It’s been a wild couple days for the employees of Bloody Elbow, who discovered on Friday, January twentieth, that our website founder and supervisor had been let go within the newest wave of Vox layoffs. Despite the brief discover for the official termination of his place it was, to paraphrase Nate’s personal phrases, one thing that he’d seen coming for some time now.
Obviously its information that none of us right here at BE needed to hear. Practically all of us over time had been, if not headhunted by ‘Kid’ Nate immediately, introduced up to pace, and shepherded alongside in our sports activities writing careers by his regular hand. Bloody Elbow grew to become the positioning it is now due to his eye for proficient voices and his willingness to allow them to work as greatest suited their strengths.
I first wormed my approach right into a job with Bloody Elbow again in 2013, via my years as a devoted commenter and FanPost author. Not lengthy afterward I used to be visitor internet hosting on the MMA Vivisection alongside Nate and BE OG Dallas Winston. Shortly after that Nate and I began the sixth Round post-fight present. Over the years I’ve moved from lowly content material author to a place as a senior editor and full steward of the Vivi the sixth Round and several other different exhibits over time. It’s been a fantastic trip, and one which’s all the time felt distinctive to BE’s work surroundings and willingness to let our writers go the place their spirit leads them.
It’s one thing that I hope to proceed to carry to our website as we transfer ahead (and I’m very hopeful that we are going to transfer ahead in some type) into the long run. For all of the managing I’ve executed right here over time, I’ve all the time needed to be the type of one that fought for our employees and their sense of nicely being initially, and that’s totally down to the tradition Nate established.
It’s on that be aware then, that I would like to say thanks to Kid Nate, and no matter his future endeavors could also be. Hopefully time sufficient will see us again working collectively someplace down the street.
Anton Tabuena: I joined BE throughout the web site’s early days, again when Kid Nate and Luke Thomas have been operating issues collectively. Going from a university child within the fanposts, to website moderator, employees author, editor and finally because the Managing Editor, I assume I can say just about grew up with Bloody Elbow.
In these 13 or 14 years, I’ve grown alongside the positioning, studying a lot from Nate himself, and in addition from the unimaginable expertise that he has fostered via the years — which has all the time been his greatest energy.
When I began out, I simply thought this could possibly be a enjoyable facet job. I didn’t even suppose it could be attainable to have a correct profession in MMA, particularly for a Filipino dwelling midway world wide, however Nate trusted and believed in me sufficient to hand me the reins.
As BE grew and advanced a lot via the years, I’ve seen so many individuals come and go. This one isn’t in any respect the identical although, and it stings further as I believed we have been constructing one thing actually nice with Nate. I truthfully nonetheless do.
BE has been so intertwined with my life for thus lengthy, particularly within the final eight years on this position, that it’s arduous to even think about it some other approach. I don’t even know what occurs subsequent, however I do know that I’m past grateful for every thing I’ve been via with Nate up to this level.
Tim Bissell: The solely cause I’m right here is as a result of I saved bugging Nate again in 2015 about letting me write for BE. I liked studying the positioning and was determined to be aside of what he had constructed right here. After pestering him and doing just a few items right here and there he gave in and stated, “do you simply need to be a employees author?” For the primary few years I balanced writing for BE with my earlier profession. However, as my day job grew extra problematic and my enjoyment at BE grew I requested Nate if I may do extra for the positioning. That lead to me having the ability to give up the outdated profession and change into a full time blogger. A couple of years later Nate requested me to change into an editor and deputy website supervisor.
From day one, Nate has been a relentless supply of encouragement and knowledge. He’s all the time sought to push me forwards and by no means held me again. If I had an thought for one thing, he needed me to run with it. This relationship has lead to probably the most satisfying skilled and artistic work I’ve ever executed. I really feel like Nate has a present for seeing what persons are good at, and enthusiastic about, and simply letting them go off.
The incontrovertible fact that a whole lot of what I’ve needed to pursue goes in opposition to the grain, speaks much more to Nate’s belief in his writers. I’ve been in a position to cowl crime, corruption, head trauma, home abuse, politics and conflict to a level that I don’t suppose some other website would permit me. I’ve burned a whole lot of bridges personally via this (not that they have been bridges I ever needed to cross over) and a few of that most likely extends to the positioning itself. But Nate believed in what I used to be doing, so he would by no means inform me to not write one thing for concern it could piss off somebody highly effective within the sport.
