Bowie V. Ibarra's Blog, page 20
March 8, 2014
FIGHTS: Preview - 'Puncher's Chance' from the 'Iron Head and Other Stories'
CHARITY ANTHOLOGY FROM 'FIGHT CARD' PUBLISHING FEATURES ZBFBOOKS.COM SHORT
by
Bowie V. Ibarra
It was an absolute privilege to participate in this fantastic charity anthology from Fight Card called 'Iron Head and Other Stories'. The publishing group is just the audience I've been looking to find for my 'Pit Fighters' series. At any rate, here's a preview of the ZBFbooks.com entry, 'Puncher's Chance'. If you enjoy the excerpt below, pick up a copy today. Proceeds go to a good cause. Here's the excerpt from the short story, "Puncher's Chance".
PUNCHER’S CHANCE
By
BOWIE V. IBARRA
Copyright Bowie Ibarra, Fight Card Books, 2013
This story is dedicated to my late father and my uncle who shared with me the enjoyment and appreciation of boxing.
To my uncle Carlos and Uncle Martin, who both participated in amateur boxing events.
To Mike ‘Night Train’ Trejo and Roman ‘Baby’ Trejo, who taught me the fundamentals of boxing.
To every boxer that ever stepped in the ring, and for every boxer who ever will. Thank you for honoring the sweet science that is boxing.
----
My brother’s an idiot.
I love him, but he’s an idiot.
Now, I’m not talking about him being stupid or something like that. He’s not stupid. Raymond’s amazing with numbers and has this almost savant-like talent to give you the exact time some event occurred, or the length of a movie. Like, he can tell you down to the second, or pretty close, really, the hours, minutes, and seconds a movie lasted after the credits roll. How useful that is in real life, I couldn’t tell you. But he can do it.
Look, what I’m trying to say here is he’s not an idiot, necessarily. He just makes bad choices.
That’s why when he came to me on the worst of the worst of days (I’d just lost my job and had rent to pay) to tell me he was in trouble, I knew his problems had nothing to do with numbers, but that he was in a bind for being an idiot.
Wait. Scratch that. Not for being an idiot, but for making bad choices.
And here I was, trying to ease the pain of my day with a few brews at The Montana Bar in San Uvalde when he rolls in.
“Rafael, I, uh, I need to talk to you,” he said to me, looking like someone had just walked over his grave.
Unfortunately, that impression was completely and totally correct. I knew something was up by the way he shook my hand. We always gave a jovial hand slap/grasp kind of thing before we embraced each other like brothers do. This time he just shook my hand and hugged me, not letting me go for a while. It was his scared hug. He didn’t do that very often, but I could tell when he did it that things were not right.
“No, ‘Hey, Rafael. What’s up? How was work?’” I replied to him.
“Man, look. I’m in trouble. I’m in big trouble.”
“What are you talking about, Raymond?” I asked, looking at him. He was shaking like a little Chihuahua that had pissed itself after being yelled at. I thought for a minute he actually had.
“I need you to come outside with me,” he said, indicating the exit to the dingy bar.
“Cops?” I asked.
“Worse,” he said.
I chugged the rest of my beer and placed a fiver on the bar to pay for my brew and leave a little tip before following him to the door. “Como que worse?” I asked.
I walked outside with him. Yeah, it was worse alright.
Rafael looked at me like a kid who had been caught with his hand in the cookie jar. He gulped. It reminded me exactly of how Tom of ‘Tom and Jerry’ fame gulped when he was in trouble, or about to get his head chopped off by Jerry in some cockamamie circumstance.
Speaking of, we’ll get back to that ‘head chopped off cockamamie circumstance’ thing in a minute, because I recognized the dudes that were standing by the car Raymond had led me to.
“Aguilar,” I growled at him. “You’re in trouble with the members of the Aguilar cartel?”
Rafael could do nothing else but nod at me. He looked down at the ground.
“Entrar en el coche,” the mustachioed dude in the cowboy hat, Wranglers, and straw hat snarled, waving us to enter the long white Cadillac parked next to the entrance. I could tell the dude held a piece under his leather vest.
“Take it easy, amigo,” I said, raising my hands up as I entered the vehicle. “Tranquilo. Tranquilo.”
As I got comfortable in my seat, I was quickly followed by Raymond. Two more dudes dressed in complete cowboy cartel chic sat in front of us. Both of them held automatic weapons. They smelled like cigarettes and cheap cologne.
Raymond looked at me, and all I could do was glare right back at his dumb ass.
“Don’t talk to me right now,” I said, turning to look out the window as the car drove off.
Man, I got to tell you, driving down Main Street of San Uvalde never felt so depressing, so sad. I felt like I was riding in a hearse, some kind of pall bearer that had got the word at the last minute that his brother was dead and was only moments away from putting said brother in the ground. That’s all that I could be reminded of sitting there, watching sights pass me by that Rafael would never see again. Hell, maybe I would never see again. I needed more information.
“Rafa,” I sighed. “You got to tell me what’s going on here. Are you in danger?”
Rafael just nodded.
I took a deep breath. “Am I in danger?” I followed up.
Rafael just nodded.
I took another deep breath. “Como que I’m in danger? Huh? What do you mean?”
Rafael shook his head. “Aguilar wanted to explain himself.”
“Good Lord,” I sighed. Aguilar is going to make me watch my brother get his head cut off. Had to be. “I swear to Buddha, Rafael, if he doesn’t cut your head off and we get out of this little pickle you got us into, I’ll cut your head off.”
“There’s hope,” he whispered. “There’s always hope.”
“Yeah. Sure. Tell that to the last few idiots that messed with the Aguilar cartel,” I shot back at him. God, Raymond could be such an idiot sometimes. Make bad choices sometimes. That’s my brother for you, though. Even in the darkest circumstances, he always held out hope.
---- What happens next? Pick up 'Iron Head and Other Stories' to find out what happens to the brothers as they travel to the deadly drug lord to settle a debt. Get it HERE. And if you like outstanding fight stories, then ZBFbooks.com has some picks for you. Pick up your copy of the 'Pit Fighters' series today in paperback or kindle. Follow the adventures of the fighters in the south Texas fight stable, San Uvalde International, in 'Baptism by Fire' and 'Double Cross'. Get them HERE. Check out the trailers and the book covers for both books below. 
BOWIE V. IBARRA is the author of the acclaimed 'Down the Road' zombie horror series from Permuted Press. He earned a BFA in Acting and a MA in Theatre History from Texas State University. His latest titles explore superhero themes, including 'Codename: La Lechusa', 'Room 26 and the Army of Xulhutdul', and 'Tejano Star and the Vengeance of Chaplain Skull'. Network with Bowie at his official website, ZBFbooks.com, the leader in Tex-Mexploitation literature.
by
Bowie V. Ibarra
It was an absolute privilege to participate in this fantastic charity anthology from Fight Card called 'Iron Head and Other Stories'. The publishing group is just the audience I've been looking to find for my 'Pit Fighters' series. At any rate, here's a preview of the ZBFbooks.com entry, 'Puncher's Chance'. If you enjoy the excerpt below, pick up a copy today. Proceeds go to a good cause. Here's the excerpt from the short story, "Puncher's Chance". PUNCHER’S CHANCE
By
BOWIE V. IBARRA
Copyright Bowie Ibarra, Fight Card Books, 2013
This story is dedicated to my late father and my uncle who shared with me the enjoyment and appreciation of boxing.
