MPG Letter Issue #37

MMA Pension Fund, Definition of Success, Chicken Sandwiches 🐔 And More!

Jul 14, 2023

On Tuesday, I received an invitation I couldn’t turn down. I felt obligated to attend.

In less than 12 hours, I would have an opportunity to represent my fellow California MMA fighters.

If successful, this would be a game-changer for the sport. Helping secure a better future for retired MMA fighters in California.

I’m one of the few Californian MMA fighters who’s been around since the beginning.

I’ve devoted my life to this sport for 17 years and I’ve seen so many other fighters come and go.

I began my amateur career before it was even legal in California. I had to take my amateur bouts in Oregon or Nevada. Won the title in Ultimate Reno Combat and did the Gladiator Challenge.

A couple years later, CAMO (CA Amateur MMA Organization) was created. And finally, amateur MMA fighting was sanctioned.

But at that point, I was told I was too experienced 😅

So I turned pro and the rest is history.

On Wednesday, I made my way to the California State Capitol building. I had the pleasure and honor of speaking to the Senate Labor Committee.

I testified to help the AB 1136 bill move along. AKA “The MMA Pension Fund”.

The bill would provide pension fund income to fighters who fought 14 or more fights in California and are one of the following:

Over the age of 50 and retired from the sport
Needing pension benefits for education, training, or medical need

The pension plan will generate revenue from ticket and souvenir sales, not from imposing taxes.

Why not?

Other leagues like MLB and NFL have pension funds for their athletes. Even boxing has funds set up.

The next step for the bill is appropriation 🤞

Stay tuned for updates.

Different Worlds, Different Definitions of Success

I’ve had the opportunity to see things from both the corporate world and the MMA world. At the same time for a number of years too.

One difference that sticks out is the definition of success.

On the corporate side, it’s all about metrics.

The entire mindset is driven by money. Climbing the corporate ladder. Growing the business.

You may work on a team, but people may not treat you like a teammate. They’ll undermine you, be condescending, and talk shit to the boss about others. Anything to make themselves look better.

A lot of shady politics going on.

Some say MMA is a selfish sport, but a lot of people in corporate will sabotage others for their own gain.

I can say a lot of these executives have never been punched in the face 😄

In MMA, the metric of success is wins. But it’s a lot bigger than that.

I’d say the real metric of success is growth.

Hard work, perseverance, and leveling up in skill are all major focuses. Areas which you can improve and grow from.

Even if you lose, it can still be a success. Of course, a loss sucks. But it’s considered a part of the process.

It’s an opportunity to learn from your mistakes, identify weaknesses, and make adjustments.

Everything points toward growth.

Official Chicken Sandwich Judge 🐔

This past weekend, I was a judge at the 2nd annual Sacramento Hot Chicken Battle 🐔🔥.

It was AWESOME!

All-you-can-eat chicken sandwiches and all-you-can-drink beer. But it was my duty to focus on the chicken.

This year, I was really serious about my judging. Trying to be a professional here.

Last year, I did all the judging at the end 😅

I really loved Moska Barrel House out of Roseville, CA 👌 (the judges’ choice winner)

It was on a soft Hawaiian roll. The chicken was so juicy with just the right amount of crisp. And sauced to perfection with a little kick.

Honorable mention goes to Ryder’s Chicken and Biscuits out of Lodi, CA.

Delicious chicken sandwich on an old school honey KFC biscuit. Topped with caramelized onion sauce and arugula.

Definitely worth the visit.

If there are any other food competitions, sign me up! I’d love to put my good palate to use.

Shoutouts to Misty for having me come out! Get your 2024 tickets NOW!! I’ll see you there. @sachotchickenbattle

The event was also for a good cause. The beneficiary of the event was the City of Refuge Sacramento. A community-based organization that offers services and support for individuals experiencing homelessness, victims of sex trafficking, abuse or exploitation, at-risk youth engagement programs, workforce development, community outreach, and life development programs.

So I Did A Thing…

Tomorrow, I’ll be competing in the Great American Triathlon.

Just decided to sign up for it on Thursday morning 😂

I’m still in shape and I just ran 7 miles the other day just because.

So I figured a triathlon shouldn’t be too bad 🤷‍♂️

Catch Me At Comic Verse!

This Sunday, you can catch me at the Comic Verse! A Comic Convention by Impound Comics.

It’s being held at the Scottish Rite Temple in Sacramento. Come check me out at the Impound Comics booth! I’ll be taking pictures and signing autographs.

Meme of the Week 😂😂

😅🤫🤣

It is quite nice occasionally 🤷🏽‍♂️

That ends it for this week’s MPG Letter!

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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.

Tune in.

Max “Pain” Griffin