Ronin5 Martial Arts Blog

The economics of fighting is peculiar that a fighter can actually make more money by losing instead of winning. There is a special name for them — tomato cans, opponents, bums, silent offerings, punching bags, out of towners, and stiffs. They don’t throw fights. They don’t lose intentionally. They are just match with stronger fighters with the idea that they’ll be beaten easily, fair and square.

“This American Life” features the life of 2 underdog fighters trying to survive in the life of boxing.

Part 1

Part 2

Being an underdog is sometimes harder than being a champion. Sometimes they are called upon on short-notice, with no time to train. Sometimes they have to face fighters who are heavier, or younger, or who hit harder.

To survive on the road, underdogs develop a cautious fighting style. Always defensive. That way, they keep themselves from getting hurt, so they are always ready for the next fight.

Even in MMA, there are some notable underdogs. Here are some of them:

1. James Thompson
2. Eddie Sanchez
3. Elvis Sinosec
4. Phil Baroni
5. Tony Fryklund

For these guys, winning is just not as important as earning the money.