Christmas is coming, that’s a pure and simple fact. The fact you’re reading this blog is proof that the world didn’t end. If you thought it was going to, well, I don’t know what to say… Oh wait, yes I do: Told you so! Sorry, had to get that out of the way, as immature as it is. Sometimes it’s nice to be proven 100%, beyond-a-conspiracy-nut’s-doubt right on things, but I digress. With Christmas on its way, there are some things I’d love to see a few major MMA personalities given, and we’ll be going over those after the jump.
- For Nick Diaz – A Psychologist
Nick Diaz, in his time in the spotlight, has shown some truly worrying behavior. He’s shown himself to be prone to bouts of paranoia (RE: MMA judges), and appears to have both anger management and impulse control issues (Shown in that video he released after he got pulled from the GSP fight after no-showing those press conferences) that are undoubtedly hampering his career. So, since the weed and Cesar Gracie don’t seem to help, perhaps a clinical psychologist could help him work through his issues? - For Jonathan Brookins – A Winning Lottery Ticket
So, according to a recent interview over at Vice’s Fightland blog, TUF veteran Jonathan Brookins is broke, taking a hiatus from MMA, and going to India in order to reconnect himself spiritually. I respect that, actually. Brookins seems likes a generally good dude, and I wish him the best, so it would be nice if he could rectify at least part of his issues with a big, fat lottery cheque. - For Liz Carmouche – Recognition From Her Own Community
In spite of being the first openly homosexual athlete set to headline a major combat sports event, none of the lesbians I know have ever heard of Liz Carmouche. This is a travesty, because I know Liz is busting her ass to get noticed. While “Girlrilla” tries to catch the attention of GLBT media personalities like Ellen Degeneres and Perez Hilton, she seems to be continually given the cold shoulder. It makes absolutely no sense, since she’s one hell of a role model, regardless of orientation, and could certainly bring a whole new group of fans to the UFC. - For Joe Silva and Sean Shelby – An Injury-Free 2013
The UFC’s matchmaking dynamos had an exceptionally rough 2012 due to the sheer volume of fighters getting injured. They had to do so much to try and patch cards back together that they deserve a break, don’t you think? - For the UFC – VADA or WADA Sponsorship of all Title Fights
You may be thinking, “Why limit it to title fights?” Well, let’s be honest, out-of-competition and/or training camp drug testing, especially at the level of the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency and the World Anti-Doping Agency, is very expensive. Don’t believe me? Ask Rosi Sexton about it, she went into debt paying for the testing in the lead up to what was supposed to be her final fight against Sheila Gaff. So, in the interest of assuring the public that their champions are PED-free and on the level, a partnership with VADA or WADA to monitor all UFC title holders in their training camps would certainly be a great help. - For Cesar Gracie – A Muzzle
Oh wait, that would be a gift to the MMA world! Seriously, somebody needs to get the black sheep of the Gracie family to shut his trap.
As always, I welcome your feedback, so please leave your comments! And of course, don’t forget to follow me on Twitter at @stormlandbrand!
Stormland Fights! 
Love it. Can’t disagree with #1 and 6 especially. I think Liz should be given more attention by the LGBT as a role model too – however, she is a badass who isn’t afraid to chase her dreams which is more than enough reason to look up to her by itself.