I truthfully don’t know what is going to change into of BE within the coming days, weeks, months… But it doesn’t matter what comes subsequent, this has been the trip of my life. I’ve executed my greatest work right here and I’ve made associates that I’ll have for the remainder of my life. I thank Nate for all of that.
Additionally, Nate has not solely been a fantastic mentor for me as a blogger and quasi-journalist, however as a father, too. My life utterly modified, in one of the best ways attainable, in 2020. And Nate gave me a whole lot of help and steerage as I took my first steps into parenthood. I’ll always remember that.
Hail to the Kid.
Karim Zidan: Over the previous 9 years, I’ve worn many hats at Bloody Elbow. From employees author and affiliate editor to characteristic author and investigative reporter, I’ve been given a loads of alternatives to experiment and develop as a author. Naturally, it goes with out saying that none of that may have been attainable with out Nate.
Ever since I joined BE in 2014, Nate has been an influential determine in my profession. He inspired me to discover my area of interest, challenged me to dig deeper than my colleagues within the MMA house, and pushed me to develop as a author. As the years drew on, Nate morphed from a boss to a mentor—a relentless determine in my skilled life that I knew could be there to assist me speak via any scenario that might come up. Even when instances have been tough and my work started to draw ire from the wealthy and highly effective, Nate stood by my facet and defended me when others would have rolled over.
As my profession blossomed and extra of my sources have been directed at different web sites equivalent to The New York Times or The Guardian, Nate celebrated my achievements and took satisfaction in the truth that one among his homegrown writers had discovered success—a testomony to the type of particular person he was.
Though I have no idea what the long run holds, I’m eternally grateful to have had a boss as caring, empowering, and brave as Nate. I, and plenty of others, wouldn’t be the place we’re at present with out him by our facet all these years.
Thank you, Nate.
Chris Rini: Every artist has the identical dream, that somebody with affect, energy, and cash will stumble throughout their work and be so impressed that they use these sources to assist the artist’s profession take off to the moon. While principally a fairy story, Nate supplied a practical model of that dream to me. I began posting satyrical MMA cartoons on Twitter in January 2018 and by March he’d employed me to flip them right into a weekly column. Later that 12 months I used to be in Austin, Texas visiting household and I tracked Nate down in particular person, pitched the concept of a each day cartoon and he took one other probability on me. What adopted has been the best stretch of my creative profession since school. MMA Squared kick began a e-book collection, revived a dormant artwork studio, and helped me keep grounded as my household moved to one other nation. I’ve acquired a stage of expertise and momentum thanks to these alternatives at Bloody Elbow to meet regardless of the future holds. Thank you Nate, you probably did good.
As a facet be aware: I used to be a ravenous client of MMA media earlier than changing into a part of it and shortly realized that Bloody Elbow was the place to go for a stage of brutal honesty, criticism, and evaluation. My personal participation apart, I like the expertise that resides right here and got here earlier than my time.
David Castillo: Over the final couple of years, I’ve cycled via shedding, quitting, and discovering jobs. I’m privileged within the sense that I owe my inside energy to lots of people: associates, household, the new Elder album, and the In the Loop-level approach wealthy folks maintain exposing themselves as nothing greater than fart catchers with belief funds (which is why we’re right here within the first place; “reducing prices” they are saying, when what they actually imply is “poor planning”). Needless to say, I’ve been hit within the intestine by the identical mack truck as most much less lucky folks throughout COVID. But one way or the other, it all the time felt like a smaller drawback than willfully surrounding myself with poisonous individuals who suppose a man-made hierarchy or stacks of cash offers trigger to belittle these with much less. What’s my level? I discussed the folks I owe my inside energy to, and Kid Nate—a person I in any other case don’t truly know—is one among them.
It’s all the time just a little bit more durable when your pursuits aren’t as common. I’ve all the time been a little bit of a goof, and so are my pursuits. I’ve all the time needed to write stuff I might personally need to learn. Nate let me have that voice; not solely as my first shot at journalism, however as my first alternative to do what I’ve all the time liked—writing. He let me do my very own factor, which was speaking about concussions in 2011 earlier than the remainder of the world was dragged kicking and screaming into scuffling with the darkish realities of CTE, asking aloof however arduous science questions over whether or not fighters may practice their sense of smell, and digging deep into the wretched MMA movie subgenre. All the whereas, Phil and I acquired to take the piss with a few of our previews. For nearly a whole decade, Nate gave me a platform to entertain, and educate, however with the sting that sports activities journalism is nearly all the time devoid of. That’s not a small factor; not for somebody like me who aches for distinctive angles to public dialog, and never for the loyal readers who may share in that unlikely protection. I get chills simply eager about how folks like Patrick Wyman and David Epstein have been my viewers. Me! Little outdated, MTG-obsessed me!
