Submitted by Brian13 on Wed, 12/31/2008 - 15:51.
Four words. Four short words that can make all the difference between success and failure. Such is the life of a UFC fighter. When you're winning, everybody loves you, everyone's your friend. The road is paved with gold. But with increasing success, come even higher expectations. That's all well and good when you're hungry...and most importantly, healthy. But what happens when you're a former champion that's trying to make a comeback after a devastating motorcycle accident? Well that is the life of Frank Mir.
Suddenly things aren't quite as easy as they once were. The road is a little bumpier than you remember. But still, Frank pushes on. He is, after all, a fighter. A fighter that's been the underdog before. A fighter that has defied the odds on more than one occasion. A fighter that has reached the pinnacle of success.
But in life you have to learn to take the downs along with the ups...and unfortunately for Frank, his first few fights back weren't quite up to the level of expectation he has placed upon himself. Perhaps he wasn't physically ready yet. Perhaps he wasn't mentally prepared either. Whatever the reason, he wasn't the same Frank Mir that stormed his way through the heavyweight division. Certainly not the same Frank Mir that broke Tim Sylvia's arm to win the title.
And as the self-doubt began to creep in, a lesser man might have thrown in the towel and called it quits...and he almost did. But his wife wouldn't let him take the easy way out. Instead she provided him with all the motivation he could ever need: to set a good example for their children and to show us, as fans, that no matter how stacked the odds are against us, if we work hard and have faith in ourselves, we can all reach our goals...no matter how impossible they might seem.
And on Saturday, December 27th, 2008, Frank Mir did just that. By defeating the legendary Antonio "Minotauro" Nogueira by TKO at the 1:54 mark of the second round, he became not only the first man to ever finish "Big Nog"...he also got to hear seven words that he hasn't heard in years. Seven glorious words.
"...and NEW heavyweight champion of the world..."
Overcome with emotion, Frank gracefully thanked his family and inspired thousands of fans worldwide.
So congratulations Frank...and thank you for having the strength to keep pushing forward and not giving up on yourself, when it seemed like the easier thing to do. Nothing worthwhile in life is ever easy...and I for one, appreciate the hard work and sacrifice you've put in.
Please show your support for Frank by posting your comments here...and please visit the forum to see pics from the fight.
click here
-brian