To my uncle Carlos and Uncle Martin, who both participated in amateur boxing events.
To Mike ‘Night Train’ Trejo and Roman ‘Baby’ Trejo, who taught me the fundamentals of boxing.
To every boxer that ever stepped in the ring, and for every boxer who ever will. Thank you for honoring the sweet science that is boxing.
----
My brother’s an idiot.
I love him, but he’s an idiot.
Now, I’m not talking about him being stupid or something like that. He’s not stupid. Raymond’s amazing with numbers and has this almost savant-like talent to give you the exact time some event occurred, or the length of a movie. Like, he can tell you down to the second, or pretty close, really, the hours, minutes, and seconds a movie lasted after the credits roll. How useful that is in real life, I couldn’t tell you. But he can do it.
Look, what I’m trying to say here is he’s not an idiot, necessarily. He just makes bad choices.
That’s why when he came to me on the worst of the worst of days (I’d just lost my job and had rent to pay) to tell me he was in trouble, I knew his problems had nothing to do with numbers, but that he was in a bind for being an idiot.
Wait. Scratch that. Not for being an idiot, but for making bad choices.
And here I was, trying to ease the pain of my day with a few brews at The Montana Bar in San Uvalde when he rolls in.
“Rafael, I, uh, I need to talk to you,” he said to me, looking like someone had just walked over his grave.
Unfortunately, that impression was completely and totally correct. I knew something was up by the way he shook my hand. We always gave a jovial hand slap/grasp kind of thing before we embraced each other like brothers do. This time he just shook my hand and hugged me, not letting me go for a while. It was his scared hug. He didn’t do that very often, but I could tell when he did it that things were not right.
“No, ‘Hey, Rafael. What’s up? How was work?’” I replied to him.
“Man, look. I’m in trouble. I’m in big trouble.”
“What are you talking about, Raymond?” I asked, looking at him. He was shaking like a little Chihuahua that had pissed itself after being yelled at. I thought for a minute he actually had.
“I need you to come outside with me,” he said, indicating the exit to the dingy bar.
“Cops?” I asked.
“Worse,” he said.
I chugged the rest of my beer and placed a fiver on the bar to pay for my brew and leave a little tip before following him to the door. “Como que worse?” I asked.
I walked outside with him. Yeah, it was worse alright.
Rafael looked at me like a kid who had been caught with his hand in the cookie jar. He gulped. It reminded me exactly of how Tom of ‘Tom and Jerry’ fame gulped when he was in trouble, or about to get his head chopped off by Jerry in some cockamamie circumstance.
Speaking of, we’ll get back to that ‘head chopped off cockamamie circumstance’ thing in a minute, because I recognized the dudes that were standing by the car Raymond had led me to.
“Aguilar,” I growled at him. “You’re in trouble with the members of the Aguilar cartel?”
Rafael could do nothing else but nod at me. He looked down at the ground.
“Entrar en el coche,” the mustachioed dude in the cowboy hat, Wranglers, and straw hat snarled, waving us to enter the long white Cadillac parked next to the entrance. I could tell the dude held a piece under his leather vest.
“Take it easy, amigo,” I said, raising my hands up as I entered the vehicle. “Tranquilo. Tranquilo.”
As I got comfortable in my seat, I was quickly followed by Raymond. Two more dudes dressed in complete cowboy cartel chic sat in front of us. Both of them held automatic weapons. They smelled like cigarettes and cheap cologne.
Raymond looked at me, and all I could do was glare right back at his dumb ass.
“Don’t talk to me right now,” I said, turning to look out the window as the car drove off.
Man, I got to tell you, driving down Main Street of San Uvalde never felt so depressing, so sad. I felt like I was riding in a hearse, some kind of pall bearer that had got the word at the last minute that his brother was dead and was only moments away from putting said brother in the ground. That’s all that I could be reminded of sitting there, watching sights pass me by that Rafael would never see again. Hell, maybe I would never see again. I needed more information.
“Rafa,” I sighed. “You got to tell me what’s going on here. Are you in danger?”
Rafael just nodded.
I took a deep breath. “Am I in danger?” I followed up.
Rafael just nodded.
I took another deep breath. “Como que I’m in danger? Huh? What do you mean?”
Rafael shook his head. “Aguilar wanted to explain himself.”
“Good Lord,” I sighed. Aguilar is going to make me watch my brother get his head cut off. Had to be. “I swear to Buddha, Rafael, if he doesn’t cut your head off and we get out of this little pickle you got us into, I’ll cut your head off.”
“There’s hope,” he whispered. “There’s always hope.”
“Yeah. Sure. Tell that to the last few idiots that messed with the Aguilar cartel,” I shot back at him. God, Raymond could be such an idiot sometimes. Make bad choices sometimes. That’s my brother for you, though. Even in the darkest circumstances, he always held out hope.
---- What happens next? Pick up 'Iron Head and Other Stories' to find out what happens to the brothers as they travel to the deadly drug lord to settle a debt. Get it HERE. And if you like outstanding fight stories, then ZBFbooks.com has some picks for you. Pick up your copy of the 'Pit Fighters' series today in paperback or kindle. Follow the adventures of the fighters in the south Texas fight stable, San Uvalde International, in 'Baptism by Fire' and 'Double Cross'. Get them HERE. Check out the trailers and the book covers for both books below.
BOWIE V. IBARRA is the author of the acclaimed 'Down the Road' zombie horror series from Permuted Press. He earned a BFA in Acting and a MA in Theatre History from Texas State University. His latest titles explore superhero themes, including 'Codename: La Lechusa', 'Room 26 and the Army of Xulhutdul', and 'Tejano Star and the Vengeance of Chaplain Skull'. Network with Bowie at his official website, ZBFbooks.com, the leader in Tex-Mexploitation literature.
FIGHTS: Review - "Santo Diablo vs. The Albino Alligator' initiates a new pulp superhero
STEADY TONE SHIFT, DARK PROTAGONIST HIGHLIGHT THE PULP-STYLE ACTION PIECE
by
Bowie V. Ibarra
Holy crap! What a short story!
What started out as a sweet little fantasy/superhero story with a luchador as the protagonist turned into a gritty and dark story of a lost soul searching for redemption. Andrew Crevier's 'Santo Diablo vs. The Albino Alligator' from Grind Pulp Press is a fast-paced story of a crime-fighter seeking internal peace in a violent world.
As a fan of El Santo and his crime-fighting legacy in film, this title piqued my fancy. With a luchador as its lead, how could I go wrong? And it ended up delivering more than I bargained for.
I was immediately drawn in to the way the story was constructed. When it starts, you think its going to be some kind of superhero-style tale. But as the story progresses, you come to realize things are more real than expected. I was impressed with how the story started with a fun vibe before being skillfully transformed into a gritty crime-fighting story.
