California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger arguably put bodybuilding on the map in terms of mainstream and in Hollywood.   Randy Couture perhaps did the same for Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).

(International Journalism Review Columbus, OH March 9^th 2010) If you were lucky enough on finding a hotel room or an airplane ticket to this year’s Arnold Classic Annual Bodybuilding event, consider yourself blessed.  Couture himself had to be separated from his staff having his Global Sales Director for XCAP, Chris Greenman, and Couture’s personal doctor, John Fitzgerald, all at different hotels. 

This year’s event was believed to be the largest to date according to many officials on site, despite having the city of Columbia blanketed in snow. People came by the tens of thousands to witness the un-human like bodybuilders with their physiques manipulated to resemble mythical Greek Gods.  People also came for the many other events taking place such as fencing, gymnastics, power lifting, cheerleading, and the list goes on.

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) showed why it’s the fastest growing sport in the world by not only bringing a World Extreme Cage fighting (WEC) event once again, but having major players  in MMA that provided waiting lines larger then Disneyland.  People were just waiting for a photo opportunity or a an autograph from any of these recognized modern day gladiators.    Couture of course seemed to draw the largest crowd, however, Forrest Griffin was almost equally as luring.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) brought its little sister (brother), the WEC, to city of Columbus once again and showcased some great fights and eventual upsets.  UFC's Randy Couture appeared as Arnolds guest at the weigh-in ceremony and set his pharmaceutical sport  supplements (XCAP) (www.XCAP.TV) on to center stage.  Couture signed a few thousand autographs to introduce his product to the mainstream, and give his fans some attention for three days. 

XCAP was originally created for pro-fighters and pro-athletes after Couture consulted with Doctor John Fitzgerald and noticed very real positive results.  But the response and effect of the product has carried it over to almost anyone in the athletic arena. Surprisingly,  their Resveratrol product leads the pact as one of the most potent anti-aging products on the market, and in an anti aging age driven society, timing is perfect.    Backed by endless research and found on almost any media or medical archive, it is not only legal but it is a product with a proven and documented history.

Among other MMA thoroughbreds on hand at this year’s event was MMABAY Radio, MMAweeklys, The UFC, ProFightnetwork, WEC, TapouT, and numerous UFC and MMA fighters. PFN hosted a live MMA forum (www.ProFightNetwork..com) along with actively signing people to their MMA social site.

MMABAY Radio made its debut at the at the Arnold Classic. In the last three weeks MMABAY Radio has taken the Podcast world to a new level by delivering the famous fight before the fight, Wanderlie “The Ax Murder” Silva, versus Michael Bisbang.  Dan “The Outlaw” Hardy came on and described on who he is going to dismantle UFC Great Georges St. Pierre.  Finally, Randy “The Natural” Couture gave the radio show about 40 minutes of intense inside information on the MMA playing field and gave his prediction on some future fights and his pick of the top MMA pound for pound fighter in the world.

International Journalism Review (IJR) was on-site at the Convention Center and Sherman King interviewed James Edward Bravo, an avid player in the MMA community and practitioner in Brazilian Jui JitSu.  Bravo told IJR the following, “This is interesting, you take the steroids out of the equation and you probably don’t have a Arnold Classic bodybuilding  aspect, but for that matter you probably wouldn’t have an NFL either.  However, you would still have MMA, kind funny if you think about it.  I get the rational when athletes that use steroids to enhance their size and/or strength for their sport. But I do not understand why doing an insane amount of steroids with no other physical requirement other then lifting weights which all athletes should do, makes you an athlete?  In my view, anyone can be a body builder, but not everyone can be an athlete such as a power lifter, football player, football player, Water Polo player, etc."

IJR  talked to Cheryl Angelheart, the publisher for both Muscle & Performance and Black Belt Magazine on our airplane ride to the event.  She said “We attend the event every year, it offers us a great opportunity to create the awareness for the magazines as well as support our vendors, and pick up new readership.  In addition, we sponsor the event and given thousands of magazines to the attendees in order to pick up new membership. I am excited to hear that RANDY Couture pushing his own product, XCAP, and I look forward to including that in our next issue.”

Arnold  Schwarzenegger has continued his list of achievements, from being the most recognized bodybuilder in history, to accomplished actor, to Governor, the road seems to have much pavement left.  IJR congratulates the event, the state of Ohio for hosting it in such great fashion, and to all the athletes and bodybuilders that made the event happen.

International Journalism Review

New York, NY 10100 www.internationaljournalismreview.com

Sherman King, independent  journalist for IJR

Internationaljournalismreview@gmail.com

805 807 7201