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U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Cody Hughes, a Spangdahlem mixed martial arts member from Bakersfield, Calif., tapes the hands of teammate U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Sean Whitaker from Pittsburgh, before his match at an MMA tournament in Pruem, Germany, March 8, 2014. Fighters tape their hands and wrists as a safety precaution against breaking bones during a match. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Gustavo Castillo/Released)
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Sean Whitaker, a Spangdahlem mixed martial arts member from Pittsburgh, practices grappling techniques on a teammate before a fight at an MMA tournament in Pruem, Germany, March 8, 2014. Tournament participants practice fighting techniques before a fight to ensure they are ready to take on their opponent. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Gustavo Castillo/Released)
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Sean Whitaker, a Spangdahlem mixed martial arts member from Pittsburgh, awaits the official decision of a fight during an MMA tournament in Pruem, Germany, March 8, 2014. Whitaker lost the fight by a triangle choke submission in the second round. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Gustavo Castillo/Released)
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Sean Whitaker, a Spangdahlem mixed martial arts member from Pittsburgh, practices striking techniques inside the Skelton Memorial Fitness Center at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, March 11, 2014. Whitaker attends MMA and grappling training three days a week to stay competent with fighting skills. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Gustavo Castillo/Released)