He may have not been particularly well known on the national scene with a professional record of 6 wins and 10 losses.  He is probably best known for his loss to Ken Shamrock on a War God’s card held in February 2009.

Many people may wonder why I’m writing about a 6 -10 fighter that few have probably ever heard of.  I want the loss of this young man to potentially save the life of another.

I am not a fan of the ‘Super heavy weight’ division in MMA.  Nor am I a fan of the ‘bigger is better’ mentality that appears to be so pervasive in many popular sports, especially US football.

There are very few genetic freaks (I mean this in a good way…so Brock you don’t need to look for me) like a Brock Lesnar that can perform, like a virtuoso, significantly north of 265 lbs.  Brock is blessed with incredible genetics, an amazing work ethic, tremendous discipline and an extra helping of God given athletic ability.

But for mere mortals, like most of us, weighing 300+ lbs. is rarely healthy. 

Sports have an opportunity to help promote a healthier lifestyle, especially to impressionable kids.                  

In my home state of Texas, it is virtually impossible to be taken seriously as a high school football offensive lineman at less than 300 lbs.  15, 16, and 17 year old boys are encouraged to eat themselves into more playing time and potentially serious heart disease and premature joint damage. 

If we discourage the super heavy weight division in MMA and wrestling (and implement a reasonable maximum weight limit in high school football), might we encourage young people to trim down to the heavy weight limit and protect their health? 

When a young athlete is 300 lbs in their teens what will there 20’s and 30’s feel like?  Ross Clifton’s untimely death may have answered that question for us.

Rest in peace, brother.