I had to be in the lobby at 430 to catch the ride to the arena...the ride over was awesome!! I got to see the whole other side of Amman. I am so blown away by the way some of these countries blend their own culture with American culture. It really does make things easier for a Meathead like me to function.
Got to the arena and was given my personal escort, which was awesome. It was a kid named Mike from California that was in the middle of a 2 year volunteer Peace Corps mission.
We sat next to the cage for 2 hours and I grilled him about everything Jordan....stereotypes, culture, any difference that I could think of. This is a kid that has been in the villages surrounding Amman, where men don't where shorts, woman don't eat with men (even their family), he gave me a real insight that I don't think I could get anywhere else. So thankful that I got to meet Mike, if your reading this...thank you friend.
Before fights, especially in a different country I like to hang out in the crowd and meet people that I might never meet....so glad I did.
Being recognized in the US is awesome and so flattering, being recognized by three 14 year olds in the Middle East is one of those things that you want in the book of your life as a very cool moment.
After the fights started, I hung out in the corner questioning Mike and three kids came up saying my name, asking me to sign their shirts, hats, and wrist bands they got when they walked in. Unbelievable!!!
So the fight sucked....I lost...I took it on 5 days notice, but who would pass on such a cool opportunity.
I was in the main event, so after the fight I hung out as much as I could to meet people until I had to catch the bus back to the hotel...walked upstairs, showered and came back to the lobby to get paid.
It is always cool when the promoter is there waiting with your money....overseas trips are sometimes nervous about getting paid, I have never had that problem (knock on wood), but these guys were awesome!! Everything they said happened the way they said.
As I was waiting, I ended up talking to the ring announcer and 2 Brazilian's that were going to a nightclub called Flow...You know I went!!!
This place was amazing!!! It was like a mansion, white couches, fish tanks, and everyone was so friendly!!!
They kept asking me about my stereotypes on the Middle East and telling me that I am welcome in Jordan anytime I come back. So friendly!!
Like I said in my last column, I never want to hear "if your in my country, you can speak my language" again!! Furthermore, based off my experiences, if you are in a situation dealing with someone that does not speak your language, do everything you can to make their life as easy as possible...someone from their country will for sure do the same. We are all in this together, no need to make someone else's life difficult over something so petty.
So I was at this night club and there was a point that I was hanging out with 4 Jordanians, 2 Brazilians, and a girl from London...no point to this, I just thought it was cool and want it in the book of my life.
The clubs there do not have a closing time, it is kind of when everyone leaves they close. I rode back to the hotel with one of the Brazilians.....a very entertaining ride!
Sean Salmon Blog (Part 9)
New Blog...
"Hi" from Jordan....
I got an awesome night sleep last night!!! Woke up at 9am this morning, opened my curtains and could not believe the view!! I can see over the top of Amman for miles!! It really helped that there was no sand storm today...sunny, hot, and dry.
I laid in bed for another hour or so after I woke up, which is made a lot easier because they have a lot of American channels over here.
I walked down to the fitness center to find that I was 4lbs over....on the high end of what I was hoping, but easily duable. Did the sauna, plastics, stationary bike routine, but this time it was a little different. My bike sat in front of a 3rd story window overlooking a busy street next to the hotel.
My first thought was, "why are all these cars so dirty"...felt like a dumbass when I remembered 15 minutes later that there was a sand storm yesterday!!!
Got the weight off in 45 minutes...and Mike, the saunas here are nothing like Finland...I was disappointed too. We had to meet in the lobby for weigh ins at 1pm, when I met the promoter for the 2nd time and I have to say that he is a lot like Rick Pyles...makes me feel like I can ask for anything and he will get it, both of them are very much "fighters promoters".
The weigh ins were cool. Everyone is really friendly, including my opponent. I wish everyone could see how friendly fighters are with eachother even when they are going to be fighting eachother the next day.
I weighed in a 1/2 kilo under (about 1lb) and hung out to watch the rest of the weigh ins. Came back to my room and ordered pasta, had my shakes, a ton of water, and figured I should walk around Amman.
