Issue 186
November -0001
DC vs Stipe for the trilogy; Adesanya vs Stipe!; Cyborg vs Budd, how to stop eye pokes and disputes with coaches as discussed by four top professionals
The Fighters
1 There is a real possibility that Daniel Cormier will face UFC heavyweight champion, Stipe Miocic to complete their trilogy. Is it a good idea for DC to step back in there?
Knight
A For sure. DC won the first fight and was winning the second until he got caught, in my opinion.
Kruchten
A DC has absolutely nothing to prove. He is a GOAT and has earned legendary status repeatedly. From Olympian, Strikeforce Champ, UFC Champ-Champ to amazing commentator. I think DC can do whatever he wants and I will be a fan either way!
Lahat
A I think it’s a great idea. They’re 1-1 and I know the burn when you lose and want revenge. It’s a different mentality and I’m sure we’ll see the best DC we’ve seen so far.
Mazzotta
A Yes. I think it’s a good thing. I think we should finish this trilogy that is already started.
2 New UFC middleweight champ Israel Adesanya has said he would be willing to jump up two weight classes to fight Stipe. Do you have any interest in this scrap?
Knight
A No. I think that would just be ridiculous. He’s too small for all that. He’s a great fighter but I hope it doesn’t go to his head!
Kruchten
A I would love to see the speed difference. In my honest opinion, I think Israel gets his hand raised due to his footwork and speed but Stipe is a true heavyweight and a force; it only takes one punch and he has proven that.
Lahat
A No! Stay in your division. He’s good but it will be a massacre.
Mazzotta
A I don’t like Adesanya moving up to heavyweight. I would rather see him fight Jon Jones. That’s a more interesting fight to me.
3 Recently signed Bellator fighter, Cris Cyborg will be getting an immediate title shot against Julia Budd. How do you see this fight playing out?
Knight
A I think Cyborg should get the win, even though she hasn’t earned a title shot in that organization.
Kruchten
A I see Julia protecting her house. I see Cris coming in with a clear head and no stress on her chest like she had during her stint in the UFC. A clear-minded Cris is dangerous and won’t be a walk through by any means. I see Cris ending this fight in the 3rd.
Lahat
A Of course she’ll get an immediate title shot. There’s no one else, really. They’re both very powerful. Cyborg has more experience but I think Julia is more athletic and hungry, so I’ll go with Julia.
Mazzotta
A I think Cris Cyborg takes the title. I think she wins the fight by KO at some point.
4 We lost yet another main event fight when Yair Rodriguez poked Jeremy Stephens in the eye. What can be done to stop this from happening so often in the future?
Knight
A I would suggest more point deductions and making the fighters keep a closed fist.
Kruchten
A I think Yair handled the whole thing like an amateur by damn near starting a riot instead of hoping for a fast recovery for Jeremy. Yair should have been DQ’d. You are clearly warned to keep your fingers in when throwing a punch or defending yourself.
Lahat
A A mandatory one point deduction. There’s no way around it.
Mazzotta
A It’s tough. My thought would be to somehow develop a safer glove.
5 Former Jackson Wink trainer, Frank Lester aired some dirty laundry in his complicated relationship with Jon Jones. Have you ever had fighter-coach issues that had to be dealt with?
Knight
A Not really. I’ve always kept a massive respect for my coaches. They work hard to help me improve so I owe them the respect!
Kruchten
A Frank is a great man, an amazing family man. For anybody to do him dirty is wrong and they should be ashamed. Luckily, for me, the people I have always surrounded myself with sometimes disagree but we will always have one another’s back no matter what.
Lahat
A Shit, man. Not like that. I try to treat the people that go to war with me like family.
Mazzotta
A Yes but, in my opinion, it’s best to keep those things in the confines of the gym.
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