Bob Sapp is Gambling With his Brain

(photo courtesy of cagetoday.com)

MMA legend Bob Sapp just doesn't know when to tap out. Well, with 8 losses in his last 9 fights, 6 of which via submission, maybe he does. The problem is that with every new fight he takes, the more damage his brain takes. To say Sapp is past his prime is an understatement. His resolve in holding onto in-ring glory is an ominous illustration of the dangerous culture of pro fighting. More is learned about CTE every day, and it's hard to believe that a guy who fights as frequently as Sapp, at his advanced age, hasn't developed the degenerative brain disease (he's got 3 fights scheduled in a 3 week span, a daunting task even for prime-aged fighters). Maybe it's money, maybe it's pride, either way Sapp may become a sad example of the dangers of hanging on.

 

Cage Fighting: Not as Safe as it Sounds

(Photo courtesy of thebiglead.com)

                                                                       

The UFC became a giant by convincing gaming commissions like Ontario’s that MMA is the safest combat sport in the world. Safer than boxing, maybe, but it's a cultural issue that may be doing their athletes the most damage. With Chris Leben opening up about his battle with addiction, and Gary Goodridge’s CTE diagnosis, we’re seeing a dark element to MMA that is seldom discussed. Fighters are under constant pressure to perform; their livelihoods depend on it, especially considering the modest purses, and limited sponsorship opportunities. When your job entails fighting a trained violence machine for peanuts, it becomes easy to feel the heat. Pop that pill; take the next fight. Ignore the headaches; take the next fight. MMA is safe enough to get sanctioned, but in a world of broken hearts, dreams, and bones, no one is truly safe. 

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