I do know this is type of egocentric (take a look at me!) however I don’t know Nate, save for some perfunctory emails about pay and scheduling. But it’s additionally irrelevant, as odd as that sounds. I used to be a stranger to Nate, outdoors of the fanposts and long-winded feedback with the peanut gallery, however you don’t have to change into associates with folks to deal with them like they’re wanted. Nate handled me like my goofy voice belonged on this sport’s dialog. Nothing may empower my writing greater than being given that chance. Now issues are just a little steadier. I write for the best all-things-Dallas sports coverage round (speaking about one other lameduck sport I really like; hockey), and I truly completed a novel (which doesn’t rely till it’s revealed I do know) and have begun my second. Writing is an enormous a part of my life. It’s additionally a supply of energy. It’s the outlet I wanted when issues have been on the worst. Nate was the primary root, serving to me nourish that energy; for that, I’ll all the time owe him, as nicely the neighborhood he helped construct.
Trent Reinsmith:
I’m in my second stint with Bloody Elbow. My first run with the positioning led to 2014 once I moved to MMA Junkie. I have a tendency to burn bridges on my approach out the door, however I didn’t try this with BE. The cause? Everyone on the website on the time handled me truthfully and truthful and I attempted to do the identical. If you’ve ever labored in MMA, you recognize that’s uncommon.
I give up MMA Junkie after just a few years. When I did that I figured I used to be executed writing about MMA as something greater than a interest. But in 2019, Mookie Alexander reached out to me to see if I needed to bounce again in with Bloody Elbow. I did. Not lengthy after that, Nate requested me if I needed to bump up my contributions to the positioning. I did. And that’s how I acquired to the place I’m at present with Bloody Elbow.
When I left MMA Junkie I didn’t suppose I might get one other gig in MMA and I understood why. I don’t know what impressed the oldsters at BE to invite me again, however I’m grateful they did. I additionally know that if my time on the website comes to an finish, it’s probably that my time writing about MMA may even finish as a result of no different website covers the game in the way in which that Bloody Elbow has and I doubt that my strategy to taking a look at MMA could be a match wherever outdoors of BE.
So, I thank Nate for taking a (second) probability on me. I thank him for his belief in my writing and for permitting me to sort out the issues I discover fascinating — or extra typically enraging — about MMA. I hope issues gained’t change right here on BE and due to my belief in Nate and the tradition he has established over time, I belief the editors will proceed to observe his imaginative and prescient.
Stephie Haynes: This March, 2023 will mark 11 years that I’ve labored for Nate. He took an opportunity on a loud-mouthed gal with no refinement and by no means doubted his resolution, backing me in instances of want, offering a shoulder to cry on right here and there, guiding me with marvelous recommendation and imparting his a long time of knowledge with out ever needing to be requested for these items. I’m past grateful for the integrity he operated Bloody Elbow with and stay hopeful that our “Little Engine that Could” retains chugging alongside, bringing balanced reporting to an area that has so little of it today.
Thank you, Nate, for giving so many people our first actual break on this enterprise. I’ve been on this house as media in a single type or one other for 17 years now, and a fan since 2003, however I really feel like my time at BE has been an important and fulfilling. There isn’t some other website that gives the unflinching protection of the matters most others don’t need to contact with any actual in-depth protection, and that is due to Nate’s moral requirements. You’ve inspired truth-telling from Jump Street and that has been a serious boon to us all. I’ve little doubt that transferring ahead, Bloody Elbow shall be in great palms with the editors you hand-picked to keep it up the legacy of the best on-line karate journal ever.
Victor Rodriguez: I hate that man. He’s completely psychotic. You all don’t notice who the true Kid Nate is. Back when he was going by the “King Nate“ persona (which was frankly executed higher by each Macho Man Randy Savage and Booker T), he was offended that I didn’t handle him by his official royal title. When I identified that the title was not likely that of the Aristocracy and couldn’t be official by advantage of the truth that he, nicely… made it up, he teased me for not realizing the phrases to the “Humpty Dump”, as he referred to as it.
