UG reacts when personal trainer texts Napao harsh post-fight advice

One of the indignities of losing in mixed martial arts is the unsolicited advice from individuals without a background sufficient to offer useful advice. If you do have a background sufficient to offer advice, you don’t offer advice, as that is the role of the coach.

Following his first round loss to Matt Mitrione at UFC on FOX 13, Gabriel Gonzaga received an unfortunate text, and let the fans know via Twitter.

 gabriel gonzaga @gonzagabjj

Guys what do you think about this text ? I lost and when I get in the lock room I see this in my phone !! After 9 years fighting for UFC if you agree let a comment if you don’t txt him for me please

So now we know Steven Seagal’s number!

Actually, the UG looked into it, and it turns out the text was from one Dan Marold, with a LinkedIn page and Twitter and local magazine profile that does not at first glance indicate he should be offering post-fight advice.

UGer thatonedude reached out to Marold, and this is what he posted.

thatonedude: Why approach Gabriel via text after a fight like that? Why not give it a day or so and give him a call or talk in person? Was this you “Roganing” him?

Daniel Marold: Are you referring to Joe Rogan?

TOD: Yes and his recent intervention with Brendan Schaub

DM: I’m Gabe’s former gym manager. I always text Gabe before or after a fight. All my texts to Gabe prior to this were supportive. My text may appear to be mean and insensitive but make no mistake about my feelings toward Gabe, he is a great guy, I like him a lot and that’s exactly why I want to help him. He has talents to be a UFC champion, but has yet to demonstrate the work ethic of a champion. Dana could cut him at any point, this was a text of urgency. My text was harsh, there is a ‘method to my madness’, however.

TOD: Has he responded to you or do you know if he plans to? What areas would you work with him on.

DM: He called me from the locker room last night. I am a strength & conditioning coach and I also work on fight strategies. Gabe fought Matt all wrong. He is not the best boxer and he’s trying to show that he has improved in that area (which he has) but he should have imposed his will on Matt and got him to the ground.Then we all know what would have happened, Gabriel is the professor on the ground, best bjj in the heavyweight division. He is sabotaging his career with bad fight strategies and lack of effort relative to conditioning. It’s a shame.

TOD: What lead you to working with fighters and helping with fight planning? Do you have a martial arts background or is this something you came in to from helping guys with strength training?

DM: I’ve always been pretty good with fight strategies. My step father was a heavy-weight pro boxer and my father was a huge UFC fan who had me watching Gracie 20+ years ago as a little kid. I’ve been obsessed w the sport ever since. My father said to me, a wrestler is the most dangerous fighter, he said this during the . Strength and conditioning is my thing. I’m a pro fitness model.

So I became Gabriel’s gym manager at Team Link in Worcester. Mainly because I’m just a huge fan. I’ve studied fighting for sure, but I don’t claim to be an expert

Another UGer reached out via text, and the “proven champion” finally expressed contrition.

jackbone: prettycrappy thing to say to a fighter just after he lost don’t you think?

DanMarold: Yes. It wasn’t my place to berate Gabe like that. I made a mistake. I’m sorry.

jackbone: Glad you admit that….everyone makes mistakes….take care

Dan Marold: Thank you. I appreciate the way to told me. That’s how I should have done it w Gabe in the first place.

So there you go UG. If you, too, have been watching UFC for a long time, please start texting fighters advice after they lose. They may even post your contact info on Twitter!