Issue 143
November -0001
Four fighters mull over some heavy issues, their best bits of training and what’s on the menu this summer
The Fighters
1 Q: Could Jon Jones move up and win the heavyweight title?
Roberts
A: Yeah. People might have lost sight of how great an athlete he is. His cage IQ, alongside his athleticism, is something that’s quite phenomenal.
Mousah
A: Yeah, Jon Jones is a strong man. If you go up in weight, as long as you’ve got the same fitness as when you were down in the weight below and you’re stronger, then there’s no problem.
Jackson
A: It’s a possibility. I read Greg Jackson said the extra size slowed him down a bit so a move up to heavyweight might be less detrimental. He needs to fight DC and get his belt back first.
Bessette
A: The way Jon looked in his last fight against OSP, I don’t think he could take the heavyweight crown, but the Jon Jones we’ve seen in the past is a problem for anyone at any weight.
2 Q: Who do you rank as the pound-for-pound best fighter in MMA?
Roberts
A: I would go with Demetrious (Johnson) because everyone I’ve seen him perform against, he’s been dominant. But I feel like (Jon) Jones is the more exciting fighter.
Mousah
A: I give (Demetrious Johnson) just as much props as Jon Jones. I’d have to go with DJ on this one, just because of the way he’s conducted himself as a champion.
Jackson
A: He’s still quite overlooked but Demetrious Johnson is looking phenomenal at the moment and has cleared out an entire weight division in pretty impressive fashion.
Bessette
A: Jon Jones. Demetrious Johnson is a very close second. What an outstanding athlete and martial artist he is. That man needs more credit.
3 Q: What’s your favorite part of fight camp?
Roberts
A: I love fight week. We’ve been working towards one night, one moment. You really get to appreciate your surroundings and where you are in your life and career. It’s exciting.
Mousah
A: I enjoy the peaking phase because you’re able to push yourself to a place you’ve never been before. Each time you have a fight you try to push yourself further than you did in your last fight camp.
Jackson
A: I like it when it starts to come together. When I have rounds where I feel really good and sharp. But then there’s the opposite of that when you feel like crap. You live for the good days.
Bessette
A: Watching my evolution from week to week. It’s a satisfying feeling when you look back at your weekly accomplishments and realize how much better you got.
4 Q: Now that summer’s here, will you fire up the grill for a barbecue?
Roberts
A: I’m not someone who goes and puts on (40lb) between fights, but I will indulge. (I’ll) enjoy the fruits of my labor and the flavors of the world. I’ll be feeding my face. Don’t worry about that.
Mousah
A: You can go to a barbecue and have some grilled meat with some salad, it doesn’t have to be fries and grease. I might just have some chicken, fruit salad – maybe drizzle a little bit of lemon over it.
Jackson
A: I’m more of a pizza and donut girl. I absolutely love pizza so can I just have a slice?
Bessette
A: I’m not a grill expert, but I am an expert at eating what comes off the grill. I don’t know what I’d do if I couldn’t express my carnivorous side. Love me some animal!
5 Q: Do you check all your supplements against USADA’s banned list?
Roberts
A: Yeah, I do. USADA make it very clear and easy for us to check anything we put into our bodies. It’s ultimately down to you and you haven’t got any excuses. USADA are just a phone call away.
Mousah
A: Steroids might increase your performance but I’d rather take as many natural supplements as possible. I don’t take too much notice what’s in them, though I know I could a bit more.
Jackson
A: I always check ingredients, but it’s hard with supplements. I stick with basic stuff like fish oils and whey protein, but while they appear to be clean, you only know for sure when you get tested.
Bessette
A: I take fish oil pills and amino acids. Proud to say that I get all of my performance ability from just being a hardworking, consistent, confident dude. That’s something I’m proud of.
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