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Robin Black
Born (1969-08-10) August 10, 1969 (age 55)
Pinawa, Manitoba, Canada
OccupationMartial arts commentator
Notable credit(s)Karate Combat[1]
WLC[2]
TSN[3]
CBS
UFC
Children1

Robin Black is a Canadian combat analyst and sports commentator. He formerly competed in mixed martial arts, and previously had a career as a glam rock musician.[4][5][6][7] Robin Black has commentated for most major combat sports organizations in the world such as Bellator MMA, ONE Championship, Brave Combat Federation, Karate Combat, World Lethwei Championship in Myanmar and ACB in Russia.[8][9][10]

Career

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Music career

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Black grew up in Pinawa, Manitoba before moving to Winnipeg after high school.[11] In Winnipeg he formed the band Ballroom Zombies in the mid-1990s, before moving to Toronto in 1998 to form Robin Black and the Intergalactic Rock Stars.[6]

According to Black, he went around Toronto confidently boasting that he was going to be a rock star before he even actually had a band, and was forced to hastily assemble a band when his bluffing got him invited to perform at Canadian Music Week in 1999.[12] The original band members included guitarist Stacey Stray, bassist Killer Ky Anto, keyboardist Chris "Starboy" Cunnane and drummer Kevin "K-Tron" Taylor, while Black himself was sometimes billed as Robin Fucking Black.[13]

The band released their first recording, the two-song "Time Travel Tonight"/"More Effeminate Than You", as a novelty CD single cut in the shape of a star in 2000.[14] The album Planet Fame, produced by Moe Berg and Garth Richardson, followed on February 14, 2002.[15] It was filled with glam rock tracks, led by the single "So Sick of You", and was supported by a national tour.[16] According to Black, "we've never hidden the fact that we want to be the filthy, beer-drinking, chick-fucking Beatles of the 21st century. You've got Edwin on one hand or you have Robin Black & the Intergalactic Rock Stars on the other. This is an easy choice to make. I mean, is Raine Maida really going to make you a better person? I don't think so."[17]

Black made an appearance on Showcase's TV series KinK in 2002.[18]

Prior to the release of their second album, the band brought in two new members, Chris "The Kidd" Avolos on drums and John "The Creep" Kerns on bass. The 2005 album was named Instant Classic, and was produced by Bob Ezrin along with Garth Richardson.[19] For this release the band's name was shortened to just Robin Black.[19] They toured extensively for this release, including internationally.[20]

In 2006, while touring in UK, Black suffered a drug-induced seizure.[7][21] For almost two minutes, Black’s body jerked and he was unable to speak. The seizure was attributed to Black's lack of sleep, alcohol and drug use such as speed.[22]

Black became a judge on the Much Music show VJ Search.[23][24]

Mixed martial arts

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In 2007, Black pitched a new reality series to Much Music called Fearless or Stupid, which would have featured Black performing dangerous stunts, highlighting his new training regime, and culminating in his first MMA fight.[22][25] At the age of 36, Black started competing as a mixed martial artist after attaining a second degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do.[10][26][27] Although he had been a hobby martial artist throughout his career, he attributed his decision to start actively competing in MMA to the seizure incident forcing him to clean up many aspects of his life and take his health more seriously.[20]

"I couldn’t go through life getting weaker, and dumber, and sicker. I didn’t want to be having seizures on weird couches in the UK. I knew that I needed to prioritize being healthy. I stopped drinking for almost a year. I started to work out three times a week [...] Then I started training martial arts."[22]

In 2009, MuchMusic aired a one-off documentary special Robin Black: Cage Fighter, which featured Black training with mixed martial artists Georges St-Pierre, Sam Stout, Mark Hominick.[28][11][29][30]

