“I think that it’s unfair that they are treating disabled people like this, especially wounded vets.”
The Fight After the Fight
By: Barry Laminack
The Background
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations (TDLR) is a state agency that, among other things, regulates MMA in Texas. Part of its responsibility is to approve the rules for MMA organizations in Texas, and then hold those organizations accountable to the approved rules. According to TDLR, on November 2, 2009, a letter was sent to the Texas Amateur Mixed Martial Arts Association (TAMMA) President, Chip Thornsburg, regarding the “Hero’s Fighting Championship” fight card that was scheduled to take place at Ft. Sam Houston on November 14th, 2009 (according to Mr. Thornsburg, the letter did not arrive until November 10th, 4 days prior to the scheduled event).
The letter was sent to inform him that one of the fighters scheduled to fight, Jorge Deleon, should not be allowed to participate in the event. They had ruled he was not eligible based on TAMMA’s approved rules for contest.
The Rule
The rule in question that the TDLR used to formulate its final ruling can be found in Section III: Fighter’s Attire and Equipment of the TAMMA rule book. In subsection 103.4 (Authorized Attire), item F states:
No metal, straps, buckles, necklaces, jewelry, or other object (including piercings) that may cause injury to either fighter shall be worn.
The Fighter
Jorge Deleon is a US Army veteran who served in Afghanistan. While there in 1996, the Hum-Vee he was riding in struck an anti-tank mine causing him to lose his right leg from the knee down. You would think this would put the brakes on Jorge’s ability to compete in athletics, but that’s not the case. He was fitted with a prosthetic leg called a C-Leg and has been active ever since. The C-Leg (Computer Leg) can be programmed (via a laptop) to allow for natural movement of the leg, depending on the sport. Because of this Jorge has been able to enjoy activities such as sky diving, rock climbing, and even running in the L.A. Marathon. Next on his list of things to do was fight in an MMA event.
“MMA is something that I’ve done for a long time. I’ve always loved the sport. I’ve been doing Jui-Jitsu for 13 years, “ Deleon said as we talked on the phone. “It was amazing that they [TAMMA] gave me a chance to compete.”
Jorge had his leg programmed to allow for a natural pivot when throwing a punch. He also had it wrapped in special foam and padding that would have the same feel and effect as if it was his own leg.
The Fight
4 minutes. That’s how long the standing ovation was for Jorge after his fight was over (almost 4 times longer than the fight itself). “There were very few dry eyes left in the arena as Jorge left the cage,” Chip said, describing the scene immediately after the fight finished.
The fight itself lasted about 1:40, with Jorge losing via TKO. Recapping Jorge’s performance, Chip recalls, “he held his own. He stood in there and exchanged blows. He got a takedown early on and did some nice grappling. Shortly after, they both stood back up, and he got caught, went down and covered up. It could happen to anyone.”
“When I weigh in, I have to do so with the C-leg on because I’ll be fighting in it. Since the leg weighs 22 pounds I can’t fight as a light heavy weight, I have to move up to heavyweight.” said Jorge.
When I asked if he felt if it was a disadvantage to have to fight guys heavier than him, he said, “From my experience it’s good for me. The bigger guys are a little slower. If I had to face the light heavyweight guys, they’d be much faster than me because of my leg, so I’d rather go heavyweight than light heavyweight.”
“I made a special rule to myself, to TAMMA and to my opponent that I would not use the leg to kick. If you watch the video, I never used it to kick or even to protect myself. I decided to do that, so it didn’t make anyone uncomfortable. The referee even reminded me before he said the go word,” Jorge said regarding the fight.
He was however allowed to use the prosthetic leg on the ground while grappling. “I’m allowed to use it on the ground 100%, except for kicking. I could use it in the guard or mount position, I could use it for triangles or knee bars or ankle locks, but I was not allowed to hit with the prosthetic limb. I could use the left one, but not the prosthetic one.”
This was Jorge’s first MMA fight.
The Fallout
According to the TDLR, this fight should have never happened. Susan Stanford, the Public Relations Information Officer for TDLR had this to say regarding the ruling and the fight:
“When Mr. Thornsburg first proposed the event, he included the materials that the leg was made out of. These included carbon fiber and Titanium. The board felt that there was not sufficient foam that could be used to prevent injury to his opponent.”
“Personally, I find the TDLR decision offensive,” said Chip Thornsburg. “Our rules do not prohibit competition by disabled people. For the state to try and tell us that they can regulate, that is ridiculous. We did this on a military base, so that other vets could see this. There were even 3 different documentary crews there filming that night. ”
Regarding the investigation, TAMMA released this statement on their website:
“The Texas Department of License and Regulation, Combative Sports Division (TDLR) has launched an investigation because of Jorge’s participation. According to TDLR General Counsel Brad Bowman, Mr. Deleon’s prosthesis falls into the same category as “necklaces, jewelry, or other piercings” and thus disqualifies Mr. Deleon from competition. Pending this investigation “No TAMMA events will be approved” per TDLR Administrator Greg Alvarez. We will attempt to keep all our members up to date as this matter progresses through the Administrative Process.”
According to Chip, most MMA organizations in Texas, as well as in many states across the US now use the rules that TAMMA first adopted; rules that where written by Chip himself. “The fact that they would compare his prosthesis to something like jewelry is wrong. I know what was meant by that rule they are using, I wrote it,” Chip said regarding the interpretation of the rules by TDLR.
