It has been a long road from the Bay Area to Las Vegas. I am still reflecting on everything I got to experience when I was there.
FIRST, a different way of travel was me taking overnight buses into Vegas (because it would be cheaper) instead of flying. I stopped into Los Angeles first for the night before making it into Vegas RIGHT before the Open Workouts for UFC 202 at the Red Rock Casino.
When I first got there I didn't expect there to be such a long line, but of course, there was. Then I knew OK. I am in it for the long haul, so after two hours of waiting in the heat, I was even unsure I was going to get inside to even see the event. If that were to happen I would have ended up being so sad if that was my first experience getting into a free UFC event.
*TIME PASSES* I MAKE IT INSIDE. IT'S BEAUTIFUL.
AND THEN Megan Olivi came out and everything just felt so real as if I was at home watching UFC Fight Pass in my room.
She came out to introduce the first fighter and their workout session which happened to be Stockon's own, Nate Diaz.
Once that was over he answered some interview questions from the media and it was over pretty quickly before announcing who the next fighter was going to be. That name was Anthony Rumble.
I was very excited to see him live in person because he seemed like a very humble and down-to-earth guy. I mean given the audience member that shouted "that was a stupid fucking question" to someone in the media and Rumble responded by saying "shut the fuck up!" It was pretty priceless what I was experiencing at that moment.
IN THE MIDDLE OF IT ALL LOOK WHO I RUN INTO...
Ariel Helwani.
After that, his opponent Glover Teixeria came out to show off some of his skills.
From there of courseeeeeeee the excitement of Conor McGregor was going around that room. It did seem like a long time waiting before walking across that state and OH he did, and he was pissed.
McGregor ended up going straight Tupac. Coming out with both middle fingers in the air BLAZING just like the Diaz Brothers. I was pretty stunned at that point and he didn't even hop on the mic yet...
All in all, it was a rather fantastic experience. There were good spirits in the air and I am happy I get to mark that off my UFC bucket list. Given the event was in a very well-air-conditioned room, it made me very pleased to be outside of the summer heat in Las Vegas for once.