Sports commentating

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In 2008, Black was guest commentator at an XMMA show in Montreal featuring David Loiseau.[31] This marked the first time that Robin did color commentary for fights. Robin eventually started interviewing fighters between rounds at local and provincial events such as Warrior-1 MMA - Inception, WRECK MMA, CFC and others. In 2009, Black submitted opponent Stephane Poirier to becoming Champion in Canada's ELITE 1 MMA promotion. On November 30, 2012, Robin returned to the cage at the inaugural SLAMM: Tristar Fights event, submitting opponent Derek Charbonneau via Kimura armlock in the 2nd round.[32] "What would be the one thing that, to me, would be more exciting and more thrilling and more authentically who I am as a person than being a rock star? And the answer was, ‘I want to be a UFC commentator in 10 years,’"said Black.[21] In 2018, Brave Combat Federation signed Black as the lead fight analyst and joined Karate Combat in 2021.[33] Black is known for his signature word Bink!.[34][7][4]

Lethwei

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On August 2, 2019, Black was invited to be commentator for the World Lethwei Championship at WLC 9: King of Nine Limbs in Mandalay, Myanmar.[35][2] The event was streamed on UFC Fight Pass.[34] He won the Lethwei World Lethwei Analyst of the Year for his performance at WLC 9.[36] The event also won Best Sport Program at the Asian Academy Awards.[37] On November 7, 2020, Black commentated the rematch between Dave Leduc and Cyrus Washington in Wyoming, USA.[38][39]

Music

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  • Robin Black - vocals
  • Peter Arvidsson - lead guitar, backing vocals
  • Chris "Starboy" Cunnane - guitar, backing vocals
  • Robby Ruckus (who also plays in Darlings of Chelsea) - bass
  • Aaron Verdonk - Drums (who also plays in Stereos)

Robin Black and the Intergalactic Rock Stars

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(1998-2002)

  • Robin Black - lead vocals
  • Stacy Stray - lead guitar, backing vocals
  • Chris "Starboy" Cunnane - guitar, keyboards, backing vocals
  • jackie Duncan - bass (may-sept. 98)
  • Killer Ky Anto - bass (sept. 98-May 2002)
  • Kevin Taylor aka K-Tron - drums

(2002-2003)

  • Robin Black - lead vocals
  • Killer Ky Anto - lead guitar, backing vocals
  • Chris "Starboy" Cunnane - guitar, keyboards, backing vocals
  • B.B. McQueen - bass
  • Kevin Taylor - drums

(2003-2006)

  • Robin Black - lead vocals
  • Chris "Starboy" Cunnane - guitar, keyboards, backing vocals
  • John "The Creep" Kerns - bass
  • Chris "The Kid" Avolos - drums

Discography

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Albums

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  • Planet:Fame - 2002
  • Instant Classic - 2005

Singles

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  • "Time Travel Tonight"/"More Effeminate Than You" - 2000
  • "So Sick of You" - 2002
  • "Some Of You Boys (And Most of You Girls)" - 2002
  • "Time Travel Tonight" - 2002
  • "Take Myself Away" - 2002
  • "Hellraiser" - 2003
  • "We See Right Through Ya" - 2005
  • Why Don't You Love Me? - 2005

DVDs

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  • We Came, We Saw...We Came! - 2002

Awards and recognition

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  • Lethwei World
    • 2019 Analyst of the year[36]
  • Spia Asia Awards
    • 2019 Best Sport Tourism Destination Campaign of the Year - Bronze Commentator at WLC 9[40]
  • Asian Academy Awards
    • 2019 Best Sport Program - National Winner Commentator at WLC 9[37]

