Issue 185
November -0001
Cyborg at Bellator; Cejudo’s self-promotion; staying humble; BJ Penn’s problems and favorite non-MMA athletes from four top professionals
The Fighters
The Questions
1 Bellator just signed Cris Cyborg after her run in the UFC. What do you think the future holds for her in the new organization?
Soriano
A I’m not really a fan of Bellator. I’m happy for her but again we all know that all the deep talent in her weight class is on the UFC roster. But yeah, I wish her good luck.
Griffin
A Honestly, I think she’s had a good run and will forever be one of the best female fighters to grace this earth. I believe she wants to go out peacefully and that won’t be in the UFC. The Bellator women’s division is quite thin so I can see it going well for her.
Phillips
A Cyborg is not going to have the competition she once had in the UFC. Hopefully they add more girls as time goes on, but to me it doesn’t make much sense because she’s one of the best in the world and should’ve rematched Nunes. That whole situation was weird to me.
Bronzoulis
A I believe Cyborg will dominate anyone in Bellator and she will be the second double champ (UFC/Bellator) behind Eddie Alvarez but will also make history by being the first woman to do so. She’s a legend.
2 Many fighters use interesting tactics to self-promote. What are your thoughts on the sometimes cringeworthy antics of UFC double champion Henry Cejudo?
Soriano
A Self-promoting to sell a fight is a good thing! But regarding Henry Cejudo, I think he crosses the line too much. He’s too corny already.
Griffin
A Man (laughs). Henry is off his rocker right now! Between wanting to fight the UFC’s women’s champions and how he struts around in his crown.... it’s absurd. We will see where it leads him. Hopefully in a recorded sparring match with Valentina or Weili.
Phillips
A He’s very corny but I don’t knock him for it. At least he has the balls to try something and will fight the best of the best. I don’t know if he tries to be a cornball or just comes off that way but people talk about it. I loved all the lead-up drama when McGregor fought.
Bronzoulis
A Hey, he’s Triple C, the man with all the gold and his antics – good or bad – work because here we are talking about him.
3 Stipe Miocic recently posted a picture of himself cleaning a toilet at his Firehouse wearing the UFC heavyweight title. How do you keep your ego in check as you are growing in the sport?
Soriano
A Actually, here in the Philippines, I have a foundation for kids who cannot afford to eat properly. I do a feeding program twice a month.
Griffin
A Well my lady claims I don’t do it right, so I don’t clean the toilets at home... But I do pick up my Frenchie’s doo doo in the back yard every week. Nothing’s more humbling than picking up turds during those hot summer months.
Phillips
A I am about to have my Master’s Degree and I help build affordable housing for low-income and homeless folks. I wasn’t always that way but now I try to put myself in other people’s shoes. I have always been a small town girl from Omak, Washington.
Bronzoulis
A Never forgetting how hard my road was to where I’m at now keeps my ego in check.
4 MMA legend BJ Penn can’t seem to stay out of trouble. What would your advice be to him?
Soriano
A BJ Penn is my idol. He is actually one of the reasons why I started MMA.
Griffin
A I would suggest he signs with Bellator since Dana isn’t going to give him any more fights. That’ll keep him in the gym and outta the nightclubs.
Phillips
A As someone who was in trouble a lot growing up, I would say please just retire and maybe coach or help your people in Hawaii. Because he will regret tarnishing his legacy down the road. Or maybe he won’t, but that’s my perspective.
Bronzoulis
A I dont know all the details of the latest with BJ. I just hope he gets some help.
5 Who is your favorite non- MMA athlete and why?
Soriano
A LeBron James. For me, LeBron is better than Jordan. A humble guy and also a great humanitarian.
Griffin
A Marshawn Lynch. One of the greatest football players ever. The way he played on and off the field. His work ethic was unmatched along with his presence in the community to always help and his willingness to be himself. We don’t get enough of that anymore.
Phillips
A My favorite non-MMA Athlete is Russell Wilson because the Seahawks rule and he’s an attractive man!
Bronzoulis
A Easy. Dexter “The Blade” Jackson! The man is nearly 50 years old and still competing at the highest level of bodybuilding and winning. He even won the 2008 Mr. Olympia and will be gunning for the title this year 2019 at age 49!
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