If only. Those must be the two saddest words in the world.
-Mercedes Lackey
I've always said that it's better to regret the things you've done than the things you failed to do. And it's a theory on life that's served me well, I have very few regrets.
Still though, I don't always take my own advice. About a year ago I was invited to an IFL fight. The seats were awesome and I think the only way we could have been closer to the ring is if we were cornering the fight ourselves.
About half way through the 10 fights, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson and his entourage walk right in front of us and stop. This was shortly before he beat Chuck Liddell for the light-heavyweight belt.
Anyway, we're sitting there and he's standing directly in front of us and I think -- man, I should totally just lean forward and say "hey, tough guy, down in front" or maybe "hey, buddy, out of the way". I should just say anything to him. Just lean forward like a real asshole and tell this guy who fights for a living, who is one of the top fighters in the world, that he's in my way, in the rudest way possible.
Now if you know me, you know that's there's nothing in my physical demeanor that says "fighter". I'm short, I spend most of my day in front of a computer and my body shape inspires descriptions of "Buddha-like".
So one of two things is going to happen. Either he's going to laugh because he gets the joke or he's going to give me the trademark Rampage stare down. And either outcome is equally awesome. There's no chance I'm in any sort of danger. He's not going to physically assault some kid in glasses for saying "down in front".
And you know what happens here? Nothing. I thought "this would be totally awesome". I even turned to the people I was with and said "wouldn't it be awesome if ..." and they agreed. Then, like a douche bag, I leaned back in my seat and totally missed my chance to talk shit to Rampage Jackson.
That's my advice for the weekend people, don't be a douche bag like me. It's better to regret the things you do than the things you failed to do.
Posted by Ben Corman at 6:23 PM
