Every summer in the city of Toronto, a couple of things are consistent.
The sun is out, traffic is unbearable and thanks to the MMA Expo, it feels like the most wonderful time of the year.
Pardon my passion for what feels like Christmas in June, but as we get closer to this weekend's MMA Expo, I can't help but get excited for the most jam-packed two days of MMA bedlam a true fan can handle.
As strange as it may sound, I often kick myself for having a booth at the event, and I'm sure event promoter Gerald Chopik does the same.
Now, it's obvious that my job is to promote "MMA Connected" and "The Showdown" radio show, but truth be told, I want to walk around the Toronto International Centre and see the lunacy that surrounds the event.
Spread across the floor will be hundreds of exhibitors. Anyone that knows me is fully aware I need to fashion the latest gear. I want to see who's got the best pair of MMA gloves and which training gear is worth purchasing.
I'll admit that I tend to stray away from supplements. Chopik told me this year he has seen a 50 per cent increase in vendors showcasing the latest products in nutrition. While my diet is up to snuff, it may be time to mix in some supplementation to reach the new goal that I have set for myself.
I need to someway, somehow, get to each one of those booths to ask some questions.
There are also going to be some grappling tournaments at the MMA Expo. There's the Ontario Provincial Grappling Championships as well as the Grandmaster Barreto BJJ Open. For those that want to challenge me, I will not be competing at either event, so you'll have to wait for another opportunity.
What I will be doing is speaking to and assessing the various talent at the W-1 MMA Trials. If you want to be a pro-fighter and think you already have what it takes to be the next champ, I look forward to speaking with you and grading your skill set. Alongside me will be a variety of other judges who have far better qualifications than I do. So bring it and make sure you impress.
Your career can take a huge step after this weekend.
There are also a variety of seminars and clinics at the MMA Expo. You can learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu from ninth degree black belt GM Barretto, as well as take his BJJ ref clinic. You can also get certified under the CAN-FIT PRO system and for those that own dojo's or gyms, there are some excellent business development seminars.
Another exceptional bonus of this year's MMA Expo has got to be the celebrities that will be attending. The list is incredible: Sean Sherk, Denis Kang, Thiago Silva, Shonie Carter, Matt Hammill, Sam Stout, Chris Horodecki, Mark Hominick, Jeff Joslin, Robin Black, James Irwin, Bill Mahood, Frank Trigg, Carlos Newton, Nabil Khatib, Jason MacDonald and my original BJJ professor, Syvlio Behring.
And yes, for all you crazy "MMA Connected" fans who enjoy our fanatic e-mail of the week question, UFC Octagon Girl (and as Joe Rogan says, "Professional Hot Chick") Arianny Celeste will also be in attendance.
Speaking of beautiful women, and another thing that will definitely get me out of my booth, is a certain attraction on Sunday afternoon. Unbeknownst to me until Chopik broke the news on my Fan 590 radio show and surprised me, I have a special job to do.
It's not easy, but unfortunately for me, I will be one of the few judges who gets to select the "2009 MMA Expo Hottie." Yes, I know it's going to be difficult, but I cannot let Chopik down and will make sure I do a good job as a judge.
This is but a sampling of what will be going on at the MMA Expo this weekend. I'm sure you can understand why I want to leave the "MMA Connected" booth.
Now, I will be manning the booth for the majority of the time, so make sure you swing by to say "Hello" and to also sign our petition to help sanction, regulate and legalize MMA in Ontario.
If you want more info on the event, mosey on over here.
Did I mention it's the most wonderful time of the year?