Trying to remember how many turns you took and which direction you took is the easiest way to get lost!!!! All the buildings are sand brown, from the sand ;) but worse than that there are no street signs. I was proper lost.
It was a couple hour hike, but in hind sight was very cool...how many more times in my life can I get lost in the Middle East...I'm guessing 2-3 tops.
Got back to the hotel and there was a wedding coming out of one of the reception halls...everyone dressed up (I assume), an Arabic band playing...I had to pull up a chair off to the side and watch. I was enough out of the way where I wasn't noticed, but it was really cool to watch.
I got some more food, water, and watched tv and now I'm typing to whoever wants to read. Its 11pm here...once I finish this I'm going to eat and drink a little more, watch tv and stay up until 1-2.
I've been told several times that I am really lucky that I don't get jet lagged.
I've also been asked several times if the people are nice? They are unbelievably nice!! Everytime I've been in another country I am blown away by how helpful people are to Americans. Especially here, I don't understand their culture at all, and I can't even say hi in their language, but not one person has made me feel bad because of that. It makes me want to punch anyone I hear say "if your in my country you can speak my language".
So tomorrow I will wake up have something to eat and drink, maybe jog, watch tv, anything to occupy my mind. This is a scary sport, if anyone tells you that they aren't nervous or scared, they are probably lying (unless its Chuck Liddell). So I will try and watch badass, tough guy movies until it is time to be one.
I have to be in the lobby at 445 for the ride to the venue. I am the main event and not sure how many fights are on the card. I am guessing that I will be done by midnight here and will post results as soon as I can.
Thanks for the support everyone, I love it!!!
Sean Salmon Blog (Part 8)
I'm not going to lie...that trip kinda sucked.
I left Columbus at noon on Tuesday and flew the 2 hours to JFK for an 8 1/2 hour layover, I don't mind layovers because I do enjoy goofing off at airports, this one was not as much fun because I couldn't even check in for my flight until 4 hours prior. So I was kinda stuck hanging out all day. I was pumped when I realized that the flight to Jordan had final completely boarded and I had 2 seats to myself. I was even more pumped when I realized that one of my movie choices was Fast Five (that was my first time seeing it).
I didn't manage to get as much sleep as I normally do on flights, I had a lot on my mind so it wouldn't just shut off and leave me alone. Not all bad though, I think I got somethings figured out. Everything seemed like a pretty normal overseas fight until the plane got below the clouds and not only did I learn the definition of "the middle of the dessert", but it is extremely windy today and looked a little like that sandstorm scene in Star Wars.
I got through immigration way quicker than I expected for a short, muscular, tattooed, American that looks like he has little business anywhere outside of a gym.
Got down to the bag carousel when a girl came up to me and asked if I was from Milwaukee (she noticed my tattoo), turns out she is also from there but is here on some digging exploration for the next 2 1/2 months. Some people might think fighting in a cage is crazy, but spending close to 3 months in the desert sounds looney tunes to me!!
I walked out from baggage really hoping to see someone holding my name card, of course I didn't. Apparently my patience ran out about 5 minutes too quickly as I just got done talking to the promoter and he saw me driving away in the cab. I won't lie, I only waited about 5 minutes before I got the cab...all I wanted to do was get here to the hotel.
They are putting us up in a very nice Crowne Plaza which appears to be right in downtown Amman, Jordan. Its hard to tell though...there are a lot of people, cars, and buildings everywhere, but their architecture is so different from the US that I have no idea if they are offices, houses, or businesses. It is now 8pm here on Wednesday night, Amman is 7 hours ahead of Columbus...I'm going to do an easy jog and try to stay up until 11 or 12.
I'll wake up tomorrow, probably 2-4lbs over, do an easy workout to get that off of me, weigh ins are at 1pm and then I will do pretty much anything I can to take my mind off of fighting. There will be plenty of time to be nervous on Friday.
I'll do another column about this same time tomorrow to keep everyone updated. Last, don't forget the UVC (www.ultimatevictory.org) this Saturday at the Aladdin Shrine Temple!! I'm disappointed I won't be there, but it is a great card!!!
