Jeff Blatnick played a big part in the world of MMA, a term he was the first to coin (MMA), and he will be missed. Blatnick, a longtime figure in MMA as a judge, official, and announcer, died after complications from heart surgery at the age of 55.
A former Olympic wrestler in Greco Roman wrestling he was diagnosed with Hodgkins lymphoma after his first appearance in the Olympics. It didn’t stop him from fighting back to make the Olympic team again, and Blatnick won Olympic gold in 1984.
Watch the video below as Jeff Blatnick wins gold in the final match of his second Olympic run.
VIDEO COURTESY OF YOUTUBE UPLOADER WISCONSIN WRESTLING..
He was also the commentator for UFC 4 through UFC 32 1994-2001, and as UFC commissioner was instrumental in the sport’s evolution into the regulated sport we know and love today. He stuck with the sport as a well-respected judge.
Blatnick was sick of cage fighting being referred to as “fights to the death” and “no holds barred competition”, that he eventually coined the phrase/term of MMA. Blatnick, John McCarthy, and Joe Silva are the ones credited with coming up with the rule book, and getting the sport regulated in New Jersey. Blatnick played a big part in creating different weight-classes, establishing regulated gloves, and the creation of certain rules inside the cage as well.
Certain people and fighters aren’t given the credit where credit is do and Blatnick wasn’t one of them. If you know MMA you know the name Jeff Blatnick. I personally wish his family and friends the best as he will be missed. Dana White couldn’t have said it better via twitter and I will sign off with just that from Mr. White- “RIP Jeff Blatnick.”