The most quizzical inclusion to the pay-per-view portion of UFC 87 on Saturday night is clearly Manny Gamburyan vs. Rob Emerson. It’s hard to see how these two “Ultimate Fighter” alums fit into what appears to be one of the best cards the company has put together in recent memory. This decision is especially curious considering Emerson’s well-known (and pathetic) criminal history.
Most hardcore fans have been briefed on the Huntington, Calif., native’s previous involvement with a gang of brain surgeons known as “The Lords of South County.” For those of you who haven’t, let me recommend this illuminating video.
If you don’t want to watch it, here’s the short version: In 2000, Emerson was sentenced to a stint in the pokey after he and his rich kid buddies apparently watched “Menace II Society” one too many times and decided to begin engaging in the kind of organized criminal activity that can make you the subject of a RICO probe or at least get you beat down by actual gang members. It doesn’t seem like they got very far, either.
Emerson, singled out as one of the gang’s leaders, went to prison after a tape surfaced of a group of “Lords” bum rushing a couple of kids at an Orange County gas station. Another guy – who told the judge he cried during “Titanic,” and was upset that kids called him “Dumbo,” – served eight and a half years in jail. The news report is littered with references to steroid use and threats of violence, but none of that fazed the UFC or Spike TV in casting Emerson for the fifth season of TUF.
Now 27-years-old and a full-time fighter, Emerson says his gang affiliation days are behind him. He’s grown up, put his “talents” to better use and become one of those rare success stories where affluent kids from nice homes manage to make good.
“The whole “Lords (of South County)” thing happened like seven years ago,” Emerson told TAGG Radio earlier this year. “I started using my fighting talent to do something good. I stopped fighting on the street, using my energy for training.”
That line would be easier to swallow had Emerson not spent two more months in jail late last year as a result of a 2006 assault. Emerson said that was a “case of mistaken identity,” and blamed “some Persian dudes,” for picking a fight with his buddies.
“About 12 of them I guess...,” Emerson said. “They thought we were a group of guys that they had apparently fought earlier. So we got jumped … My lawyer was going to get it thrown out, but someone Googled my name and saw that I was a professional fighter... I'm the only one that got in trouble in the fight, I guess, because I'm considered a problem.”
Damn you, Google. Damn you, Persian dudes. Damn you, rotten vindictive justice system that doesn’t take kindly to pro fighters going out to clubs and knocking the snot out of foreigners.
But I digress. Assuming Emerson is telling the truth and the “Lords of South County” days are long gone, leaving behind only charming photographic evidence like this to remember them by, Emerson still has a big problem. Specifically, he has yet to prove that he’s a very good fighter, let alone UFC-worthy.
That’s where Gamburyan comes in, I suppose. The TUF finalist, who might already have gone on to bigger and better things if not for a penchant for injury, will be a big test for Emerson. And by “big test” I mean this seems like an impossible fight for Emerson to win.
Will a loss on Saturday prove to be the end of the line for the Emerson’s UFC career? Who knows, but without the UFC there’s no telling where Emerson might wind up. Back living La Vida Loca perhaps, running the streets with his crew, pretending like they never saw the second half of “Scarface,” and all the while hoping there really is heaven for a gangster.
In situations like these, I suppose it helps to look on the bright side. At least if Emerson gets beat up by Gamburyan, he’ll get beat up on TV.
JUST joking with yea bro, ive dont it tons of times myself
Good vid and good read(could have made the read easier to read but fuck it lol). I never knew about his whole "Gang" life untill after TUF 5 and to be honest I found it hilarious. A bunch of rich preppy kids running around in the suburbs trying to stir up some shit with other preppy rich kids, sounds hardcore lol I better not forget my peice when Im walking through "South County" never know what the "Lords" will do
Ok fighter, but I think Manvil takes this one.
rep'd for the post
__________________
God hates me, never keep my banger on safety
My mother raised me alone, you can't break me
Like my hearts pumpin the blood of Royce Gracie!
I'm an idiot. Thought I stopped it in time. The dreaded double post. Sorry guys.
lol it happens to the best of us man, dont sweat of it. Good find
__________________
God hates me, never keep my banger on safety
My mother raised me alone, you can't break me
Like my hearts pumpin the blood of Royce Gracie!
What a lame gang, "Lets steal towels from the Ritz! We're badass!"
Thank god I don't live anywhere that rich, black gangsters are easier to get along with and arent that fucking stupid.
Least Emerson got out though, kid has got heart, hope he tears Manny apart.
What a lame gang, "Lets steal towels from the Ritz! We're badass!"
Thank god I don't live anywhere that rich, black gangsters are easier to get along with and arent that fucking stupid.
Least Emerson got out though, kid has got heart, hope he tears Manny apart.
they wont be able to do that shit in the ghetto....funny when its rich white kids, there "good kids who did some bad thing"...not the same for poor kids though...
nice way to suck up to the judge though.."im a momma's boy, i cried watching Titanic"...hahaha....
ANYONE who's ever even been in Orange County knew immediately this was a 'wanna be' gang groupie thing.
"Malibu's Most Wanted" A true life story about Rob Emerson.
Anyone who knows that movie knows how funny the two are when related.
HAHHAHAHA such a sweet movie
While Laying in Bed With Two Hot Chicks:
"I just wanna let ya'll ladies know....I tested positive"
"WHHHHAAAAA????!"
"For G.A.M.E!"
HAHAH classic
I wouldnt be surprised if the "Boo" was accually harder then where he grew up lol
__________________
God hates me, never keep my banger on safety
My mother raised me alone, you can't break me
Like my hearts pumpin the blood of Royce Gracie!
JUST joking with yea bro, ive dont it tons of times myself
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