Issue 138
November -0001
Four pros consider the stars of the future, motion picture casting and ‘Fighter of the Year’
The Fighters
1 Q: Who is your choice for 2015 ‘Fighter of the Year’ at the World MMA Awards in February?
Norman Parke
A: Conor (McGregor) has to be in there for what he’s done. Joanna (Jedrzejczyk) should be up for the award as well.
Robert Whittaker
A: Holly Holm defeated a titan in Ronda Rousey, so it’s hard to look past that. It was David vs. Goliath.
Ryan Roddy
A: It has to be (Conor) McGregor, because he’s stopped everybody he’s fought, more or less, and finishing the year off against (José) Aldo. It’s just amazing.
Danny Roberts
A: Conor McGregor has had an incredible year in the UFC and really changed the game in a lot of ways: inside and outside the Octagon.
2 Q: Tom Hardy played a convincing mixed martial artist, but which leading man would play you in a movie of your life?
Norman Parke
A: I love Brad Pitt, man. I think it goes back to the Snatch movie. I think he would play it good enough.
Robert Whittaker
A: I would like Channing Tatum, because the ladies love him and he’s a good-looking machine. Does that not make sense?
Ryan Roddy
A: Matt Damon. I like the way he’s kind of stoic. He gets on with his work without making a big fuss. I’m not the noisiest person and if you hung out with him he’d be pretty normal.
Danny Roberts
A: That’s a tough one. Denzel Washington has certainly got the skills but is perhaps a little old now. Perhaps Michael B Jordan, as he looks the part in Creed.
3 Q: Are there any young studs in your gym to add to FO’s Class of 2016?
Norman Parke
A: Mark Andrew and Rhys McKee are two young lads that have been catching my eye recently. They’re very humble, hard workers, never say a thing in training but listen to what’s being said.
Robert Whittaker
A: The level of MMA in Australia is crazy now compared to just a few years ago. Just wait and see what comes through in the next five years – including my two younger brothers!
Ryan Roddy
A: There’s a guy called Paul Hughes. He’s 18, he fights out of EFR in Ireland and I think he could be sensational.
Danny Roberts
A: Blackzilians is full of killers on the mats every single day. While back home in Liverpool there are half a dozen lads in my gym that have UFC potential for sure.
4 Q: Jon Jones has used Olympic lifting to fire up his S&C program. What’s the cornerstone of your conditioning?
Norman Parke
A: I like the deadlift as it makes you very strong and explosive for the takedowns. But close to a fight I never worry too much about strength exercises. Squatting adds too much muscle.
Robert Whittaker
A: I’m a traditionalist. I love to wrestle, roll jiu-jitsu and punch bags. That’s how I condition myself to fight – technically and physically.
Ryan Roddy
A: I like to concentrate less on lifting and more on gymnastics: ring work, handstands, splits, working towards flexibility. I’m not convinced Jon Jones bulking up is going to help him.
Danny Roberts
A: I still like road work, getting up before sunrise and hitting the streets or even track work. Speed and stamina are essential.
5 Q: Which two legends would you choose to return for one last fight?
Norman Parke
A: I’d like to see Randy Couture vs. Fedor Emelianenko. It would be interesting but Fedor would have the upper hand I believe.
Robert Whittaker
A: Rampage and Chuck Liddell. That would be a scrappy fight – and someone is getting carried out of the cage that night.
Ryan Roddy
A: (Kazushi) Sakuraba is definitely one of them. I’d like to see Sakuraba fight Renzo Gracie again in an MMA fight.
Danny Roberts
A: Randy Couture vs. Chuck Liddell would sell out anywhere in the world, regardless of how old they are today.
...
