Guy Mezger vs. A Knife

[James McRae]

This story is being discussed over on the Usual Suspects Network and I thought you guys might be interested as well.

This link has the basic story without any gory pictures: http://www.cagepotato.com/awesome-story-of-the-day-guy-mezger-saved-a-woman-from-knife-wielding-scumbag-last-month/

This link includes a picture of what his hand looked like after being cut (IT ISN'T PRETTY; YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED): http://www.mixedmartialarts.com/news/379182/Guy-Mezger-destroys-knife-wielding-attacker/

Here's the response I gave on the USN:

I have nothing but praise for Mezger's motivations in helping that woman. If everyone had the integrity and fortitude to intervene on the behalf of innocent people, there would be no bullies in this world.

However, there are two pragmatic considerations to keep in mind here:
     (1) Intervening in third party disputes can get you killed. Mezger was—as he freely admits—damn lucky he didn't get stabbed in a major artery or organ. He may have permanent damage to his hand.
     (2) Intervening on behalf of a battered girlfriend/wife often backfires. She has to go home with the d-bag, so she is not going to testify against him on your behalf. Talk to folks in law enforcement and they will tell you that it is often the case that the abused girlfriend/wife will turn on you after you help her out.

I'm not saying you should stand idly by and do nothing; bystander apathy is no solution. Call the cops and film the incident with your smartphone so that you can be the best witness in the world when the LEOs arrive. If the d-bag attacks you in the process, then you can do what's necessary (preferably, hose him down with OC spray and keep your distance).

I should also mention that it's a terrible idea to hang around after you've knocked out an opponent. Guys can come to in a matter of seconds after a choke-out or knock-out and you either need to restrain them or get to a position of safety.

What do you guys think?

[Michael]

Agree Agree!

When I read is in the MixMartialArts.com I saw the wounded hand of Mezger. Really terrible.

[peregrine]

a reply I posted on another board
Mezger is a great fighter and athlete.
With that he did make some errors that we can learn from. In no way is this to detract from his ability.

"so he decided to try to diffuse the situation by stepping in between the pair "
DMV you do not want to be between the pair. This is easier said than done.

"I figured my physical size would be somewhat intimidating to him"
...DMV, overconfidence from his size, skill and experience

"I just kind of grabbed him and held onto him with an overhook on the right side"
 he overhooked his right arm...still allowing play at the elbow and the hand to manipulate

"Somehow in there he pulled a knife out, but I really didn’t see it because I really was paying attention up until then. I work with law enforcement and I work with our military. I have a contracting company that teaches hand-to-hand [combat]."
over confidence

"The crazy thing is, in spite of getting KTFO TWICE, the dude woke up and tried to attack Guy again."
failed to secure the bad guy or leave


TheRecognizing this is a domestic violence case was the first major one. re The overhook in the altercation itself was a big one to me. The other big one was failing to secure the bg or fleeing.

1. dmv
2. overhook
3. failed to flee or secure bg and weapon

There was then a number of posts countering the dissection of this event.

I posted this then.

AARs are normal and useful. Doing them are positive.
For some of the senior members key elements in this incident maybe instinctive. But for some it may be life saving. Dismissing and not examining the key elements due to Metzger being an elite mma fighter or h2h instructor does a disservice to his sacrifice, experience and the members.
Seperating the event will provide more clarity.
1. The will to act
2. Technical actions
3. Psychology

[Burton]

Yes, call the police and let them do their jobs unless you feel someone is in grave danger. Intervene if you must, but you risk great peril.

I would also note that Mezger said that he never saw the knife. This is why it is so important to add the draw to our performance games. This way, we are always looking for and expecting the knife to come out. He is lucky that the guy lost the knife.