Issue 137
November -0001
FO quizzes the professionals on New Year wishes, P4P greatness and the best fights of 2015
The Fighters
1 Q: Who should take home the prize for ‘Fight of the Year’ from the Fighters Only World MMA Awards?
Josh Neer
A: My boy LC Davis’ fight against Hideo Tokoto at Bellator 135. That’s up there for ‘Fight of the Year’ for sure.
Rany Saadeh
A: The Rory MacDonald-Robbie Lawler fight – that was one good fight. I didn’t learn much watching it – for me, not that interesting – but it was entertaining. It could be ‘Fight of the Year.’
Ricky Rainey
A: Emanuel Newton vs. the champ (Liam McGeary). That fight was crazy. I’ve never seen somebody get out of so many submissions.
Hisaki Kato
A: There were so many big victories in big events. Robbie Lawler and Rory MacDonald was an incredible fight. It was the most impressive fight for me.
2 Q: With Jon Jones returning, who would you rank as MMA’s best pound-for-pound fighter?
Josh Neer
A: Either Jon Jones or José Aldo. One of those two at this point
Rany Saadeh
A: Jon Jones is a great fighter and I’m looking forward to him returning, even though I don’t like his personality. His fighting style is awesome. Him or Demetrious Johnson.
Ricky Rainey
A: Ah man, Jon Jones all the way. He’s so long and big too that he could even do it at heavyweight.
Hisaki Kato
A: Jon Jones is still the best. He makes it look easy and is improving every time. He’s smart too, and that’s really important. He’s not even at his maximum yet.
3 Q: Who wins when TJ Dillashaw and Dominick Cruz fight for the UFC bantamweight belt?
Josh Neer
A: Dominick Cruz wins this fight. TJ basically copied his style, but Dominick invented it and he wins on the ground and standing up.
Rany Saadeh
A: I believe Dominick Cruz is going to win, either by knocking him out or he’ll out-score TJ by a wide margin.
Ricky Rainey
A: It’s so funny because TJ sort of took his style and made it his own. I would like to say Dominick Cruz, but ring rust is serious and he has a lot of it compared to Dillashaw... But probably still Cruz.
Hisaki Kato
A: They’re both amazing but Cruz was injured for a long time. TJ Dillashaw is really confident and he might have a small, critical advantage at the beginning.
4 Q: We have two features on evolution this issue, but how have you evolved most as a fighter?
Josh Neer
A: I never really did weight training, but I’ve got into it this past year, so I’m definitely a lot stronger and I’ve worked on my wrestling.
Rany Saadeh
A: Everywhere. When I started I enjoyed brawling and getting into wild fights. Now I fight a lot smarter. I became better rounded, better in every area.
Ricky Rainey
A: I was punching so hard and gave everything I had with every punch but realized you don’t have to hit that hard because it’s small gloves and it’s going to hurt regardless. I’m looser now.
Hisaki Kato
A: I'm coming from a karate background so I’ve had to work on my ground game most of all. But I really enjoy it. It’s like a puzzle. It’s a really interesting part of the fight.
5 Q: If you could have one MMA wish come true in 2016 what would it be?
Josh Neer
A: I’d like to see a fight between myself and Paul Daley. The fans would like that fight. Maybe over in the UK when they go there. I’d be up for that.
Rany Saadeh
A: If there was one big thing, I’d love to fight in the UFC. That’s what I’m working towards. I just need an opportunity.
Ricky Rainey
A: I like to keep things simple – I just want to win. In this sport as long as you’re winning and doing it convincingly everything else figures itself out.
Hisaki Kato
A: I just hope to stay injury-free so I’ll be ready to fight again and maybe I can expect something more with Bellator.
