Ringworm

Ringworm is a bitch. I have been out of commission now for 3 weeks with a nasty infection on my right shin. 2 silver dollar-sized circles appeared and got progressively worse over a 3 day time-frame, despite my Lotrimin AF application before the rings completed formation. In fact, they weren't even rings; the area was complete filled in, and thoroughly disgusting. I am usually quite anal about cleaning myself after training, but apparently that has nothing to do with it, if someone else is infected and inconsiderate. I will be looking to pick up some anti-fungal soup for the future.

I saw a doctor after a week of the Lotrimin not doing anything, and the itch was unbearable, so I figured some prescription goodies wouldn't hurt. The idiot gave me some Nystatin ointment, which apparently isn't an ideal remedy. My mother is quite familiar with Nystatin, as she suffered from debilitating Candida when she was younger and she basically cured herself. I can agree with her feeling that doctors are fucking imbeciles, as after a week of this "treatment" I noticed no change -- in fact, I didn't even feel like the ointment was doing anything, as the general idea is to dry the area out and I noticed no drying effect, either.

At this point I took matters into my own hands and tried some other remedies that were easily accessible. Using common sense (read: not pouring bleach on my skin), I applied tea tree oil for 3 days and noticed a lightening and flaking of the area. I seems as though tea tree oil is a damn good fix for Tinea infections.

I saw one more doctor who provided a misdiagnosis for an unrelated issue (moron). I did however, receive a prescription for something I ASKED FOR EXPLICITLY -- Ketoconazole cream, which is the be-all, end-all for topical ringworm rape.

After about a week using both the oil and cream, I see a huge difference and I am feeling like I will be heading back to the gym soon.

All in all, a great learning experience, although frustrating. I'm certainly glad I didn't get some other mat-related goodness like MRSA.

The moral is: doctors are retarded. If you want something done right, use common sense and the internet. Roll on!

Fight for the Troops

Last night was a great night of fights as the UFC held their second Fight for the Troops event. Some thoughts:

Pat Barry is a funny motherfucker, and I'm definitely a fan of his personality and kickboxing skill; however, he fights like he doesn't give a shit. I don't know if he's more a journeyman or something, but his fight with Cro Cop was a joke, what with the high-fives and hugs throughout. They might as well have made out. I mean, there were pretty much fucking tears in Barry's eyes while he got punched in the face by Mirko. It was very gay.

This fight was kinda the same in terms of Pat's lackadaisical attitude, but minus the gay. He kept his hands down and let the retard "Mexicutioner" bloody his visage. Sure, he raped Beltran's leg/knee to the point of there *maybe* being serious damage, but otherwise it was a tired performance. Pat will need to shape up if he wants to compete with the top UFC heavies. In fact, maybe cut weight like a normal fighter and compete at LHW. I don't know. But I'm still a fan.

Hominick gets a title shot after some great technical striking TKOs George Roop. I don't care how good a striker Hominick is; Aldo will destroy him with viscous kicks and knees before the third round is over.

UFC LW picture: Evan Dunham got DEMOLISHED by a striker who was on another level of skill. Guillard was absolute fire last night and he made Dunham, a top 10 LW, look like an amateur fighter.

The problem here is that Dana White and Joe Silva FUCKED UP ROYALLY by giving a rematch to Maynard. He failed to beat Edgar, he doesn't get the belt. End of discussion. Now that division is OVERLY STACKED and as Rogan puts it, "nearly unmanageable". I really don't get why they're giving Maynard a rematch. I feel like since I'm just a fan, that I generally don't know what I'm talking about with regard to management decisions -- but this is beyond me! It made no sense and fucked up the Lightweight division big time.

Cody McKenzie's ground game sucks dick. Get back to the mats, and for fuck's sake, IMPROVE YOUR STRIKING. One more chance?

Cut Tim Hague. Mitrione is awesome.

Cut Campuzano.

Also, apparently Mike Brown lost to Rani Yahya. Color me shocked.

Lesnar - Dos Santos Announced as TUF 13 Coaches

Well Dana White finally came out with it after months and months of guessing (and eliminating). Junior Dos Santos and Brock Lesnar will be the next coaches on the upcoming season of The Ultimate Fighter; although no Interim Title will be on the line, despite Cain being sidelined until the summer with a shoulder injury. My thoughts? I find this amusing.

Firstly, I'm not sure how much JDS's English has improved. Will he be able to accurately convey what he's trying to convey? Things like ground fighting require a certain level of detail, and I'm skeptical as to whether or not JDS can coach effectively.

Secondly....Lesnar? A coach? Seriously? I don't give a shit about his record (even though it's a thoroughly mediocre 5-2). The guy has NO skills whatsoever. People raved about his wrestling. "Oh, he's a D-1 wrestler, he can take anyone down and GnP the shit out of them!!!". Uh, no. Any moron can see that the guy doesn't actually do anything but steamroll into his opponents. No TD set-ups with strikes, and no actual thought process at all. Just the same "Hulk Smash" mentality. Who would want to be coached by him? He offers nothing. And it sickens me to think how much money Zuffa gave this guy to coach.

I don't see how this could go well for Lesnar, no matter what. His weak coaching will come through when his team gets owned as badly as Koscheck's team did, and JDS will open his face with his technical striking and lean, agile body-type.

Junior Dos Santos by TKO in the first round.