Fighters Only

Issue 137

January 2016

Last call for Cro Cop

The legendary career of Mirko Cro Cop came to an abrupt end in November after he was suspended following in an out-of-competition test monitored by the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). The 41-year-old actually withdrew from a fight with Anthony Hamilton, scheduled for UFC Fight Night 79, before the announcement, citing a shoulder injury. But inside 24 hours the failed test result was made public.

Cro Cop later confessed: “After six days of growth hormone and plasma injections, USADA came to test me. I gave them my blood sample and urine samples and immediately told UFC about the test. I also said that I had been taking blood plasma and growth hormone since nothing else was working... I was desperate. I might be the first fighter who has ever been suspended after retirement. Maybe they think it is good for them to sanction someone that is well known.” Of maybe Mirko, you jumped before you were pushed.

74% KO

A staggering 23 of Cro Cop’s 31 career MMA wins came by way of knockout, including several of the most memorable in the sport’s history.

Bellator goes global

After almost seven years promoting shows in North America, Bellator MMA has announced it will cross the Atlantic in 2016 for its first European shows. The Viacom-owned organization announced plans to promote events in London, England; Tel Aviv, Israel; and a location to be announced in Italy.

“We are thrilled to bring the incredible excitement of hard-hitting Bellator action featuring some of the best athletes in the world to our new global partners in the UK, Israel, and Italy,” says Bellator president Scott Coker. “The London event is especially encouraging as we will broadcast the main card in the UK on one of the country’s most-distributed broadcast channels, Channel 5.”

The London card is planned for the O2 Arena, the same venue the UFC will return to in February, and will be broadcast on tape delay on Spike in the US.

On the radar

Unsigned talent with big potential

Jeremy Kennedy (Canada)

The 23-year-old British Columbia native is now 7-0 in MMA. With a background in wrestling and jiu-jitsu, he won the chance to live and train in Thailand for a year and hasn’t looked back since.

Cory Sandhagen (USA)

The Coloradan training partner of TJ Dillashaw made his pro debut in 2015 shortly after closing the door on a slow-burning 3-1 run in the amateurs. Tipped by Elevation MMA head coach Lester Bowling as one to watch, look out for him on local cards this year.

Cian Cowley (Ireland)

The highly decorated Muay Thai champion officially made the transition over to MMA this year with John Kavanagh and co. at SBG Ireland. While admittedly a grappling novice, his standup credentials mean he’s going to be a threat from day one.

Poll position

Violence guaranteed

Robbie Lawler vs. Carlos Condit for the UFC 170lb title is as close to a sure-fire barnburner as you’ll see, but who do you think will walk away with the belt?

Lawler by KO = 30%

Lawler by dec. = 13%

Lawler by sub. = 5%

Condit by KO = 29%

Condit by dec. = 13%

Condit by sub. = 10%

@jlsegarra:

“@FightersOnly #FOmag Lawler 4th round KO. But, it’s going to be a long, bloody battle to get there. Condit should not be underestimated!”

@DarrenCarson68:

“@FightersOnly going to go Lawler on points, got fight of the year potential! #FOmag.”

Steve Neesham:

“Gonna be a war, but Lawler to win.”

Robert Veloz:

“Condit wins by submission after dropping Lawler with a head kick.”

David Muir:

“It’s going to be a tough fight for both of them but I’m thinking probably Robbie Lawler will edge it.”

Christian Wachter:

“Condit by TKO. I hope. But it could go either way. Lawler is a great fighter.”

What's hot

Pumping iron

Former champ Jon Jones has been hitting the weights and he looks stacked, giving the UFC light heavyweights even more reasons to fear his 2016 return.

Bantamweights are back

Dominick Cruz and Michael McDonald overcame injuries to book comeback fights in January and give the 135lb division a much-needed shot in the arm.

What's not

Five star!

For the second year running, Neil Magny fought five times in 2015. He also secured a top-10 spot in the 170lb rankings by beating Kelvin Gastelum in Mexico.

Nurmagomedov’s ribs

Poor Khabib can’t catch a break. Another injury ruled him out of his fight with Tony Ferguson, and denied us the chance to see a premier 155lb’er in action again.

Shunning sportsmanship

We’re all for a bit of fighter beef to hype fights, but come on Thiago Tavares and Clay Guida, can’t you shake hands like gentlemen once you’re done scrapping?

Cupcake’s quit talk

Miesha Tate’s comments about retiring from competition were hopefully a little premature as the female bantamweight division needs quality not quantity.

Star sighting

Die-hard fan

Who? Ruby Rose. Where? UFC 193

There were a lot of stars from TV, film and the music industry declaring their love for Ronda Rousey and women’s MMA before the Octagon’s trip to Australia, but only one was front and center when the action started. The Melbourne-born model, actress and presenter proved she’s one of the most hard-core celeb fans around.