Author: Garrett Derr

When we think of Christianity in the world of sports, one name comes to mind.

Tim Tebow.

However, with mixed martial arts on a rapid upswing, you’re about to become familiar with yet another devoted man of faith.

Jared Hamman.

“I was raised in the Christian background my entire life,” Hamman told Bleacher Report. “But, I never really had a faith of my own or the right lifestyle.”

“My mom raised my brother and I and would religiously wake us up every Sunday morning and take us to church. My grandma was a believer as well and would encourage my brother and I,” said Hamman. “But, I was going through the motions and was content with how my life was going.”

Hamman would grow up in a private school, where he later found himself on the outside looking in, as he was expelled and forced out of school.

At the time, Hamman was still being raised by his single mother, as his father wasn’t present in his life.

“I got expelled from school and really didn’t know what was next. My dad wasn’t around, but I was blessed by having so many guys step into my life and take his place. I’m a product of those who stepped into my life,” said Hamman. “Those guys impacted my life in ways that I can’t even explain.”

After his forced departure, Hamman found himself facing yet another difficult time in his life, as his reputation was now damaged.

“I was now a senior in high school and I was dating a freshman. It was an odd situation. She came from a Christian family and her dad wasn’t about us dating at all. Her dad pulled me into the garage and began questioning me,” said Hamman. “He literally sat me down for two hours.”

“He heard stuff about me getting expelled and was really looking out for his daughter’s best interest. I’ll never forget that, and I respected that a lot. He told me his background and testimony. I found out that his background was similar to mine and that he now had such a great family, and it seemed like he had everything together,” said Hamman.

Hamman began to see God’s hand at work, as he knew the right path in which he was to travel.

However, it took yet another life lesson for Hamman to completely surrender his life to the Christian faith.

“I’ll never forget the day that a buddy of mine that I graduated with died in a car accident. I had just seen him, and the next day, he was gone,” said Hamman. You’re never guaranteed your next breath.”

“That could have been me. God totally used that to open my eyes. You hear stuff your whole life about Christianity, and all of a sudden, you can be gone like that. God really humbled me and drew me to Him,” said Hamman.

As Hamman continues down the path less traveled, he’s well aware of the trials and persecutions that await him.

Hamman isn’t the slightest bit surprised by this, as he’s seen it done time and time again in today’s day-and-age.

“Things are going to get worse and worse. I kind of expect it now. People want to rag on guys like Tebow because he’s such a great example. They want him to fail so they don’t feel so bad about themselves. He’s such a good guy, so if he fails, people find self-satisfaction.”

“The Bible says the dark can’t see the light. It fulfills scripture actually. I kind of expect trails and know that we’re going to be persecuted. Jesus tells us it’s not going to be easy. I heard once that Christianity is like being on a train. Everyone in the world is on that train and it’s heading for the same destination,” said Hamman. “Our lives are going to come to an end eventually; it’s going to happen.”

Hamman concluded by stating,

“We’re living in a world that desperately needs Jesus.”

For additional information, follow Garrett Derr on Twitter.

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“All I do is win, win, win no matter what..”

According to up-and-coming MMA star Cody Gibson (5-2), that’s exactly what he needs to do in order to arrive to his long-awaited destination, the UFC.

“As far as I’m told, all I need to do is keep stringing together wins,” Gibson told Bleacher Report. “My goal is to get into the UFC by the end of this year.”

And unless the price is right, don’t expect Gibson to be anywhere but the UFC when his time comes.

In fact, Gibson’s strong desire and goal of competing at the highest level could lead to him turning down other large promotions.

“Honestly I don’t know if I want to take the Bellator route even though there’s an opportunity to make a lot of money. I don’t think that’s for me,” said Gibson. “I see myself in the UFC.”

“If Bellator came to me it might be hard to turn down, but then again it might not be. The UFC is my ultimate goal so that’s where I want to be,” said Gibson.

However, before Gibson, also known as “The Renegade” can see his dream become a reality, he’ll need to defeat Casey Olsen (13-3) in the main event of the evening at Tachi Palace Fights 12.

Olsen, who has an impressive resume of his own, will attempt to win his third consecutive bout and move closer towards the UFC waters as well.

When the opening bell sounds, it will be Gibson who will want to keep action on his feet despite having a reputable background in wrestling.

