Jeff Blatnick played a big part in the world of mma, as he coined the term (mma), and will be missed. Blatnick, a longtime figure in MMA as a judge, official and announcer, died after complications from heart surgery at the age of 55. Blatnick was a former Olympic wrestler in Greco Roman wrestling who was diagnosed with Hodgkins lymphoma. He fought back to make the Olympic team again, and Blatnick won Olympic gold in 1984. He was also the commentator for UFC 4 through UFC 32 1994-2001, and as UFC commissioner was instrumental in the sport’s evolution into the regulated sport we know and love today. He stuck with the sport as a well-respected judge. Blatnick was sick of cage fighting being referred to as “fights to the death” and “no holds barred competition”, that he coined the phrase/term of MMA. Blatnick, John McCarthy and Joe Silva are the ones credited with coming up with the rule book, and getting the sport regulated in New Jersey. Blatnick played a big part in different weight-classes, regulated gloves, and certain rules inside the cage. Certain people and fighters aren’t given the credit where credit is do and Blatnick wasn’t one of them. If you know mma, you know the name Jeff Blatnick. I personally wish his family and friends the best as he will be missed. Dana White couldn’t of said it better via twitter and I will sign off with just that from Mr. White- ”RIP Jeff Blatnick.”