MMAJunkie.com & John Morgan WIN Best of 2009!
What a way to end the year. First of all, let me preference everything I’m about to say with, I don’t normally like to talk about my personal life. However with this post, I’ll make an exception. 2009, started less than stellar for me. I (along with millions of other Americans) lost my house, job, the love of my life and was struggling to pick myself back up. Therefore, I started MMAMIXER.COM as a means to share the fashion & the interesting things about the sport I love. During this mix, a good friend of mine, Brian “Goze” Garcia opened doors for me with Tagg Radio (who eventually became MMA Junkie Radio).
As some of you know, I also design and develop the Radio and Sunday Story promos for MMA Junkie. It’s a job which I hold close to my heart. It’s one of the most creatively gratifying outlets for me. If you have seen what I do for Junkie, I’m proud to say it is some of my best work to date. Because of this, I am able to be recognized by the great folks of MMAJUNKIE.COM. Dann Stupp, John Morgan, George Garcia, Brian Garia, Jenny Mencia and Frank Trigg have all been gracious enough to trust me with the creative visual direction for stories and Radio shows. Therefore, this little rant is dedicated to them.
No words can express how proud I am of John Morgan. Although, I’ve only met John once in person during UFC 100, I got to see the machine in action. John has got to be one of the hardest working people I have ever met. There wasn’t a time when I saw him goof off, lose focus or stress out. While most of us Junkie faithful were out having a good time and enjoying the festivities of the historic weekend, John was always in the radio booth, on the phone and breaking news. This proved to me (without the shadow of the doubt) why he was voted MMA Journalist of the year last night. John, you are a true inspiration and the epitome of dedication and hard work. Keep it up brother, you deserve the props and I look forward to reading more from you in the future.
Furthermore, another win last night during the MMA World Awards was granted to MMA Junkie (for best Media Coverage). Although, I consider the role I played (in relation to the grand scheme of things) minuscule, I still felt a sense of accomplishment and admiration to the hard work of the entire MMA Junkie staff. When the term “well oiled machine” is thrown around, you have to think about the folks at MMA Junkie. The entire team from top to bottom is just as dedicated to their crafts as John Morgan. From the other reporters, to MMA Junkie Radio and their fearless leader Dann “Standup” Stupp, all moving parts of this well oiled machine function cohesively to entertain and deliver news to millions of people around the world.
To put it simply, what a great way to end this year. This gives me hope for 2010, awesome job MMA JUNKIE!!!
Happy New Year,
Pete Ulatan
Watch the 2009 World MMA Awards on the Versus Channel!
1/6/2010 9:00 pm – 10:00 pm WORLD MMA AWARDS
1/7/2010 12:00 am – 1:00 am WORLD MMA AWARDS
1/9/2010 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm WORLD MMA AWARDS
[Props to Christian "Copperheart" Stein for providing the screen shots of the event]