The Redding Cage Wars were again a blast. I enjoyed every minute of it. But I honestly have to hand it to Bobby Merril. If you ever get a chance to see him up close, take a look at the tattoo on his elbow; it says “working class”. He truly epitomizes a man and is the definition of tough.

To fight in the weight class above you and lose can be demoralizing. He went 15 minutes and held his own, escaped multiple times, and landed some heavy blows to an opponent that out weighed him and was a good six inches taller than him. I’ve respected Bobby since I first saw him fight (a fight he won) but I respect him even more now after watching him gracefully lose. He’s “working class” but he is still a champion, a gentleman, a superb athlete, and a good sport. He has what it takes to fight with the big boys. To rise to the top of the ranks of the UFC, one needs all these qualities and a little luck to be in the right place at the right time. With any luck, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Bobby on TV someday soon.