Practices have been going good at the HIT Squad, I will go out to Jeremy’s for one more week and also bring Matt Pena and Demarques Johnson to the HIT Squad for a week. I still haven’t found out when the UFC is going to take us over there, but I’m guessing it will be between 8 and 10 days early. With a month left to go, I’m pretty happy with where I’m at. I do have a few people going over with me to Abu Dhabi, but as of right now, no family.

I want to thank Bonnie for the great gifts. She sent some clothes for Katelyn that my wife loved and even sent Hanna a tea set so she wouldn’t feel left out. Since we’re talking about Katelyn, here is a new picture of her:

Well, on of my FU’s (favorite uncles) got hurt playing basketball last weekend. Yes “Z” totally tore his achilles tendon and it rolled up to his calf. Here is a picture of one of my favorite uncles doing his paperwork in the emergency room:

Also, here is the Bible verse for this week:

Do not be overly righteous,
Nor be overly wise:
Why should you destroy yourself? (Ecclesiastes 7:16)

-matt

Last week I was out at Jeremy’s again training for the fight. Once again, I learned a lot. With the elevation and the people there it’s a great place to train. I believe Matt Pena has come up with a great game plan on our feet and Jeremy and the rest of the guys are preparing me for the ground. My three cornermen for this fight will be Robbie, Jeremy and Matt Pena. Here is the link to Jeremy’s gym if anybody is interested: Elite Performance Gym

This week, I’ll stay here at home to train with the HIT Squad. UFC Unleashed will be down here tomorrow and I also have a guy coming down from Wisconsin to help out.

This is from a show that I did for Laserlyte. I’ve already watched the show, if anybody is interested they can tune into it:

The Bible verse for this week:

Who then can condemn us? No one – for Christ died for us and was raised to life for us, and He is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us! (Romans 8:34)

-matt

I’m driving home from the gym as we speak, had another good practice. Right now, I’m hitting 2-a-days and will start my morning running here in a bit.

Last week, I went to Jeremy’s and worked with him and Pena and I really feel like I picked up a lot. Not only on the stand up side, but on the ground as well. One thing I’m not bashful about is recognizing that you can go to another place and learn something. Some people feel that their gym knows everything and I just don’t see it that way. I’ll probably go out to Jeremy’s three more times before this fight. I’ve already talked with him and he’s going out to corner me as well.

The HIT Squad’s doing well and this week I’ve had some great practice. I’m lifting weights and getting my cardio in at the gym and I can tell a difference when I get in front of a mirror. I’ve always been lucky in that after I worked out, it doesn’t take me long to see the results.

I do apologize about the late blog, but with a 6-week-old baby at the house and me training for a fight, I’ve been busy. By the way, Katelyn is doing well, she’s on a set schedule and it’s working out great.

One thing I did want to comment about was the Trigg/Serra fight. The fight went like I thought it would if they were going to stay on their feet. I don’t know why Frank would have done that. I always viewed Frank as a dangerous fighter when he gets on top of somebody. There is no doubt that Frank has a suspect jaw, so why would he stand and trade with somebody that throws like Matt Serra does? I would have liked to have seen Frank take him down and seen what would have happened there.

This weekend is the fight in Australia and HIT Squad’s own Brian Foster is matched up with Chris Lytle on the card. Good luck to Brian, I think it’s a great match up. As long as Brian keeps his hands up and keeps it a fight, not a boxing match, I think he’ll be fine. I didn’t go out to the fight, I wanted to stay home and concentrate on training. But like I said, training is going good. My body is definitely on the road for the fight in April.

Here is the Bible verse for the week:

For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. (1 Peter 2:15)

-matt

PS – Happy Belated Birthday, Boomer! Also, Mac’s birthday is coming up on the 22nd, so Happy Birthday, Mac!

Spent my last week in Florida with Matt Pena and Hoggie getting Robbie ready for his fight on Showtime. When we all get together it’s a good time no doubt about that and it was nice to get away from the cold weather and spend some time in southern Florida. A lot of people are asking questions on what Robbie’s game plan was and I will say that the game plan wasn’t to get kicked in the leg about 15 times and then knock him out. We wanted to take the fight to the ground, wear him out a little bit and then maybe the second or third round Robbie could stand with him if he wanted, but Melvin did a good job of keeping distance. When Melvin was within takedown range he was always throwing or kicking, the only time he wasn’t throwing or kicking he was just too far away to get ahold of. Every time Robbie flinched like he was going to come towards him, Melvin just backed off. So Robbie never felt comfortable putting a good attempt in to take Melvin down. With all that was going on I’m glad Robbie was able to keep his head and sit back and think about what he’d seen while watching Melvin’s fights on YouTube. Robbie was able to remember something that was a key to the victory: #1 Robbie needed to get Melvin in close so he could put his hands on him. He tried playing possum twice before to see if Melvin would come in for the finish. #2 after watching Melvin fight on YouTube, he realized that Melvin liked to drop his hands when he was going to finish somebody. So it was a good fight and a good victory for Robbie. Melvin also had a good game plan, throwing a lot of those fast powerful kicks, it’s just that Melvin got caught making the same mistake that he has in the past and Robbie was able to capitalize on it. So all in all it was a great trip and I had a good time with my buddies and got some training in. Right now I’m about 2 months out, so my training and my diet will step up. Here shortly I will start morning runs and full week practice. I also have to set my date for going out to Salt Lake City to train with Jeremy.

