Issue 136
November -0001
Figuring out Fedor, featherweights and the festive season – four fighters share their views
The Fighters
Q: Which of the four leading featherweights that fight in Las Vegas this December do you think is the best fighter at 145lb?
Matt Brown
A: You have to go with José Aldo right now until someone proves different. You can’t take away from what he’s already done. He’s beat two of the three top featherweights.
Tom Breese
A: José Aldo is still the number one and he’s a better grappler than Conor (McGregor), which will prove the difference when they fight in December.
Garreth McLellan
A: You give it to whoever is the fittest and sharpest on the day, and whoever has the best mindset. Any one of those guys could be the champion. They all offer something different.
Reza Madadi
A: For me it’s José Aldo. I’ve been following this guy for a long time and love his style of fighting. Between Mendes and Frankie Edgar, I’d go for Edgar.
Q: What do you think about Fedor Emelianenko’s decision to fight in Japan and not the UFC?
Matt Brown
A: I’m happy to see him fight. I hope he gets some big wins and comes to the UFC. But I wouldn’t want him to fight in the UFC if he wasn’t in it for the right reasons.
Tom Breese
A: I was a little disappointed. If he was always just going to fight in Japan then he should really have stayed retired. But then I can’t knock another man for earning money.
Garreth McLellan
A: It would have been amazing to see him perform on the best platform in the world, so it is kind of disappointing. But every fighter has a different direction in life – you have to respect that.
Reza Madadi
A: I don’t care. I love that guy and I’ve watched every single fight. If he’s going to fight here or in Japan, I don’t care.
Q: Do you have any A-list celebrity fans?
Matt Brown
A: None that I know of. Maybe Jamey Jasta, the lead singer of Hatebreed, but he’s not really an A-Lister. If I could pick one, Brad Pitt would be cool. All my favorite movies are his.
Tom Breese
A: I don’t have any celebrity fans. Even inside MMA circles nobody knows who I am!
Garreth McLellan
A: Back home there’s a massive amount of high-class athletes that back me – guys like (Rugby World Cup winners) Bob Skinstad and John Smit, who’s a good friend and a big fan.
Reza Madadi
A: In Sweden we’re very famous with MMA. A lot of celebrities come and watch us. I heard One Direction wanted to come (to Dublin). Somebody asked me to get their autographs if I met them.
Q: It’s almost time to vote for the World MMA Awards. Who has been your standout performer so far in 2015?
Matt Brown
A: Probably Rafael dos Anjos. Beating Pettis was gigantic. He was a big underdog and nobody expected him to put on the performance he did.
Tom Breese
A: Robbie Lawler. His performance in beating Rory (MacDonald) was extraordinary.
Garreth McLellan
A: You have to look at Conor (McGregor) for everything he’s done for the sport. He’s taken it to the next level. Ronda (Rousey) is in there as well, They’re the two you’d have your eye on.
Reza Madadi
A: Alexander Gustafsson. In my opinion he won the fight (against Cormier), but like they say, never leave it to the judges.
Q: How do you indulge over the holiday season without ruining your fight-camp nutrition plan?
Matt Brown
A: My fight against Kelvin Gastelum is the week before Thanksgiving so I could get to enjoy it this year. But I’ll probably have another fight booked by Christmas. I just do what I’ve got to do.
Tom Breese
A: The best way to stay in shape over Christmas is just to stay in the gym and keep putting in the work. It’s only catches up with you when you’re eating and drinking without training.
Garreth McLellan
A: They can call on you at any time so you have to stay in shape. You’ve got to look after yourself. It’ll be quiet for me. I’ll be in the gym. I’m looking to compete on the London show in February.
Reza Madadi
A: Muslims don’t celebrate Christmas, but my wife’s Christian, so of course we do it at home, but I don’t have a problem with my diet. I don’t need to eat more just because it’s Christmas.
