Travis Bagent and Jeffrey Hale are traditionally known for their controversial behavior at tournaments. It's not so much their fights, as their actions that cause discussions. Travis’s every fight is a show, Jeffrey’s - a spectacle. Many people like this “foreplay” before a fight, thet’s why Bagent and Hale have so many fans.

But they also have their critics. Hale uses his own special strategy, employing his stage image, but he has respect for his opponents. His aggression is just an extra tool in his arsenal. And he knows that his actions make people laugh. His main weapon of choice is his stage persona, “the HaleRaiser”. But not everyone is amused, many think that this is a sign of disrespect for his opponents. Those who know and understand Hale know this is not so. But many people just don’t, or don’t want to, accept the play, the mental pressure and the controlled aggression, assuming that a fight should go without such extravagancies. Is Jeffrey a stranger to acting normal? He definitely isn’t. he just likes to show off, that’s all.

Travis’s case is a little different. Some say he’s a fake, some that he’s unworthy of being a fighter, but anyway – it’s his character, not a play. Hale changes when he walks away from the table, Bagent doesn’t. Does Travis have respect for his opponents? Of course he does, though not for all. But who respects everybody, after all? And yet, when he faces an opponent, he shows no respect, he just sees a target. Playing for the audience – this is Bagent’s daily bread. It’s the admiration of the crowd that matters more for him, than victory.

Travis often clearly displays his disrespect for his rivals, terrorizes and provokes them. Many call that unsporting. Bagent hides behind a mask, using his temper as a weapon. It’s a strategy. On the other hand, sports should be played by the rules, assuring a certain atmosphere. This is an alien concept to Travis. He puts on the bad guy mask, and he also wins with skill and strength. Not everyone can do that.

Artur Grigorian