A couple of weeks ago I went out to the Shot Show in Las Vegas. My buddy Pat Flanigan was out there and also all of the new guns and hunting equipment that will be new for 2010. As all of you know I love the outdoor industry so the 2010 Shot Show was something I was looking forward to. It’s also a great place to meet up with all of my friends in the industry. Browning brought me out there but I also sat with Otis, Advanced Armament, and US Optics. So when I wasn’t busy sitting in the booth, Pat Flanigan and I were able to walk around and look at all the cool new stuff. Here’s a video that I found of Pat and I leaving the Otis booth.

Training is going good, I feel pretty healthy and I’m looking forward to a good hard week.

Here is the Bible verse for this week:

When the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul. (Ezekiel 18:27)

-matt

This is an essay written by a 17-year-old kid for a high school project and I thought it would share it with you:

In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features except for the one wall covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endless in either direction, had very different headings. As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read “Girls I have liked.” I opened it and began flipping through the cards.. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one. And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was.

This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn’t match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content.. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching.

A file named “Friends” was next to one marked “Friends I have betrayed.” The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird “Books I Have Read,” “Lies I Have Told,” “Comfort I have Given,” “Jokes I Have Laughed at .” Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: “Things I’ve yelled at my brothers.” Others I couldn’t laugh at: “Things I Have Done in My Anger”, “Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents..” I never ceased to be surprised by the contents.

Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to fill each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature.

When I pulled out the file marked “TV Shows I have watched”, I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly and yet after two or three yards, I hadn’t found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of shows but more by the vast time I knew that file represented.

When I came to a file marked “Lustful Thoughts,” I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content.

I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. An almost animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind: No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!” In insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn’t matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it.

Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh.

And then I saw it… The title bore “People I Have Shared the Gospel with.” The handle was brighter than those around it, seemed newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand.

And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt. They started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key. But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him.

No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn’t bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own.

He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one? Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn’t anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me.. He could have said so many things. But He didn’t say a word. He just cried with me.

Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card. “No!” I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was “No, no,” as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn’t be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, and so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood. He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don’t think I’ll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side.

He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, “It is finished.” I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written.

Here is the Bible verse for this week:

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

-matt

The girls are doing fine (Audra and Katelyn). Katelyn is sleeping 4-5 hours between feedings now and to be honest I would say that she’s a very content baby. She likes to have her eyes open and look around. So all is well on the home front.

Started my training for my next fight and one thing I realized is that the older you get, the more time you need to take to prepare. Doing a lot of lifting, plyos, stretching, and technique; but I’m not going crazy, I’m kind of easing myself into it. Robbie’s next fight for Showtime (January 30th) will be the next time I’m around Pena, so the week of Robbie’s fight will be a good one for me. It was asked on my forum where I’ll be doing most of my training for this fight. Most of it will be at the HIT Squad, but a lot will be out in Utah. That’s where Matt Pena’s at now and I also believe they’ve got some of the best grapplers out there with Demarques Johnson and Jeremy Horn. Jeremy’s my ground wizard and I’ll let him help me out getting ready for this fight.

I was over at my in-laws last night and they had the TV channel set to Spike and they were watching the UFC’s Ultimate 100. It was interesting to see how many fights of mine made the show. To be honest, I think more of my losses made it onto the show than my wins. Still scratching my head on that and don’t know exactly how to take it. I guess win or lose people like my fights.

Received an interesting email that I thought I would share with you:

Man Builds Noah’s Ark (exact scale given in Bible)

Working Replica of Noah’s Ark Opened In Schagen, Netherlands

The massive central door in the side of Noah’s Ark was opened the first crowd of curious townsfolk to behold the wonder. Of course, it’s only a replica of the Biblical Ark , built by Dutch Creationist Johan Huibers as a testament to his faith in the literal truth of the Bible.

The ark is 150 cubits long, 30 cubits high and 20 cubits wide. That’s two-thirds the length of a football field and as high as a three-story house.

Life-size models of giraffes, elephants, lions, crocodiles, zebras, bison and other animals greet visitors as they arrive in the main hold.

A contractor by trade, Huibers built the ark of cedar and pine. Biblical Scholars debate exactly what the wood used by Noah would have been.

Huibers did the work mostly with his own hands, using modern tools and with occasional help from his son Roy. Construction began in May 2005. On the uncovered top – deck not quite ready in time for the opening – will come a petting zoo, with baby lambs and chickens, and goats, and one camel.

Visitors on the first day were stunned. “It’s past comprehension”, said Mary Louise Starosciak, who happened to be bicycling by with her husband while on vacation when they saw the ark looming over the local landscape.

