Issue 188
November -0001
Who wins Khabib vs Ferguson; or Ortiz vs Jones! ; spiritual moments; Conor McGregor’s 2020 and dancing on TV, yes or no from four top pros
The Fighters
1 It appears that Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson are finally going to lock horns at UFC 249 in April. How do you see the fight playing out?
Banario
A That’s a tough call. Ferguson is dangerous on his back and feet but I’m going to put my money on Khabib.
Jones
A Fights that are this hyped, I try not to get too worked up over. They always seem to be a dud. My prediction, man, such a hard one to choose, Tony Fergerson via split decision.
De Fries
A I think it’s a cursed fight and it will fall through again. If it does happen though, I think Khabib will grind him out.
Griffin
A Man, Khabib is undefeated and Tony has won a million straight. I think it’s going all the way to a split decision . . . and Tony takes it.
2 MMA all-time great Tito Ortiz recently said that he can still beat Jon Jones. what are your thoughts on Tito’s comments?
Banario
A Tito Ortiz is just being delusional. There is no way he can defeat Jon Jones.
Jones
A Tito’s silly. That’s just crazy.
De Fries
A Tito is just working the press there, I think. He would be crazy to think he could . . . maybe he is crazy though.
Griffin
A He’s trippin’. That’s all I can say!
3 MMA veteran Nate Marquardt recently said that God spoke to him and that was a motivation for his return to competition. Have you had similar spiritual moments?
Banario
A I never heard that before! I would say I don’t have any spiritual moments like Marquardt.
Jones
A When I was training for my fight against Jake Hager, I’d just finished running and a crazy chill took over. I had a moment of complete confidence. I started screaming and beating my chest. It was a cool moment. Spiritual? Not sure, but I’ll never forget it.
De Fries
A I often take some time for spiritual exercises, especially meditation and cold water swims. I don’t believe in God but there is definitely something at work out there.
Griffin
A I do, actually. 13 years ago I was at the Reggae on the River Festival in Humboldt County. We were hanging out at the end of the night and I heard a message in my head. “You need to start fighting.” The rest was history.
4 Conor McGregor recently said that he plans on fighting multiple times in 2020. Do you think there’s any chance of that happening?
Banario
A It’s really hard to tell anymore. I think Conor lost his hunger in the fighting game. He is gonna get smashed by young and hungrier fighters. I don’t think he can fight multiple times next year.
Jones
A Yes. It’s something I hope happens. I’m a big McGregor fan. It’s always a good show and pre-fight fun when McGregor is on the card.
De Fries
A Who knows with that guy? He may just end up in jail before it’s all said and done.
Griffin
A Multiple is more than one right? (Laughs) So yeah. Once in January then one later in the year.
5 Junior dos Santos recently competed on Dancing with the Stars Brazil. Is there any chance we might see you on the dance floor on national TV?
Banario
A There is no way!
Jones
A Oh, hell yes. Life’s a dance and you have to enjoy every minute.
De Fries
A Yeah, I would love to do that, but I would prefer Total Warrior!
Griffin
A I will just say this . . . Hennything is possible!
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