Since it's a short story, I don't want to give to much away. But just know the crusade of St. Devil against The Albino Alligator is a solid superhero story, from the disgusting location of the final fight, to the final pages that reveal the hard truth of the story and the life of Santo Diablo that will pull the readers arm behind their head before punching them in the heart.
Whether you're a fan of crime-fighting luchadors or not, get Andrew Crevier's short story now here. Network with Grind Pulp Press at their official website here.
And if you dig masked lucha libre superstars, check out this 'lucha libre vs. zombie' themed short story from ZBFbooks.com. 'Sword of the Angel' is available now in paperback and kindle here. If you loved the story of 'Santo Diablo', you will enjoy 'Sword of the Angel'.
Here's the book trailer and book cover:
BOWIE V. IBARRA is the author of the acclaimed 'Down the Road' zombie horror series from Permuted Press. He earned a BFA in Acting and a MA in Theatre History from Texas State University. His latest titles explore superhero themes, including 'Codename: La Lechusa', 'Room 26 and the Army of Xulhutdul', and 'Tejano Star and the Vengeance of Chaplain Skull'. Network with Bowie at his official website, ZBFbooks.com, the leader in Tex-Mexploitation literature.
by
Bowie V. Ibarra
Holy crap! What a short story!
What started out as a sweet little fantasy/superhero story with a luchador as the protagonist turned into a gritty and dark story of a lost soul searching for redemption. Andrew Crevier's 'Santo Diablo vs. The Albino Alligator' from Grind Pulp Press is a fast-paced story of a crime-fighter seeking internal peace in a violent world.
As a fan of El Santo and his crime-fighting legacy in film, this title piqued my fancy. With a luchador as its lead, how could I go wrong? And it ended up delivering more than I bargained for.
I was immediately drawn in to the way the story was constructed. When it starts, you think its going to be some kind of superhero-style tale. But as the story progresses, you come to realize things are more real than expected. I was impressed with how the story started with a fun vibe before being skillfully transformed into a gritty crime-fighting story.
Since it's a short story, I don't want to give to much away. But just know the crusade of St. Devil against The Albino Alligator is a solid superhero story, from the disgusting location of the final fight, to the final pages that reveal the hard truth of the story and the life of Santo Diablo that will pull the readers arm behind their head before punching them in the heart.
Whether you're a fan of crime-fighting luchadors or not, get Andrew Crevier's short story now here. Network with Grind Pulp Press at their official website here.
And if you dig masked lucha libre superstars, check out this 'lucha libre vs. zombie' themed short story from ZBFbooks.com. 'Sword of the Angel' is available now in paperback and kindle here. If you loved the story of 'Santo Diablo', you will enjoy 'Sword of the Angel'.
Here's the book trailer and book cover:
BOWIE V. IBARRA is the author of the acclaimed 'Down the Road' zombie horror series from Permuted Press. He earned a BFA in Acting and a MA in Theatre History from Texas State University. His latest titles explore superhero themes, including 'Codename: La Lechusa', 'Room 26 and the Army of Xulhutdul', and 'Tejano Star and the Vengeance of Chaplain Skull'. Network with Bowie at his official website, ZBFbooks.com, the leader in Tex-Mexploitation literature.
February 4, 2014
FIGHTS: ZBFbooks.com says farewell to Sin Cara
MEXICAN LUCHA SUPERSTAR RETURNS TO HOME COUNTRY
by
Bowie V. Ibarra
You knew it was coming soon.
With the months of botched moves and a string of injuries as well as a 'wellness violation', Sin Cara finally got shitcanned by the WWE.
It's hard to blame them. The dude was never able to get out of the gates. The guy was a legend in Mexico, and became a laughing stock in the US. He deserved better than that. The guy was on top in Mexico, and even won a title in Japan against Tiger Mask IV. How awesome is that?
Sin Cara apparently worked his contract to where he could keep his Sin Cara name for the rest of his career. So you'll be seeing Sin Cara in Mexico. It also appears he left on good terms with WWE. He must have been ready to bail.
There's a Mistico wrestling in Mexico these days. Here's hoping we see a lucha dream match of Mistico vs. Sin Cara in the near future.
In the meantime, ZBFbooks.com wishes Sin Cara well in resurrecting his career. We're still a fan.
INTERVIEW:
If you enjoy lucha libre, consider the 'Pit Fighter' combat sports book series from ZBFbooks.com. 'Pit Fighters: Baptism by Fire' and 'Pit Fighters: Double Cross' are combat sports-themed books that features fights from the early days of MMA, and plenty of underground money fights. You've got to check them out, and they're available on Kindle or paperback today.
BOWIE V. IBARRA is the author of the 'Down the Road' zombie horror series from Permuted Press and Simon and Schuster. His latest story, 'Tejano Star and the Vengeance of Chaplain Skull' is a Tex-Mexploitation superhero story in the tradition of 'Machete' and 'Black Dynamite'. Get it in paperback or Kindle today.
by
Bowie V. Ibarra
You knew it was coming soon.
With the months of botched moves and a string of injuries as well as a 'wellness violation', Sin Cara finally got shitcanned by the WWE.
It's hard to blame them. The dude was never able to get out of the gates. The guy was a legend in Mexico, and became a laughing stock in the US. He deserved better than that. The guy was on top in Mexico, and even won a title in Japan against Tiger Mask IV. How awesome is that?
Sin Cara apparently worked his contract to where he could keep his Sin Cara name for the rest of his career. So you'll be seeing Sin Cara in Mexico. It also appears he left on good terms with WWE. He must have been ready to bail.
There's a Mistico wrestling in Mexico these days. Here's hoping we see a lucha dream match of Mistico vs. Sin Cara in the near future.
In the meantime, ZBFbooks.com wishes Sin Cara well in resurrecting his career. We're still a fan.
INTERVIEW:
If you enjoy lucha libre, consider the 'Pit Fighter' combat sports book series from ZBFbooks.com. 'Pit Fighters: Baptism by Fire' and 'Pit Fighters: Double Cross' are combat sports-themed books that features fights from the early days of MMA, and plenty of underground money fights. You've got to check them out, and they're available on Kindle or paperback today.
BOWIE V. IBARRA is the author of the 'Down the Road' zombie horror series from Permuted Press and Simon and Schuster. His latest story, 'Tejano Star and the Vengeance of Chaplain Skull' is a Tex-Mexploitation superhero story in the tradition of 'Machete' and 'Black Dynamite'. Get it in paperback or Kindle today.
FIGHTS: The CM Punk Situation
WWE'S AGENT OF CHANGE CUTS TIES WITH WWE, STOKES REVOLUTION, MMA RUMORS
by
Bowie V. Ibarra
If there's one guy who has no problem cutting himself loose of situations he's unhappy with, its CM Punk. In January, 2014, news was reported that CM Punk walked away from WWE after The Royal Rumble, only months before WWE's biggest show, WrestleMania. The move rocked not only the WWE, but the wrestling world, as Punk was one of the organization's brightest stars.
But for those who have followed Punk, and especially viewed his WWE DVD, 'CM Punk: Best in the World', the move should be no surprise.
One of the recurring themes in the documentary opens the whole DVD. The first story told about CM Punk describes how he left his own home because he thought his parents were treating him unfairly, giving attention and resources to his brother.
