Since MMA began its uphill battle to become a legitimate sanctioned sport in North America, it boasted a safety record that was hard to match by any sport. In sanctioned MMA, there has never been a death or serious injury. Until now.
On October 20th in Houston, Texas, Renegades Extreme Fighting held an event that included 12 matchups. The third match of the evening saw 35 year old Sam Vasquez take on 21 year old Vince Libardi in a featherweight battle.
In the third round of the bout, Libardi unleashed a flurry of punches that sent Vasquez to the mat. After collapsing in the cage, Vasquez then suffered a seizure and was rushed to the hospital.
His condition only worsened. He developed a large clot in his brain and underwent surgery just two weeks after being admitted. Five days later he suffered a massive stroke and was put into a drug induced coma.
Vasquez died on Friday.
MMA's clean safety record has now been marred by tragedy.
So what does this mean for MMA?
MMA's uphill battle to become sanctioned in every state and province in North America had appeared to be getting easier and easier as more and more states began embracing this new sport. But with these new developments, MMA's battle may have just hit the tip of the iceberg.
I'm sure that there will be an uproar caused because of this tragedy. There will be those who say that MMA is barbaric and that people are dying inside the ring. I'm sure Dana White and the UFC will address the concerns that the public may have about MMA and the safety of the fighters; as will all other MMA promotions. I believe that if MMA is to keep going with it's recent success it needs to blitz 'fighter safety' and 'safety track record'. MMA promoters need to get the word out fast and furious about the safety regulations that the sport of MMA has implemented. They need to have fighter testimonials as well as political references.
The sanctioning hearings held in each state will now, more than likely, include discussion regarding this particular MMA related death. There will be major concerns brought to the table during these hearings and with good reason. But I believe that the promoters of this sport have been doing all of the right things to make this a legitimate sport. I believe that they will continue to do everything in their power to ensure the safety of the fighters. This is only one step back among a hundred steps forward. This tragedy might have slowed the expansion of MMA, but it hasn't stopped it.
I don't know Sam Vasquez, but I'm sure he'd be right there in front of the panel telling them that MMA should stick around!
2 comments:
This is a great blog. I came across your listing in the Google help groups. I have an automotive Q&A blog designed to arm the masses with knowledge about their vehicles however unfortunate it is many of us still need cars. Knowledge is power. Please feel free to comment whenever for increased exposure. Thanks for supporting fellow bloggers. Don't be afraid 2 click.. Thanks - Able
It's too bad this guy died, but I'm happy it didn't happen immediately or in the UFC. Had it happened on a larger scale, idiots in the media would take it a run and bash the shit out of MMA. If something like this does happen in the UFC you can be sure that un-educated members of the media will do their best to put an end to MMA.
Post a Comment