[judgementday]

If this needs to be placed somewhere else then please move it.

Whether you are a fan of MMA or not, this is an inspiring story...

[CraftCreeker]

If this needs to be placed somewhere else then please move it.

Whether you are a fan of MMA or not, this is an inspiring story...

Thats very inspiring.

[RunItUpTheGut]

If this needs to be placed somewhere else then please move it.

Whether you are a fan of MMA or not, this is an inspiring story...

Its fine here. Great story.

[RunItUpTheGut]

Down Syndrome kids have a lot better chance at being more productive today, and it all starts with whos around them, especially parents.
Its astonishing how great the risk are now of having one.

It seems a lot of them are growing up to have good, productive lives.

[Spud6]

And I complain about my back hurting or my legs being tired. Man, we or I know I take for granted how truly blessed I am!

[judgementday]

Down Syndrome kids have a lot better chance at being more productive today, and it all starts with whos around them, especially parents.
Its astonishing how great the risk are now of having one.

It seems a lot of them are growing up to have good, productive lives.

This is on point! I have a nephew who is Autistic and unfortunately his parents do not get him the necessary support so that he can function in society as he gets older. He just goes to his room everyday and plays video games. It was me and my wife that saw the signs of his condition at a young age and encouraged his parents to have him tested. They finally did but it took years.

There are programs today that help transition these kids into functioning adults to the point that they can actually function on their own. Sadly, some parents do not make the effort to get them involved.

[Stardust]

You should speak with a neurologist about the impact of repeated brain trauma to someone who already has Down’s Syndrome. The injuries will also make his arthritis worse. To me, this is outrageous. Not everyone who wants to do something should have the chance. I bet his reaction speeds are also diminished because of the Down’s Syndrome. So who are they going to match him up with? Healthy MMA fighters with faster reaction times? Or another fighter with Down’s? … The job of the commission, the doctors, and the ref is to protect his health and welfare. Allowing him to step in the ring is already failing him in that duty. … Just because this kid wants to do something doesn’t mean he should. Would we let him drive a bus? Would we let him fly a plane? Would we let him join the military and go fight in Afghanistan? So what’s the difference? That he’s only going to hurt, maybe kill himself, not others? If so, that’s just unconscionable.

[Westside]

I could never fight someone like this. I'd feel guilty hitting them. I admire his heart though.

[judgementday]

You should speak with a neurologist about the impact of repeated brain trauma to someone who already has Down’s Syndrome. The injuries will also make his arthritis worse. To me, this is outrageous. Not everyone who wants to do something should have the chance. I bet his reaction speeds are also diminished because of the Down’s Syndrome. So who are they going to match him up with? Healthy MMA fighters with faster reaction times? Or another fighter with Down’s? … The job of the commission, the doctors, and the ref is to protect his health and welfare. Allowing him to step in the ring is already failing him in that duty. … Just because this kid wants to do something doesn’t mean he should. Would we let him drive a bus? Would we let him fly a plane? Would we let him join the military and go fight in Afghanistan? So what’s the difference? That he’s only going to hurt, maybe kill himself, not others? If so, that’s just unconscionable.

I see your point and I am sure they had to get some sort of medical clearance before he could fight.....Also, he seems to be aware of the medical toll it may take on his body but he LOVES doing it and feels that he now has a purpose.....at the end of the day he is still a human being and has the right to choose for himself.