What was Punk's solution to the problem at home? He cut his losses and left his home, moving in with the family of a friend. In his own words, he was, "...not getting what he needs, he doesn't cry about it. He just goes here and gets what he needs."
Look at the 'Summer (Slam) of Punk'. CM Punk was ready to walk yet again and ended up with a historic modern title run. His contract was up, and he was tired of where he was heading. This was not like Ultimate Warrior vs. Jake Roberts at WrestleMania from years back, holding Vince over a barrel for more loot. This was CM Punk wanting so much more for WWE than just a fat paycheck.
But the DVD also seems to put on display Punk's lack of confidence in management's belief in him. Something that seemed apparent was that Punk was always ready to leave after a title run with the phrase, "Well, this won't last long." Punk seems to always have leaving on his mind.
Since we're talking pro-wrestling here, you better believe I still think this could be some kind of elaborate work. But considering his philosophy on life and what he's done before, he's probably gone unless Vince provides some kind of offer he couldn't refuse. Which would be wise if WWE wants the gravy train that is CM Punk.
But 'wise' is certainly not a trait that management at WWE has had over the past few years.
MMA RUMORS
The DVD also revealed how the guy hates to stagnate, which also supports the idea that he is really gone.
He talked about 'doing everything he could do' in Ring of Honor before leaving. This example could be yet another indicator of his mindset about his time in WWE. He's been an ECW champ. He's been IC champ. He's been a tag champ. He's won two 'Money in the Bank' matches. He's had World Title runs. He's had WWE title runs. When you think about it, the guy might have been thinking 'I've done everything I can do in WWE'.
It's that example that he's set, cutting himself loose from an organization when he feels he's burnt out, then it makes sense that he might make the rumored move to MMA. The guy has experience and training in Jiu-Jitsu, so he could hold his own. Even his jiu-jitsu coaches at the Gracie Academy are saying he's got potential.
I think Punk has a great chance to do well in MMA. He's got a good foundation in grappling, and he's probably pretty tough when it comes to fighting. And his tattoos are better than most every MMA fighter out there.
But let's face it, there's going to be a learning curve when it comes to getting punched and kicked in the face. Brock Lesner had a great run in UFC, but he did not like being punched in the face. Dave Batista also had a short run in MMA. Punk's tough, but like an MMA guy couldn't walk into the WWE and 'pro-wrestle', Punk's going to need to take some time and participate in some bush league MMA scraps and cut his teeth in the pits of MMA before he can compete on the UFC's level.
However, Dana can smell money. And he already knew what Brock did for him in regards to paydays, booking a UFC fight for Punk would be money for Dana.
And Punk.
It will also be another challenge, another mountain to climb for CM Punk. If he's tired of pro-wrestling, then MMA might be his next big move.
I don't know about you, but that would be fun to watch play out.
Here's a clip of CM Punk practicing jiu-jitsu with a Gracie legacy.
PUNK'S WWE LEGACY
Could you consider Punk a martyr? Maybe. The guy came in wanting to change WWE, and you could say he did. Now, without Punk on the program, the fans are rebelling against the WWE machine. Just this past Monday Night Raw, sans Punk, the crowd spent the night chanting his name. They could take away the fan's signs, but they can't take away their voices.
Maybe Punk did finally get that revolution he always wanted after all.
If you enjoy pro-wrestling and MMA fights, consider the 'Pit Fighter' combat sports book series from ZBFbooks.com. 'Pit Fighters: Baptism by Fire' and 'Pit Fighters: Double Cross' are combat sports-themed books that features fights from the early days of MMA, and plenty of underground money fights. You've got to check them out, and they're available on Kindle or paperback today.
BOWIE V. IBARRA is the author of the 'Down the Road' zombie horror series from Permuted Press and Simon and Schuster. His latest story, 'Tejano Star and the Vengeance of Chaplain Skull' is a Tex-Mexploitation superhero story in the tradition of 'Machete' and 'Black Dynamite'. Get it in paperback or Kindle today.
by
Bowie V. Ibarra
If there's one guy who has no problem cutting himself loose of situations he's unhappy with, its CM Punk. In January, 2014, news was reported that CM Punk walked away from WWE after The Royal Rumble, only months before WWE's biggest show, WrestleMania. The move rocked not only the WWE, but the wrestling world, as Punk was one of the organization's brightest stars.
But for those who have followed Punk, and especially viewed his WWE DVD, 'CM Punk: Best in the World', the move should be no surprise.
One of the recurring themes in the documentary opens the whole DVD. The first story told about CM Punk describes how he left his own home because he thought his parents were treating him unfairly, giving attention and resources to his brother.
What was Punk's solution to the problem at home? He cut his losses and left his home, moving in with the family of a friend. In his own words, he was, "...not getting what he needs, he doesn't cry about it. He just goes here and gets what he needs."
Look at the 'Summer (Slam) of Punk'. CM Punk was ready to walk yet again and ended up with a historic modern title run. His contract was up, and he was tired of where he was heading. This was not like Ultimate Warrior vs. Jake Roberts at WrestleMania from years back, holding Vince over a barrel for more loot. This was CM Punk wanting so much more for WWE than just a fat paycheck.
But the DVD also seems to put on display Punk's lack of confidence in management's belief in him. Something that seemed apparent was that Punk was always ready to leave after a title run with the phrase, "Well, this won't last long." Punk seems to always have leaving on his mind.
Since we're talking pro-wrestling here, you better believe I still think this could be some kind of elaborate work. But considering his philosophy on life and what he's done before, he's probably gone unless Vince provides some kind of offer he couldn't refuse. Which would be wise if WWE wants the gravy train that is CM Punk.
But 'wise' is certainly not a trait that management at WWE has had over the past few years.
MMA RUMORS
The DVD also revealed how the guy hates to stagnate, which also supports the idea that he is really gone.
He talked about 'doing everything he could do' in Ring of Honor before leaving. This example could be yet another indicator of his mindset about his time in WWE. He's been an ECW champ. He's been IC champ. He's been a tag champ. He's won two 'Money in the Bank' matches. He's had World Title runs. He's had WWE title runs. When you think about it, the guy might have been thinking 'I've done everything I can do in WWE'.
It's that example that he's set, cutting himself loose from an organization when he feels he's burnt out, then it makes sense that he might make the rumored move to MMA. The guy has experience and training in Jiu-Jitsu, so he could hold his own. Even his jiu-jitsu coaches at the Gracie Academy are saying he's got potential.
I think Punk has a great chance to do well in MMA. He's got a good foundation in grappling, and he's probably pretty tough when it comes to fighting. And his tattoos are better than most every MMA fighter out there.
But let's face it, there's going to be a learning curve when it comes to getting punched and kicked in the face. Brock Lesner had a great run in UFC, but he did not like being punched in the face. Dave Batista also had a short run in MMA. Punk's tough, but like an MMA guy couldn't walk into the WWE and 'pro-wrestle', Punk's going to need to take some time and participate in some bush league MMA scraps and cut his teeth in the pits of MMA before he can compete on the UFC's level.
However, Dana can smell money. And he already knew what Brock did for him in regards to paydays, booking a UFC fight for Punk would be money for Dana.
