The Danzig Diaries - Week 7
Today is another weekly installment of Mac Danzig’s insights into The Ultimate Figher. Mac continues his full diary with OC Register, props to him for keeping up with it. Keep in mind that Danzig isn’t necessarily writing about his personal experiences on the show, but also providing a view of things that happened on the show that didn’t affect him personally. The reason why I read his blog is that he provides “behind the scenes” insight not found elsewhere. So here are some of his thoughts from week 7:
About coach Hughes: I understand Hughes’ anger to an extent, but when your coach tells you the he “doesn’t even want to be here” and says “I wish I wasn’t on the show,” how do you think that makes the fighter feel? Like crap. That’s how it made us feel.
The whole bit about how he gave up being around his 10-month-old daughter to be on the show was pretty weak, in my opinion. At least he could talk with his wife and kids every day on the phone, drive around Vegas, do whatever he wanted within reason (and get paid well to do it). If he wanted to blow off some steam, he could take a day off, or go somewhere without cameras in his face.
About family sacrafice: Billy Miles has a 2-year-old son at home that he had no contact with whatsoever. John Kolosci had a similar situation. We were all giving up a huge part of out lives to be there, and him trying to guilt-trip us didn’t come off well to me, especially because I felt our sacrifices during that time were greater than his. That being said, I still maintain that Hughes really cared deep down, and that was simply his way of dealing with it.
The conversation between Dana and Hughes: It was puzzling to watch. It’s not like Dana is always walking around that building with his suit on, and just happened to pass by Matt and have a talk. That was some “tv magic” in my opinion. I didn’t know Dana real well at this point, but I have spent enough time around him and sat and talked with him enough to know that the things he said to Hughes must have been strategic for the show. I really see no other explanation. I mean come on… “Have a F’n ‘come to Jesus’ meeting with them” … I seriously think that entire conversation was a bit contrived, and although in no way scripted, certainly “drama motivated.” I think on a personal level, Dana has a lot more respect for the fighters than what that particular scene would lead you to believe.
On Dan Barerra: I thought Barrera did OK and showed some heart considering his experience level. After training with him, I expected Ben to have a really good chance at submitting him rather easily, but Dan didn’t let that happen and I was impressed. If I’m not mistaken, he pulled a ”Corey Hill” and told everyone that he had three fights prior. It wasn’t until after the show was over, that we realized that was his first actual sanctioned MMA fight. In Barrera’s post-fight interview, he is banged up but never hangs his head. He’s a tough dude. But seriously, what’s with all these “spartan” references? Ever since “300″ came out, all of the sudden, everyone is a freakin’ Spartan. Doesn’t make much sense to me …
On George Sotiropilous: He was someone who I never spoke with much during the six weeks. We didn’t really even say “hi” much. I don’t really think our personalities meshed and we were both eying each other as potential finalists. That being said, we never had any serious problems and I feel we had a common mutual respect that not a lot of the other guys shared. George is a competitor. He trains hard and wants to win. When you’re surrounded by goofballs, you’re not going to be happy all the time and I think that’s where George was at this point in time. I completely agree with everything he said in his interviews. He isn’t anyone’s “mummy,” and he’s right, those guys are supposed to be adults, so they should wake themselves up.
On J-Roc: I’m glad we finally get to see some of J-Roc this episode. The guys is hilarious and does great impersonations, in addition to being one heck of an athlete. We were both glad to be on the same team. People will watch the show and get a false impression of his skill level because of how his fight went, but trust me, the guy is extremely talented. I truly think he gave George way too much respect in there and was too hesitant.
On the fight: During the actual fight, I think J-Roc may have psyched himself out. I think the huge amount of stress and pressure Hughes was putting on him (even if only inadvertently) really got to him. George on the other hand, looked to be in the right mind state to win. It’s a shame, because J-Roc really could have done something big in the tournament.
J-Roc’s reaction: J-Roc went off after the fight. People at home might not understand how incredibly hard it is to go through all of that and then lose that way. That’s how he chose to deal with it at that moment in time and I can’t fault him for it. At one point, I put myself in between J-Roc and the camera man because I was worried he might attack the guy, or at least send his camera across the room just like the chair. The look on Blake’s face during the tantrum was priceless. I had to laugh when I saw that. I think after the first couple of chairs got hurled, we were all considering ducking out and preserving ourselves physically.
Next week, we have a guy who is more concerned with tanning and tattoos, against a quiet kid, born and raised on a farm. Let’s see what happens …
Source: OC Register
