I never stopped to think about how much work was behind every fight featuring this legend, Wanderlei Silva. MMA is a deadly fight sport, where brave - and yes, maybe slightly insane - people embrace life by risking it. We drink their blood through the screen, and we pay to do it. Lives are shortened for the spectacle: you are seeing the story finally unfold in football and other sports after decades or even centuries of athletes sacrificing life span and quality of life for the chance to be immortal or die twice. Silva gave me moments where I was in awe of the extent to which we humans can impose our will, even during a perfect animal struggle. Moments in awe of what training can do for us even at the most adrenaline instant: an insight for me into what it might sometimes mean to be a soldier. The Art in martial arts can be as sublime as the work of Caravaggio. Sometimes I see the words of media personalities as they question the bravery or will of a man like this, and Im astounded by the loss of perspective. Who are you to call out someone like this, when youve never stepped into a ring, ready to fight? There is too much sacrifice and there are too many disadvantages this kind of athlete has when negotiating with the organization that feeds upon him. I hope to see sport fighters organize, because its their best chance to get real compensation for the life-changing pounding their bodies and brains take during a career, and only a tiny few ever see life-changing money. Watch this video, read the words if you dont speak Portuguese, and think again about the real value of that Pay-Per-View.
Posted on: Mon, 22 Sep 2014 05:02:26 +0000
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