And Punk.
It will also be another challenge, another mountain to climb for CM Punk. If he's tired of pro-wrestling, then MMA might be his next big move.
I don't know about you, but that would be fun to watch play out.
Here's a clip of CM Punk practicing jiu-jitsu with a Gracie legacy.
PUNK'S WWE LEGACY
Could you consider Punk a martyr? Maybe. The guy came in wanting to change WWE, and you could say he did. Now, without Punk on the program, the fans are rebelling against the WWE machine. Just this past Monday Night Raw, sans Punk, the crowd spent the night chanting his name. They could take away the fan's signs, but they can't take away their voices.
Maybe Punk did finally get that revolution he always wanted after all.
If you enjoy pro-wrestling and MMA fights, consider the 'Pit Fighter' combat sports book series from ZBFbooks.com. 'Pit Fighters: Baptism by Fire' and 'Pit Fighters: Double Cross' are combat sports-themed books that features fights from the early days of MMA, and plenty of underground money fights. You've got to check them out, and they're available on Kindle or paperback today.
BOWIE V. IBARRA is the author of the 'Down the Road' zombie horror series from Permuted Press and Simon and Schuster. His latest story, 'Tejano Star and the Vengeance of Chaplain Skull' is a Tex-Mexploitation superhero story in the tradition of 'Machete' and 'Black Dynamite'. Get it in paperback or Kindle today.
BLOOD: Reblog - Jezri's Nightmares: Women In Horror: Lindsey Goddard
I had to share this with ya'll. It's a little interview with a woman whose been pretty cool to ZBFbooks.com and has shared her appreciation of some of my books.
Lindsey Beth Goddard is a super cool lady and a pretty imaginative writer. Check out her interview with Jezri's Nightmares in the link below. Make sure to comment and follow the blog as well.
Jezri's Nightmares: Women In Horror: Lindsey Goddard: Today begins Women in Horror Month and my first horrific lady is Lindsey Goddard. I had the pleasure of interviewing her. She is an inte...
Lindsey Beth Goddard is a super cool lady and a pretty imaginative writer. Check out her interview with Jezri's Nightmares in the link below. Make sure to comment and follow the blog as well.
Jezri's Nightmares: Women In Horror: Lindsey Goddard: Today begins Women in Horror Month and my first horrific lady is Lindsey Goddard. I had the pleasure of interviewing her. She is an inte...
January 23, 2014
FIGHTS: Link - BISH'S BEAT: FIGHT CARD, CHARITY, AND COMMUNITY
ZBFbooks.com has the unique opportunity to participate in a fight themed anthology from the boys and girls at 'Fight Card' books. It's a great little book from a unique community of writers who also enjoy combat sports.
Check out the great things 'Fight Card' is doing for writers at the link below, as well as the purpose of this anthology, featuring the ZBFbooks.com short, 'Puncher's Chance'.
BISH'S BEAT: FIGHT CARD, CHARITY, AND COMMUNITY: FIGHT CARD, CHARITY, AND COMMUNITY What is community? Is it simply a geographic area where people group together while leading separat...
Check out the great things 'Fight Card' is doing for writers at the link below, as well as the purpose of this anthology, featuring the ZBFbooks.com short, 'Puncher's Chance'.
BISH'S BEAT: FIGHT CARD, CHARITY, AND COMMUNITY: FIGHT CARD, CHARITY, AND COMMUNITY What is community? Is it simply a geographic area where people group together while leading separat...
January 22, 2014
BLOOD: Link - All I needed to know about life I learned from “Dungeons & Dragons”
Check out this sweet tribute to D&D in the link below!
It's the reason the protagonists in 'Big Cat' had such a good time!
All I needed to know about life I learned from “Dungeons & Dragons”
It's the reason the protagonists in 'Big Cat' had such a good time!
All I needed to know about life I learned from “Dungeons & Dragons”
January 15, 2014
BLOOD: Review - Spooky chills in 'Devils in the Darkness'
SUPERB ACTING, BIZZARE SCRIPT HIGHLIGHT WELL DIRECTED SCI-FI CHILLER
by
Bowie V. Ibarra
ZBFbooks.com had the privilege of previewing a Michigan-produced independent chiller called 'Devils in the Darkness'. As an avid supporter of the works of Joseph Scott Anthony, I was excited to see what the enthusiastic and skilled movie artisan had helped put together. What I got was a quality spooky tale with a sci-fi edge. There's a line in the opening scene that is a great foreshadowing of the chills to come: "It's just further out than I thought it was going to be."
You don't even know.
Check it out.
The story is about a newbie in-house nurse/provider named Mike Hill (played by
When he arrives, the provider assistant is running off, claiming the house will be his tomb. He joins the lead provider at the house named Robin Bradbury (played by
Mike learns that Robin knew Stanton when she was a kid and experienced a bizarre episode at his house. Mike then learns Stanton somehow lost his mind and became a hermit after his son mysteriously died at the age of 7. His wife also died under mysterious circumstances. The guy used to have a lot of money, too, but lost all of his fortune.
So, as the mysterious shadows begin to close in on the house, and Robin disappears, Mike discovers more clues to what is happening at the house. He finally has to find the courage to meet Mr.
Pinborough for himself and get to the bottom of the strange happenings in and around his house.
Mike is not ready in the least for what he discovers.
The cast for the movie was outstanding. David Gries and Lisa Mueller provide outstanding and natural performances. The two actors were totally in each moment, and their skill in front of the camera was evident, with a consistency unlike any other independent project. David Gries provides a sensitive character that discovers a more assertive side to his character as the movie progresses. Lisa Mueller sets the stage for David's character and the audience, building the mystery with her dialogue. And Joseph Scott Anthony does an outstanding job as the lunatic they have to take care of, putting energy and a little madness in his performance.
Director
Though the film concentrates on dialogue to provide the growing mystery, there's plenty of unexpected chills throughout the film from Falicki. There were many frightening 'hiding in plain sight' chills and a distinct building of tension from the moment Mike arrives on the property that culminates into his ultimate encounter with Stanton. I couldn't help but feel tense and stressed as the movie moved forward, and that's good. That building of tension and mystery is the movie's strength, and Falicki maximizes its efficiency.
To accentuate the already spooky atmosphere of the flick, Tom Ashton provides a great score that heightens the frights and builds the tension in each scene. For an independent flick, it was actually a pretty good score.
The only marks I might put against the movie is the volume. With such natural delivery from the characters, there were times throughout the movie that I could not hear or understand what the actors were saying.
'Devils in the Darkness' is an enjoyable and chilling story with a sci-fi edge. The film is worth a look, with a bizarre story akin to 'The X-Files' and a cast of skilled actors that take it to the next level. It's a great example of the quality independent film scene coming out of Michigan. Find it and watch it when you get a chance.
BOWIE V. IBARRA earned a BFA in Acting and a Masters in Theatre History from Texas State University, and worked in the film and television industry for several years. Bowie currently lives in San Antonio, Texas, writing tales filled with zombies, blood, fights, or all of the above.
His latest title, 'Sword of the Angel', is a story of a lucha libre legacy who is searching for answers to his future in the sport when the zombie apocalypse hits. It is available in paperback or kindle HERE.
