect about rohypnol. It’s not an opiate, it’s a benzodiazepine. Withdrawal from benzos is not the same as withdrawal from opiates.

by ilostmydog on Nov 8, 2008 3:13 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I’m still wondering if Filho is still going through these symptoms like his corner says he is then how on earth did he get cleared to fight?

by Tonley on Nov 8, 2008 4:05 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Drug use is EVERYONES fault

Lets not all be absurd up in here. We all should know this problem is wayyyy more complex than anyone gives it credit. Truth is, who isn’t to blame….
-Paulo: decided to abuse a drug to fix some problem in his life rather than find a more positive alternative.
-His coaches/friends/family: anytime someone gets mad messed up look at the people around them. They are probably too into their lives and haven’t given warning signs the attention they need.
-WEC: for putting him up to fighting, probably knowing he was not in condition to.
-Drug control/rehab: for being horrible at fixing the problems that people spend SO much tax money on.
-Society: for getting to the point where drug use isn’t all that abnormal.
-Modern athletics: which has gotten to the point that you probably either have to take steroids just to keep up with everyone else who does, or puts you in harms way so often that the constant pain backs you into pain killers.
-And of course the fans: who all had way too high of expectations for someone coming off of rehab without even doing research on what he was in there for.

Call Paulo a POS all you want, but just remember that if a few circumstances were different in your life, you could be right where he is.

by EazyEismydad on Nov 8, 2008 4:13 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

well put!

by Kid Nate on Nov 8, 2008 4:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Who says he has quit using them?

by DirtyML on Nov 8, 2008 5:02 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Go Sonnen

Does this guy deserve a top level fighter in his first fight in the UFC or what? Twice he has robbed of the respect that comes with beating a top 5 guy. Give him what he’s earned and let him fight Okami or something (Yushin will be free after Lister since we know hes never getting a title shot.

by EazyEismydad on Nov 8, 2008 5:08 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I’d like to see the beat down Sonnen would put on Bisping.

by Kid Nate on Nov 8, 2008 5:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

We blame everyone but ourselves...

I’m addicted to drugs, but it’s not my fault, it’s my friends and family’s fault for not helping me. It’s not my fault, it’s my genetics since I’m predisposed to being an addict. People are individuals. Your individuality makes you prone to addiction, but you’re also blessed with athletic abilities. People aren’t perfect; they need to deal with the hand they’re dealt.

I’m fat, but it’s not my fault. It’s my genetics. I have low self-esteem that’s why I eat so much and I don’t exercise because I’m lazy. Who’s fault is it?

Give me a break! In America, everyone wants to be a victim. People need to be responsible for their actions. If you’re predisposed to addiction, you need to get help yourself. It is up to you to stay away from drugs or alcohol. If you’re predisposed to getting fat, then you should eat less than the normal person and exercise more.

Lets stop the blame game. Should we stop not blame the murderers because they grew up in a bad neighborhood with drug addicted parents? No, we have no problem throwing their asses in jail, but yet, we should give alcoholics and drug addicts a free pass?

by cyph on Nov 8, 2008 6:34 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I've said this already

there’s a difference between taking responsibility for your own actions and pointing the finger at other people.
What you’re doing is the latter not the former, what I’m doing is extending some human sympathy to someone who’s damaged and fucked up and going through a terrible time.
Sorry about you being a fat drug addict.
; )

by Kid Nate on Nov 8, 2008 7:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Personally I don’t know Filho enough to extend mine. For all we know, he could be a selfish jerk who loves drugs over career. Since I don’t know enough about the situation, why should I sympathize with him?

And how am I pointing fingers? All I’m saying is that we should stop blaming people’s problems on their genes… it’s getting old. Filho is supposed to be a professional and it’s his job to show up, make weight, and fight. That’s what he’s paid to do. He didn’t do that. That is fact and is known to us. The rest of your conjecture is hearsay.

by cyph on Nov 8, 2008 8:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Why are people saying what drugs he is addicted to? Has there been any statement as to what he was addicted to?

Is everybody just talking out their ass?

wtf?

by dualdiagnosis on Nov 8, 2008 11:08 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

nothing else to talk about until next Saturday, then its on

all you gotta do is...

by imapimp08 on Nov 8, 2008 11:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I feel

for Paulo the person, but I’m kind of sick of Filho the fighter.

I’m sad that drugs, or whatever, are destroying this guys life and I hope what we saw was him recovering.

However, he and his team still acted unprofessionally. They committed to and took part in a fight they had no buisness in. They made promises about the title that they ultimately didn’t live up to, even though they easily could have.

I hope no one is holding their breath waiting for that belt to hit the mail.

Best of luck to Paulo Filho, I hope he gets straight and can come back to fighting, let alone leading a normal and productive life.

by Razreshat on Nov 10, 2008 8:51 AM EST reply actions 0 recs