Days went on and in the future I hear a knock on my door. I open the door and to my absolute shock, it was Nate. He had an enormous Macy’s bag that I thought contained some kind of peace providing.
Folks, there was no peace in that man’s coronary heart that day.
He proceeded to pull out a lead pipe like Mayor Mike Haggar and completely nail absolutely the shit out of each of my kneecaps. Then he pulled out a small velvet glove that I can solely presume he stole from some French dandy after defeating him with the identical treacherous techniques. This was not the nice man I used to be led to imagine he was. He beat my ass worse than Mookie Alexander did. At the very least, Mookie spared me the indignity of insulting me in entrance of my neighbors, who’re fairly used to seeing me emasculated publicly, harshly and publicly.
Don’t fear, I deserve it.
What I don’t deserve is to be repeatedly be referred to as a “broke Wilmer Valderrama“, or a “Meredith Baxter-Birney-looking bitch“. I’m certain this have to be against the law someplace, however my native police stated that one way or the other and for some cause He Who Must Not Be Named operates outdoors of the regulation, with no regard for all times or decency. He walked off and smugly stated one thing about “that’s what you get for shouting out grownup performers on the podcast“ and “recording whereas ‘not sober’“ or one thing. I couldn’t inform, as a result of the ugly crying distorted my listening to. He then laughed like that damn dog from the Hanna Barbera cartoons. I hate that canine.
But for actual, I really like that dude. He didn’t have to give me an opportunity to be a mod, however he did. He didn’t have to invite me on the sixth Rounds each on occasion, however he did. He didn’t have to say sure to me doing Vivisections and finally writing, however he (and Zane, I see you) did. And I’m so immensely grateful. My groupchat of associates have been principally BE folks. I’ve gotten the expertise to assist out behind the scenes and achieve this a lot that it’s led to me travelling and masking occasions elsewhere, assembly fighters, movers and shakers, promoters, PR folks, manufacturing employees, and so forth from totally different locations.
I grew up on Long Island and was a Knicks fan from age 12. My dream was to be at a sport on the magical world-renown venue – Madison Square Garden, and I by no means acquired the possibility. By working for BE, I used to be in a position to not solely be there, however to see two of my favourite all-timers in Wanderlei and Fedor the identical evening masking the 2017 Bellator occasion. Did it go nice for them? No. Was it unhappy seeing them exit the way in which they did? Absolutely. But I acquired that. And it couldn’t occur with out him.
Most importantly, he helped foster this neighborhood. It’s an inclusive house that tries to be knucklehead-free. He’s given the identical alternatives for thus many others and all the time tried to be as truthful as attainable.
Any time I’ve wanted recommendation, he’s been joyful to assist. He acquired the ball rolling on stuff I’ve labored on and all the time inspired me to hustle and push ahead. And whereas I’m unhappy to see him go away, I’m at the very least glad that we acquired to know one another the way in which now we have, share a real friendship, will nonetheless be in contact with one another, and that he’s at peace with the scenario. I’m joyful for him and his household that they’re nicely, and might solely want him the very best. When we’ve had our worst challenges (and if you recognize, you very nicely goddamn know), he went to bat for us and did what he may.
So be straightforward, Nate. You will not be actual royalty lineage, however you’re a king to me. I’ll be sending extra cigars quickly. Just don’t strive to beat my ass once more, I’ve been doing Pilates.
Derek Schott: When I first joined Bloody Elbow nearly 11 years in the past, I by no means envisioned that I might wind up working behind the scenes as a member of the employees. I signed up as a result of I noticed that what Nate had created right here wasn’t simply totally different from all the opposite MMA web sites/boards on the market, it was a protected haven in a wasteland stuffed with knuckle dragging meatheads.
The writers didn’t stroll on eggshells or keep away from a given subject simply because it might upset Dana and the UFC. And they fostered a neighborhood that was heat and welcoming to everybody, the place intolerance wouldn’t be tolerated, and those that couldn’t deal with others with primary respect have been shortly proven the door. In my time right here I’ve made a whole lot of associates and created a whole lot of fond reminiscences, issues I wouldn’t have at present if it wasn’t for Nate.