Sean Salmon Blog (Part 7)
Here's a new column...I'm leaving tomorrow for Jordan, but I will try and get one to you everyday.
A good friend of mine Mike Camp called me last Wednesday night and asked "are you in shape"? I know exactly where Camp was going by asking that question. "Depends on the opportunity" was my response, although I don't think I have ever turned down a fight in my life.
Camp explained that this one would be in Jordan (in the Middle East) vs Antony Rea from France.
After a little research and asking around I learned that Jordan has a stable government and that they are friends with the United States so I would have nothing to worry about.
How could I say to an opportunity like this? Traveling to the Middle East to fight!!! Awesome!!!
Then I got my travel itenerary on Saturday. 8 1/2 hour layover in New York before an 11 hour flight to Jordan does not sound like fun at all. However, I do get to spend a whole extra day there. My fight is Friday night and I don't leave until Sunday, so I will get to explore on my own for a day.
I was able to do that in Russia and loved it. Blending into a foreign country with no real way to communicate is a lot of fun.
I'm also excited to be competing at 205lbs a much more natural weight for me and I've been doing everything I can over the last several weeks to get as strong as possible.
I will be doing a column everyday there to keep everyone updated...I find people usually enjoy reading the fight week behind the scenes stories more than any of my other ramblings.
Also, don't forget about the UVC (www.ultimatevictory.org) this Saturday at the Aladin Shrine Temple across from Easton. Unfortunatly I won't be there, but it is as always a stacked card!!
Sean Salmon Blog (Part 6)
I can't believe how long it has been since I've done a column. I just didn't have that much to say. I wrote a couple thoughts on my Facebook page, but none of them were fight related. If you care to read them my page is open or just request me as a friend (make sure to say hi when you see me online).
This thought might jump around a bit...I have a lot on my mind and a lot coming up.
My stuff first...
My next fight has been moved to August 20. It is still in Rockford, Illinois vs Laverne Clark (5x UFC Vet). It will be aired live on Direct TV PPV (at Oagies Sports Pub), it will also be played on tape delay for free on HDNet....UNLESS, my agent just told me 2 days ago that they are in talks with a network television station to pick it up live, although thats a long shot at this point. I'll make sure everyone knows.
I need this win. I need a good fight. I need to get hit hard, press forward and finish this fight. I have taken a back seat lately, more mentally than physically, but what is the difference if your not winning.
In my head I am hoping Laverne hits me hard and then we'll start fighting. I need that, bad.
I understand that a lot of amateur and beginning pros read this website and I'm hoping this column...I want to help you guys. A lot of you need help.
I feel like I have an inside track here because I had to turn pro for my first fight (because of my wrestling background), I also had a very good manager right off the bat, Gary Marino. I also have a father in law (Rick Pyles, co-owner of the UVC) that deals with a lot of you personally.
So if your a fighter and want to be taken seriously, please listen to me. These are simple rules.
1. If you agree to a fight (verbally or sign the contract), you better fight. Injury or family emergency are the only good excuses for backing out after you give your word.
2. Show up on time. Gary Marino (my first manager) told me that NO ONE should ever be asking "where is Sean Salmon?". It does not matter if its a press conference, interview, weigh ins, physical, fight...no matter what it is, get there 15 minutes early.
3. If you are traveling, dress nice. It does not have to be a suit and tie, but at least a collar and dress shoes. Unless it is overseas...in that case dress as comfortable as possible.
4. Never miss weight! If you are going to miss weight (it does happen) communicate that ahead of time to your manager and make sure he communicates that to the promoter.
5. There is a really fat manager in the area that does not communicate with his fighters the way he should, if you are a fighter and hear of an opportunity that your manager/agent did not speak to you about...find a new one.
6. At the end of the day, you are responsible for you. As a fighter, you are your own employee, your own boss, your own brand...make sure you put the right people in the right place. If you don't want someone speaking for you, representing you, ect. Put them in their place.
You walk in the cage all alone.
These were just the thoughts off the top of my head...
Rick, Jason, Chris, and Tyler are doing great things with the UVC (www.ultimatevictory.org) and they are talking of more great things, perhaps something really great in the Columbus area...updates coming.
