Issue 123
November -0001
We asked four fighters from the MMA universe their opinions on five of the most relative matters of the moment
The Fighters
Q1. Dana White recently announced Conor McGregor is likely to fight for the 145lb strap in his next fight. Do you believe ‘Notorious’ can take the belt back home to Ireland?
DAN HENDERSON
A. “He’s done well and has come a long way. He seems to finish guys pretty well. Ireland would love to have a world champ, but I doubt he would come away with the title.”
MICHAEL PAGE
A. “He’s got a tricky style and it only takes one mistake. He certainly has the ability too but I’m not sure about him. I don’t know if he really believes what he’s saying or if it’s a front, but he certainly has the ability.”
CODY BOLLINGER
A. “I’ve never been too fond of Conor and his attitude, but the guy gets butts in seats! Love or hate him he will be a big name. As far as beating Aldo, well, I don’t see it happening. But I also counted him out against Poirier.”
PAUL BRADLEY
A. “I do think Conor can win the title and take it back to Ireland. The thing with him is that he believes in himself so much that he feels unbeatable which, honestly, he probably is with that type of mindset.”
Q2. This issue of Fighters Only is the special Pride Icon issue. What is your favorite memory from the Japanese promotions heyday?
DAN HENDERSON
A. “Beating Wanderlei Silva at Pride 33 to win my second Pride championship.”
MICHAEL PAGE
A. “The time ‘Rampage’ Jackson lifted up Ricardo Arona and slammed him to the mat. It was game over straight away. I’ve always enjoyed watching that clip.”
CODY BOLLINGER
A. “I was pretty young still when Pride was around but I’ll never forget the two greatest slams in MMA: ‘Rampage’ Jackson and Kevin Randleman.”
PAUL BRADLEY
A. “My favorite memories of Pride center around Kazushi Sakuraba. I loved watching that guy and he’s one of my all-time favorite fighters. He’s the man. He was a wrestler that was inventive in any position.”
?Q3. With more and more fighters getting popped for PEDs in 2014 than ever before, do you think promotions are starting to get a handle on the drug issue within the sport?
DAN HENDERSON
A. “I’ve been saying for years we should implement random drug testing across the board. If the sport tested a number of fighters randomly each month it would clean up dramatically. ”
MICHAEL PAGE
A. “I feel like it’s way better than the Pride days (laughs). I think sometimes things can be overlooked and you’ll always find that at whatever level. I used to get surprised about people popping for steroids but not anymore.”
CODY BOLLINGER
A. “MMA will never have a strong hand over fighters and PED use, but they’re making a start and I’m glad to see it. There are way too many guys using PEDs that haven’t been caught yet and probably never will, sadly.”
PAUL BRADLEY
A. “They are trying, but it’s always going to be a problem, especially when it comes to making money. If an athlete knows it can increase his chances of winning there will always be people cheating.”
Q4. Next year is set to be another blockbuster year for MMA. What is your prediction for the sport in 2015?
DAN HENDERSON
A. “MMA is so unpredictable because there are so many variables and anything really can happen. Like every year I’m sure next year will be no different as we will see new champions and new fighters emerge as stars.”
MICHAEL PAGE
A. “I see a bit more competition for the UFC and I’m not just saying that because I’m in Bellator. Some of these shows have a lot of money in them, especially these shows in Russia. It’s going to be interesting to see.”
CODY BOLLINGER
A. “To start it off we have Diaz vs. Silva for Christ sakes! That’s a mind-blowing fight. Then, of course, the return of Cody Bollinger to WSOF and move up to great things… at 145lb, of course.”
PAUL BRADLEY
A. “My big prediction for 2015 is that Dominick Cruz regains his belt.”
Q5. Who would you like to see voted as ‘Fighter of the Year’ at the seventh annual Fighters Only World MMA Awards?
DAN HENDERSON
A. “That’s tough, maybe TJ Dillashaw. For him to come in and beat someone who was not supposed to be beaten in Renan Barao was big.”
MICHAEL PAGE
A. “I’d actually like to see Cub Swanson win. I know he’s only fought once this year but he’s such an exciting fighter to me because you never know what he’s going to do and I really like that.”
CODY BOLLINGER
A. “Either TJ Dillashaw for doing what most people saw as impossible, beating Renan Barao. Or maybe ‘Mighty Mouse’ because he’s top three pound-for-pound and very unappreciated.”
PAUL BRADLEY
A. “It is pretty obvious it will be Conor McGregor, but I think Anthony Johnson has had an amazing year as well.”