Mixed martial arts record

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Professional record breakdown
9 matches 4 wins 5 losses
By knockout 1 1
By submission 3 4
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Win 4–5 Derek Charbonneau Submission (kimura) Slamm 1 - Garcia vs. Lamarche Nov 30, 2012 2 2:34 Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Loss 3–5 Mike Reilly Submission (armbar) Wreck MMA - Strong and Proud Jan 28, 2011 1 0:57 Casino du Lac-Leamy, Gatineau, Quebec, Canada
Loss 3–4 Eric Perez TKO (punches) CFC - Canadian Fighting Championship 5 Jun 4, 2010 1 1:23 Winnipeg Convention Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Win 3–3 Matt Knysh TKO (punches) AMMA 2 - Vengeance Feb 5, 2010 2 1:20 Edmonton Expo Centre, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Loss 2–3 Corey Lautischer Submission (guillotine choke) AMMA 1 - First Blood Oct 24, 2009 1 0:31 Edmonton Expo Centre, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Win 2–2 Stephane Poirier Submission (rear-naked choke) Elite 1 - Never Back Down Jul 25, 2009 1 1:31 Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada
Win 1–2 Stephane Poirier Submission (triangle choke) CFC - Canadian Fighting Championship 1 Feb 6, 2009 1 2:57 Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Loss 0–2 Janz Stein Submission (rear-naked choke) UCW 14 - November to Remember Nov 28, 2008 1 1:36 Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Loss 0–1 Chris Myra Submission (triangle choke) Freedom Fight - Title Quest Jul 26, 2008 2 1:15 Gatineau, Quebec, Canada

[41]

