• Slug: MMA recovery, 620 words.
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By Paige Shacklett
Cronkite News

PHOENIX — Broken bones, bruises, concussions, occasional loss of consciousness, even death loom over the cages in which mixed martial artists ply their craft.

Former mixed martial arts fighter Aaron Simpson said the pain inside the cage doesn’t always end when the fight does. Recovering properly after matches and during training is just as important to fighters as their boxing, wrestling or martial arts skills.

“Some guys balloon up and drink for a month straight (after fights),” said Simpson, a former Arizona State wrestling All-American.  “Some fighters, I guess they lose everything that they built up and it just doesn’t make sense for a healthy career or a healthy lifestyle.

“It was a short recovery for me, and I was back at it and training. And the most successful professional fighters in the world right now are doing that.”  

Continue reading “Combat sports take a toll on bodies and minds”