Issue 145
November -0001
Nerves, hurts, heavyweights and romance – it’s time to pick the pros’ brains with five questions
The Fighters
1 Q: Why can no one seem to hold on to the UFC heavyweight championship?
Bradley
A: As funny as it sounds, right now all of the heavyweights seem to be bad matchups for one another. Plus, it only takes one clean punch with those big guys.
Jouban
A: The bigger the man, the more powerful his weapons. Any strike, kick and takedown can change the fight in that division.
Freire
A: I think the division is so unstable because it’s like going to a war without wearing a vest. First shot you take, you’re down, so it’s more difficult to keep your place at the top.
Calderwood
A: It’s MMA and it’s a fight – anything can happen. Especially with small gloves and so many different techniques. I think that’s why we all love it so much.
2 Q: Who’s your money on when Stipe Miocic makes his first defense against Alistair Overeem??
Bradley
A: I’m going Stipe Miocic. I believe his striking with his wrestling will be the difference. Also he keeps a very high pace for a heavyweight.
Jouban
A: It’s a very even match but I’m going to say that Stipe keeps his belt fighting with the emotions of his hometown behind him and supporting him.
Freire
A: I think Miocic is going to retain his title.
Calderwood
A: Overeem. I think he’ll knock (Miocic) out.
3 Q: Would you ever date a fellow fighter?
Bradley
A: I wouldn’t date someone in the sport. I want to get away from training and take my mind off it. I feel like our topic of conversation would revolve around training and fighting.
Jouban
A: I’m already a happily married man so that’s not an issue (laughs). But if I wasn’t I don’t think I personally would want my significant other in the same business as me.
Freire
A: It’s something I’ve thought about – if my wife was a fighter as well – and it wouldn’t bother me.
Calderwood
A: It’s each to their own. I’ve been in a relationship with my coach and it didn’t work out. It just comes down to who’s meant to be for you.
4 Q: How were you feeling when you made your professional MMA debut?
Bradley
A: I was pretty nervous but I already had two amateur fights so there wasn’t much of a difference. It was nice getting paid, which was the big plus.
Jouban
A: I felt like s**t because I had food poisoning. I barely put any weight back on and probably would of crapped my pants had I not ended the fight early.
Freire
A: I was very, very anxious. It was an adrenaline I had never felt. I’ve matured a lot since then. I’ve learned to deal with all that. Now I’m completely relaxed.
Calderwood
A: I know for a fact I was nervous. You have people saying it gets easier, but it never does. I’m always nervous. There’s something wrong with anyone who’s not, or they’re lying.
5 Q: What was your worst injury and how long where you out for?
Bradley
A: I tore my PCL right before The Ultimate Fighter. I couldn’t check kicks for over a year without extreme pain. I just took them and tried to fire back.
Jouban
A: I was out for a year and a half from knee surgery before making my amateur debut. I’ve also had a broken hand and a broken foot. One right after another. It was horrible.
Freire
A: I did my first five fights with torn (knee) ligaments. I didn’t have the money (for surgery) so I fought without it. I cried a lot and thought about giving up on my career. But I overcame that.
Calderwood
A: Everyone goes into fights with niggles, but my one major injury was an MCL sprain. I wasn’t doing anything for two weeks solid. That meant nothing with my legs.