Network with Bowie and explore his library of written works at his official website, ZBFbooks.com.
by
Bowie V. Ibarra
ZBFbooks.com had the privilege of previewing a Michigan-produced independent chiller called 'Devils in the Darkness'. As an avid supporter of the works of Joseph Scott Anthony, I was excited to see what the enthusiastic and skilled movie artisan had helped put together. What I got was a quality spooky tale with a sci-fi edge. There's a line in the opening scene that is a great foreshadowing of the chills to come: "It's just further out than I thought it was going to be."
You don't even know.
Check it out.
The story is about a newbie in-house nurse/provider named Mike Hill (played by
When he arrives, the provider assistant is running off, claiming the house will be his tomb. He joins the lead provider at the house named Robin Bradbury (played by
Mike learns that Robin knew Stanton when she was a kid and experienced a bizarre episode at his house. Mike then learns Stanton somehow lost his mind and became a hermit after his son mysteriously died at the age of 7. His wife also died under mysterious circumstances. The guy used to have a lot of money, too, but lost all of his fortune.
So, as the mysterious shadows begin to close in on the house, and Robin disappears, Mike discovers more clues to what is happening at the house. He finally has to find the courage to meet Mr.
Pinborough for himself and get to the bottom of the strange happenings in and around his house.Mike is not ready in the least for what he discovers.
The cast for the movie was outstanding. David Gries and Lisa Mueller provide outstanding and natural performances. The two actors were totally in each moment, and their skill in front of the camera was evident, with a consistency unlike any other independent project. David Gries provides a sensitive character that discovers a more assertive side to his character as the movie progresses. Lisa Mueller sets the stage for David's character and the audience, building the mystery with her dialogue. And Joseph Scott Anthony does an outstanding job as the lunatic they have to take care of, putting energy and a little madness in his performance.
Director
Though the film concentrates on dialogue to provide the growing mystery, there's plenty of unexpected chills throughout the film from Falicki. There were many frightening 'hiding in plain sight' chills and a distinct building of tension from the moment Mike arrives on the property that culminates into his ultimate encounter with Stanton. I couldn't help but feel tense and stressed as the movie moved forward, and that's good. That building of tension and mystery is the movie's strength, and Falicki maximizes its efficiency.
To accentuate the already spooky atmosphere of the flick, Tom Ashton provides a great score that heightens the frights and builds the tension in each scene. For an independent flick, it was actually a pretty good score.
The only marks I might put against the movie is the volume. With such natural delivery from the characters, there were times throughout the movie that I could not hear or understand what the actors were saying.
'Devils in the Darkness' is an enjoyable and chilling story with a sci-fi edge. The film is worth a look, with a bizarre story akin to 'The X-Files' and a cast of skilled actors that take it to the next level. It's a great example of the quality independent film scene coming out of Michigan. Find it and watch it when you get a chance.
BOWIE V. IBARRA earned a BFA in Acting and a Masters in Theatre History from Texas State University, and worked in the film and television industry for several years. Bowie currently lives in San Antonio, Texas, writing tales filled with zombies, blood, fights, or all of the above.
His latest title, 'Sword of the Angel', is a story of a lucha libre legacy who is searching for answers to his future in the sport when the zombie apocalypse hits. It is available in paperback or kindle HERE.
Network with Bowie and explore his library of written works at his official website, ZBFbooks.com.
January 1, 2014
FIGHTS: It's time for UFC to consider protecting fighter's limbs
SPORT 'SAFER THAN BOXING' CONTINUES TO IGNORE SAFETY OF FIGHTER'S LIMBS
By
Bowie V. Ibarra
Can we have this conversation now?
You know, about protecting the limbs of fighters with resources that are already out there? We're not reinventing the wheel here. As we let these noble warriors beat each other senseless for the sport they love and we love watching, can we at least extend their livelihoods by protecting the things we can still protect?
There's never going to be anything that truly takes away from the brutality of combat sports. But like 12 oz. boxing gloves protect the hands of boxers but doesn't take anything away from the damage they can do, perhaps its time for the Powers-That-Be in MMA to consider shin guards. They are not uncommon in combat sports. In fact, in organizations like Pancrase, they're required. Like boxing gloves protect the knuckles of fighters (and, in turn, their livelihoods in the sport), lets bring in shin pads.
This tragedy with Anderson Silva's leg is not some kind of freak accident, either. This happens a lot in kickboxing. It happened before in UFC's The Ultimate Fighter with Corey Hill. Simply look on YouTube for 'kickboxing broken legs'. It happens a lot. And MMA breaks show up in that search as well.
Do these folks bounce back? Sure. They can. But why return when the same danger awaits? And why lose all that time from your chosen career field with little to no insurance?
With that said, it might also be time to reconsider shoes as well. From what I understand, there was some suggestion that shoes can be used to some advantage in a fight, which is why they are not allowed. But they can also prevent broken toes as what occurred with another UFC Champ Jon 'Bones' Jones.
Now what happens to fighters brains is out of everyone's control. Brain damage from concussions, from mild to severe, is a fact of combat sports now and forever. Nothing short of stopping fighting will ever stop that. But protecting the limbs and appendages of the fighters can and should happen.
Let's consider this: Three of the biggest champs in the UFC sustained severe injuries. Two of those injuries could have been prevented. 'Bones' big toe break could have been prevented with shoes. Anderson's could have been prevented with shin guards to absorb the impact. That's three of the sports biggest cash cows out due to injury.
That's money out of Dana's pocket. That's fans cheated out of great fights in the future.
UFC, Unified Rules makers, anyone responsible for protecting fighters, lets get on this today, okay?
Think of your pocket books. That's what you do anyway.
'Pit Fighters: Baptism by Fire' and 'Pit Fighters: Double Cross' are combat sports-themed book that features fights from the early days of MMA, and plenty of underground money fights. You've got to check them out, and they're available on Kindle or paperback today.
BOWIE V. IBARRA is the author of the 'Down the Road' zombie horror series from Permuted Press and Simon and Schuster. His latest story, 'Tejano Star and the Vengeance of Chaplain Skull' is a Tex-Mexploitation superhero story in the tradition of 'Machete' and 'Black Dynamite'. Get it in paperback or Kindle today.
By
Bowie V. Ibarra
Can we have this conversation now?
You know, about protecting the limbs of fighters with resources that are already out there? We're not reinventing the wheel here. As we let these noble warriors beat each other senseless for the sport they love and we love watching, can we at least extend their livelihoods by protecting the things we can still protect?
There's never going to be anything that truly takes away from the brutality of combat sports. But like 12 oz. boxing gloves protect the hands of boxers but doesn't take anything away from the damage they can do, perhaps its time for the Powers-That-Be in MMA to consider shin guards. They are not uncommon in combat sports. In fact, in organizations like Pancrase, they're required. Like boxing gloves protect the knuckles of fighters (and, in turn, their livelihoods in the sport), lets bring in shin pads.
This tragedy with Anderson Silva's leg is not some kind of freak accident, either. This happens a lot in kickboxing. It happened before in UFC's The Ultimate Fighter with Corey Hill. Simply look on YouTube for 'kickboxing broken legs'. It happens a lot. And MMA breaks show up in that search as well.
