Issue 139
November -0001
Picking fights and MMA highlights with four cage contenders.
The Fighters
Q: Who should Luke Rockhold face for his first title defense?
Pearson
A: I don’t think it should be Vitor Belfort or Yoel Romero now, even thought both are dangerous for sure. Maybe the winner of Anderson Silva vs. Michael Bisping.
Grant
A: Obviously Belfort’s had a few chances but he’s doing well. Romero deserved his shot before he got busted, so perhaps Weidman will get the return first.
Honeycutt
A: Belfort should get it. Why not? Luke’s the UFC champ now, Belfort was his first UFC fight and he lost. That would be a good fight.
Rogers
A: I guess a Vitor Belfort rematch makes sense. Rockhold has unfinished business there.
Q: Does Conor McGregor deserve his 155lb title shot?
Pearson
A: He doesn’t deserve it, but he’s got it because he’s the money fight right now – that gives him a lot of power. He sells a fight, which brings dollars. I don’t think it’s a good move for him though.
Grant
A: He deserves everything he gets. He’s brought so much attention to the sport. It’s nice to see one of the champions fight at the higher weights. They seem to shy away from these fights.
Honeycutt
A: I have no problem with champions going up or down and winning other belts. It probably makes sense them fighting the top contender before going for the belt though.
Rogers
A: Confidence is everything and if your mind is right, which McGregor’s is, then you can achieve anything.
Q: How did you score Robbie Lawler’s title brawl with Carlos Condit in January?
Pearson
A: I had them pretty much even going into the last round. But Lawler pushed harder in the fifth, and if you’re not winning the fifth round you’re not winning the belt.
Grant
A: It was touch-and-go, but I edged towards Condit. But can you really take it away from the champion? I don’t think either fighter could have grumbled if it had gone the other way.
Honeycutt
A: It looked like it was a pretty good brawl. I’d have to watch the whole thing, but I know that last round looked like two tough dudes who were totally exhausted but relentless in throwing bombs.
Rogers
A: Condit was way busier and threw far more shots. But not only that I thought he dictated three rounds so I was surprised he didn’t get the decision. But it was no robbery.
Q: What was your personal highlight from 2015?
Pearson
A: My knockout over Sam Stout. And UFC 193 was insane. How Holly Holm won the fight was crazy, and the amount of people who were talking about it after the fight was insane.
Grant
A: It’s got to be Conor McGregor, hasn’t it? He’s got the ball rolling at the minute. To hype up that massive fight (against José Aldo) and then get the win speaks volumes.
Honeycutt
A: Establishing my standup game in the first round of my fight with Paul Bradley. I feel like that gave me the confidence that I can keep up with the best of them.
Rogers
A: Obviously, being in the TUF house was a career high point for me. Not losing a fight in the Octagon – that’s something I hope to add to in the future.
Q: Can Michael Bisping defeat Anderson Silva in London?
Pearson
A: I’d probably say Mike’s in a better position right now. He’s fought more often, he’s got the momentum swinging his way. He’s just got to be able to keep it that way.
Grant
A: I always thought Bisping would be a hard fight for Silva. I’ve got so much respect for Silva, but Michael’s a friend and I’d like to see him get the win.
Honeycutt
A: I’ll pick Silva. He was the reigning champ for so many years so who wouldn’t pick him?
Rogers
A: No, Anderson will come again. He’s too talented and champions like him rise and fall and rise again. I expect him to finish Bisping in style.
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