Ohio Athletic Commission investigating Strikeforce’s Brandon Saling
Remember Brandon Saling, the guy who Roger Bowling beat into a pulp at Saturday's Strikeforce card? The one with good stand-up, but no ground game? The one with the neo-Nazi tattoo and the rape conviction?
Let's start with the tattoo. The number 88 and lightning bolts are on Saling's left shoulder. What does that mean, Center for Democratic Renewal and Education?
88 is the symbol that represents 'Heil Hitler.' H is the eighth letter in the alphabet, hence 'HH' or 88
Saling is also listed in Ohio's sex offender registry as a "high risk." He was convicted for gross sexual imposition. According to a 2004 report, he faced charges for rape of a person under 13 years. He also served 40 days in jail for a domestic violence charge in 2008.
Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker said the Ohio Athletic Commission will launch a full investigation into Saling's background.
"They're going to launch a full investigation on Monday," he said. "So that's where that's at. As far as you guys know, the policy for Strikeforce and the UFC is that kind of body art, offensive behavior, (and) offensive art is not going to be allowed.
"So that's something we went to the athlete (with). He responded, and we're going to investigate further and see what the truth is."
Saling took Saturday night's fight with Roger Bowling on short notice. He stepped in for Derek Brunson, who was denied a license in Ohio because of vision problems. Saling has a record of 8-6.