So I needed to say thanks Nate. Thank you for creating a spot away from the traditional web toxicity, as a result of with out that I by no means would have found that I truly actually take pleasure in writing, and thanks for taking an opportunity on me if you didn’t have to. You gained’t be forgotten and your affect on the world of MMA will proceed to be felt for years to come.
Kevin Bradley: As a really latest addition to the writing employees, my interactions with Nate aren’t intensive. I solely grew to become conscious of a gap right here eight months in the past, thanks to a good friend and former Bloody Elbow author Danny O’Donnell. Danny was transferring on to a brand new alternative, and informed me how this place was a beautiful surroundings for writers to flourish thanks to it’s passionate editorial employees.
I used to be linked up with Nate, who reviewed my prior work and thought I’d be a very good match. Only now do I see how massive a praise that was, to have such a revered eye on this discipline inform me I may not have wasted my journalism diploma. My prior experiences masking MMA vary from bumpy exits to blogs that forgot to pay their writers, so the vote of confidence went a great distance.
Since then, he and the remainder of the group have helped me spot unhealthy habits in my work and helped me enhance each time attainable. Nate was particularly useful in giving me new avenues to deal with, ensuring to verify in with me as I grew extra comfy in my position. You shortly notice how vital a website like BE is, and the way few organizations are keen to criticize the established order. And not like my previous writing jobs, the checks all the time cleared.
To Nate, thanks. Thank you for giving me a chance to do actual work for the game that I really like, and attain extra folks than I ever have earlier than. I’m sorry we didn’t get to work collectively longer, however I hope your subsequent venture enriches the world as a lot as your final one has.
Mookie Alexander: I’m having a tough time determining what to write. It’s nonetheless a shock for me that Nate was let go by Vox and it’s tough to course of. He is synonymous with Bloody Elbow—he’s a founding editor, for crying out loud!—and due to this fact synonymous with the MMA media ecosystem. This has been my go-to place for MMA and different fight sports activities information for happening 14 years.
I don’t suppose it must be misplaced on anybody studying this that there was little or no turnover on the high of BE over the previous a number of years. When I left final August it was the primary time since 2015 that BE had misplaced any high-ranking editor for no matter cause. This is a tight-knit family-like ambiance inside the employees that I don’t imagine could be simply replicated elsewhere. “Culture” is an overused phrase today, however there is a fantastic tradition inside BE that I all the time felt comfy with.
I’m perpetually grateful for Nate for having me on the Bloody Elbow group as a author and finally affiliate editor over the previous ten years. I used to be recent out of highschool once I joined the employees and I roughly discovered in regards to the inside workings of the job (and the trade as a complete) on the fly. He and the remainder of the extra skilled writers helped me change into a greater author and it allowed me to develop into greater roles and obligations inside BE. Without Nate it’s very probably I by no means would’ve superior my profession to my present position as a full-time NFL producer for SB Nation.
What’s made Bloody Elbow nice for thus lengthy is the flexibility to push the envelope and sort out delicate however severe points inside fight sports activities. You’d be hard-pressed to discover one other MMA outlet with the willingness to cowl fighter pay, home violence, promoter funds, CTE, PED use, politics, and so forth. on the similar stage as BE, and that is all owed to Nate. Just as a result of he stopped writing doesn’t imply he wasn’t working with the employees behind the scenes on the route of the positioning, and I’m proud to have been part of it. Our artistic freedom and skill to discover our passions has by no means been suppressed, which is a serious a part of why Nate’s such an superior boss.
Thanks for every thing, Nate. This place won’t be the identical with out you.
June M. Williams: It’s arduous to know what to say and what not to say. I really feel paralyzed and fairly frankly grief-stricken to be taught that Nate has been let go. I’m unhappy, indignant and shocked unexpectedly. I’m not certain how to transfer ahead at SB Nation with out him to speak to practically on daily basis – for any cause by any means.
I’m an uncommon case right here at BE. Because though I didn’t begin out right here at BE, I did begin out being employed by Nate. At the time, I had labored voluntarily for a 12 months (in 2010) serving to to construct Cageside Seats (the Pro Wrestling weblog). I used to be addicted to the feedback part and have become a moderator whereas making fanposts and finally being employed on and really paid to write, then transferring from author, to options writer (operating options for CSS just like the ‘PPV Pick Em Game’, the ‘CSS Annual March Madness Wrestling Tournaments’, on to ‘website HR’ – principally hand choosing folks from the fanposts to carry on board employees, coaching them in our strategies and writing strategies and in 2012 lastly changing into Assistant Site Manager. Nate taught me a lot in these early years. He was really easy to come to with any subject, on any stage.
