The Laws of the Ring (27 page)

Out back of the Colusa Casino, trying to stay warm. Rough bunch of peers.

JEFF HUTCHENS

 

Shadowboxing in my room. I still have a habit of doing that. Photos of my family and friends on the wall as well as some funny pictures.

JEFF HUTCHENS

 

Just felt right. Coming into the cage for the first time. Mark Munoz, my buddy Virgil, and Cassio Werneck were in my corner.

JEFF HUTCHENS

 

I was so pumped after the big win over Jay Valencia. I was the only one in the arena that knew for sure that I was going to win.

JEFF HUTCHENS

 

In the coaches' locker room at UC Davis. I'm sure it had been a long day, since I was working three jobs and training in between.

JEFF HUTCHENS

 

Back when shoes were allowed in fights, as well as knees to a grounded opponent. Times have changed in MMA.

JEFF HUTCHENS

 

Walking in the ring before my first fight. I found the Santa Cruz beanie while working in the grounds department at UC Davis.

JEFF HUTCHENS

 

Working up a sweat in my tiny apartment. Seems like I was always visualizing my first fight.

JEFF HUTCHENS

 

Escorting Michaella, who was homecoming princess, during her senior year at Santa Barbara High School. My stepdad, Tom, was out of the country at the time and I was happy to step in.

DAN LINDSAY

 

Red Robinson, the street-smart version of Einstein. He's a hustler!

 

The Team on the Block: Poppies is proud of his new physique. My brother, Ryan, is flexing in the back. Tommy and two of Alaska's finest, Justin Buchholz and Eddie Hoch.

 

Joseph getting used to the media. He was still driving his 1986 Lincoln Continental, his prized possession. He loved that car.

 

Some of Poppies's hometown buddies with Team Alpha Male at his wedding.