The TAMMA website also states:
“TAMMA maintains that our role as an amateur organization is to promote our sport and encourage participation of every member to the best of their ability without regard to race, sex, national origin, or disability. We feel that for anyone to deny Jorge Deleon the opportunity to compete after the incredible sacrifice he made is just plain OFFENSIVE.”
Speaking about how he felt about the finding from TDLR, Jorge said, “I think that it’s unfair that they are treating disabled people like this, especially wounded vets. I did what I did for this country, and I have no regrets, and if I had to do it again, I would do it. There are people like Chip who are opening doors to allow me to compete in MMA. I’d like for people to have my back and support me. All I’m trying to do is to fulfill a dream. My opponent was OK with it, he beat me up! I wanted to show other wounded vets that we can still do anything we want, and do it with respect and with rules and with honor.”
The Future
Since the fight, TDLR has again contacted TAMMA via email informing them that they are under investigation, but according to Chip, TAMMA has not been served official notice by the state as to what the violation is comprised of, and until such time, TAMMA will wait for the notice and a final ruling to decide on their next step.
Since the investigation is ongoing, TDLR has informed TAMMA that they will not approve any new proposed events. This also means that Jorge will be unable to compete again in the cage until a final ruling is made by TDLR.
I really hate the “rule stickler” approach that the TDLR maintains. Yes, there is a rule that is broad and not specific to include or exclude things such as this. If it does not state it specifically, then it should be very easy to allow. This decision by the TDLR is based on fear and a lack of understanding.
I applaud Chip for taking this stand even though he knew there would be repercussions and possible suspension. You are a good man. As far as Jorge, I take my hat off to you and offer my hand as a sign of appreciation for the sacrifices you made, and continue to make, that allow my family the freedoms we often take advantage of. You, Sir, are a hero to me and my children and I hope I have the opportunity to thank you in person one day. Keep training, keep fighting, and if there is ever ANYTHING that me and/or my company can do to help, please do not hesitate to ask. It would be my honor.
Ragan McDaniel
I was a judge at this event Jorge fought in and its a damn shame what TDLR is doing. Jorge is an inspiration to all Military personel. I can say that because I myself am in the Army National Guard. Hats off to Chip as well for not closing the door on Jorge but for holding the door for Jorge to step inside his goal which was to fight.
My name is Nydia De Leon, I’m Jorge’s wife and I can’t believe that there’s people out there that want to close doors to someone that always is trying to get better in life, I can asure you that Jorge knowing he had a disadvantage in only having one leg he step up and did it, he wanted to get into the cage and prove to himself and to others that nothing is impossible and to be an inspiration specially to other wounded troops that when they see the injuries even think in suicide, there is hope in life and Jorge is trying to be one, I respectfuly ask for everyones support… God Bless You!
Today, there are over 2.3 million disabled veterans in the U.S. The number of disabled veterans is growing, and with each day the war on terror continues.
Our brave veterans sacrificed much in order to ensure our safety and freedom. All of these veterans had dreams about the future, but many of those dreams were lost due to injuries suffered in the line of duty.
Thank you Chip for making that Veterans dream come true! I salute you for your efforts.
I’m Jorge’s sister, I’m so proud of him. He’s an inspiration for all the people who knows him. I think like my sister in law (he wanted to get into the cage and prove to himself and to others that nothing is impossible and to be an inspiration specially to other wounded troops that when they see the injuries even think in suicide, there is hope in life and Jorge is trying to be one). Support my brother in all he wants to do. Jorge God bless you with that spirit. I Love You!! Go on, you’re my hero.
It is a shame that veterans like Jorge are discriminated against in situations that allow them to return to normal living situations. It is also a shame that Texas a country that probably has more veterans and retired veterans still holds them back from moving forward.
The TDLR should be ashamed for what they are doing and should review the standards in which the department runs. From what I am seeing lately its as though the department is trying to push MMA out of the scene.
When we first did the story of Jorge in November 2009, more people stepped out to support mixed martial arts because finally disabled veterans were getting another chance, now this has happened. What a shame.
We support you Jorge and any of your fellow soldiers who want to pursue your dreams after combat!
He is an inspiration, but none of these comments are anything more than just rallying around his heroism. He is a hero, but the arguments posted should be either for or against the ruling that not enough padding could be used to protect an opponent from the materials. Jorge in fact probably agrees as he makes it a point to promise not to use it to kick or while standing…well what if he just does it in the spur of the moment and it happens to really damage his opponent (i.e. break a leg, arm, rib, skull, etc). If they can prove it can be covered sufficiently to prevent injury than he has merit, if it can’t be proven then this ruling is just, regardless of whether this guy is a vet or not.
This comment goes out to the message that was made by Whats the Argument? Yes we are rallying behing Jorge and not just for his heroism. But For his rights. Like I said before I was a judge at this event and It seemed to me that there was enough padding. There is a video on youtube of MMA’s first aputee fighter. This guy has no arms and no legs. In the search box of youtube type in MMA first amputee fighter. Apparently no commission had a problem with this fight taking place. This is just the TDLR wanting to be the bully.
here is the link to MMA first amputee fighter
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2b_9UgfSaz4
Froom this moment this man is my new hero. He just know how to do it!
My hats off to Jorge for getting in the ring! One legged or not it takes balls, big balls.
I would really like to be direct contact with Jorge. Can anyone assist me in that? I can be reached at http://www.footlessmichael.com
I too am missing a foot and have trained for several years. Jorge you provide tons of hope for many us, thank you.
I do hope to roll with you soon!