Simpson searching for answers
A great many fighters are learning that it’s not enough sometimes just to hit the gym to prepare for a…
A great many fighters are learning that it’s not enough sometimes just to hit the gym to prepare for a fight. Sometimes it takes doctors, medical testing, and the right treatment to truly prepare a fighter for combat, and that’s something that Aaron Simpson learned following his loss to Chris Leben.
The former Arizona State wrestler came out strong in the first round against Leben, but then something happened, and much like Shane Carwin when he battled Brock Lesnar, his body stopped reacting to what he needed to do in the fight.
Simpson pays all the credit in the world to Leben for his work to get the victory, but watching the tape of the fight he sees the change happen, just like it did on fight night.
“I was impressed with Leben’s just out right toughness,” Simpson told MMAWeekly.com in an interview. “I knew that going it to it, that’s the kind of fighter he was, so going back and watching now and knowing what I know, especially now that I’ve had my bloodwork done after that fight. Something was wrong with me. I hit a wall.”
During his training camp, Simpson knew he felt something a little bit off when he would finish some of his workouts, but he chalked it up to the hard work, and never put much more thought into it
After the fight, Simpson when to see Dr. Brian Popiel in Scottsdale, AZ at the suggestion of Scott Peters from the Lion’s Den training center, and also got a rave review of the physician from UFC commentator Mike Goldberg.
“I have a low thyroid, low iron and low on vitamin D and some other things, so that’s something I really need to get in check,” Simpson explained the results of the bloodwork. “Not making excuses or anything because obviously Leben is tough as well, but I did kind of hit a weird wall.”