Ballet of Violence

It’s easier to describe this process than it is to be human and gut through it. Not only is there the ultimate sense of failure and a question about one’s true identity after dreams are deferred, but there is the outrageously difficult, poverty-stricken lifestyle that virtually all fighters must endure to move the needle of their career even beyond the outset. That some eventually fall victim to it is not something we can shrug off as prosaic simply because exceptionally daring men and women chose to accept the risk so willingly. In fact, it only reinforces my point. There’s a hell of a risk involved with this pursuit and that risk should carry some measure of respect and humanity from us.

— Luke Thomas - The Tired, Poor, Huddled Masses That Are Professional MMA Fighters