“He’s going to be tough to finish mainly because he has a lot of heart. He won’t give up mentally that’s for sure so I don’t expect to be able to break him mentally.He’s a strong wrestler but I think he’ll be surprised when he gets in there with me and realizes he can’t overpower me with his strength. I’ve been told I’m very strong, and a lot of my opponents are surprised by that,” said Gibson. “Hopefully he is too.”

“He has a big overhand right and his wrestling is his bread and butter. He’ll try to take me down and lay on top so it’s my goal to stop that. I think I’m a little more evolved,” Gibson said. “His wrestling credentials are probably a littler better than mine but I don’t think that means he’ll be able to pick me up and throw me on my back. I think my stand-up will be my biggest advantage. He’s kind of one-dimensional in some ways.”

Win, lose or draw, there won’t be any weeks off for Gibson as he’s already slated for another fight in 20 days.

Gibson believes staying busy could be his boarding pass to the UFC, as long as he can display an impressive showing each time he takes the center stage.

“I’ve already got a fight lined up for March 30th which will be 20 days later in Anaheim. I want to win impressively and make sure I’m being recognized. I think there are a lot of guys I can compete with in the UFC,” said Gibson. “I also think there are a lot of guys outside who can compete with some of the guys in there.”

“I believe I’m one of them.”

For additional information, follow Garrett Derr on Twitter.

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It’s rare an individual has to win eight consecutive fights before earning a title shot.

Enter Strikeforce welterweight, Tyron Woodley (10-0)

“I’ve been waiting for this title shot for a long time now,” Woodley told Bleacher Report.

“All I’ve really done is win since coming to Strikeforce. I don’t know if they want me to continue to prove myself or what but I feel that I’ve definitely earned this shot. I definitely think I’ve earned the right to be called the best welterweight in Strikeforce as well,” said Woodley. “Strikeforce has given me this opportunity not only to get my name out here but globally as well.”

In order to capture his much-desired piece of Strikeforce gold, Woodley will have to get by Nate “The Great” Marquardt (31-10-2) who’s fought 33 more times than “T-Wood”.

However, despite the experience barrier, Marquardt hasn’t stepped inside a cage for nearly a full year.

Therefore, Marquardt will be walking into Woodley’s house.

“I’ve been waiting for this title shot for three years now. I haven’t gotten the chance to fight for the title yet but I’m 100 percent comfortable saying that I’ve proven I’m the best and deserve it. He hasn’t ever fought at 170 in Strikeforce before. He’s coming into my territory,” said Woodley. “He’s the one who has to prove himself.”

A win over Marquardt could possibly set the stage for a debut in the UFC with Strikeforce’s future filled with uncertainly.

But, Woodley’s focus isn’t anywhere near the UFC as he continues to work towards the dream he established three years ago.

Win the Strikeforce title.

“I think I’m one of the best in the world. I think I matchup good with a lot of the guys in the UFC right now,” said Woodly. “I think a lot of those fights could be wars.”

“But to be honest, my focus isn’t on getting to the UFC. You have to understand that I’ve been working so hard at getting this title. I want that Strikeforce belt man. That’s been a goal of mine for a long time now and I won’t be satisfied until I get it,” said Woodley.

As Woodley continues to prepare for his upcoming bout with Marquardt, he’s often reminded of his other job.

Only this job holds much more importance and responsibility.

Woodley is a father of three and finds this portion of his life to be the most rewarding without question.

“I have three boys. One of them thinks he’s the champion of the world. He walks around 20 of the 24 hours in a day with a mouthpiece in. He follows me all over the place and wants to know how much the Strikeforce belt weighs, what it looks like, and how long until I get it. All three of my boys are my life,” said Woodley. “When I’m tired and everyone else is on my nerves they keep me positive.”

“This is what it’s all about. They reassure me and remind me why I’m doing this.”

For additional information, follow Garrett Derr on Twitter.

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By now we’re all well aware of Tim Sylvia’s desperate attempt to return to the UFC.

We’re also aware that Sylvia believes he could beat 80 percent of the heavyweights that currently reside in the world’s fasting growing promotion.

“I’ve accomplished more than anyone else has in the UFC heavyweight division except for Randy Couture,” Sylvia told Bleacher Report. “They put me in there and I guarantee that I knock a lot of them guys out.”

Eliminating 80 percent of the current heavyweight roster would leave some stiff competition, as names like Junior Dos Santos, Alistair Overeem and Cain Velasquez come to mind.