Do these folks bounce back? Sure. They can. But why return when the same danger awaits? And why lose all that time from your chosen career field with little to no insurance?
With that said, it might also be time to reconsider shoes as well. From what I understand, there was some suggestion that shoes can be used to some advantage in a fight, which is why they are not allowed. But they can also prevent broken toes as what occurred with another UFC Champ Jon 'Bones' Jones.
Now what happens to fighters brains is out of everyone's control. Brain damage from concussions, from mild to severe, is a fact of combat sports now and forever. Nothing short of stopping fighting will ever stop that. But protecting the limbs and appendages of the fighters can and should happen.
Let's consider this: Three of the biggest champs in the UFC sustained severe injuries. Two of those injuries could have been prevented. 'Bones' big toe break could have been prevented with shoes. Anderson's could have been prevented with shin guards to absorb the impact. That's three of the sports biggest cash cows out due to injury.
That's money out of Dana's pocket. That's fans cheated out of great fights in the future.
UFC, Unified Rules makers, anyone responsible for protecting fighters, lets get on this today, okay?
Think of your pocket books. That's what you do anyway.
'Pit Fighters: Baptism by Fire' and 'Pit Fighters: Double Cross' are combat sports-themed book that features fights from the early days of MMA, and plenty of underground money fights. You've got to check them out, and they're available on Kindle or paperback today.
BOWIE V. IBARRA is the author of the 'Down the Road' zombie horror series from Permuted Press and Simon and Schuster. His latest story, 'Tejano Star and the Vengeance of Chaplain Skull' is a Tex-Mexploitation superhero story in the tradition of 'Machete' and 'Black Dynamite'. Get it in paperback or Kindle today.
FIGHTS: From Jackass to Tragedy, and UFC 168 recap
SHOT AT REDEMPTION ENDS WITH BROKEN LEG, SECOND UFC FIGHT LEGEND PUT ON SHELF
by
Bowie V. Ibarra
In the course of two weeks, the UFC and the mixed martial arts world lost two of the greatest fighters to ever walk into the pit of combat to the sport they love. George St. Pierre walked away and took a hiatus due to alleged nagging vision, sleep, memory, and anxiety problem. Those symptoms are in line with concussions. Considering the hours St. Pierre has spent in the ring and training in combat sports, what he claims could be true, and early symptoms of long term problems.
St. Pierre was fortunate, however, being able to, literally, walk away for a while as the lastest MMA disaster followed only a week later.
Anderson Silva, another one of the most dominant MMA fighters in the world, was seeking redemption at the end of 2013. Silva was looking to reclaim not only the belt he held for over 6 years, but to reclaim his dignity after being knocked out clean and cold by while goofing off during a fight with the newly-anointed champ, Chris Weidman. In spite of its decisive outcome, pundits would call it a fluke on Weidman's part.
Again, folks, the champ acting like a jackass and getting knocked out clean for it is not a fluke. It's a victory. A total victory.
So Silva walks into the fight much more serious than before and is holding his own in the first round, despite losing the round. The second round begins. A Silva kick is checked, and he falls to the mat writhing in pain, having broken his leg on Weidman's leg. Weidman retains via TKO.
And again, sorry folks, but that's a decisive win as well. The point of the sport is to incapacitate your opponent via KO, submission, or injury. Anderson's leg break was not a fluke, but the result of a trained defense to the move.
Fights have ended early on cuts. David 'The Crow' Louisau was infamous for using his elbows to open cuts to end fights. Tim Sylvia got his arm broken with an offensive grappling technique. That's the rules.
Believe me, I wanted to see Anderson redeem himself. He got what he deserved in the last fight, so I wanted to see his return to glory. But it was not to be.
In what I saw as the most ironic twist of fate, imagine what would have happened if Silva didn't play around in their first fight. He might have beat Weidman and this rematch would have never happened. Destiny proved that Silva's poor choices in the first match brought this moment to all of us. And, almost poetically, Silva has moved from noble champion to foolish clown to sad cripple, never to step into the cage again to taste the glory he once held fast in his very hands. The same hands he watched that glory fall through his fingers like sand.
And though its been reported that Anderson wants to train when the time is right, it would be a foolish decision. Returning from an injury like that would be stupid. But who am I to judge the heart of a warrior like Anderson. I just don't want to see his leg snap again. Its even been reported that his son hopes his father gets well and retires.
He needs to take some time and let it go. We're already having a hard time remembering how great he was, even though he eclipsed his previous stupidity with this tragic outcome.
Fate is cruel.
AND NOW, SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
There's never going to be anything that truly takes away from the brutality of combat sports. But like 12 oz. boxing gloves protect the hands of boxers but doesn't take anything away from the damage they can do, perhaps its time for the Powers-That-Be in MMA to consider shin guards. They are not uncommon in combat sports. In fact, in organizations like Pancrase, they're required. Like boxing gloves protect the knuckles of fighters (and, in turn, their livelihoods in the sport), lets bring in kneepads.
This is not some kind of freak accident, either. This happens a lot in kickboxing. It happened before in UFC's The Ultimate Fighter with Corey Hill.
Do these folks bounce back? Sure. But why return when the same danger awaits?
With that said, it might also be time to reconsider shoes as well. From what I understand, there was some suggestion that shoes can be used to some advantage. But they can also prevent broken toes as what occurred with another UFC Champ Jon 'Bones' Jones.
Now what happens to fighters brains is out of everyone's control. Brain damage from concussions, from mild to severe, is a fact of combat sports now and forever. Nothing short of stopping fighting will ever stop that. But protecting the limbs and appendages of the fighters can and should happen.
Let's consider this: Three of the biggest champs in the UFC sustained severe injuries. Two of those injuries could have been prevented. 'Bones' big toe break could have been prevented with shoes. Anderson's could have been prevented with shin guards to absorb the impact. That's three of the sports biggest cash cows out due to injury.
That's money out of Dana's pocket. That's fans cheated out of great fights in the future.
UFC, Unified Rules makers, anyone responsible for protecting fighters, lets get on this today, okay?
Photo ripped-off from MMAJunkie.com
UFC WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP
'ROWDY' RONDA ROUSEY (C)
VS.
MIESHA 'CUPCAKE' TATE
These bitter rivals threw down in yet another outstanding matchup. Tate's plan was to drag champ Rousey into the later rounds, suspecting that since the champ had never made it to the late rounds, that she might not have enough gas in the tank for the challenge.
Well, she was wrong, and lost again to an armlock.
Let's face it, the only woman who is going to test Rousey will be Cyborg. But you know UFC is not going to sign her anytime soon.
JOSH BARNETT vs. TRAVIS BROWNE
Jeez, Travis Browne is no joke, rocking Barnett early before taking him out with a series of elbows to the side of the former UFC champ's head.
Let's make that Cain Velasquez/Travis Browne matchup now, Dana.
LOSER LEAVES TOWN MATCH
CHRIS LEBEN vs. URIAH HALL
It was Brawling vs. Science in the veritable 'Lose Leaves Town' match between Leben and Hall. Their contracts were up and the winner had a chance to stay in the UFC while the loser loses their UFC contract.
