Issue 141
November -0001
Four 135lb stars analyze, matchmake and handicap ahead of the next showstopping season of fights
The Fighters
1 Q: Should Miesha Tate rematch Holly Holm or wait for Ronda Rousey for her first title defense?
Francisco Rivera
A: She should wait. Rousey would be a better fight and it would determine if she can stay the champ. Rousey already defeated her twice, so this would be a bigger fight for Miesha.
Lauren Murphy
A: I would actually like to see Holm and Rousey fight again for a chance to fight Tate, because I’m honestly not stoked about Ronda vs. Miesha 3.
Jimmie Rivera
A: A rematch with Holm is the fight I would really like to see for Tate, but unfortunately that’s probably not happening now.
Tonya Evinger
A: I don’t think she should fight either. Obviously, Ronda thinks that’s her easy way back to the top and Holly didn’t really hold the belt. This is what the weight class needed.
2 Q: What fight would you like to see headline UFC 200?
Francisco Rivera
A: I’d like to see Tate vs. Rousey 3 or Robbie Lawler and the winner of Stephen Thompson and Rory MacDonald. We could even have Georges St Pierre come back and fight Lawler.
Lauren Murphy
A: A fight everyone wants to see: GSP vs. Robbie Lawler.
Jimmie Rivera
A: Conor McGregor and Frankie Edgar for the UFC featherweight title. That’s the fight we all want to see now. It has to happen.
Tonya Evinger
A: I’d like to see Nate Diaz vs. Conor McGregor 2. That was a great fight and the guys exhibited a lot of heart and talent.
3 Q: Is traditional Muay Thai becoming increasingly ineffective in modern MMA?
Francisco Rivera
A: You can’t just stand in front of people, like traditional Muay Thai practitioners do. It seems like everyone has more movement – especially head movement, like boxers – now.
Lauren Murphy
A: Not necessarily. Thai kicks, knees, elbows and clinch work can be great. Obviously it’s not so great if you get taken down, but fighters need variety, including grappling attacks and defenses.
Jimmie Rivera
A: Perhaps. Boxing can beat Muay Thai, if the person is skilled enough. I’ve fought and beat people strong at Muay Thai by outboxing them.
Tonya Evinger
A: Hell yes. With MMA, nothing is traditional any more and that’s what makes this sport so amazing.
4 Q: Who wins when Jacare Souza fights Vitor Belfort?
Francisco Rivera
A: Jacare will submit Vitor Belfort, then fight the winner of Chris Weidman and Luke Rockhold. And I think (Jacare) will win the title.
Lauren Murphy
A: I believe Jacare wins for sure. He’s just meaner everywhere.
Jimmie Rivera
A: I’m not really sure at all in this matchup but I might have to go with Souza over Belfort.
Tonya Evinger
A: I’m going with Belfort in Brazil. Always Belfort in Brazil (laughs).”
5.Q: Should Nate Diaz get another shot at Rafael dos Anjos after defeating Conor McGregor?
Francisco Rivera
A: Nate reminded us every fighter fights and trains hard to win. I’m glad he got what he’s deserved his whole career: respect. And he got paid. He should get a crack at dos Anjos or whoever he wants.
Lauren Murphy
A: Nate is more interested in being rewarded with money for his victories than higher-quality matchups. But he’ll fight anyone anytime and if he’s fighting, I’m watching.
Jimmie Rivera
A: I believe so. A fight between Diaz and dos Anjos for the UFC lightweight title would definitely be a great fight at this point.
Tonya Evinger
A: Nate should get a shot at Conor’s featherweight belt. I say let Nate decide what he wants to do next. Honestly, he deserves his shot now.
