John Dodson
Rising UFC fighter John Dodson was a decorated amateur wrestler, but he was more interested in pursuing his education than becoming a pro fighter.
That all changed when he was convinced to actually train at elite MMA coach Greg Jackson’s gym.
To Dodson, that was his first real fight.
He explained why to Sarah in a feature for Fightland.
To read it click here.
Filed under Jock Stuff, Shameless Promotion
Gigi Hadid
A few months back elite supermodel and sometimes martial arts student Gig Hadid elbowed a super-creep named Vitalii Sediuk in the head after he grabbed her when she was leaving an event.
Hadid’s elbow didn’t just land on buddy’s face, it also landed on the face of every similar creep who ever deserved it as well. In an aspirational sense, at least.
Sarah wrote about the complex aftermath of the elbow for Fightland.
To read about it click here.
Filed under Jock Stuff, Shameless Promotion
Cris Cyborg
There’s a weird dog whistle commentary that goes on when some people talk about Cris “Cyborg” Justino, who’s probably the best female fighter on the planet.
People comment on her looks, they comment on the fact she once got popped for performance enhancing drugs, and they comment on the weird dance she’s had to do to find people willing to fight her.
What they haven’t done enough of — at least until now — is acknowledge the literal life-or-death commitment Cyborg has given to mixed martial arts.
Sarah wrote about this for Fightland.
Filed under Jock Stuff, Shameless Promotion
Urijah Faber
Urijah Faber is one of the UFC’s longest serving and most recognizable fighters.
He’s also a person who successfully defended his mother’s and his family’s honour in one of the first fights he ever got into.
Sarah talked to Faber about it in a feature interview for Fightland.
To read it click here.
Filed under Jock Stuff, Shameless Promotion
Idris Elba
Out on the fringes of martial arts two famous people — actor Idris Elba and former professional wrestler CM Punk — have been making noises about competing in professional combat.
Punk has already had one MMA bout. It didn’t go well. Elba, meanwhile, is actively training to compete in muay thai.
While few people think their journeys will be filled with victories, they will be filled with teachable moments the rest of us can learn from.
Sarah wrote about these for Fightland.
To read her story click here.
Filed under Films, Jock Stuff, Shameless Promotion, Television
I Overcame My Autism And All I Got Was This Lousy Anxiety Disorder: A Memoir
Risky Fuel 