Wednesday, July 05, 2006
The Crippler Report V.4
Losing sucks. I dont even know how to lose; I havent had much practice at it. I train so hard its my whole life its what I do. I train to win; losing doesnt even enter my mind. I was ready for my fight with Anderson Silva. I knew how dangerous he is; I knew what I needed to do. But I got caught right down the middle. When I replay the fight in my mind, I still see myself blocking that shot and I am on my way to landing a couple of my own. Watching the fight later on TV was harder than actually fighting it. Jeez, 49 seconds!! Months and months of training and it was over in 49 seconds! I know it can happen, Ive seen it happen to others but not to me!!
As you can imagine, I had a pretty tough time after the fight. I am emotional and I am passionate - those qualities came boiling out of me in the locker room. Thank goodness my crew knows how to handle me. So after we cancelled our dinner plans and chowed down on take-out in the room, I was ready to hit the Circle Bar. Thats where I watched my fight on TV bad idea. I had to get out of there and get some air. I sat outside on a bench with my buddy, Ed Herman, just pissed. Then Stephan Bonnar walked up and joined us. We were three tough UFC fighters, all with losses to deal with. Sharing a large bottle of Jack helped a lot. We moved our pitty party back to the room for further discussion. No one can empathize with an upset and disappointed fighter better than another fighter who is going through the same thing.
Robert Follis, one of my wise coaches (and Randy Coutures former coach) pointed out that Randy lost two big fights in a row and they just didnt know what would come next. We all know what happened after that. There are plenty of other examples like this. Who knows what will happen in my future.
Today I am lying by the pool creating my own rehab. I have the support of my girlfriend and closest friends. I have some fun Las Vegas activities planned for the next few days (shooting automatic weapons, riding pit bikes at Alien Motor Sports, a couple of shows and some heavy partying). Next week Ill get some more ink added to my back and then Ill get back in the gym, back to training.
Losing a fight sucks but its not the end of my career. Im tough and Im a good fighter who is training to be a better fighter in the long haul. I got caught by one of the best in the world, no shame in that. I predict that Anderson Silva will wear the belt next and Ill get another shot at him eventually. Id love to win the belt from him some day.
Chris The Crippler Leben
P.S. Thank you to all of my fans, your advice and kind words help - I appreciate your support. And to those who rejoice in my loss bad karma. I challenge you to get in the octagon with a guy like Silva well talk afterwards. You either love me or you love to hate me, its a strange phenomenon
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