Issue 130
July 2015
We asked four fighters from the MMA universe their opinions on five of the most relevant matters of the moment.
The Fighters
Q1. Mark Hunt is this issue’s big interview. What’s your favorite ‘Super Samoan’ knockout?
A. Barnatt
“Probably his knockout over Stefan Struve. Although I like Stefan, that was a crazy knockout. Being a tall guy like him, I felt every inch of that punch and it was horrible. It’s still my favorite though.”
A. Silva
“It’s tough to say. I just love the way that Mark Hunt knocks people out and walks away (laughs). He really is a great knockout artist.”
A. Grove
“His knockout of Stefan Struve. He was so much shorter than the guy but used a lunging left hook to knock him out and walked away.”
A. Faber
“I really like the Roy Nelson knockout. It was cool to see a uppercut, walkaway knockout.”
Q2. Fighters Only has created its list of the 100 hottest things in MMA, but what do you think is the coolest thing about the sport?
A. Barnatt
“Just the fact individuals make up the sport. You could be anyone and your individual attributes will stand out. I love that there’s individuality in the sport and you can be your own fighter.”
A. Silva
“The fact I can earn money by punching people in the face is f**king awesome (laughs).”
A. Grove
“It’s a new sport and it’s growing every year. The UFC made the sport as big as it is which has opened doors for other organizations like Bellator, World Series of Fighting and One Championship to grow too.”
A. Faber
“Both Chris Weidman and Jon ‘Bones’ Jones are sons of preachers. That’s pretty cool. That’s kind of unique.”
Q3. Heavyweight legend Mirko ‘Cro Cop’ made a successful return to the UFC in April. Do you believe the heavyweight legend can go on a title run?
A. Barnatt
“That was an amazing comeback, but I never heard how he did against the shower after the fight. The outcome of his fight with the shower will determine if he can make a run. When I hear I’ll let you know my thoughts.”
A. Silva
“The new generation is too complete for Mirko to try and beat. I don’t think he’ll be able to go on a proper run inside the UFC.”
A. Grove
“He’s still good and he won his last fight, but father time is a b**ch. He’s knocking on my door too so I’m doing whatever I can to keep him away (laughs). He’s taken some big knockouts in his career so I don’t know.”
A. Faber
“I never doubt anybody. This is a sport of individuals who work their butts off so I’d love to see that. I’m a big fan of his so if it’s in his DNA and he wants to go for it then he’s got my support.”
Q4. Who are you picking to win the battle of TUF Brazil coaches between Antonio Rogerio Nogueira and Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua?
A. Barnatt
“Both guys are well renowned and loved in Brazil. ‘Lil Nog’ is probably the better coach, but it’s going to be interesting to see how it all goes.”
A. Silva
“Both guys are in a bad stage of their career. Nogueira will win because he’s more hungry.”
A. Grove
“I’ve always been a fan of Shogun and I’ve always looked up to him so I hope he wins the fight.”
A. Faber
“Shogun has so much experience that I’m going to have to go with him for this fight.”
Q5. We’re now halfway through 2015. What’s been your favorite moment of the year so far?
A. Barnatt
“Watching my teammate Arnold Allen win a lightweight title after taking the fight on five days’ notice and then he destroyed the guy. It was embarrassing.”
A. Silva
“I don’t have one yet, but I’m planning on fighting for the title again at some point. Fighting and winning the title in 2015 would be my favorite moment.”
A. Grove
“Just spending time with my family. I’ve got five beautiful children and a beautiful wife. When I’m not training I’m spending time with them on a beach in Hawaii watching my kids grow up.”
A. Faber
“Seeing the introduction of Cody ‘No Love’ Garbrandt who is one of our up and comers. I expect a lot out of him.”
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