MPG Letter Issue #24
My Definition of Success, An LOL moment, A fan I'll never forget, and more!
My Definition of Success Now
Early in my career, all I cared about was winning.
My long term goal was to make it in this sport. I didn’t really put too much focus on short term goals. Of course I had to win, that was a given.
Now after 16 years of battles, giving my all in every single fight, losing some shitty split decisions - my definition of success is different.
I’ve come to learn and accept that a win on my record isn’t always the end all be all. It might feel like it in the moment. But there are bigger things to be grateful for.
I enjoy what I do and get paid to beat people up. Being able to do what you love and make a living off it is a privilege not many people have. I understand that.
Now success to me is the opportunity to have a flexible schedule that allows me to spend time with my family, and still afford a great life.
This is what makes me truly happy. And that’s what success is.
My LOL Moment Inside The Cage
You come across some seedy characters in this sport.
I remember a moment during breakfast in the hotel before my fight with Zelim Imadaev. My team walked away for a brief second and Zelim saw me there alone.
Instead of saying hi like a normal person, this guy tried to start shit with me right then and there. The guy was a piece of work. Big talker, bigger clown 🤡
During the first round of our fight, I took him down, but this guy kept grabbing the fence 🤬. Good thing the ref took a point away. So I got him down again and managed take his back against the cage. It was payback time.
When I was in the midst of neck-cranking him, this guy yelled out in his villain voice, “you muthaf*cka!” 😂 Sounded just like a stereotypical bad guy from a James Bond movie.
I laughed a little and continued beating him up. Walked away with the W and haven’t seen the guy since.
The Birthday Boy 🥳
My firt born, Julian AKA JuJu, is turning 12 on Saturday!
You’d think he’d want toys or games like a normal 12 year old, but noooo…
He asked for cold, hard, CASH 💸
If you wanna make him smile, send the Birthday Boy a few bucks via Ca$hApp!
A Fan I’ll Always Remember
One fan that’ll always have a spot in my heart is Gary S. Adams. Gary was a combat medic in the army during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and he was a major MMA and WWE fan!
When I first met Gary, he was already battling ALS and trying to live each day to the fullest. I was so honored that Gary was able to come to my local bout against Justin Baseman.
Unfortunately, Gary continued to decline day by day. But he had his wife and kids who were a huge support system for him. Eventually though, the disease progressed and Gary was bedridden.
A group of fighters and I decided to go visit Gary in the hospital. I brought my championship belt and I remember him being so happy.
He told us that having bad ass fighters visit him made him motivated to keep on fighting.
This time spent with Gary frequently replays in my mind. Because now, my Sensei and father-figure Dave Marinoble is also fighting ALS.
I’ve known Dave since I was a kid. I’ve been training at the same gym, so it’s been over 30 years.
But Dave’s a warrior. He’s strong-willed, steadfast, and continues to kick ALS’s ass!!
I’ve spent the past year raising money for Dave and his family to fight the good fight. If you’d like to contribute, I’ll leave a link below.
»» Click here to support Dave Marinoble’s fight against ALS
What I’ve Been Up To
Hope you had a great Easter weekend! On Saturday, we went to my good buddy Dr. Panero’s house to watch UFC 287! Dr. Panero is the founder of The BIOS Orthopedic Institute and he’s a grill master! He whipped up some fire Argentinian BBQ 🥩 for me and the fam 👌
On Sunday, we had a great time with family at Ancil Hoffman Park in Carmichael. We had tons of food! We even did an Easter egg hunt for the kids. I might’ve helped Tyrus in collecting the most eggs 😜 And the best part of all, the weather was perfect! 🙌
Meme of the Week 😂😂
Now this Power Slap I can stand behind 😅🍑👋🏽
Are you tuning in? 📺👀
That ends it for this week’s MPG Letter!
We’re doing a MASSIVE 420 Giveaway next week with a bunch of sponsors, so stay tuned for details on IG.
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If you’re new here, welcome to the fam!
We’ll be back next week to drop more content in your inbox.
Talk soon,
Max “Pain” Griffin
P.S. We have a few more King of Sacramento shirts left, if you want one, click this link here!
Love this issue! I'll have to watch that fight to see the fence grab and you laughing at fan in the crowd!