Bottom line...never hire a manager/agent or fight for a promoter that you wouldn't let babysit for you.
I made the mistake once with a manager and once with a promoter, it will never happen again.
August 6th, Columbus State Fair Grounds....come watch one of the best UVC cards and hang out with me!!
Sean Salmon Blog (Part 5)
I am going to start this column by giving attention to someone that I am not a fan of...Chael Sonnen. Normally if I don't like something or someone, I won't give them the press. However, Chael is getting worked over pretty bad by the California State Athletic Commission. I'm not going to go into the details, if your on this website you probably already know, but how in the world does Chael receive a stiffer penalty than Mike Tyson who bit a guys ear off????
Glad to get that off my chest....
This past Saturday's Ultimate Victory Challenge!!!!
Off the top of my head I can't think of one athlete on that card that shouldn't turn pro someday. I was impressed with nearly every fight.
Obviously, I can't talk about the UVC and not mention the Hod Lundell vs. Chico Bays fight. I train at Buckeye MMA and have worked with Chico so I was a bit biased in hoping to see him win. That being said, Hod is clearly a very good fighter and put on an awesome performance. Being honest and taking into account that I don't watch the fights like the judges do while I'm commentating, I had Hod as the winner...barely. However, I would not have disagreed if Chico was awarded the win. The fight was just that close.
I have heard a lot of people use the saying, "you can't leave it in the hands of the judges." That is the dumbest saying ever, especially in that fight. Both guys were trying to finish, both guys were working extremely hard to win that fight, they did their job! The judges did theirs and everyone is free to disagree with their decision, but when a fight is that close (and in this case, that good), I can't get upset eitherway. Both guys are very good fighters and I would love to see the rematch anytime.
Obviously, I am also biased towards the UVC and their production, but they must be doing something right if other area promoters are calling all their fighters the day after their show! To me that is sleazy. Rick, Jason, and Tyler work their asses off to put together good fights (which is very difficult when matching amateur athletes). They do their homework, visit the gyms, talk to everyone they can, look at styles, past results, they do everything they can to justify the cost of their tickets and give fans entertainment and value. A lot of these other promotions just try and copy the UVC's homework. I suppose imitation is the highest form of flattery. Good luck keeping up guys!
I'm hoping that Tyler is able to get this posted before Saturday, otherwise this next part is not going to make sense...The UFC is this Saturday and I will be at Oagies Sports Pub, 980 Waggoner Rd (1.5 miles north of Broad). There is no cover, will be free pizza, and you get to hang out with me (and possibly the owner of UVC). Hope to see everyone there!!!
Sean Salmon Blog (Part 4)
This sport is so tough- more mentally than physically in my case.
I am not going to dwell, talk about, or write about the things I did wrong. My preparation was on, Tom DeBlass was better when it mattered the most. I got to speak with him and I like him very much and look forward to making a trip to back to NJ to train with him and his team. He told me that he lives right near Seaside, but I will make notes and not use more hair gel than is appropriate.
Lucky for me, I have something to look forward too.
I am fighting for the first time in the city that I was born in...Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Further more, I am fighting for a guy Duke Roufus, a name that I knew before I knew fighting. After the first time we met I learned that I grew up right around the corner from his families house, Woodlawn Ct right off of Wisconsin Ave.
I can't describe the excitement that I feel going back to Milwaukee for any reason (Summerfest or Irish Fest in particular), but going back to fight, to perform in front of people that I have known since I was a born...perfect! Really hoping my boy Matt True, Kelly Wetterau (sp?), and cousin Nick Cooper (with the same friends he brought to Michigan) will be there as well!!
Strangely, I feel a lot like I did before my fight with Yuki Sasaki in Helsinki, Finland. I don't care if I win or lose- everyone is leaving the arena pointing to my fight as the one that paid for their ticket. The one that made their money worth spending.
Obviously with Facebook and social media being where it is, it is hard to lose track of old friends, but I have two that are going to be in the arena that night. Almasi and Patty,two kids that I have known since I was my sons age. I don't remember ever not knowing them. Pretty sure they are riding their dirt bikes there so we can have one last ride of the "Little Shits". We also might climb some trees, throw apples at cars and crack eggs in mailboxes...maybe not.