References

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  1. ^ John Morgan (June 22, 2021). "Video: Combat sports analyst Robin Black talks Karate Combat, Gamebred FC, and future of martial arts". MMA Junkie.
  2. ^ a b Lorcan Lovett (August 1, 2019). "Ex-rocker turned MMA analyst Robin Black lands in Myanmar for lethwei's global leap". Myanmar Mix. Robin Black, a celebrated MMA analyst
  3. ^ "Beyond The Game EP. 11: Robin Black Talks Cormier vs Lesnar & UFC Calgary". VIBE 105. October 6, 2018. TSN MMA analyst
  4. ^ a b Steve Juon (January 1, 2021). "Bink! Robin Black's favorite Bellator moments of 2020". MMA Mania. Robin Black: musician, fighter, commentator. The man has worn many hats over the years
  5. ^ Nicolas Atkin (August 14, 2014). "Joe Rogan Experience #534 – Robin Black". The Joe Rogan Experience. Robin Black is an MMA analyst and color commentator for Fight Network and was also the lead singer of Canadian Glam Rock band Robin Black & the Intergalactic Rock Stars
  6. ^ a b Heath Jon McCoy, "Loud and proud in leather and feathers: Intergalactic Rock Stars love glitter and glam". Calgary Herald, November 4, 2000.
  7. ^ a b c Alex Hunt (November 19, 2021). "Robin Black: From Glam Rocker To MMA Commentator. BINK!". Chris Van Liet.
  8. ^ Ryan Sprague (27 April 2020). "Robin Black talks art of journalism vs. MMA media". Mymmanews.com. Retrieved May 21, 2023. Robin Black is one of the most recognizable figures in mixed martial arts
  9. ^ Anand Thumbayil (August 13, 2018). "EXCLUSIVE: Robin Black speaks about his latest mission at BRAVE CF (PART-1)". Sportskeeda.
  10. ^ a b Johny Payne (May 21, 2023). "Who is Robin Black? All about the ex-MMA fighter Dana White ranted about at UFC Vegas 73 presser". Sportskeeda.
  11. ^ a b Allen Taylor, "In the black; From hard-partying glam rocker to MMA fighter to UFC analyst for TSN: The improbable journey of Manitoba's Robin Black". Winnipeg Free Press, December 16, 2017.
  12. ^ Andrew Flynn, "Bringing back glam rock; Robin Black aims to be King-- or possibly Queen-- of rock". Waterloo Region Record, May 4, 2000.
  13. ^ Craig Pearson, "Sexy is purple lipstick, feather boas". Windsor Star, August 10, 2000.
  14. ^ Wes Smiderle, "Glam rock's Robin Black on a mission". Ottawa Citizen, August 17, 2000.
  15. ^ Ben Rayner, "Seeking intergallactic stardom; Toronto glam rock band finally ready with first album". Toronto Star, January 9, 2002.
  16. ^ Gerry Krochak, "Shooting for the stars". Regina Leader-Post, March 23, 2002.
  17. ^ Tom Harrison, "Glam-rock band likes being a bad influence". The Province, March 20, 2002.
  18. ^ "Dark story just what filmmaker ordered". Winnipeg Free Press, September 27, 2002.
  19. ^ a b Cam Fuller, "Pushed to the extreme: Robin Black looks for substance to go with style". Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, March 24, 2005.
  20. ^ a b José Rodriguez, "Rocky road for Black; 'No parties. No beers. A divorce.' Glam rocker back on track with MMA". Winnipeg Free Press, October 10, 2009.
  21. ^ a b Taylor Allen (December 15, 2017). "From rock 'n' roll to rocking the octagon: Robin Black's journey from singer to MMA fighter to UFC analyst". Winnipeg Sun.
  22. ^ a b c Graham Isador (May 22, 2015). "Robin Black Went From Almost Dying at Glam-Rock to Cage Fighting". VICE.
  23. ^ Sandra Sperounes, "Getting down to business: MuchMusic VJ Search: The Series hits the airwaves". Kingston Whig-Standard, January 31, 2006.
  24. ^ "Black against the wall". Winnipeg Free Press, February 18, 2006.
  25. ^ "Robin Black". Toronto Now. May 8, 2008. Toronto glam rocker and MuchMusic personality Robin Black
  26. ^ Leah Collins, "From the stage to the cage; Robin Black's career takes a non-musical turn". The Province, December 28, 2007.
  27. ^ Chris Rini (24 June 2020). "MMA SQUARED: Luke Thomas vs Robin Black, a summary of the twitter beef and resolution". Bloody Elbow. Retrieved May 24, 2023. Robin does have a pro fight record
  28. ^ "Rocker Black proves anyone can do MMA". Sportsnet, September 14, 2009.
  29. ^ "Glam rocker Robin Black makes MMA debut". Dawson Creek Daily News, July 24, 2008.
  30. ^ [1] Archived May 8, 2014, at the Wayback Machine
  31. ^ [2] Archived September 12, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
  32. ^ "SLAMM 1 Results | Top MMA News at". Topmmanews.com. 2012-11-30. Retrieved 2016-01-03.
  33. ^ Dane Curley (May 9, 2022). "EXCLUSIVE VIDEO - Inside the Mind of ROBIN BLACK". Karate Combat.
  34. ^ a b Nicolas Atkin (August 2, 2019). "'Maybe I was born in Myanmar in another life': Canadian lethwei fighter Dave Leduc turns Burmese hero". South China Morning Post. You can hear @robinblackmartialarts "Binking" in the back
  35. ^ "Robin Black thinks King of Nine Limb Main Events are going to be once in lifetime fights!". Facebook. Retrieved August 2, 2019.
  36. ^ a b Matthew Carter (2 January 2020). "2019 Lethwei World Awards". Lethwei World.
  37. ^ a b "NATIONAL WINNERS 2020" (PDF). Asian Academy Awards. Retrieved 15 October 2020.
  38. ^ "BREAKING: Robin Black Will Commentate Leduc vs. Washington Rematch in USA". Lethwei World. October 13, 2020.
  39. ^ "BREAKING: DAVE LEDUC VS CYRUS WASHINGTON 2 OFFICIAL FOR NOVEMBER 7TH IN THE US!". Overtime Herorics. Retrieved May 22, 2023. a few top names from the world of combat sports that are looking to be involved. Bas Rutten, Frank Shamrock, Cung Le, and Robin Black
  40. ^ "SPIA Asia 2019 Winners". Spia Asia. Retrieved 2 January 2020.
  41. ^ "Robin". Sherdog. Retrieved 2023-05-24.
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