As an older lady with a incapacity, I had lodging I had to ask for from time-to-time and he was all the time empathetic and guided me alongside the way in which, all the time ensuring I used to be taken care of. In 2013, it was time for me to go away CSS for private causes and Nate principally created a place for me working for the Combat Sports Division. I did numerous duties for Bad Left Hook, MMA Mania and in addition BE. He let me discovered the ‘BE’s Baddest Tournament’ a number of years in a row with Fraser Coffeen, and run a tourney for ‘The Daily Norseman’, as nicely. I acquired to use my artwork levels making graphics and logos from day one at CSS, proper up till at present. He knew I wanted that artistic outlet in my life, and that it gave which means and goal to my work; particularly when generally the work was tedious work nobody else needed to do (spreadsheets, experiences, advert embedding, timestamping, simply to identify just a few).
Here we’re about 13 years later, and I’m Manager of the BE Presents Podcast Network, I get to do editorial work, writer posts, create graphics, create video content material, handle a number of Podcast fb pages, handle the BE Presents Podcast Network SoundCloud and YouTube Channels, I’ve even often helped out with our Combat Culture YT Channel over time. Several years in the past, he put me along with Stephie Haynes which has resulted in an superior friendship and work relationship. Somehow Nate simply knew we’d work nicely collectively, he had a knack for that.
Since coming to BE nearly completely since 2013, I’ve labored with each single podcast group and present now we have produced and those Nate labored on have been a lot enjoyable! I’ve gone on to create adverts, do advert embedding and video optimization, managed spreadsheets and even generated experiences for Nate. Working with writers like Shakiel Mahjouri, Eddie Mercado, Danny O’Donnell, & Nick Baldwin to produce their fighter/MMA interviews has been particularly pleasurable. I’ve acquired a lot selection in my work, a lot autonomy and freedom, that I’ve by no means been happier. I can actually say I really like my work… and Nate is a HUGE a part of that. NONE of this may have been attainable for me with out Nate placing these duties in my palms, trusting me with them and letting me run with a guiding hand if I ever faltered.
And when I’ve had private points or well being issues affecting my life, he helped me push a Go Fund Me on the positioning to assist me via my most cancers. He has all the time helped me discover methods to help my household, all the time been there to assist get me via the robust instances. He was all the time solely a cellphone name, textual content or Gchat away – all the time serving to me discover steerage, recommendation, focus, drive and really feel actually cared about. He was by far the very best “boss” I’ve ever had, I can now name him good friend as nicely. I even acquired to work with him on his fascinating ‘Let it Roll Podcast’ and the ‘If The Shoes Fit Podcast’, as well as to BE – when in want of additional money if instances have been robust for my household. He is the one who made all this occur. Solely him.
Even now, being laid off by VOX with a mere 15 minutes discover, regardless of seeing it coming, he has been checking in on ME to see how I am doing, stating he is advantageous, however his concern lies with me and my co-workers, and wanting to specific concern for me and reassure me it doesn’t matter what the long run holds, to belief him when he says that I shall be okay. I view him as one of many few males in my life, in addition to my Dad (whom I misplaced at a younger age), that I can belief to all the time give it to me straight, all the time care about my well-being, all the time combat for me, and all the time be there when I’m in want.
He is such a singular man this present day, as a result of he is a person with integrity, robust ethical fortitude, an incredible work-ethic, beneficiant of his time, and is actually proficient at doing his job – and doing it WELL. To my data, he has all the time gone above and past with each particular person he has introduced on board and taught us all a lot. It is due to Nate being our founder and mentor that this website has grown into one thing we’re all so proud to be part of at present.
So, it is actually our loss, and VOX’s loss, for him to transfer on to undoubtedly higher issues. He deserves to be actually appreciated for being such a proficient, clever and magnanimous supervisor and human being. I’m not embarrassed to admit I’ve shed tears these previous few days imagining work with out him, and in addition in determining how to write this down. No adjectives are sufficient, which is why I utilized a lot. Thank you Nate, for being you and for all the time having my again.
