Heavy MMA was my first big break in MMA journalism.

I had been writing for about a year prior to joining the team, bouncing around between websites. They gave me a platform, a ton of opportunities, lots of advice and direction, and the chance to blossom as a writer.

These are some of my favorite pieces from my time at Heavy.

The Business of MMA Series

Every so often, you have to step away from the cage and the fighters who ply their trade inside it, and examine the other elements of the The Fight Game.

In this series, I spoke with three of the top management firms in the business about how they got into MMA, their fighters, and the sport we all love.

MMA Incorporated: Part One & Part Two
SuckerPunch Entertainment: Part One & Part Two
Alchemist Management: Part One & Part Two

10 Things We Learned Series

I’m a sucker for series, both as a writer and as a reader.

Beginning way back at UFC 100, you could be sure that after every UFC event, I would deliver 10 Things, my look back at the key elements from the fights, and I never pulled any punches.

Here’s a taste of the last five from Heavy:

UFC 136
UFC 135
UFC 134
UFC 133
UFC 132

Features

I’m particularly proud of Taking COMMAND and the ZUMA Fight Journal, a pair of heavily detailed looks at experiences that aren’t always documented.

A big thanks to Adam Zugec, Sarah Kaufman, and the whole ZUMA team for letting me tag along, and to “Big” John McCarthy, his lovely wife Elaine, and Jerin Valel for making my two-day experience with COMMAND so memorable.

Taking COMMAND: My Quest to Become an MMA Judge – Part One & Part Two (June 2011)
What Kind of Champion Are You? (July 2011)
The UFC Guide to MMA Career Longevity (April 2011)
ZUMA Fight Journal: Part One & Part Two (April 2011)

 

 

 

 

Opinion / Editorial

 

I’ve never been shy when it comes to stating my opinion. Here’s a collection of some of my more memorable opinion pieces from Heavy:

 

Anderson Silva: Five Years of Excellence (August 2011)

Nobody in the UFC Will Beat Jon Jones (September 2011)

Could Jon Jones Become the Greatest of All Time? (September 2011)

Georges St-Pierre vs. Nick Diaz is the Only Option (April 2011)

No More Questions: Anderson Silva is The Best in the Business (February 2011)

 

Interviews

 

For me, there is nothing better (in my job) than sitting down to interview a fighter.

 

I’ve been fortunate enough to speak with a lot of talented, entertaining, and engaging athletes thus far, and have been lucky enough to form a good rapport and relationship with some of them.

 

Thanks for letting me ask you silly questions…

 

Junior dos Santos: “I Will Be There to Get My Belt” (September 13, 2011)

Matt Mitrione Unfiltered: Part One & Part Two

Forrest Griffin Unfiltered (February 2, 2011)

Bart Palaszewski Talks About Kicking His Demons (December 13, 2010)

Chuck Liddell Not Ready to Retire (June 8, 2010)