Issue 140
November -0001
Favorite fighters, title picks and technique obsessions: it’s time to fire a few questions at MMA’s pros
The Fighters
Q1: Now he’s back in action, can Hector Lombard make a run at the 170lb title?Jouban
A: His is a tough matchup but I don’t see him capturing the belt because of the hit or-miss performances over his career. Also, we’ll have to see much more of how he performs clean.
Scott
A: Yeah, Hector’s a beast. I met him, he’s a lovely guy as well. He’s definitely got a chance. His ground game and wrestling defense is so explosive – as soon as he hits the deck he’s already up.
Sanders
A: Lombard is a great athlete and I would definitely like to see him get back to his savage ways – the way he fought when he was Bellator champ. Only time will tell if he can dominate in the UFC.
Amirkhani
A: Why not? He makes mistakes, everybody can learn from their mistakes. It’s not nice when people are doing (steroids) because they’re cheating, but he deserves a second chance.
Q2: Who is your combat sports hero?
Jouban
A: Mike Tyson is definitely one of my top sports heroes of all time. He had the total package of brutality and ferocity that made every kid love him and be scared to death of him at the same time.
Scott
A: Fedor Emelianenko. I thought, ‘Oh god, he’s going to be s**t,’ then about five minutes into his highlight reel I was like, ‘Holy s**t! Who’s this guy?’ Fedor’s my favorite of all time.
Sanders
A: Tyson is my all-time favorite boxer. The knockout power he possessed was absolutely unreal. Bruce Lee would be my combat sports hero, though. He was such an inspiration to me.
Amirkhani
A: I liked fighters like Muhammad Ali and Tyson. When you were playing boxing with your friends, the first name that comes to your mind is either Muhammad Ali or Mike Tyson.
Q3: Are you backing Jon Jones to reclaim his title from Daniel Cormier?
Jouban
A: Man, I love DC but this will be a tough task. Jon Jones has always looked amazing but more size and power makes him a bad man in the Octagon.
Scott
A: Yeah. He could finish him as well, especially now he’s done all this powerlifting. He’ll be the pound-for-pound best as well.
Sanders
A: Yes I do. Jon Jones is on a different level. He’s younger, he’s longer, he’s more skilled. Although Daniel Cormier is a great fighter, I see Jon Jones getting a quick finish in their rematch.
Amirkhani
A: Yes, definitely. Whatever people want to say, he is the champion. Like Alexander Gustafsson said: you’re not the champion until you’ve beaten Jon Jones. That is a fact.
Q4: Dominick Cruz spends hours honing his footwork. Is there anything in your training you obsess over?
Jouban
A: Footwork is one of my obsessions as well. The Monday after the Cruz and TJ Dillashaw fight I think everyone had a little snap in their step at the gym channeling their inner Dom Cruz!
Scott
A: I work on shifting a lot, but I’m yet to use it in my fights. It’s switching your feet as you go forward, making your weaker hand the power hand and coming back to your stance.
Sanders
A: I don’t obsess over anything in particular in my training or in my technique. I just want to get better at everything I’m already good at and I want to make my weaknesses my strengths!
Amirkhani
A: Yeah, my striking and the footwork – moving and not getting hit.
Q5: What fight would you make to headline UFC 200 this summer?
Jouban
A: It would have to be Conor (McGregor) in the main event, but I don’t think he’ll get past Rafael dos Anjos. So put him in the co-main and make Jon Jones against Daniel Cormier the main event.
Scott
A: It’s gotta be McGregor if he does win. If he asks for the shot at the welterweight title then give it to him. That’d be quite impressive.
Sanders
A: If Conor McGregor wins the lightweight title then I say let him move up in weight again and fight for the welterweight title against Robbie Lawler.
Amirkhani
A: Who’s the guy who everybody’s talking about the most? That’s the answer. Everybody knows it’s Conor McGregor.
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