I do have a very rare dual citizenship, I am a Badger and a Buckeye, but Milwaukee will always be my home!!
Last, while your listening...RoufusSport did earn and does deserve the tag #1 gym in America!!
Sean Salmon Blog (Part 3)
I woke up this morning (Thursday) a little before 11 and was only a pound over and feeling really good. This is a feeling that I am not used too. I usually fight at 185lbs which puts my goal to be 15lbs over 30 hours before weigh ins. Just getting to 15 over is not fun, but losing that last 15 is a very painful experience. I almost feel like I'm on vacation.
I did an easy run down the boardwalk, it was a little chilly, but not nearly as windy as yesterday. I wanted to run on the beach, but feared the sand would wear me out. I ran for about 30 min, did 20 min on the bike in the fitness center, a little shadow boxing and was 2.5lbs under weight.
Had a good lunch, a lot of water and made it to the fighters meeting at 4. The meeting was quick and easy only consisting of sizing our gloves, getting food passes, and making sure out licensing was in order. Weigh ins were at 8pm and I was only 1.5lbs over with 2 hours to go. I almost felt like I should keep eating and drinking- I am not used to weighing in without being completely dehydrated and suffering. Also, I was very unsure of how to only cut 1.5lbs.
I decided that I would do the normal 45min, but that I would only where my plastic top. I jumped in the sauna and started sweating instantly, also something I'm not used too. I put my plastics and sweats on and jumped on the bike, walked on the treadmill, back to the bike for a total of 45.
I ran into my opponent Tom DeBlass in the locker room, we exchanged our respectful hello and continued with what we were doing. I love meeting the guys in this sport that understand that this is just a game and there is no need to act like a dickhead towards eachother. I know that he wants to make me hurt tomorrow night (Friday), he knows I want to do the same to him, but at the end of the day it is just a game.
I was walking back to my room from the fitness center completely soaked and in my own world. In my world when your shirt is already that wet with sweat it is completely acceptable to blow your nose into the neck, it is actually encouraged for the environment (saving on kleenex). Right when I did this, a security officer called me over. He asked, "what did you just do? I told him that I just "blew my nose." He said, "you can't do that here". Without thinking I explained that it was, "ok, because my shirt was already soaked." He responded with a smile on his face, "other guests may be offended by it." This is when I realized that not everyone lives in my world. I walked back to my room halfway laughing that I tried to explain why it was ok for me to do that...I'm a meathead.
I got back to my room and was 4lbs under, I lost 5.5lbs in 45min. That only happens when your hydrated. Now, before any of you ladies that might be reading this send me emails asking how you can do this...it is only water weight and is already back on me (plus a couple extra). Exercise and good nutrition (consistently) are the only way to lose real weight, if anyone has questions about that, feel free to email. Weigh ins were very quick and uneventful.
I got something to eat and drink, a couple shakes and now I'm sitting in bed typing this column at 1045. I'll probably get something more to eat in an hour, watch tv and go to bed around 1am. I'll wake up around 11 and spend most of the day trying to forget that I have a fight that night to keep my nerves at bay. Once I get to the arena at 630pm, I'll start to embrace that nervous/anxious feeling and use it as much as I can to perform.
The fights start at 8:30pm and will be streaming live at www.gofightlive.tv, make sure to check it out!! As always, hit me up at salmonsean@yahoo.com with any questions or comments.
Sean Salmon Blog (Part 2)
Anytime that I have done columns, either for MMAJunkie or my Facebook page I have always gotten the best response from the ones that I have done the week of a fight, hopefully that will be the case writing for Mid WestCombat.com as well.
I flew into Philadelphia last night around 10pm and was picked up at the airport by Ed Talmo who is working for Ring of Combat. The hour drive into Atlantic City went quick enough and I got to bed around 1am.
