On June 20th, 2011, Michigan MMA fighter Nathen “The 9 Finger Nightmare” Long (13-6) was pushed in front of a speeding car by his ex-fiance. Long was immediately sent out to the nearest hospital where he spent 3 consecutive weeks in a coma. After waking up from his coma, Long was told he’d never fight again. He decided to beat the odds and wasted no time to teach himself how to walk again. Just 7 months later, Long is now training at his gym in preparation for a 125-pound title fight. He is scheduled to make his epic return against Antonio Wiseman on February 14th, 2012 for Stay Tuned MMA in Niles, Michigan.
We had the pleasure of speaking to “The 9 Finger Nightmare” and this is what he told us:
“Yes, I am very lucky. Everyone calls me “The Hero Fighter of God” because I healed faster than any other patient with my case here in Michigan. I am a hero to a lot of people and it really opened alot of people’s eyes on how fast your life can be taken away. However, I wasn’t giving up anytime soon. Even when I was in a coma, I was in a dream and someone told me to never give up. They told me to believe and I would always win. Just believing is all I did and pushing myself. Here I am, 8 months later, and making my return to the cage since my accident. In my return fight, I am fighting for a 125-pound title bout. I’m going on my third title and my 20th fight of my career as an amateur fighter.”
Here is his return video:
Thank you Nathen for your inspirational story and we wish you the best of luck in your mixed martial arts career. Never give up!