Ever have those big nights when you have a dozen photos the next morning to review? Makes for a good blog post for #vibes!
Story Setup
For my newest followers and friends, I train a little Brazilian jiu jitsu. Maybe 12 years on the mats and one of my training partners is a professional MMA fighter. I am too old for that shit and he is another level of tough than I might be. This is what brings me to the big city tonight.
Tonight, I am in Toronto, cage side for his next pro fight which is being broadcast on UFC Fightpass. Pretty big stage for an aspiring contender and lifelong martial artist.
His opponent is no slouch. Ljae Simminz fights out of Toronto but there is not much about him online. This is his debut pro MMA fight and he looks ready.
Kris has had 6 pro fights and I know he is ready even though it has been 2 years since his last MMA fight. Josh standing right behind him is one of his coaches who leads our academy's boxing program and is a killer BJJ practitioner in his own right.
After the announcements as the fight begins, I know my heart rate is way higher than my friend in the ring as I stand helpless while he goes to war.
I am enjoying his patience and energy as h bounces around on those huge legs, cautiously looking for that big shot or powerful take-down. Ljae is holding his own with a strong kick boxing fight command.
The first round ends after a few great exchanges but both man in the fight.
In the second round, things get spicy with a little cage and grappling action. This is Kris's domain and specialty but Ljae is strong and ready to scramble and get back to the feet as a priority.
Fantastic strikes and brutal action brings the match back down to the mat where Kris can catch his breath, shake off some hard strikes, and hunt for his submission. Kris is taking some heavy shots but staying in the game and takes a dominant mount, inches away from a finish by arm bar, then a mounted guillotine. Frantic action right into the final round.
In the end, Kris did not come out with the win but fought a fantastic fight. I am proud of my friend for his preparation, vision, toughness and heart in what was within inches of his victory. You win or you learn and I think we did a little bit of both this evening.
Headed back out to the parking lot, I am welcomed by the skyline of my home for so long. A beautiful evening that is actually only starting! Our next stop was the old band studio for some beers and 5-mic karaoke with some of the crew of singers. Maybe a story for another Big Night.
Thanks for joining me for a fun evening in the big city.
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