It was so nice to be on a plane and not leaving the country! It was even nicer to land in the same time zone and not have to go through customs or passport control. Although I did miss the individual entertainment screens on the back of the seats for international flights. I guess that is a fair trade for getting to stay in the US.
I usually start to stay up later at night and sleep later in the morning about 2-3 weeks out from a fight to get my body used to performing later in the night since my fight won't be until after 10pm sometime. Unfortunately I had to wake up at 730 this morning to get all my medicals done, another hour or so drive away. The New Jersey State Athletic Commission has it set up here so that it is very easy to get everything done in just two different places. The eye exam (my least favorite) at one place and the blood, physical, ekg, and cat scan at another.
I got back to the hotel around 1pm, got a small bite to eat, relaxed for a bit and then went on a run down the board walk. Anytime I get the chance I love to run next to water I take advantage of it, as much as I enjoy running the board walk my favorite place to run is still the lake front in Milwaukee, Wisconsin right past Bradford Beach.
Once I get to the hotel the week of a fight I do my best to just relax and not think of the fight at all. The work is done and there is plenty enough time to be nervous the day of and hours before a fight that I just try to enjoy myself and appreciate being someplace different. It is particularly hard not to think about fighting when your working out or losing weight for your fight, but I'm pretty good at daydreaming. The pit stop at the Nike and Adidas stores helped take my mind off things as well...good thing I didn't bring my wallet.
My workout went well and although 205 is a fairly easy weight for me to make, I was a little surprised that I was a pound under. I may not have to even put on my plastics this go around. I just finished eating and now I'm listening to Elton John on YouTube while I right this- anything to distract myself.
Tomorrow will be a easy day...I'll sleep late, do a light run, get something to eat, have a meeting with the promoter, lose weight (if I have too), try not to get too nervous, weigh in, eat good and sleep like a baby. Usually doesn't go that easy, but that is the plan.
I'll try and write again tomorrow night, since more will happen so it should be more interesting. As always, if you have any questions or suggestions hit me up at salmonsean@yahoo.com or Facebook.
Sean Salmon Blog (Part 1)
So I got this email completely out of the blue yesterday from Tyler, the owner of this website, asking if I would be interested in doing a column. His email went on to say that I could write whatever I felt and he would not edit me....Awesome, was my first thought and here we are, column 1.
Obviously, I will keep this MMA related for the most part, but you will be getting my thoughts, feelings, and opinions on just about everything...as well as a few shameless sponsor and/or self promotion plugs.
I am currently training for a fight on April 8 in Atlantic City for Ring of Combat (www.ringofcombat.com) that will be streamed live at www.gofightlive.tv. I am fighting a Renzo Gracie Black Belt named Tom DeBlass. Everything that I have seen, heard, or read about Tom is that he is a very tough kid. At this point they are all tough. He presents problems for me and does have the ability to win. His biggest problem is going to be that I am refocused and doing things the right way. My focus is not on winning or losing. My focus is on fighting, competing, battling, and enjoying myself. When I do those things, I am very tough to beat.
For this fight I have also gone back to my beginning....
When I first started training to fight I worked only with my brother, Rex Holman, Marc Cofer, and Josh Williams. As time always does, it shuffled things. Some for the better, some not.
I don't remember exactly how or when I decided to go see Josh again, only now he is running Buckeye MMA (www.buckeyemma.com), but it is proving to be a very good decision. Between the workouts he puts together and the guys that he has to work with I am feeling on top of my game again, but more than that excited to compete and show off!! Time will prove me right or wrong, but I found my intensity!
How bout that Jon Jones kid?? I said before the fight that I could not pick a winner, but I would not be surprised no matter what happened. I was wrong. That kid impressed the hell out of me. People will always make the argument that Shogun was off, hurt, sick, or whatever, but no one should ever beat Shogun the way Jones beat him. It is true that styles make fights, but right now I believe that GSP and Jon Jones are head and shoulders above everyone.
I hope that you enjoyed this first column! I'm not sure when the next one will come out, I only write when I feel that I have something to say, so it could be tomorrow or next week. If there is something you would like me to write about, a question you want to ask, or anything really, just email me at salmonsean@yahoo.com. I reply to everything.
