To many spectators, combat sports are the purest form of athletic competition. These disciplines include mixed martial arts (MMA), Brazilian jiu jitsu, jujitsu, taekwondo, boxing, judo, Muay Thai, kickboxing, and wrestling [1]. In one-on-one match ups, these competitions encompass the most entertaining elements inside of sports: overzealous theater, blatant personality, and calculated aggression. While fight nights are celebrated under the spotlight, gruesome preparation is hidden behind the scenes. Specifically, weight-cutting is an accepted practice that must be explored for its inherent dangers and the well-being of combat athletes.
Competitors are divided into various weight classes to ensure fair competition. Combat…
In the midst of a trade request, helmet-gate, and social media exposé, NFL wide receiver Antonio Brown has lived quite the spectacle. In a matter of months, his reputation veered into an infamous example of career decimation.
Speculation surrounding his antics have raised serious questions about his mental health. Inevitably, some have suggested Brown’s erratic behavior a result of the NFL’s longstanding taboo: chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE. While it’s unwise to diagnose players from speculation, it does again bring CTE to the forefront of football discussion. …
In 2017, a 17-year old high school phenom captivated the basketball world. With astonishing and seemingly inhuman viral dunks, Zion Williamson had teased basketball devotees with only a taste of what was to come.
A five-star recruit, and №2 in ESPN’s Class of 2018 rankings, Williamson committed to Duke for his inevitable one-and-done freshman season [1]. Despite the Blue Devils’ unprecedented roster talent, Williamson delivered a historic collegiate season that established him the unanimous first pick in the NBA’s annual Draft. …
Michael Dong
A UCLA graduate with a B.S. in Bioengineering, I have a deep passion for sports medicine, technology, and engineering.
