Former NFL Star Shines in MMA

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Former Green Bay Packers running back Herbert “Whisper” Goodman is making a name for himself in his new sport of choice, mixed martial arts. Goodman, who has only been training in MMA for approximately six months, already has a perfect 4-0 record.

Goodman’s very first fight ended in 26 seconds by knockout. Thirty seconds into the second round, Goodman ended his second fight victoriously, as well. His third fight ended in one minute. Whisper Goodman isn’t messing around.

On April 21, at Win River Casino in Redding, CA, Ken Shamrock presented MMA Extreme Cage Fighting featuring Goodman and Eric Manley of Stars and Strikes American Mixed Martial Arts (Redding, CA), in Manley’s MMA debut, as the main event. And what a main event it was!

Although not the most technical bout of the 14-fight card that evening, it certainly won the prize for most dramatic.

Manley entered the cage as many fighters do, bouncing and shadow boxing to stay loose. Goodman entered the cage and stood stock still, facing his opponent without expression. As disturbing as it was for the observing spectator, it is unimaginable how intimidating it must have been for Manley.

Early in the first round, Manley attempted a rear naked choke but failed as Goodman escaped. Having plenty of heart to make up for lack of experience, Manley threw a combination but missed, opening the door for Goodman to sink a rear naked choke of his own. Refusing to tap, Manley fought against the hold until microseconds before the bell ended the round. Just before the bell, celebrity referee Daniel Molina stopped the fight, believing that Manley was out.

Immediately, the Redding crowd went ballistic over the controversial call against their local boy. The bleachers echoed with pounding feet and fans shouting, “Fight!” and “Round Two!”

With PR the likes of Dana White, Ken Shamrock entered the cage and headed straight for Manley, “So let me ask you something,” smiled Shamrock, his arm around Manley’s shoulder, “Honestly, did he have you in that choke?” Manley systematically denied being in trouble and insisted he could have either escaped if there had been more time or at least survived until the bell.

Shamrock then moved to Goodman’s corner, “He says he wasn’t in trouble. He says he wants the fight to continue. What do you think?”

“I had the choke,” Goodman proclaimed, “If he thinks he wants to go another round, let’s go, and I will continue to beat his ass.”

Manley and his Redding fans got what they wanted. Shamrock allowed the fight to continue for a second round. However, it wouldn’t go further than that.

Round two by demand started with Manley escaping a rear naked choke attempt only to be taken to the mat and punished with Goodman’s devastating ground and pound. Daniel Molina again stopped the fight when he determined that Manley was doing little or nothing to defend himself.

Shamrock entered the cage to speak with Manley, “Well, was that decisive enough for you?”

It may not have been decisive enough for rookie Manley but it certainly was for the judges. Whisper Goodman secured his fourth professional win, this one by TKO in the second round.

Matthew Michaels is one of the original editors of Pulse Wrestling, and was founding editor of Inside Fights and of Inside Pulse Music.