Newell in the spotlight

Milford native Nick Newell, who is now competing as a lightweight with NBC's World Series of Fighting, made an impression on Saturday night with his first-round submission by rear naked choke of Keon Caldwell. Not only was it an impressive finish during an event on national television sponsored by one of the UFC's only real competitors (I know this could be healthily debated), but he accomplished this despite obstacles that many would find daunting; particularly athletes.

Newell, who now has a 10-0 professional MMA record as a result of his bout on Aug. 10, is a congenital amputee with no left arm above the elbow. This has not stopped him from amassing an impressive wrestling record through high school and college as well as earning his brown belt in BJJ. With his WSF debut, he is now in the national spotlight and poised to accomplish much. We look forward to posting an interview with him at the site one of these days.

He is not alone. Kyle Maynard, who was born with no arms or legs, pursued college wrestling and one MMA bout. Try watching the documentary A Fighting Chance, which details his fight, or read his auto biography No Excuses; both are humbling. More details on his amazing story may be found here; http://kyle-maynard.com/about-kyle/.

Here in Connecticut, I have also had the pleasure of making Ian Cannon's acquaintance. Despite having cerebral palsy and being in a wheelchair, he has established the organization Rolling with the Punches, which provides therapeutic boxing training for disabled people. He even competed in an exhibition match at the First Willie Pep Classic about two years ago in Hartford. His Facebook page is here; https://www.facebook.com/ianshku?fref=ts.