Issue 134
November -0001
Fedor’s return, Cruz’s title hopes and weighty issues. FO asks four fighters for their thoughts
The Fighters
Q: Does Dominick Cruz have what it takes to reclaim the UFC bantamweight belt from TJ Dillashaw?
Demetrious Johnson
A: Dominick has to stay healthy. Your body is your business. He’s gone through some hard times, but I absolutely believe he has what it takes to beat TJ.
Andrew Todhunter
A: Absolutely. If you watch his footwork, the way he sets up his knee taps and the fact he can fight going forwards and back while switching stances, it makes him really unpredictable.
Tom Watson
A: Obviously the Dillashaw hype is high right now with the two wins over Renan Barao, but I still believe Cruz is the better fighter and I think he still wins that fight.
Sean Soriano
A: Dillashaw is a little more ahead of the game right now and has a little more power than Dominick. He should be able to put him down if they fight.
Q: How do you get ready to compete in the final 48 hours before a fight?
Demetrious Johnson
A: I just relax with my family, particularly my wife and my coaches. I make sure I get a good night’s sleep, eat a lot of food because I don’t do IVs, and I keep myself focused.
Andrew Todhunter
A: The last 48 hours are crunch time for me as I’m finishing my water loading and doing my recommended cardio that I do every single day.
Tom Watson
A: I don’t have any rituals, I don’t really see the point. It’s just about making weight, making sure my body is in the right shape, and not messing around with other variables.
Sean Soriano
A: My mind is firmly focused on making weight in a healthy way where I don’t feel exhausted. I’m just trying to have a clear mind and save all my energy for the fight.
Q: Could José Aldo vs. Conor McGregor sell out Dallas Cowboys’ 100,000-capacity AT&T Stadium?
Demetrious Johnson
A: If they did enough marketing like they did for UFC 189 they could have.
When I would see the trailer for their fight I would get goosebumps. It sucked that Aldo got injured.
Andrew Todhunter
A: Definitely. They will stage a fight there for sure. But it won’t be just one fight like McGregor vs. Aldo, the UFC would stack the card with really good fights.
Tom Watson
A: If Ronda Rousey’s on the card I believe they can come close to that number, but just McGregor alone? I don’t think so.
Sean Soriano
A: I’m surprised they never went for it. With Ronda Rousey on the card too they could have sold it out for sure.
Q: Should Fedor Emelianenko sign with the UFC now he’s returning to MMA?
Demetrious Johnson
A: No, he will get a better deal elsewhere, maybe with Bellator or One FC. The UFC is home to the best in the world and I don’t think he wants that title again.
Andrew Todhunter
A: They’ve been in negotiation several times and it always falls through. Dana White, Joe Silva and those guys are hard to negotiate with. I’d just like to see him fight again.
Tom Watson
A: I really hope they get it done. If he doesn’t come to the UFC then I don’t have any interest in watching him come back. I could still see him becoming UFC champion.
Sean Soriano
A: No, he won’t sign with the UFC. If he wasn’t willing to do it just after his prime then he’s not going to do it now. Although, you never know with this sport.
Q: Would adding more weight classes help or hinder MMA?
Demetrious Johnson
A: It gives a little more diversity so fans can decide what they want to watch. Fighting has no season, it’s all year round, so the weight classes offer the fans something to follow.
Andrew Todhunter
A: More champions means a more diverse array of athletes with different upbringings attracting different people. More spectators plus more title fights equals bigger MMA.
Tom Watson
A: It would be difficult purely down to the number of participants. It’s not boxing. I could see the benefit of a 225lb or 230lb division, ideal for guys like (Daniel) Cormier and Cain Velasquez.
Sean Soriano
A: The sport is fine where it’s at right now. There would be too many divisions and too many fighters for people to get to know. People barely remember who was on the last card now.
...