With so much on the line, the two fighters took their time in the first round. But that played more into Hall's methodical approach. Perhaps if Leben had used more of his brawling tactics that had made a name for himself in the years before, he might have had an edge. But Hall messed him up with a flurry of punches and kicks that made Leben cash out between rounds.
Need an MMA fix? Check out this combat sports titles on Kindle or paperback.
'Pit Fighters: Baptism by Fire' and 'Pit Fighters: Double Cross' are combat sports-themed book that features fights from the early days of MMA, and plenty of underground money fights. You've got to check them out, and they're available on Kindle or paperback today.
BOWIE V. IBARRA is the author of the 'Down the Road' zombie horror series from Permuted Press and Simon and Schuster. His latest story, 'Tejano Star and the Vengeance of Chaplain Skull' is a Tex-Mexploitation superhero story in the tradition of 'Machete' and 'Black Dynamite'. Get it in paperback or Kindle today.
by
Bowie V. Ibarra
In the course of two weeks, the UFC and the mixed martial arts world lost two of the greatest fighters to ever walk into the pit of combat to the sport they love. George St. Pierre walked away and took a hiatus due to alleged nagging vision, sleep, memory, and anxiety problem. Those symptoms are in line with concussions. Considering the hours St. Pierre has spent in the ring and training in combat sports, what he claims could be true, and early symptoms of long term problems.
St. Pierre was fortunate, however, being able to, literally, walk away for a while as the lastest MMA disaster followed only a week later.
Anderson Silva, another one of the most dominant MMA fighters in the world, was seeking redemption at the end of 2013. Silva was looking to reclaim not only the belt he held for over 6 years, but to reclaim his dignity after being knocked out clean and cold by while goofing off during a fight with the newly-anointed champ, Chris Weidman. In spite of its decisive outcome, pundits would call it a fluke on Weidman's part.
Again, folks, the champ acting like a jackass and getting knocked out clean for it is not a fluke. It's a victory. A total victory.
So Silva walks into the fight much more serious than before and is holding his own in the first round, despite losing the round. The second round begins. A Silva kick is checked, and he falls to the mat writhing in pain, having broken his leg on Weidman's leg. Weidman retains via TKO.
And again, sorry folks, but that's a decisive win as well. The point of the sport is to incapacitate your opponent via KO, submission, or injury. Anderson's leg break was not a fluke, but the result of a trained defense to the move.
Fights have ended early on cuts. David 'The Crow' Louisau was infamous for using his elbows to open cuts to end fights. Tim Sylvia got his arm broken with an offensive grappling technique. That's the rules.
Believe me, I wanted to see Anderson redeem himself. He got what he deserved in the last fight, so I wanted to see his return to glory. But it was not to be.
In what I saw as the most ironic twist of fate, imagine what would have happened if Silva didn't play around in their first fight. He might have beat Weidman and this rematch would have never happened. Destiny proved that Silva's poor choices in the first match brought this moment to all of us. And, almost poetically, Silva has moved from noble champion to foolish clown to sad cripple, never to step into the cage again to taste the glory he once held fast in his very hands. The same hands he watched that glory fall through his fingers like sand.
And though its been reported that Anderson wants to train when the time is right, it would be a foolish decision. Returning from an injury like that would be stupid. But who am I to judge the heart of a warrior like Anderson. I just don't want to see his leg snap again. Its even been reported that his son hopes his father gets well and retires.
He needs to take some time and let it go. We're already having a hard time remembering how great he was, even though he eclipsed his previous stupidity with this tragic outcome.
Fate is cruel.
AND NOW, SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
There's never going to be anything that truly takes away from the brutality of combat sports. But like 12 oz. boxing gloves protect the hands of boxers but doesn't take anything away from the damage they can do, perhaps its time for the Powers-That-Be in MMA to consider shin guards. They are not uncommon in combat sports. In fact, in organizations like Pancrase, they're required. Like boxing gloves protect the knuckles of fighters (and, in turn, their livelihoods in the sport), lets bring in kneepads.
This is not some kind of freak accident, either. This happens a lot in kickboxing. It happened before in UFC's The Ultimate Fighter with Corey Hill.
Do these folks bounce back? Sure. But why return when the same danger awaits?
With that said, it might also be time to reconsider shoes as well. From what I understand, there was some suggestion that shoes can be used to some advantage. But they can also prevent broken toes as what occurred with another UFC Champ Jon 'Bones' Jones.
Now what happens to fighters brains is out of everyone's control. Brain damage from concussions, from mild to severe, is a fact of combat sports now and forever. Nothing short of stopping fighting will ever stop that. But protecting the limbs and appendages of the fighters can and should happen.
Let's consider this: Three of the biggest champs in the UFC sustained severe injuries. Two of those injuries could have been prevented. 'Bones' big toe break could have been prevented with shoes. Anderson's could have been prevented with shin guards to absorb the impact. That's three of the sports biggest cash cows out due to injury.
That's money out of Dana's pocket. That's fans cheated out of great fights in the future.
UFC, Unified Rules makers, anyone responsible for protecting fighters, lets get on this today, okay?
Photo ripped-off from MMAJunkie.comUFC WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP
'ROWDY' RONDA ROUSEY (C)
VS.
MIESHA 'CUPCAKE' TATE
These bitter rivals threw down in yet another outstanding matchup. Tate's plan was to drag champ Rousey into the later rounds, suspecting that since the champ had never made it to the late rounds, that she might not have enough gas in the tank for the challenge.
Well, she was wrong, and lost again to an armlock.
Let's face it, the only woman who is going to test Rousey will be Cyborg. But you know UFC is not going to sign her anytime soon.
JOSH BARNETT vs. TRAVIS BROWNE
Jeez, Travis Browne is no joke, rocking Barnett early before taking him out with a series of elbows to the side of the former UFC champ's head.
Let's make that Cain Velasquez/Travis Browne matchup now, Dana.
LOSER LEAVES TOWN MATCH
CHRIS LEBEN vs. URIAH HALL
It was Brawling vs. Science in the veritable 'Lose Leaves Town' match between Leben and Hall. Their contracts were up and the winner had a chance to stay in the UFC while the loser loses their UFC contract.
With so much on the line, the two fighters took their time in the first round. But that played more into Hall's methodical approach. Perhaps if Leben had used more of his brawling tactics that had made a name for himself in the years before, he might have had an edge. But Hall messed him up with a flurry of punches and kicks that made Leben cash out between rounds.
Need an MMA fix? Check out this combat sports titles on Kindle or paperback.
'Pit Fighters: Baptism by Fire' and 'Pit Fighters: Double Cross' are combat sports-themed book that features fights from the early days of MMA, and plenty of underground money fights. You've got to check them out, and they're available on Kindle or paperback today.
BOWIE V. IBARRA is the author of the 'Down the Road' zombie horror series from Permuted Press and Simon and Schuster. His latest story, 'Tejano Star and the Vengeance of Chaplain Skull' is a Tex-Mexploitation superhero story in the tradition of 'Machete' and 'Black Dynamite'. Get it in paperback or Kindle today.
