Gary Stretch is a man of many talents. An accomplished boxer, he is a former WBC International Light Middleweight Champion. Arguably, his most prominent fight occurred in 1991 when he fought Chris Eubank in the billed Beauty v The Best contest for the WBO World Middleweight Championship.
If Mr. Stretch’s saga ended there, his life would be remarkable. But he was just getting started. Gary went on to have a career in modeling and acting. His acting work includes roles in the 2004 film Alexander and the 2006 movie World Trade Center.
It was 22 years ago this month that the world of mixed martial arts was changed forever. It was then that first the UFC took place in Denver, Colorado. One of the key people responsible for it all coming together was Art Davie. Last year we spoke with Art about that very topic, as well as many others, here on CYInterview [see here].
It was Art’s vision, passion and desire, along with that of a few other individuals, to bring the best fighters in the world together for one special night. Over two decades later, the UFC is a worldwide business and MMA is a sport that is popular globally.
At the first UFC, Ken Shamrock and Royce Gracie fought. The two fighters are planning to face off again in February of 2016. It is a testament to famous brand names in the sport and Mr. Davie’s original belief that the best should square off against each other.
Today, Ronda Rousey is arguably UFC’s best known fighter, the biggest brand name in the world of mixed martial arts. Her recent loss to Holly Holm made worldwide news and shocked many. However, when it comes to mixed martial arts, it is extremely rare to stay in the game any length of time without tasting defeat.
After more than a dozen fights for various mixed martial arts organizations, George Sullivan is living the dream. A New Jersey native now under contract with the UFC, Mr. Sullivan will have a chance to fight in front of a home crowd this coming Saturday night April 18th, on the FOX Sports TV UFC 15 card. This will be his third fight with the UFC. He has won the first two. Perhaps, we will be seeing him on pay per view out of Las Vegas in the near future.
Away from the cage, the mixed martial artist has taken on the battle against bullying. He has spoken out to many young people, across the United States, on the subject. Mr. Sullivan uses his tough guy fighter persona in a way that demonstrates how to behave with respect and decency, away from the cage, in an effort to inspire kids.
Last weekend, the visionary behind the UFC, entrepreneur, author Art Davie was inducted into the Legends of MMA Hall of Fame in Reno, Nevada. This year’s other inductees included Pat Miletich, Rickson Gracie, Big John McCarthy and Fedor Emelianeko. MMA personalities including Frank Shamrock, Dan Severn, Jens Pulver, Sean Wheelock, Monte Cox and Stephen Quadros were also in attendance.
We recently had Art on CYInterview talking about his new book Is This Legal? and the beginnings of the Ultimate Fighting Championship [see here].