In the Torrance academy, before the UFC's, everytime there was a challenge match up this way, or a MMA event in Brazil that led to some distinct victory or defeat, the academy was always buzzing with chatter.
After the fight with Kimo, and not being able to go on to the next round of eliminations, word got out that both the old man and Rickson were pissed. The Academy was in a hush for weeks, until enough word got out that Rickson, per the old man, would be taking over Royce's training. Normally, when Rickson came by the academy, he would get flocked by students who hadn't met him yet, and greeted like an old friend by those who had. For the next several weeks, when Rickson came in looking very business-like, nobody but the very old, very familiar, or very brave bothered to obstruct his path for pleasantries.
As I watched Royce getting beaten in the back of the head with moves I would expect Rickson to use in a challenge match, I couldn't help but wonder where he was last night, and what was going through his head. I'll bet he's pissed, and that his guys are giving him a wide berth.
D.
