Garrett's Fight

[Chris Madison]

Something I stumbled on awhile back...Don't know if any of you are MMA fans or have seen this. If you wanna talk about true inspiration, here it is...

[Jason Cashe]

I think it's cool, I happen to watch MMA so I've heard about this before now. Stephan Bonner was a shit fighter but what he does there with that kid is cool. I think it's respectable but at the same time, it's kind of a double edge sword. In his fight both fighters get their hands raised? I didn't see the entire fight but how often, how rare is a draw to begin with? But to give a draw because of the situation, how often will that happen? Hopefully not often if he even fights again. Good story though without question.

I've spent a few weekends at a Disability Camp with hundreds if not a few thousand of kids under 18 with various disabilities. I was a Teacher's Assistant in High School for the Special Ed classes and worked for an Adult Home for people with Disabilities when I lived in Oregon so I know how rewarding accomplishment even in the smallest form can brighten their worlds. This is a huge accomplishment not just for him but for his disability as well so two achievements to be proud of and hold dear. Good stuff.

[Chris Madison]

He was supposed to have another fight on August 3rd but the Florida fight commission ended up canceling it. I know some people look at this and think how could the father allow his handicapped son to fight. At the end of the day, the quality of life that Garrett lives has improved tremendously all because he does something he loves. As a father I applaud this family for allowing Garrett to continue training, hoping to fight again.

[Jason Cashe]

His safety will be what people worry about most. It will be from opponents who might feel they have something to lose if they fight and possibly lose to a handicapped person. I mean lets be real, folks is petty all across the board with the shit that they dislike to denounced because of it being different than what they use to seeing. I think if his life is effected and he's looking happy as the video shows then great. Good for him. Putting it on media coverage for anything will always have some negative to it so I'm sure folks who don't want to say stupid shit but feel a stupid way will refrain from replying to this.

[Level-Two]

I seen this story before. I'm an MMA fan. I think it's great that he enjoys it and I am glad to see him being backed by the folks inside the Gym but he really should not be fighting.

I mean, it's all fun with the fight he had and everything but I don't think anyone is ready to see him be knocked out cold or battered for three rounds.

I also feel like opposing fighters (the types of guys who would accept this fight) would be more apt to take him down or tie him up instead of trying to knock him out.

I don't know, I don't like it. Perhaps I am ignorant but I feel like he's at a significant physical disadvantage. As much as I want to come in here and say, he's just like everyone else and should be able to fight - this was a big story and seen as inspirational for a specific reason.

I've seen a guy fight without a hand but he competes at a fairly high level of the sport. Unfortunately, I do not think Garett is or will be anywhere near that level.

That's my opinion.

[Lord Raab]

Wow that guy has a disability? All power to him. I think he's gained a new fan cos to me it means that I can do anything to overcome my autism if I put my mind to something like me wanting to give MMA a try which is something I've been wanting to do for a while. I will do it one day when I can find a cheaper MMA class to join. Matt Hamil has a disability too with his hearing problems and he does pretty well in UFC.

[Chris Madison]

To me that's what it is about. It's not whether he gets another fight or not. It's not about whether he wins, lets be honest he is still a person suffering from Down syndrome. What's impressive and inspirational is that he fought through his disability and was able to compete in something he loved.