Reader comments
Amy Donaldson: Mixed martial arts is much more than most realize

Adam | 12:11 p.m. June 8, 2009

Amy, I applaud your courage to cover a sport that is scary and unfamiliar to you. Almost everyone that I know that has gone to a Throwdown event has come away a fan. The sportsmanship of these athletes is unmatched. Their courage and heart is unequaled. They are truly out there to test themselves more than to hurt someone. Every guy wants to know what he is capable of. This is the ultimate test. Giving us an inside glimse is so awesome to see. Keep these stories coming.

Derek | 12:18 p.m. June 8, 2009

Great nigth of fights, and great coverage Amy. You do nice work. Look forward to seeing your truly compete in the next Showdown in late Sept!

Arron Baker | 12:22 p.m. June 8, 2009

The turnout was horrible and the fights were fixed Jordan Smith lost and should have given up the belt but 2 of the fights you can tell Throwdown wanted to keep the belts at home a Draw? give me a break!

Comments continue below

Shane Seggar | 12:29 p.m. June 8, 2009

I have much respect for MMA fighters. I trained for about a year and a half at the Walt Bayless gym in SLC, UT and got to work with hard working fighters like Matt Hughes and Jeremy Horne, as well as all of the other local fighters. There is a great deal of dedication and focus among these athletes.

I was there cross-training for rugby--my choice of sport--and even though I was not looking to fight professionally, I was treated with respect and helped along in my training by guys who had fought at the highest level.

These athletes have my deep respect. I hope that the sport continues to move forward.

Pat White | 12:49 p.m. June 8, 2009

Yay! Go TJ!! I am your biggest fan! Keep it up!

Griffen | 12:51 p.m. June 8, 2009

It was an awesome night of fights! I have been to shows all over, and the level of competition was something to behold! The main stream media always say there isn't enough interest in the sport to cover it, but more people pay money (PPV) to watch this sport than any in history! Thanks for the article, and I look forward to future coverage.

Steve | 1:19 p.m. June 8, 2009

MMA is truly an amazing sport! It is good to see it finally getting the coverage it deserves. Keep up the awesome fights, Throwdown, and keep up that coverage Amy!

Jared | 1:21 p.m. June 8, 2009

I have been reading a lot about MMA, I have never been to an event but would be willing to check it out. Amy, let us know when the next event is.

sports... | 1:22 p.m. June 8, 2009

it is legal street fighting...can't stand to watch it and it should be banded.

Phil Patterson | 1:29 p.m. June 8, 2009

How awsome is it to get some coverage on the biggest MMA show in Utah. MMA is the fastest growing sport in the United States and to shine a light on an organization here locally that puts their money and their support behind local fighters that come from all walks of light is truly inspiring.

From a young man like Rad Martinez that cares for a wheel chair bound father with brain damage every day of his life, to kids like Steven Siler that could barely make grades in High School and now he can make a living off his hard work, these guys all have amzing and inspiring stories that often go untold.

Letting the state, country, and world know why these individuals do what they do and that they are all loving and caring individuals that fight not to hurt, but just to compete and support their family is an amazing step for any news organization to make...but for Deseret News to make is a breath of fresh air! We have always been a country of fighters, and now, many in Utah know that we are a state of fighters, both inside the cage and out!

David | 1:29 p.m. June 8, 2009

I fit into the pacifist category, yet watching the Saturday night Throwdown event couldn't help make a person respect the athleticism of each of the contestants. Bravo to all who participated and thanks for showing us what it means to stick in there till the bitter end when the odds are against you. Great example of the human spirit. Thanks again Throwdown and to Deseret News for giving the public a better picture of this hot new wave of a sport.

David | 1:35 p.m. June 8, 2009

Throwdown didn't fix anything, independent judges monitored by the state fighting association were responsible for the outcomes.

Johnny | 2:40 p.m. June 8, 2009

What great article, there is so much that goes into being a pro Mixed Martial Artist. You rarely get to hear about what these athletes go through to prepare themselves physically and mentally for the challenge at hand. I hope you continue to cover the world of MMA and The Throwdown Showdown event series. Great job, keep up the good work!!!

Dan Furse | 3:37 p.m. June 8, 2009

Fixed fights = laughable. You have no idea what you're talking about.

Keyboard Warrior hater | 4:28 p.m. June 8, 2009

Judges, unlike keyboard warriors, don't get to hide behind any name they want to put down. Dan Furse is the most honest, non biased person I have ever met, and its an insult to imply anything else.

Jacob | 4:53 p.m. June 8, 2009

The athletes are great it takes real heart and will to get into this sport. Dont want to take credit away from them. The decisions and matchups Controversial and questionable.

Can't | 5:18 p.m. June 8, 2009

You can;t leave it in the judges hands, you have to go out and put everything into it, you need to submit your opponent, or end it quickly, in too many sports where there is a judge there is error, so don't leave it to the judges.

Sean Whalen | 6:26 p.m. June 8, 2009

Congrats to all the fighters who took part in the event Saturday night. It was fantastic to be a part of (see above picture!) Nice shot TJ!
Being a part of this sport has opened my eyes to just how incredible these athletes that participate in MMA are. Unless you have ever trained, and I mean really trained for a fight, you have no idea how much energy and devotion goes into it. You literally give your all in the ring, and I commend the fighters who get in the ring and put it on the line. I did it for fun (of course there are less painful ways to have fun) but the guys who do this for a living are truly warriors and we saw that Saturday night. Throwdown does a fantastic job representing the sport, and I look forward to future events! By the way, are there any shots of my getting a hit in on TJ, because this picture of him hitting me is sweet and I need one of me hitting him! Good times...

Hans | 7:41 p.m. June 8, 2009

MMA gives a full measure of a man. I'm a fan for one reason, no other sport test a man the way MMA does. These men have a drive that no other pro athlete has. Great sport, great men and great entertainment.

Leslie | 11:44 p.m. June 8, 2009

Amy- great article, hopefully people will quit judging the sport before they have given it a chance. There's so many great things about MMA, there's very few people that I've met that still hate the sport after they've been to an event (I'm not talking about the bar scene if you are going to your first event go to throwdown or Jeremy Horn's Elite Fight Night) or actually talked to a fighter.
I hope that you will continue to cover MMA, especially here locally we've got a lot of great talent here in Utah not to mention some of the besst gyms in world.
If you want more information on MMA before going to event or would like to know when the next event is just listen to The Cage on 1280 the zone tues & thurs nights from 7pm to 9pm, the hosts are great and know a lot. They encourage you call in with any questions as well.

I've been a fan for years and been to more fights than I could count, and Throwdown is one of the best organizations out there. Keep up the good work.

I'm all for it! | 6:22 a.m. June 9, 2009

Hey, this is great. It's one step closer to returning to that true sport--the Roman Colloseum. Gratuitous violence has always made sports more interesting.

fan | 6:44 p.m. June 11, 2009

I throughly enjoyed the evening as well as my teenage son. Thanks Throwdown for a fun, entertaining evening!

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