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[Sakara=Excitement]

Toronto Cops Don't Want UFC Fighter Sean Pierson on the Squad - Bloody Elbow

It's not uncommon for MMA fighters to moonlight. It's also not uncommon for them to come from law enforcement backgrounds. Forrest Griffin was once a cop. Kimbo's nemesis Sean Gannon still is. But it looks like it might not work out for Sean Pierson who made his UFC debut against Matt Riddle last Saturday at UFC 124 and just joined the Toronto Police Department. Not so fast son, from the Toronto Star:

The mixed martial arts champion was recently hired by the Toronto Police. But the force says Pierson, 34, must choose between becoming a cop and becoming a famous fighter.

"I've been told I have to pick a dream," he said. "I'm being asked do I want to fight or do I want to be a police officer?"
...
After the fight, Pierson returned to Toronto, where he was supposed to pull his first shift as a police officer. But he had to hand in his uniform and stay away from work while the force investigates his situation.

Police spokesman Tony Vella did not comment directly on Pierson's case but said every police officer who has paid "secondary employment" must first clear it with the force. Requests for secondary employment can be denied if it constitutes a conflict of interest, Vella said. He did not elaborate on what type of job would constitute a conflict.

[JustinVoorhees]

Wow that's fucking stupid.

[YukonJordan]

Hardly.

How much time do police officers get off every year? To be in the UFC full time on a consistent basis Pierson would probably have to take off a considerable amount of time.

If Pierson can't commit to his primary job, especially as a new hire, then I have no problem with the decision of his superiors. If it's actually his dream then he should no problems walking away from being a cop.

[the_dark_angel_4ever]

Originally Posted by YukonJordan

Hardly.

How much time do police officers get off every year? To be in the UFC full time on a consistent basis Pierson would probably have to take off a considerable amount of time.

If Pierson can't commit to his primary job, especially as a new hire, then I have no problem with the decision of his superiors. If it's actually his dream then he should no problems walking away from being a cop.

Completely agree. Police are well compensated, but don't get a TON of time off, not to mention any injuries he sustains during a fight or in training can severely effect his performance on the job.

[xrjxarsonx]

he can always go back and be a cop later, this doesnt seem like a tough decision.

[AngryJohnny]

Originally Posted by xrjxarsonx

he can always go back and be a cop later, this doesnt seem like a tough decision.

When you're 34, it's a tough decision.

[megamus]

I was good friends with TUF season #2 Rob Macdonald, He fought several times in the UFC as well as other promotions while being a cop for Toronto Police. Its doable but tough

[rivethead]

Originally Posted by xrjxarsonx

he can always go back and be a cop later, this doesnt seem like a tough decision.

It's an age old question, trade stability for a chance at the brass ring. The issue Pierson has to weigh is: do I think I have a legitimate chance to be a champion, and am I willing to forfeit everything for the opportunity to take that risk?

My concerns are that working for the UFC, there is absolutely no job stability. dana has shown a penchant to cut guys after a single loss--regardless of how talented--unless they're the object of fanboy manlove. There is no insurance, there is no pension-plan or retirement, there is nothing but the opportunity to live the dream. And for many people that's enough.

However, if he's 34, he has maybe [a big maybe] 4-6 years left fighting. He's probably thinking about retirement funds and stability, which a police-force job would offer.

Couple that with the indication that Sean hasn't really shown that he's even a solid B-level fighter. I mean, he beat Riddle [also not a solidly ranked B-level guy] on short notice, and it was a great fight, but there are more unanswered questions about him than ones that he's resolved.

I think his decision becomes a more difficult one. I'm betting his heart is in the cage, but his head is looking at stability. I wish him the best, either way.

rh

[ckauffman28]

paulo tiago does the same, although its in a diff country im sure its hard

[rick56]

At 34, he should do whats best for him. I dont think he can make a run for the title or even really come close to be honest. and im not sure what he makes but its probably 8,000 to show and 8,000 to win. if he were to fight 4 times a year and win, pending bonuses and ect he would make about 64,000.....thats if he wins and can get 4 fights in a year, i dont know but i think being a cop would make that much a year and you get pension and all that other good stuff. i think he should be a cop givin his age and that i dont think he'll make it too far anyway.