Issue 127
November -0001
We asked four fighters from the MMA universe their opinions on five of the most relative matters of the moment
The Fighters
First ‘Rampage’ Jackson, then Mirko ‘Cro Cop’, which legend would you like to see return to the UFC next?
Luke Barnatt
“Joachim Hansen. He never fought in the UFC but I would love to see him get just one fight in the Octagon to crown his epic life and career. He’s a legend who’s relatively unknown in the West unfortunately.”
Joseph Duffy
“I’m not sure. I’m just happy to see Mirko Cro Cop back in the Octagon. I was always a massive fan of him because he never spoke a lot but by god did he speak with his fighting.”
Tony Ferguson
“‘The Smashing Machine’ Mark Kerr or Mark Coleman. If they were in their prime that would be pretty cool. They were awesome fighters back in the day.”
Joanne Calderwood
“I got my wish when Anderson came back. He’s my favorite fighter. Outside of that, Fedor (Emelianenko) in Russia would be awesome.”
Conor McGregor secured his title shot against José Aldo, but can his style dethrone the Brazilian?
Luke Barnatt
“Conor has beaten everybody he’s fought and he’s done it with the most pressure anybody has ever come under in the UFC. And that’s commendable. I don’t think he beats Aldo. But he deserved his shot for sure.”
Joseph Duffy
“Conor takes out José Aldo inside of two rounds.”
Tony Ferguson
“I doubt it. Conor talks a lot of s**t, but he can back it up. I’d like to see him face a good wrestler, but Aldo has good striking. I think Aldo beats him, but kudos to Conor for doing what he’s doing.”
Joanne Calderwood
“Obviously I’m going to go with my Irish brother. Aldo has never fought anybody like Conor. He’s unique and that’s going to give Aldo trouble... But then that lead leg of Conor’s is a target for Aldo too. I hope Conor wins.”
If Luke Rockhold beats Lyoto Machida should he get the next 185lb title shot?
Luke Barnatt
“The only person who beats Rockhold right now is Chris Weidman. Luke demolishes people on the ground and standing up. He could be the guy to watch this year for sure.”
Joseph Duffy
“Yeah, he’s got to be the next middleweight title contender if he manages to beat Lyoto Machida, hasn’t he? He’s becoming another big name.”
Tony Ferguson
“I believe so. It’s going to be a good fight. They’ve both got some great sparring partners. Machida definitely has a chance though, you can’t count him out.”
Joanne Calderwood
“That’s a tough fight against Machida. If he does well he’ll be rewarded, that’s what’s great about the UFC. And I believe Rockhold can win that fight, yes.”
It’s the 10th anniversary of TUF coming up. What’s your favorite memory of the first season?
Luke Barnatt
“I didn’t watch it when it aired, but watching back the finale fight – Griffin vs. Bonnar – when they embrace at the end, that’s when the world knew we had something. Look at Dana’s face at the end. He knew too.”
Joseph Duffy
“I remember watching the first season and talking to a few of the lads in school and explaining to them that’s what I just started doing. I remember Diego Sanchez blasting through everyone on the ground.”
Tony Ferguson
“I finally got to watch the first TUF Finale and that was epic. If it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t have won TUF and wouldn’t be fighting in the UFC right now. They fought their asses off.”
Joanne Calderwood
“It’s most fans’ favorite fight, the finale of TUF 1, but I’ve never actually seen the whole season. When you walk into the UFC Training Center in Las Vegas that’s the first picture on the wall. Griffin and Bonnar embracing.”
How important is stretching in your daily training routine?
Luke Barnatt
“I’m terrible. I’m the most inflexible man on the planet. I’m six-foot-six so I can kick you in the head anyway without stretching. But it’s my big goal for 2015, to be much more flexible.”
Joseph Duffy
“I used to stretch a lot more than I do now, but I really did find a benefit for it. Especially coming back to MMA after not kicking for a long time. I found I got my flexibility back quite quickly by doing it.”
Tony Ferguson
“It’s very important when I remember to do it. I think you can definitely tell the difference when you do or don’t stretch. My jiu-jitsu coach is Eddie Bravo and he stresses its importance.”
Joanne Calderwood
“I usually do my mobility before every session. Stretching out my legs, hips and arms. It’s very important and only takes five or 10 minutes, but I try to never miss it.”
