Issue 147
November -0001
Title talk, the best BJJ, crazy occurrences and training woes – it’s time to quiz the pros
The Fighters
1: Does José Aldo have what it takes to beat McGregor if they fight again?
High
A: Aldo looked really good in his last fight, so I’m gonna go with Aldo. I think he’s going to be a little more composed.
Phan
A: José Aldo’s the man. Everyone’s talking about how Conor McGregor got lucky, but man, he’s good. But if Aldo can take McGregor down...
Rickels
A: The better fighter doesn’t necessarily win on fight night. Aldo is more well-rounded and could win with his head in the right place.
Ferguson
A: The second fight is always hard to come back. Aldo will get him in the second fight. If he just clears his mechanism and knows what he’s up against, he has his number.
2: Unlike Holly Holm and Miesha Tate, can Amanda Nunes hold onto the UFC bantamweight belt?
High
A: I do, actually. She’s as likely to keep it as anyone. She’s well-rounded.
Phan
A: I’ve only seen Nunes fight one time and she looked amazing. (Valentina) Shevchenko is the girl that’s going to hold onto it. (Nunes) might lose it to her.
Rickels
A: I don’t think Nunes hangs on to it for too long. I think we’re gonna see a lot of belts changing frequently in the women’s divisions for a while.
Ferguson
A: S**t, that is a hard question. That weight class has been crazy. If Holly stays humble she can work her way back. Nunes can do some damage though.
3: Who has the best BJJ for MMA?
High
A: I would go with Demian Maia for effectiveness. I definitely wouldn’t want that guy on my back. I’d say Jacare (Souza), just for flash.
Phan
A: Right now I would say Jacare or Demian Maia.
Rickels
A: Demian Maia has the best Brazilian jiu-jitsu in MMA – hands down.
Ferguson
A: Demian Maia. Jacare has great BJJ for MMA, too. I would say my own, too. I think mine is top notch. I am always going for the finish. I am always creating new opportunities.
4: What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever seen in a fight?
High
A: One time I was at a smaller show and somebody forgot to lock the door. These guys came tumbling out of the cage, down the stairs. One guy was still fighting.
Phan
A: Recently I saw two fat guys fighting and I think one guy got knocked out and when he stood up, he’d crapped his pants. A big, bald fat white guy just dookied out of his pants (laughs).
Rickels
A: I was watching an amateur fight and this guy in bright pink spandex gets taken down and gets put in full mount position. He got wailed on and then knocks the guy out from bottom. Crazy.
Ferguson
A: People didn’t know how to cut weight (in wrestling). They used laxatives. You would be sniffing, look across the mat and this guy is wrestling after he s**t himself.
5: What’s the worst beating you’ve ever taken in training?
High
A: When I first started fighting I used to train with these boxers and they used to beat the s**t out of me. I was just coming off the wrestling mats and they were just beating me up.
Phan
A: I remember a pro fighter called Musa Toliver. We rolled jiu-jitsu and he gave me a good beating.
Rickels
A: It was when I was grappling Jake Shields. It was a moral ass whipping. I felt like an infant.
Ferguson
A: All the time, man. Training is crazy. You hit the wall so many times if you really push yourself hard. I almost have a nervous breakdown but then I go to Taco Bell and feel better.
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