The Rise of The Mc-Blackbelt: Rashad Evans Receives Meaningless Belt
Photo by Josh Hedges. Copyright Zuffa, LLC
Article Posted: January 3rd, 2010 |
By: Reverend Turk Vangel |
Comments: 64 | Comment Now
Fighters.com fourth-ranked light heavyweight “Sugar” Rashad Evans (14-1-1) received his black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu from Rolles Gracie (2-0) Saturday before UFC 108. The awarding of black belts today in mixed martial arts (MMA) is becoming homogenized as many fighters seem to be able to get them as easy as a Big Mac. It is a disgrace to the fighting style of Jiu Jitsu, the black belt lineage and to Helio Gracie himself.
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I met Dan when he was visiting Davenport, Iowa to compete in a Tough-Man contest back around 1999-2001. At the time I didn’t follow pugilistic competitive events and had we not been the only two people in the gym (Ultimate Fitness in Rock Island, IL), we probably wouldn’t have spoken. Yet at some point during our workouts a conversation opened and once Dan mentioned why he was in Davenport, it was quite refreshing to find him to be an intelligent, outgoing and considerate person.
Since our meeting and brief conversation, I’ve spent several years working-out at the gym of another MMA icon, Pat Miletich of Bettendorf, Iowa and have had brief conversations with numerous martial arts practitioners and competitors. However, with the possible exception of Matt Hughes, few have demonstrated the genuine sincerety and humble professionalism of Dan Severn.
My best to Dan in all of his personal and competitive efforts.
Jon Lambert
Moline, IL