Good morning Rich, I appreciated your thoughts on God in MMA. The fact is that God is everywhere and He wants to be a part of our life in all aspects. So in short God does belong in MMA. However having said that, I believe that what might be hard from some Christian’s and non-Christian’s alike to understand is when a person who enters the cage to fight displays a less than Christian-like character during his performance. It is sometimes difficult for me to watch a fighter taunt, belittle, and try to intimidate their opponent with various body gestures and then after their fight give credit to God.

Now I realize that for the most part Christian’s can be hard on each other, sometimes more so than non-Christians and far be it for me to claim that I am perfect, because I am not. I am a sinner. However the realization is that fighters are in the public
eye and a persons actions within the cage can cause a person to wonder whether or not they really are a follower of Christ when they continue to show disrespect for their opponent.

Rich, I would say that you are by far my favorite fighter and there are a few reasons for that. Everytime I have seen you during a fight, or in any MMA related documentary or news article you continue to remain solid in your Christian foundation. I have never heard you say anything disrespectful to anyone. You always consistently respectful to everyone. I am sure that is why you are such a great embassador for the sport and one of the many reason why the UFC has you represent the sport so much. While its easy for most fighters to give in to their temptation to disrespect another fighter, before, during and sometimes after a fight claiming that they were in the “moment” of a heated battle you have never accepted such an excuse.

Whether or not your fights or hit and run articles have effected anyone else I will never know. But what I can say is that your consistency with keeping your faith has had an huge effect on my life. Being a new Christian, having never really been in a Church prior to last year, I have at times struggled with my life and how much I have been consumed with anxiety and depression. Sometimes finding it hard to even get out of bed. Always constantly feeling like I am alone.

It might sound weird, or whatever but your constant reminder to never accept defeat has in some of my darkest moments been the only friend I had.

Thank you very much for continuing to be you and for believing in Christ so much that you want to share your belief with others.

Regards,
Jamie Teeple