Rich,

Every time you step into the ring is your best performance, win or lose.  Your character makes you the winner of every fight even before the opening bell rings.  Thanks for all the memories you have give us the fans. Can’t wait to see your next fight.

‘Ace’ Uliski

I fully understand what you mean about missed opportunities. I’m constantly saying ..”I wish I’d dones” regarding things I could have learned much easier as a kid. Whether it be languages, sports, music or visiting other places when I was young and life wasn’t so hectic.

You can’t go back. But there’s nothing wrong with giving new things a try no matter what the age. Being older, I’m braver and more confident. I think I appreciate the opportunities more. I’ve crewed and flown with a hot air balloon pilot, learned to play ice hockey..which required learning to skate first. No easy feat when you’re taller and fall much further. Currently considering skydiving out of a perfectly good airplane. I wish I’d been pushed into more sports as a child. Only because I look funny trying to learn in my 30’s. But I don’t let that stop me.  Thinking about taking some karate classes now.  Hey, you only live once.

Rich, good luck with your next fight.  I’ll be cheering for you all the way.

While it is easy to see where an individual sport like wrestling would directly affect your chosen profession as a fighter, I think that team sports, like football, provided a lot of opportunities to mold you and many people into who you really are as an adult.  Besides the team spirit and co-operation aspects, I’m sure football helped in developing your competitive nature, your dedication, self-discipline and commitment to achieving a goal and your drive to be the best you can be at your position/profession.

Good luck in your fight next week.

Love,  UR

Good luck Rich on Sept.19th! Can’t wait to see your hand raised, when you win.   I had the pleasure to meet you at “JD Legends” in Franklin,Ohio.You seem to be down to earth,sort of speak.Not letting your notority & etc.,go to your head.You do some awesome charity & other work.I love your website & your Hit & run site. Thank you. Stay the same & may GOD bless you & your family. Can’t wait till the next time i get to see ya! My wife & I don’t get to do much.Were raising our Five(5) grandbabies,that’s what the good Lord wants us to do.Anyways,can’t wait till the next hit & run. Stay safe! Thank you, Bret Land

I think your background in football has helped you tremendously! It had to teach you dicipline patience and conditioning. These are very important qualities that I think a lot of fighters lack! But look at how succesful you have been! I would credit that to football! Yeah wrestling would have helped you in different ways but hind sight is always 20/20 right! I respect and admire you for all you have accomplished in and out of the octagon! Keep up the good work so future generations can continue to be impacted by your amazing spirit and abilities!!!!

Sincerely Daniel Carpenter

Rich, Being a role model is just part of being a celebrity. Its your responsibility whether you like it or not brother. Kids are easily influenced by peer pressure. Dont feel bad about it. You are a great role model to todays’ youth. You represent hard work, dedication, you are drug free, and one of the greatest fighters in the world. Be proud of it, Be proud of what you represent. Most of all be proud of yourself.  -Bradley Solomon