Badmoose's blog

NBWrestler07 is a Lion among lambs. A true brother among brothers.

In early August, I signed up for Chicago’s WrestleFest. Not long after, NB messaged me. We traded the standard intros—interests, experience, what we each look for on the mats—and it only moments to realize we were after the same thing: an Alpha vs. Alpha submission match with body strikes and the intensity turned higher than your typical MeetFighters meetup. We agreed on the match, swapped numbers, and within minutes of texting the banter started flying. Taunting and challenging messages back and forth, stoking the fire for the match.

But our communication wasn’t just trash talking. Over the two months leading up to the match, we actually got to know each other—day-to-day check-ins, stories about our personal lives, and photo updates. Of course, some of the photos were combative (fuel for the rivalry and a preview of how we planned to break the other down), and some were gym progress pics where we hyped each other up like solid brothers. We found this perfect balance: genuinely wanting to tear into each other (safely) while slowly becoming friends.

We both landed in Chicago early and agreed to a quick faceoff at his hotel the night before our match. He came down to the lobby to grab me, and we stepped into the elevator—both of us amped to meet each other but also a little edgy, trying to play it cool. Honestly, the elevator’s security camera was the only reason we didn’t lock up right there. Five seconds after we walked into his room, it was on. I remember it clearly because I was still wearing sandals and didn’t even get the chance to kick them off. Obviously from his pictures, you can tell Nb is in phenomenal shape, ripped and muscular. What I didn’t realize until we locked up was how strong he actually was. I discovered quickly that I wasn’t going to be able to overpower him like I had planned. For the next 10 minutes, two months of banter and energy boiled over into a fast, hard exchange. Nb had a match later that evening, so we called it and I headed out.

Weeks before Wrestlefest, I booked a local BJJ school for two hours so we could have proper space and real mats. Plus, I figured it would be cheaper than paying for broken hotel furniture and drywall. I grabbed an Uber, swung by NB’s hotel, and we rode over together. During the 25-minute drive, we had a great time joking and getting to know each other more. I discovered his fight motto was “Fuck Around and Find Out” and that mine was “Buckle Up”. We arrived to school, changed and walked on to the mats. No more banter, no more jokes. It was time to fight.

I could write a full short story about the back-and-forth that followed, but in short: NB’s pace was relentless, his strikes were clean and fierce and his pressure never let up. NB proved the stronger Alpha that day, beating me 5–1. So, let’s talk about the man…

On the mats, NB is incredibly skilled and much stronger than he looks. He possesses incredible stamina and, despite his heavily muscular build, is incredibly agile. His body strikes are powerful (even with those small hands) and meticulously orchestrated. Most importantly, even at peak intensity I felt safe; I trusted him completely.

Off the mats, he’s arguably even more impressive. Over the past few months—getting to know him, watching how he carries himself, and finally sharing a hard fight—I’ve seen the same qualities on repeat: kind, disciplined, honorable. NB is a high-caliber man—someone you’re proud to know and test yourself against.

@NB directly – Between MF and BJJ, this was easily the best and most enjoyable fight I’ve ever had. The buildup, the laughs, the banter, the respect—it all added up to more than a match. I walked away extremely grateful. And even though I didn’t win the day, I still felt like a winner because I gained you as a new brother.

For those of you reading this. If you are ever fortunate enough to meet this guy and take him on…do it. Cancel plans, reschedule vacations. Make it happen. You will not regret it and you will be much better person for it.

Will there be a rematch? All I’ll say is: Fuck Around and Find Out.