The MMA community lost one of its own today when news surfaced revealing veteran fighter Sherman Pendergarst had succumbed to complications from cancer and died at the age of 45.
Known as “The Tank”, Pendergast came up in the famed Miletich Fighting Systems camp where he started out relatively strong with an 8-3 record and even made an appearance inside the Octagon at UFC 65. He would go on to finish his career at 11-18 with stops in a number of organizations including Bellator and was even part of the infamous YAMMA Pit Fighting lineup. Ten of his eleven victories involved some form of stoppage.
Pat Miletich, Pendergast’s old coach, posted a message on Facebook remembering the man he labeled as a “gentle giant”.
For those that knew and loved Sherman, we are sorry to say that he passed away peacefully this morning. He was a gentle giant, The Tank, that was known, admired and loved by so many near and far. He was a strong man that cared for others first always before himself. He worked hard his entire life, but never expected anything from anyone in return.
He came to Miletich Fighting Systems after having quit his job as a mortgage broker because he wanted to be a fighter! The first time he sparred he got knocked down but they could not keep him down. He kept at it because being a fighter was his dream. He was a true warrior, he fought to live and lived to fight. He appreciated all the words of encouragement and support these last couple years as he was fighting his greatest battle of all. Don’t ever lose the FAITH! Rest in peace Sherman you truly, truly will be missed by all.
We at Five Ounces of Pain would like to express our condolences to Pendergast’s family and friends. Rest in Peace.
PHOTO CREDIT – SHERMANPENDERGARST.COM
Andre Gusmao Alexander Gustafsson Jaime Gutierrez Dave Gomez
No comments:
Post a Comment