My Week in Words: June 10-16, 2023
Coming out of UFC 289 and heading into UFC Vegas 75 has made for a strange week
Last weekend was a trip, and I mean that in the best way possible, mostly.
Being back at a live event was amazing, once I settled in, which took about 30 minutes because that’s when I finally just said, “Fuck it!” and went and sat in my place on press row. Standing in the back felt uncomfortable, unnatural for me, even though I was very much allowed to be there and supposed to be there.
But it felt off and since I’m trying to recognize my anxiety more and deal with it accordingly, I just walked out into Rogers Arena, parked myself at my seat, and took a mostly quiet hour to myself. The waves of anxiety passed, familiar faces started coming by and we caught up, and next thing you knew, fighters were inside the Octagon and all was right in the world.
Big thanks to Zac, Mackenzie, and Maddyn for the entire week, and my guys Eric and Eliot as well; it was a week I won’t soon forget.
As for this week, I spent every day since Saturday trying to get settled back in, and it hasn’t really worked. My at-home rhythm is off, my body is all messed up from a lack of sleep and such an emotional week, so I’ve been a little weird for the last seven days.
But we’ve soldiered through, the work all got done, and next week should be even better.
Here’s a look at what I put out over the last seven days.
UFC 289 Recaps: there really is something about live fights that makes things resonate in a very different, very powerful way, at least for me.
The rounds felt like they went by quicker. The night raced by. Whether it was no comms and no commercials, being in the venue rather than in my den, this was a vastly different recap experience than any other this year (and I’ve done all the shows so far) and I really need to make sure I get back to press row much sooner than seven years from now.
Amanda Nunes, Forever The GOAT: when I pulled into my driveway in the early morning hours on Sunday, my email buzzed with an assignment — “Nunes retirement piece is yours if you want it.”
I wanted it, and writing the above piece was really special for me. All of last week was, in part because of Amanda Nunes. Finally meeting her in person, sharing a couple cool moments, and getting to see her final appearance inside the Octagon are things I will cherish for the rest of my life.
She’s a special talent, and it’s been a pleasure covering her career. I’m going to miss her.
Keyboard Kimura Podcast, Episode 26: Policing Opinions & Criticizing Everything, Always
I’m not a big fan of the whole “you’re not allowed to like this; I need to mock you to show my superiority” vibe the MMA Twitterverse often gives off, so I decided to talk about it… again.
No one has taken me up on my offer to come and discuss their ever-present disdain for the UFC, its events, and the impact those things have on its fighters yet either; door is still open and the offer still stands.
TUF 31, Episode 3 Recap: I know the too cool for school set are forever out on TUF, but I tell you what — this season has been fun through three episodes; good fights, good moments with coaches and fighters, and a lot of building intrigue.
Team Chandler scored another win to go up 3-0 on Team McGregor, and you can feel the pressure starting to get to “The Notorious” one already.
UFC Vegas 75 Fight-By-Fight Preview: this is very much a “Spencer Card,” but I think by the time the dust settles this evening, I won’t be the only one that enjoyed the action inside the Octagon.
There are some interesting young talents set to compete, including Christian Leroy Duncan, Manuel Torres, and Cristian Quiñónez, and the light heavyweight opener between Zac Pauga and Modestas Bukauskas should be fun as well.
UFC Vegas 75 Fighters on the Rise: competitors mentioned in this series in 2023 have gone a combined 37-18, and 12-2 over the last five weeks.
Not to go all Barry Horowitz on you, but it feels safe to say that if you’re looking for emerging talents to pay closer attention to each and every week, you should probably be checking out this series.
Lucas Almeida Interview: it’s been a weird road to Almeida’s sophomore appearance in the Octagon, as he’s had three fights fall through since stopping Mike Trizano in his promotional debut.
Through it all, the aggressive and attacking Brazilian has remained steadfast in his belief that God has a plan for him, and he’ll look to continue following His lead this weekend when he steps in against Pat Sabatini.
Ronnie Lawrence Interview: Lawrence has been battling cystic acne and the myriad health challenges it opens the door to for the last couple years, admitting that he should have pulled out of his last fight against Saidyokub Kakhramonov.
Finally feeling healthy, he’s ready to remind people why Dana White was so high on him coming off Contender Series, and remind himself that he’s a handful in the bantamweight division.
Appreciating Greatness: my OSDB column this week looks at the dynamic between legitimately world-class talents and MMA fans that don’t seem to appreciate their skills and efforts. It’s a strange phenomenon that doesn’t occur nearly as much — and certainly not from established voices — as it does in our little MMA bubble, and I thought I’d explore things.