Even such names as Frank Mir, Fabricio Werdum, Roy Nelson and Cheick Kongo begin to appear.

However, Sylvia has made it clear that Kongo isn’t an exception and could be one of the victims to his knockout power.

“I know for a fact Kongo is one of the heavyweights I could beat,” said Sylvia.

In terms of the remaining names, Sylvia would entertain any matchup, as he believes he still has the fire to compete with the best of the best.

“I think Overeem and I match up the best to be honest. Alistair is one of those guys who will want to stand and bang, which sets up for one of us going to sleep,” said Sylvia. “Dos Santos is another great fighter who will stand up and bang with you as well.”

“I think Cain would be the toughest fight for me because his wrestling is so good. He’ll take you down, take you down, but stand up with you too,” said Sylvia. “Style definitely makes him the toughest in my opinion.” 

If Sylvia were granted a return to the Octagon it’s likely he won’t be facing the upper-echelon of the heavyweight division right off the bat.

However, that’s not necessarily what Sylvia wants, as he has a few opponents in mind.

“I’d love to fight Kongo or even Stefan Struve in my first fight back. I think that either would be a great fight for the fans, as we’re all stand-up guys. Give me any fight,” said Sylvia. “It’s just disappointing seeing guys compete in the UFC knowing that I would smash them.”

“The guys mentioned earlier are all tough matchups, but I would absolutely destroy the lower level guys.”

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Every mixed martial artist has had some type of encounter with the sport.

For former UFC lightweight Rob Emerson (11-10-1) it was while enjoying a cold Corona and a box full of donuts.

“The first time I was ever asked to fight was while I was watching some other guys fight,” Emerson told Bleacher Report. “I was drinking a Corona in one hand and had a pack of donuts in the other.”

“I said screw it, I’ll give it a try. The guy I was fighting almost choked me out in 10 seconds, but I escaped and ended up knocking him out. The guys I was with said they never saw someone get knocked out like that before. I came back the next month and knocked another guy out,” said Emerson. “It was a snowball effect from there.”

However, things would take a turn for the worse as Emerson would lose six of his first eight professional fights.

Emerson would eventually find his way into the UFC, but a struggle and constant battle with alcohol ultimately lead to lackluster performances and finally his dismissal from the UFC.

To Emerson’s credit, his worst days are now behind him as he attempts to make yet another run towards the his dream of a UFC title.

“I’m sober now and I feel like a new person. I’ve turned over a new leaf and I’m living up to my true potential now. I’m ready to show the world what I’m made of,” said Emerson. “I got sick and tired of being sick and tired.”

“I half-assed my career up until this point. I’ve fought some guys where I just kind of squeaked by training camps and then snuck by in the fights as well. Every guy I’ve lost to I felt like I’ve handed him a free pass because of the lifestyle I lived outside of the gym,” said Emerson.

Emerson’s fresh start will also come at a new weight as he’s recently made the transition from the lightweight division down to join the featherweights.

Emerson, also known as “The Saint,” will make his 145-pound debut when he meets Savant Young (10-8) at Tachi Palace Fights 12 on March 9th.

According to Emerson, fans in attendance and those viewing his return to the sport can expect a bout no longer than a round or two.

“I’m going to blast him in the first or second. I don’t see it going to third, but my conditioning is there if it happens to make it that far. I don’t think he has the wrestling or jiu-jitsu skills to take me down and keep me down. I’m going at him the second the bell rings,” said Emerson. “My body and mind are great and as I mentioned, I’m sober again.”

A win over Young will be Emerson’s third win in his last four outings pushing him even closer towards his dream of returning to the UFC.

If things go as planned, Emerson believes it’s only a matter of time until the UFC comes knocking on his doorstep.

“I’m 100 percent sure I’ll make it back since I dropped to 145 and I’m going to blast two or three guys. I’ll be back. I’m going to be a powerful fighter at 145. I’ve never been hurt and never lost a drop of blood at 155 so they won’t be able to do that at 145. I’m athletic, faster and stronger than most of these guys already,” said Emerson. “I’m ready and I’ll be back in the UFC in the next couple of fights if everything goes right.”

“I’m done with being mediocre. I’m not OK with that anymore. I’m destined for greatness and I want to achieve what I’ve set out to do. I don’t want to be on my deathbed and say I should have done this or I should have done that,” said Emerson. “I’m ready for a new start.”

For additional information, follow Garrett Derr on Twitter.

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