Mixed

"Jordan Clements of Payson catches his breath as he practices MMA fighting with coach Aaron Garcia (not pictured) of Team Unbreakable at Elite Fitness Center in Payson, Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2010."

Everyone nowadays seems to have this obsession with MMA, otherwise known as, mixed martial arts. From those actually involved to photojournalists alike.

In the past two years I've seen so many MMA stories. I remember watching POYi the year before last and every other sports picture story was MMA. I don't think any ever placed, but some were really well done stories.

I personally liked one my co-worker Mark did last year. Great connection to the fighter's personal, family life. But others I see don't do much for me. They're simply the same story told from a different location.

Sure, it's interesting. Who doesn't like two humans sacrificing their bodies and health to beat the snot out of one another? I'd love to shoot an actual event. But I don't think I'd dabble into a story unless there was a unique angle.

With that, the above was my first real introduction to the sport. This guy was jacked and would be able to destroy me in a matter of seconds if I was in the cage with him.

Not to mention, snapping frames with a 35mm of him as he punched and kicked on his trainer, who basically had on full body suit for protection, was intense.

Reminded me that I shouldn't ever pick a fight with him...or anybody for that matter.