So... some of you know I was in Tae Kwon Do for a few years. I got up to a 2nd degree Black Belt. I practiced like 4 or 5 days a week. I also was an instructor and pretty much ran my own gym for about a year. That was in Fannette. I also competed in tournaments and judged and refereed fights. With the explosion of MMA, I have always wanted to get back into the sport, but knew I was too old to be rolling with these kids. Recently, an idea came to me. What about becoming a ref? Ive done it before and you are never too old. So... I contacted the TDLR - Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation - Combative Sports division, and started asking questions. I filled out the licensing form and paid my money. My main concern was the requirement about being a ref at 10 combative events in a year. They counted my times as a judge in tournaments. I never told anyone what I was doing because if I couldnt do it I didnt want people messing with me about it. I never even told Heather. Shell find out as she reads this post. I got licensed about a month ago, but hadnt put my name in the hat for any events... until last week. On a fluke, I spoke with my contact at the TDLR and asked about an upcoming event. He made some calls. My name was in the hat. This morning, as I was doing an inspection, I got the call. I got asked to be a ref at the upcoming UFC Fight Night in San Antonio on June 28th! I thought it was an April Fools prank, until they asked for a fax number so they could send me a contract. I got it a little while ago and they just called and said everything is a go! Ill get a per diem, hotel for 3 days, and pay. I cant say how much, but we wont have to make a few van payments! Its not a huge event but its the UFC. I get to sit in on the fighters meeting where we discuss rules and regulations. Ill witness taping of the hands and get to sign the tape. Ill get to do the ringside check as well as ref a live bout. Prolly a dark match. Dark match is one that doesnt make it to the Main Card. Im cool with that. Im hoping I get to meet Herb Dean and Big John McCarthy. Im so excited right now. This is something I wanted to do when I retire. This is an awesome opportunity and I thank God for blessing me with it.
Posted on: Tue, 01 Apr 2014 17:48:18 +0000
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