I feel it is an easy position to rationalize. He is entering a contest with another willing participant. It is an athletic event, not an attempt to inflict malicious harm. He isn’t going after people outside the cage. I personally see no conflict. He has the ability to use his spotlight and notoriety to be an example and a role model while bringing a positive message. Let him bang bro.
Totally disagree.
That's a losing proposition. If you're Scott Coker, you're going to be stuck trying to promote your welterweight champion as a guy who doesn't want to hurt people.
If you're a fan, are you going to want to pay for tickets to watch a guy who's entering a fight with a mentality like he's involved in a sparring session?
If you're Rory's coach do you believe he still possesses the will to go to war like he did with Robbie Lawler? (Personally, I believe that fight took part of Rory's soul). Let's say in his next title defense, likely against Nieman Gracie, you're Rory's coach and the fight is going into the fifth round tied at two rounds apiece. You're going to tell him, "Go for it! Leave it all on the line! You gotta stop that guy!" But you'll be wondering whether your protege still has the heart and desire to really go after his opponent. He's lacking the fire in the belly.
As followers of this sport, we talk about Rory vs. Lawler as an AMAZING test of wills and we will still watch highlights of that epic night for years to come. Are we going to reflect on Rory vs. Fitch and the "role model" Rory was that night? Nah, bro. That fight will be forgotten by tomorrow.
Rory MacDonald been a helluva remarkable warrior throughout most of his career but he sure sounds like he's losing interest. He's happy to keep the belt around his waist and collect championship paychecks for now but he's Rocky in Rocky III, and it's just a matter of time until Clubber Lang comes along and eats his lunch.
By the way, there are other fighters out there who praise god regularly but they climb into the cage and they're looking to do harm. I'll gladly watch them instead of a guy who believes the angel on his shoulder is whispering in his ear, "Please Rory, don't hurt 'em."