FanPost

Mania Matchmaker: MMAmania.com's First Engagement

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What's up, Maniacs?

Let me introduce myself: call me "AK." Once upon a time, I was a regular here. Back in 2007 (holy shit that's 10 years ago) I was nearly addicted to this site, arguing about GSP vs Penn 2, the shitshow that was Brock Lesnar's war wagon, and whether or not women would ever fight in the UFC from my little cubicle in North Dakota.

That addiction led to some real life friendships, culminating in my attendance of multiple Maniac Meat Ups. On one of these meet ups in Phoenix AZ, I happened to get introduced to a beautiful woman (through a fellow Maniac, no less). And not only that, the only reason I met her was because I arrived in Phoenix on the wrong day, and Deuce02 ended up having to drag me along on all his job site visits that day, and a work party that I wasn't supposed to be at. At that work party, my life changed.

After chatting her up, we exchanged numbers, and she agreed to come hang out with me and the rest of the animals I called friends at our hotel the next day.

I realized that this particular lady might just be a keeper as she watched a bunch of drunken idiots grapple on the carpeted floor of that hotel conference room. Watching gorillas in their natural habitat didn't scare her off in the slightest.

Long story short, as I was getting on the plane to head back to my frozen little corner of the world, it dawned on me that I was at a crossroads. Continue living my dull, boring life, or grab life by the sack and take the step that I knew would change my life for the better, forever.

So, after knowing this woman just 3 days, I made the decision to pack everything I owned in my Toyota Camry and drive halfway across the country, all on gut instinct. Having fought in a cage, I can tell you this was one of the scariest times of my life.

Fast forward two years, and that beautiful blonde agreed to marry me.

The point of the story is this: This place is much more than a website. I know I haven't been around, and I know 95% of you new regulars have no idea who I am. But believe me, real friendships can be forged here. Respectful discussions were had. Memories were made that will last the rest of my life. And if I hadn't decided, all those years ago, to create an account to talk to that OJR guy who seemed so refined, to argue with that braggadocious Kevin (RIP) about whether or not his story was true, to talk midwest winters with Minnesota winter survivor Deuce02, to talk to that friendly bastard Scottidog (RIP)...I never would have met the love of my life.

So, dont be a dick. You might be arguing with a hottie from across the country that you end up hitting on at the next meat up.


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