Rory MacDonald exposes the dichotomy of an MMA prizefighter

Game of Thrones Spoiler Alert:

So I just finished watching Game of Thrones Episode 3. First off what an episode! However, while most people were (rightly) in awe of Arya antics, I was more drawn to the age-old angst suffered by The Hound.

Throughout the GOT series, The Hound can be relied upon to answer the 'call to violence' at a drop of a hat. However, in the midst of the defining battle against the wight walkers, The Hound's seemingly insatiable lust for violence seemed quenched, as he pondered the fruitlessness of trying to defeat an indestructible foe.

To be honest, it's a scene played out in many-a-movie; where the person you least expect, questions the point of their life purpose. They down tools and leave you cursing at the screen for them to do something. It's somewhat cliche however never fails to get me in the guts!

Art imitating life

Watching that Game of Thrones scene, reminded me of a real-life scene I saw play out in an MMA cage yesterday.

In a spectacle far less common, Bellator MMA champion, Rory McDonald (after successfully retaining his title with a majority draw against Jon Fitch) gave a candid post-fight interview where he admitted

I Don't Know If I Have That Same Drive To Hurt People Anymore.

Cut from a different cloth

For me, the shock is that more fighters don't feel the same way Rory does at some stage in their career. I suspect more do but don't admit it publically.

It takes a different kind of mentality to be a prizefighter at the elite level.

You're signing up not only to risk your life and limbs against the 'baddest guys on the planet' but to attempt to reciprocate by inflicting maximum damage on them.

Most of us, aren't cut out to inflict that kind of hurt on another human as a career choice.

Of those that are, I wonder how many lose that 'killer inside'?

How many go from being that kid that wants to rip someone head off for sport; to that man, who goes through the motions of competing at what they're good at simply to support their family?

Most people go through it at some stage; we start off doing something we love yet continue for other motivations once that love goes away. It's part of the human condition I guess.

However, it's more profound when you're a fighter, forcing yourself to drum up the war-monger inside when your heart is closer to peace. It's a difficult mental battle and kudos to MacDonald for being so open about his struggle.

The Yin and Yang

In many ways, I've always looked at Martial Arts as a journey of self-discovery. One where you master the techniques of self-defence and violence so you never have to use it.

For me, there is a dichotomy between the spirit of being a Martial Artist and prizefighter. The tools used to pave the path of zen on hand versus using the same tools forge a road to riches, fame, and adulation.

What next?

It will be interesting to see where Rory goes next.

He is a great fighter that has been in some great fights and is very much in his prime.

It is tempting to think that he may leave cage fighting behind to pursue a different path. That could indeed happen.

However, I suspect that, much like The Hound, after his moment of introspection, Rory will be back roaring in The Bellator cage. While I find these moments of reflection illuminating, I've definitely seen this movie play out before... and the show invariably ends up going on.