Issue 135
December 2015
Holm not rushed into title fight
Undefeated UFC women’s bantamweight Holly Holm has hit back at claims she was rushed into a fight against Ronda Rousey. Despite a perfect 2-0 start to her Octagon career, some fans suggested it was too soon for the 33-year-old former boxing world champion. However, ‘The Preacher’s Daughter’ believes the time is right for her to take on ‘Rowdy’ for the 135lb title. She said: “I’m very capable. I’m walking with every bit of confidence into this fight without being cocky or overconfident. Do I have to do everything right? Absolutely. But it’s possible.” The fight is set for UFC 193 the Etihad Stadium in Melbourne, Australia on November 14th.
32-2-3
Holm won 32 of her 38 fights as a pro boxer. She won titles in three weight classes and was ranked as the pound-for-pound world number-one.
JDS thinks he’ll finish Werdum again
Former UFC heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos believes he’ll knock Fabricio Werdum out if he fights him for the heavyweight title. ‘Cigano’ made his UFC debut against ‘Vai Cavalo’ at UFC 90 and scored a shocking 80-second KO. He’s confident of a repeat performance if he earns a shot at the belt by beating Alistair Overeem in December.
“I’m faster than him, I have better striking abilities. He’s better now, professor Rafael Cordeiro improved his Muay Thai, but improving your Muay Thai is different than having striking as your main martial art. I’ve done this my entire life,” he said. “If the fight goes to the ground, he’s the favorite. But I see myself beating him again, and by knockout. First or second-round knockout.”
On the radar
Unsigned talent with big potential
Davi Ramos (Brazil)
The 28-year-old 155lb’er has fought sporadically since turning pro in 2010, mainly competing on the grappling circuit. However, he now has a renewed focus on MMA following his win at this year’s ADCC submission wrestling world championships.
Brett Caswell (UK)
‘Lil Ninja’ is one of MMA’s top unsigned flyweights. The Englishman has a tricky takedown game and powerful ground ’n’ pound, which has propelled him to seven wins from eight fights.
Darrell Horcher (USA)
The Cage Fury Fighting Championships’ 155lb champ is on a four-fight roll that includes a head-kick KO against Jordan Stiner in his last bout. ‘The Saint’ has power in his hands, but isn’t just a brawler, and can earn a decision or a quick finish.
POLL POSITION
#FreeNickDiaz
Planet MMA was in uproar when Nick Diaz received a five-year suspension for testing positive for marijuana metabolites, so FO polled your opinions on a more suitable punishment to fit the crime
#FOmag poll on a suitable punishment for Nick Diaz
Fine only = 74%
1-year ban = 19.8%
2-year ban = 3.2%
5-year ban = 2%
Lifetime ban = 1%
Levi Lipovitch: “One year plus a fine and he has to pay for drug testing before he fights again.”
Chris Lynch: “Fine at most. They let Jon Jones off for taking cocaine for f**k sake!”
@Grecckko: “Cheating is cheating. 6 months. Also make him apologize to the youth fans for making another mistake.”
@lmtmojo: “His medical exemption wasn’t considered or the fact the tests were inconsistent. 12 months would suffice. Particularly if you consider Anderson got considerably less for intentional PED use (presuming you don’t buy the sex pill story).”
Batista Chaaya: “Fine/one year suspension but not five years.”
WHAT'S NOT
Demetrious Johnson
The flyweight champ continues to dominate everyone that steps into the cage with him. And he’s doing it with plenty left in the tank too. P4P #1?
UFC 200
It’s official! The UFC’s landmark event is all set to blow minds and break records in the brand-new Las Vegas Arena on July 2nd.
GO BIG!
A galaxy of stars and enough trash talk to silence even Chael Sonnen – the UFC’s hype-heavy press conference announcing upcoming events was a must-see for fans.
WHAT'S HOT
UFC heavyweight delays
Why must we wait so long for Fabricio Werdum to defend his title? There’s a whole queue of contenders waiting for their shot!
Five-year suspensions
Nick Diaz was a bad boy, but he didn’t deserve such a harsh punishment from the Nevada State Athletic Commission for a positive pot test.
Faber-Ludwig beef
Their Team Alpha Male union seemed like a match made in heaven, so it’s a shame these two have engaged in such a bitter war of words.
60 seconds
Who says the UFC needs Conor McGregor to create buzz for a successful show in Dublin, Ireland? Tickets for UFC Fight Night 76, which was spearheaded by a bout between Joseph Duffy from Donegal, and his opponent Dustin Poirier, sold out within an incredible 60 seconds of going on sale.
STAR SIGHTING
Aussie rules
Who? Ruby Rose
Where? UFC 191
Usually when Orange is the New Black is mentioned in FO’s pages, it’s because of the show’s long-time MMA fan, Laura Prepon. However, this time it’s Ruby Rose, the Australian breakout star of its third season, who was at the MGM Grand Garden Arena to see Demetrious Johnson defend his 125lb title.
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