It’s been a while since we’ve shared a guest post with you.  Here’s an interesting and inspirational look at fighters who’ve overcome addiction from author and MMA fan Jennie Reedy.  Enjoy, and let us know what you think!

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Irvin lost more than just a fight against Anderson . . .

The high-adrenaline sport of mixed martial arts attracts more than its share of addicts. There have been many fighters who have ruined their careers because of substance abuse. There have also been many who have overcome addiction to have great careers. Here are the uplifting tales of five MMA fighters who overcame their addictions.

James Irvin
After getting destroyed by Anderson Silva in 2008, Irvin tested positive in the post-fight urinalysis for oxymorphone and methadone. He was suspended for 9 months by the UFC. He has managed to maintain his sobriety ever since, which is impressive considering he has struggled with losses inside the cage.

Matt Brown
This talented fighter hit rock bottom when he was legally dead after an overdose of heroin. After that nearly fatal incident, Brown sobered up permanently. He became an MMA fighter after he found sobriety. He was inspired to train for an MMA career after watching a Wanderlei Silva fight, and he worked part-time while training for his dream. His hard work was rewarded when he was selected for the 7th season of “The Ultimate Fighter.”

Ricco Rodriguez
Rodriguez was a coke addict who hit rock bottom while driving as high as a kite. He smashed the car into a semi-truck and then into a wall. He was driving with a suspended license, so he moved his girlfriend from the passenger seat to the driver’s seat because he thought she had died in the crash. Rodriguez sobered up, starting with an appearance on the show, “Celebrity Rehab.” His comeback has been a success. He has maintained his sobriety and been undefeated in his last 10 fights.

Court McGee
McGee is one of the most hard-core addicts ever. He started abusing drugs of all kinds in high school. He first sobered up in 2006 for six months. He decided to test his sobriety by going to Las Vegas for just a single drink. He woke up in Iowa four days later without any pants. He realized then that he could never use any substances again for the rest of his life. He started training in MMA shortly thereafter, and he shocked the MMA community when he won the 11th season of “The Ultimate Fighter.”

Lyle Beerbohm
This man destroyed every relationship in his life during his six years of methamphetamine abuse. He went to prison for 18 months for meth crimes, but he had so totally ruined his relationships that not one person came to visit him. Beerbohm started watching “The Ultimate Fighter” in prison and was inspired to become an MMA fighter. He joined an MMA gym the day he was released from prison and has gone on to have an impressive career.

Author Bio
Jennie Reedy is a substance abuse counselor, blogger, MMA fan, and author. Jennie recommends visiting www.gulfcoastdrugrehab.com, if you or someone you know is battling drug addiction. For more information on the harmful effects of drugs, visit drugscope.org.uk