It is interesting times in the world of your local MMA media pit. The press conference for UFC 140 this past week in Toronto saw an emerging trend peaking in a melting pot of media, as the usual internet representatives on hand were now mixing with the mainstream writers and personalities that have been in the print game for a long time.
I was able to chat with usual suspects like Spencer Miller and Charles Rock from MMACanada.net, as well as James Brydon of Sportsnet.ca. Mixed martial arts journalists, Showdown Joe Ferraro of Rogers Sportsnet and Showdown Productions, Neil Davidson of the Canadian Press and Mauro Ranallo of The Score were also on hand as is the norm.
What was pleasantly surprising for me, was to see such notable Canadian sports journalists as Stephen Brunt of Rogers Sportsnet, Steve Simmons of The Toronto Sun and James Cybulski of TSN Radio on in attendance as well. Brunt has incredible boxing pedigree, and has been covering the sweet science for a long time.
I spoke with Stephen and he confirmed his take on MMA.
“As a spectator, jiu-jitsu is not my thing. I don’t really prefer to see that myself.” He confirmed that it is the stand up aspect that he enjoys.
“But I have seen some very gruesome things in boxing, much worse than MMA.” I told him one of the reasons why I like him most as a journalist is he has an open mind and educates himself to what he is covering.
“I’ve heard some really stupid things said about MMA for sure. Guys like Jon Jones, you can’t help but appreciate what incredible athletes they are.
It doesn’t get any more mainstream media than Stephen Brunt, he has covered every sport you can imagine for The Globe and Mail for most of his career. He is a best selling author and co-host of the top sports radio show in Canada.
Onward and upward for the Ultimate Fighting Championship
Dwight Wakabayashi is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report MMA and correspondent for MMACanada.net.
Catch him on Facebook and Twitter at wakafightermma.
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