Do any BloodyElbow member have any info on MMA in the US armed forces? The Navy specifically. I know they have boxing and wrestling, but I haven't heard anything about the Navy having MMA as a sport. I'll be joining the Navy next year, and if any BE members have any info that'd be amazing. I know this really isn't the proper place to ask questions in this manner, but the BE community seems to be a lot more knowledgeable then... well then 99% of the internet.

I was reading a Sports Illustrated magazine that was left in the break room at work, and I came across an excellent article:

You know what I've always wanted to know about referees and umpires? Absolutely nothing. They do not move the needle a millimeter on my curiosity scale. It's nothing personal—in fact, it is extremely impersonal, which is just the approach I prefer from officials. Other than accuracy, the most desirable quality in refs and umps is the absence of personality. They should be charisma-free, as bland as baby food.

But officials keep inserting themselves into the middle of the action, often because of glaring errors—like NBA ref Mark Wunderlich's missing a crucial intentional foul call in a Mavericks-Nuggets playoff game last spring—or, even worse, with ridiculous power trips. On Sunday home plate umpire Ed Rapuano ejected Phillies centerfielder Shane Victorino, who was about 350 feet away, for arguing balls and strikes. Officials have become so intrusive that, against my will, they have crept into my consciousness as distinct characters.

Hey, Ump, Just Make The Call - Phil Taylor

I can't help thinking MMA refs should be the same way. How many times has a fight started, and you thought "they need Big John reffing this," or "could they have got a worse ref?"

SO yeah one of his close friends just messaged me a few hours ago and let me know that the UFC sent NO ONE to speak at his funeral. He let me know how much this saddened the family and how very disappointed they were about it all. This is an EX CHAMPION of theirs, NOT some scrub that fought for them once and thats it. Are you trying to tell me he doesn't deserve any of the UFC brass' presence at his funeral? Doesn't deserve a single kind word or statement of gratitude for the services that he provided their organization?

If it's true I think it's pretty fucked up. The UFC could have at least sent someone over to say "we were proud to have him as a fighter." Of course, he could just be pissed that the UFC let him go. He also goes on to say:

This also brings me back to the whole reason I was let go by them. It obviously wasn't because they thought I was offensive to the Tanners it was as I ALWAYS knew...it was because I spoke my mind about the organization and the way the treat their fighters.

Yes War Machine, I'm sure that's the only (sarcasm) reason they let you go.

Update: I should clarify. I think it's pretty fucked up if it's true, because as I understand, the UFC didn't even send flowers or a card. I just would have like to seem something more than a picture at the beginning of a show.

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