Remember the days of the WEC? The simpler times when damn near every fight was exciting, save for Chad Mendes and his earlier grinding wrestling style. It was a time that turned Urijah Faber, Jose Aldo, Dominick Cruz, Miguel Torres, Takeya Mizugaki, Joseph Benavidez, Demetrious Johnson, and countless others into major MMA stars. It highlighted the greatness of the lighter weight divisions and how exciting the match ups could be. It was also the time when Mike Brown had his time to shine above all the other featherweights in the world.
It’s strange once a fighter wishes to retire. Mike Brown was once the most feared featherweight on the planet after crushing Urijah Faber in their first meeting, destroying the then highly touted Leonard Garcia inside one round, and dominated Faber in their rematch. Mike Brown was a dominant wrestler with a ton of power in his hands and knew how to use it. Then came Jose Aldo and it seemed that everyone had forgotten how great Mike Brown truly was.
These days you can find Mike Brown at almost every event featuring an American Top Team fighter. His abilities as a high level fighter have transferred over well to his aptitude as an MMA coach. He’s been in the big show, a veteran of the UFC and WEC, and clearly has a passion for watching his teammates succeed in their own MMA careers.
While he may not have the spotlight shinning on him these days, Mike Brown is a man who is worthy of respect. While many may have forgotten his exploits, the former featherweight world champion is proving that life after retiring from the sport doesn’t have to be lived in obscurity. Rather, his dedication to his fighters showcases the kind of man that he is and perhaps has always been. Mike Brown is still a fighter, albeit in a different realm these days. With Amanda Nunes set to battle Ronda Rousey at UFC 207, it’s has to be a nice reminder and confidence booster that Brown will be in her corner for the toughest fight of her career.
What are your thoughts and remembrances of Mike Brown?
Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his Twitter and Facebook to keep up with his antics.
The post Unsung Hero: Retired From Competition, Mike Brown Is Still A Fighter appeared first on Cagepotato.