“Notorious Nick” (**1/2 out of four) was an earnestly done melodrama about a one-armed MMA fighter (Cody Christian) who gets a chance to compete for a championship and help his struggling mom (Elisabeth Rohm) and sees this as an inspirational opportunity for others with physical challenges. Gritty dialogue and surroundings and solid acting keep you watching but film seems to be following a much-too-familiar sports underdog movie pattern. Not surprisingly, this was from the producer of “Bloodsport” and “Kickboxer” which this movie often borrows from. Kevin Pollak has a minor supporting role as the boy’s grizzled trainer.