Chad George is a hero

Sometimes in MMA you become a role model by fighting through adversity to overcome a great challenge. And sometimes you become a role model by not fighting.

At Bellator 136 Chad George put Mark Vorgeas to sleep with a Von Flue choke. When he realized his opponent was out, the fighter popped up to knee on belly, held his Vorgeas’s shoulders, and said to referee referee Milan Ayers, “He’s out.”

“No he’s not,” said the ref, who then repeated himself, “No he’s not.”

The pair then argued.

“Yes he is,” said George, who then stood up.

“Yes he is,” George repeated. “He’s out.”

Finally the referee waved his hands over the prone and clearly tranced Vorgeas.

Chad George is a professional fighter, and had every right – some would even argue a responsibility – to keep attacking until the referee told him to stop. But he didn’t, and are all better for that.

“Clearly, the fight was over and I didn’t want to cause any more damage than needed to be done,” said George to Kevin Iole for Yahoo Sports. “I would hope someone would do the same for me if the roles were reversed. We both have families to go home to. This is a tough business and we know what can happen. You sometimes see a guy get a knockout and walk away, but in this case, I was fortunate to be able to get a submission and walk away.”

“Do I act on emotion and rain down punches on him that could cause serious damage, or do I show I’m a professional? I knew I could walk away and I made the judgment call. We’re professionals and we’re not in there to hurt anyone or do any more damage than is needed to win the fight. The fight was won and when it was over, it was over and I felt it was important to end it there.”

Bellator made Chad George the Fighter of the Night, but he is that and much more. He’s a hero.

And his purse? Chad George made $3,000 for the win.

(4:05 mark)