“Aerodynamically, the bumblebee shouldn’t be able to fly, but the bumblebee doesn’t know it so it goes on flying anyway.”
— Mary Kay Ash
Like most fighters Nick Newell entered the octagon to defend his undefeated record and to compete for the Xtreme Fighting Championships lightweight title with the intention of leaving it all in the cage. When the bell was struck, Newell went quickly to work on his opponent delivering a right-handed shot, then another and another. After choking his opponent out, Newell raised his right hand in victory. Newell’s right hand is his only hand, due to a congenital amputation, a condition preventing his left arm from developing past his elbow.
Newell’s success is a strong message for the disabled community. A man with his circumstance could physically compete and achieve greatness as an equal.
Newell does not let his disability define him. To most, his circumstances would be unfavorable for a fighter, but Newell overcame the bad hand life dealt him and ultimately turned his disability into the ability to submit and pummel his way to a title. Having one hand has only harmed some of the striking abilities, but his gifted wrestling abilities and triumphant spirit have made him a force.
“My goal when I started was never to be the one-handed fighter,” said Newell to USA Today. “My goal is to be the best in the world.”
Matt Hamill, a three-time NCAA Division III national champion, is deaf. Hamill’s disability has never deprived him of success as he embarked on a mission to become an MMA fighter. He found himself a nice six-year stand in the Ultimate Fighting Championship finishing with a 12-4 record.
Anthony Robles, Arizona State’s 2010-11 NCAA wrestling national champion, found success in MMA with his first-class wrestling skills. Robles, who was born with one leg, refuses to wear prosthetic.
Their triumphs of the human spirit to overcome adversity are the quintessential narratives a progressive society holds valuable. Their victories are not simply achievements in sports, but great feats for those who are treated or feel inferior because they fly with different sets of wings.
MMA is a special recipe of talented athletes testing the limits of the human body and mind. Success by Newell, Hamill and Robles is a tribute to the pioneers of martial arts who wanted to compete and display their skills. They represent the versatile nature of the sport—anyone can be competitive. As the mixed martial arts audience continues to grow, the future is bright for fighters of all backgrounds and physical circumstances.
Like bumblebees Newell, Hamill and Robles did not recognize their disabilities as such and flew past adversity to greatness. Their achievements and triumphs are the glue that keeps a progressive society hopeful.