Lucas Rezende: In March 2015, I used to be a 25-year-old journalist with out a job since July 2014. I had been laid off from my first reporting job, working for one of many greatest newspapers in my hometown. Sure, I already talked about MMA on different initiatives on the web, however nothing the dimensions Bloody Elbow. Plus, I didn’t receives a commission for any of the work I did for these different web sites. Also, apart from being good at English, I had no expertise writing information tales within the language.
I knew somebody who did, although. MMA Fighting’s Guilherme Cruz had already been a longtime member of the web site after we each have been on one episode of Sexto Round’s (Brazilian MMA channel) podcast in early 2015. After we wrapped the episode, I labored up the braveness to ask Cruz if there have been any spots open for an additional Brazilian author on MMA Fighting. Mind you, I had been unemployed for over six months on the time.
Guilherme’s reply was not the one I hoped for, however it got here with a silver lining. It was alongside the strains of “Sorry, man. They’re not in search of any Brazilians on the time, however I heard Bloody Elbow is”. Great, one door opens as one other closes, proper? It’s what I assumed, too. I imply, the one cause why I requested about MMA Fighting was as a result of that’s the place Cruz labored, however Bloody Elbow already was one of many many MMA web sites I used to go to on daily basis on the time. If I may land that, it could be simply superior.
That similar day, I despatched them an e-mail and it was Nate who answered it. After just a few exchanges, he informed me I may write some information as fanposts so he may see what I had to provide. After that, all I’ve to say is I’m glad he discovered me worthy. I ended up getting the longest-running job of my life, however I discovered a lot extra alongside the way in which.
Nate has all the time been a real chief for me, and a good friend. Not solely did he assist me be taught the ropes once I first began, however he was there once I had doubts and actually simply to speak. He inspired me to pursue extra investigative work and consistently motivated me to expose the grime in my most political tales, which formed me into a greater author and a greater journalist.
Furthermore, we share a lot of the identical pursuits that speaking to him on slack may go on for hours. We’d play chess, speak about politics, music and even the MMA information enterprise itself. This man helped me develop as an expert and made me actually perceive the hidden a part of this enterprise, whereas being the very best boss I’ll most likely ever have. It’s no surprise all people on Bloody Elbow, and even different web sites, will dearly miss his presence. Thanks for giving me that first probability and for every thing that got here after within the final eight years, Nate!
Kristen King: Joining Bloody Elbow was fairly a shock. I used to be writing for different retailers when Tim Bissell despatched a message about doubtlessly becoming a member of the group. Of course, I used to be ! BE was one of many foremost retailers I might go to once I was a mere fan of combined martial arts, so it was such a surreal expertise being thought-about for the chance. Bissell related me with Nate Wilcox, who learn a few of my earlier items and introduced me on the group. I used to be nervous as hell! Have you seen a number of the writers connected to BE?! But Nate eased these nerves and helped me settled in. Any questions? Nate was there. Any pitches? Nate listened.
Aside from the same old items, he was open to any “cool concepts” I’ll have had. And boy, did I’ve cool concepts. Everyone has their area of interest right here at BE, and I settled into mine instantly. When I used to be prepared, I pitched my first thought to Nate (and the remainder of the editors): a collection that may characteristic a number of the worst accidents within the sport. Gross, proper? But Nate gave me the inexperienced mild, and the remaining, as they are saying, is historical past.
To Nate, thanks for the alternatives you’ve got given me prior to now two years. Thank you for serving to me flourish as a author. Thank you for being so encouraging. Thank you for every thing. We might have had a short while collectively, however I’m so grateful for all of it. I want you all the very best in your subsequent chapter.
Eddie Mercado: Kid Nate is my massive brother. Before I met him, I used to be a hardcore MMA fan who didn’t actually work together with the martial arts neighborhood, outdoors of my very own private circle. After assembly Nate, he confirmed me that there was a whole world of web troopers that liked combating the identical approach that I do, and I knew I had to be part of it.
It began with masking betting odds, after which morphed into podcasts, outcomes posts, fighter interviews, and so forth. Before I knew it, I used to be hooked on creating content material. With Bloody Elbow I’ve traveled across the globe masking occasions, coaching, competing, all whereas constructing relationships with like-minded folks. There’s a very good probability that I might not have any of these experiences if it weren’t for Kid Nate. He took an opportunity on me, and actually did change my life. I’m perpetually grateful for the privilege of working below Nathan Wilcox!
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