Dear Beth,

Congratulations on your husband’s superb victory over Wanderlei. It was
an outstanding win in which Rich displayed tremendous heart!

My wife and I agree that not only is Rich a top-notch, world class
fighter; more importantly, he appears to be a world class man. Again,
congrats on his win!

Regards,

Mike Cestero
Newtown, PA

Fear is what makes us human… It will make an extraordinary person heighten their sense of awareness, of purpose, and will forcesuch a person to adapt and overcome…. While the weaker mind might recoil and faulter…. Fear will keep your mind sharp and focused, on the task at hand… 
Your cerebral approach to fighting will serve you in this fight… Remember your fundamentals and keep that fear locked up until it’s time to unload!!! Out-think, outwill, and outlast him. Your fans will be behind you and are confident that you will prevail… Kick his *ss, Ace….    –Brian White

I agree with Rich’s statement that the time to retire differs from athlete to athlete based on a number of factors.  Although, I would add that the fighter’s style may even be the most important factor of all.  
As we age we see that certain things are “the first to go.”  For example, quickness goes before strength.  Therefore, a fighter that relies on quickness may see more drastic difference in his performance as he ages than a fighter that uses more strength ie. a wrestler / ground and pounder.
Thankfully, I see Rich as an extremely well-rounded fighter that lives right, trains hard and has a skill-set that should allow him to fight at a high level for a long time.  His 3 recent losses are a result of stylist problems, not eroding talent.
Matt

I really can’t tell you how much I appreciate your words of encouragement.  At the end of March I lost my job of 17 years, and really thought it was over for my family.  I received your message and after a really long month of deep depression.  I pulled out of my bad feelings and began working for a new way to support my family.  It has been hard, but we are making it.  I found out that it was not the things I was providing them with that they really wanted and needed.  It was me and my time that meant most.  I did not give up.  I wanted to.  I wanted to just say forget it and lay down and die.  Somehow I pulled through.  One thing I do know.  It was partly thanks to you.           Keep inspiring. –Doug.

Keep em coming!!! I am on vacation with my wife and daughter in Destin Florida and I woke up after a long night of bad dreams and when I got back from my morning run I saw this email and it filled me with positive energy!!!! I like you am from Cincinnati, and had a very rough upbringing. And like you are a Christian who follows his dreams, so when you talk I listen!!! I just wanted you 2 know that your emails bring positive energy 2 those who need it!!!! So thank you Sir and please keep them coming! Ps, I look forward 2 seeing you kick some ass in your next fight against Vanderla (or however you spell it) . Like I said rough upbringing/ little education

Tanner

Rich,

Thanks Rich, “Busting Circles” was a great equation, they all are. It really is what people need to hear, not exactly a “in ya face” thing but this is great in terms of the hope, expectancy, faith and passion you instill in people. Thanks for taking the time to sow some good seeds into all of us, so that we will reap amazing benefits.   -Sam McDonald