“I knew the story of Noah, but I had no idea the boat would have been so big.” There is enough space near the keel for a 50-seat film theater where kids can watch a video that tells the story of Noah and his ark. Huibers, a Christian man, said he hopes the project will renew interest in Christianity in the Netherlands , where church going has fallen dramatically in the past 50 years.

Finally, the Bible verse for this week:

Wealth and honor come from you, O LORD; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. (1 Chronicles 29:12)

-matt

This morning at 8:41, God blessed us with another little girl. Katelyn was 8 pounds, 2 ounces and 20.5 inches long. Thanks to everyone who has been praying for a healthy birth.

Hope everybody had a happy New Year, I know I have.

Here is the Bible verse for this week:

For I am the LORD your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear; I will help you! (Isaiah 41:13)

-matt

Just wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas! Hopefully everyone has a great day and gets to spend some time with their family; but please don’t forget to take some time to pray for the troops serving overseas.

Also, this is an old home movie from when Mark and I were really young. It’s Christmas morning and we were probably about 3 or 4 years old, so that would make this video from 1976 or 1977. There is no sound in the video, I’m not sure if there ever was; so there’s nothing wrong with your speakers:

-matt

Once again sorry about the late blog. Last week I was in California with Robbie, Pena, and Foster, hoping they would find a replacement so Robbie could fight. It didn’t happen and I guess I’m just spoiled being with the UFC. From what I understand, Showtime really likes to stick their nose in Strikeforce’s business and because of that I don’t think that Strikeforce will be around for much longer; but enough with that.

Been some talk about Renzo and some people are wondering why I would fight him. I think he is a very formidable opponent and I would say he is the best of the Gracies. I don’t think it would be fair to compare him to Royce. Renzo and I have some history as he is the last guy to beat Pat Miletich and I have beat a couple of his students. I beat Ricardo Almeda back in Abu Dhabi and I just got done beating Matt Serra. Both motivating reasons for us to fight each other. One thing I’ll say about Renzo is that he is one of the nicest guys out there, but that won’t stop me from keeping myself motivated and doing my job. It was great to get with Matt Pena last week and start working on some things. I already know what to stay away from on the ground.

Got another reminder of what our troops are going through in the Middle East. Definitely worth looking at to remind everyone to pray for our troops, especially with Christmas just a few days away:

WHEN A SOLDIER COMES HOME When a soldier comes home, he finds it hard…. ..to listen to his son whine about being bored. ….to keep a straight face when people complain about potholes. to be tolerant of people who complain about the hassle of getting ready for work. …to be understanding when a co-worker complains about a bad night’s sleep. ..to be silent when people pray to God for a new car. …to control his panic when his wife tells him he needs to drive slower. ..to be compassionate when a businessman expresses a fear of flying. ….to keep from laughing when anxious parents say they’re afraid to send their kids off to summer camp. ….to keep from ridiculing someone who complains about hot weather. ….to control his frustration when a colleague gripes about his coffee being cold. ….to remain calm when his daughter complains about having to walk the dog. …..to be civil to people who complain about their jobs. ….to just walk away when someone says they only get two weeks of vacation a year. ….to be forgiving when someone says how hard it is to have a new baby in the house. The only thing harder than being a Soldier… Is loving one.

Audra talked me into going to a movie called “The Blind Side.” Had no idea what it was about and to be honest I just thought it was going to be a chick flick; but I think it was the best movie I’ve seen this year. I found it very motivating and I suggest everybody check it out.

Here is the Bible verse for this week:

The LORD longs to be gracious to you; He rises to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for Him! (Isaiah 30:18)

-matt

I didn’t know if I could say anything about my next fight, but I see that Dana has let the cat out of the bag. So I can tell you what I know, on April 10th I will be fighting Renzo Gracie in Abu Dhabi. I haven’t signed any paperwork and I don’t think Renzo has either; but I think this fight is going to happen. That’s all I know, serious training will start for me at the new year.

Just got back from a new project I have been working on with a couple of my good buddies Frank Silverman and Mike Metzger. In case Mike reads this, I meant to write Mike Metzger and Frank Silverman. It is called Cage Fitness and we have come up with a new workout plan based on some the exercises I do and adapting them to a program that requires no partners and is a total body workout. Check it out, the link to the website is www.cagefitness.com. You can view a promo of the workouts there.

Next week, Robbie will fight Trevor Prangley on the Strikeforce card. It’s December 19th in San Jose. For more information this link might help you out.

Just got back from Texas (I love that place), where I went on a goose and duck hunt with Gary, from Dollamur, and a few other folks and had a great time. First time I’ve ever shot duck or geese and it was a lot different than anything I’ve done before. We’ve got some pictures and I’ll post them after I get them.

This weekend is the last gun season in Illinois, so if I find my big deer, I could be done hunting for a little while. Sounds like it might make some of you happy, but I am who I am.

Here is the Bible verse for this week:

The thing you should want most is God’s kingdom and doing what God wants. Then all these other things you need will be given to you! (Matthew 6:33)

I hope everybody has a good weekend and I’ll get back to you later. -matt