Mixed Martial Arts & Athletes

My Muay Thai and Jiu-jitsu classes are difficult. Prior to each session for both arts, the class has to endure intense conditioning which requires a certain amount of skill. And even after we as a class have somehow made it past conditioning, there is still the actual concentration and physical longevity for the next hour and a half to learn and practice the techniques of the day properly. But we go through this knowingly and despite the sweat, blood and occasional whining we are better human beings for it. Some of us commit to the regiment because we just love mixed martial arts and the training gives us a higher sense of communication with aspects of the sport, some of us just want a good workout and for the very select few, there is the desire to compete at the "big show."

I understand cutting weight is also a skill, it requires much discipline and patience. But there is no way in hell that it is as hard to cut weight as it is to commit to constant conditioning and building of proper technique for either the stand-up or ground game.

Thiago Alves is a prime example of a floozy participant of mixed martial arts (Gina, you too) and yes, I did hesitate to use the word athlete. Sure, he's got great leg kicks and some decent knees but his inability to make weight as a headliner for another overseas card with the pay and bonuses he would have received is ridiculous. The sport is truly burgeoning right now, and I for one cannot wait till the concept of mixed martial arts and athlete can truly be used in unison with all the respect that should be there in its usage.

4 lbs?! C'mon, that's nothing!

I think back to the Ultimate Fighter Season 1 where Chuck was spitting something of a verbal tirade to Dana about a fighter's lack of dedication (was it during one of the desert obstacle courses?) and though he was stumbling, muttering, cursing and speaking about IV needles  and such...Chuck, I totally agree.