Issue 119
November -0001
We asked four different fighters from the MMA universe their opinions on the pressing matters of the moment
The Fighters
1 Does cover star Daniel Cormier have what it takes to dethrone Jon Jones from the top of the UFC light heavyweight division?
Lorenz Larkin
“I don’t believe so. I don’t think he has the range. He definitely has the wrestling, but my thing with Cormier is that his range isn’t always good. He lunges in with punches to close the distance.”
Ray Elbe
“It will be interesting to see what Jon Jones can do against an Olympic wrestler who is still in his prime and hasn’t tasted defeat. That gives DC a psychological edge that makes the fight interesting.”
Jessica Aguilar
“If there’s going to be one person that beats Jon Jones it’s going to be Cormier. He’s very well-rounded, he’s strong and I don’t think Jones has faced an opponent like him.”
Justin Gaethje
“It would be a great fight, but Jon Jones is also a wrestler and you can’t take that away from him. He’s always going to know how to wrestle and that’s Cormier’s strong point. If DC’s striking improves a little then he’ll have a shot.”
2 TJ Dillashaw shocked the world when he defeated Renan Barao for the UFC 135lb title. What’s been the biggest underdog win you’ve ever seen?
Lorenz Larkin
“I will always remember Anderson losing to Weidman but I’d say my favorite upset would be when Scott Smith knocked out Pete Sell (TUF 4 Finale, November 2006) after being struck to the body hard.”
Ray Elbe
“When UFC vet Benji Radach fought that guy (Danny Lafever, October 2003) who was dating his ex girlfriend, and the guy hadn’t even fought before, but still knocked him out cold. That was pretty huge. In their home town too.”
Jessica Aguilar
“You know what, there’s been so many in this sport. I can’t really say what the biggest MMA upset has been as there’s just been so many.”
Justin Gaethje
“When Georges St Pierre got knocked out that was huge (Matt Serra, UFC 69, April 2007). I remember watching that and it was shocking to me.”
3 MMA has changed dramatically over the last year. What do you think has been the biggest difference?
Lorenz Larkin
“I’d say fighters are getting more exposure. We’re seeing more fighters on TV shows and stuff like that, whereas a couple of years ago that sort of thing would’ve been unheard of.”
Ray Elbe
“The continued redefining of what an MMA athlete truly is, it’s becoming more apparent every year. MMA used to be about guys retiring from other sports and coming here. Now we have young guys coming in strong and that’s huge.”
Jessica Aguilar
“Obviously how popular the females have become within the sport. The sport for us has gone onto a completely different level.”
Justin Gaethje
“I’d say it’s promotions like World Series of Fighting who are giving fighters the opportunity to compete against each other and earn good money. These promotions are doing great things for MMA.”
4 Should Will Brooks get his chance to face Eddie Alvarez for the Bellator lightweight title, or would you rather see Eddie Alvarez vs. MichaelChandler III?
Lorenz Larkin
“As a fighter I think Will Brooks deserves to have the fight against Alvarez, but as a fan I would much rather see Chandler vs. Alvarez again.”
Ray Elbe
“When you give someone a replacement opportunity you run the risk of spoiling your planned outcome. Brooks deserves his shot now, after all, he saved that initial show when Alvarez pulled out.”
Jessica Aguilar
“Brooks is my teammate at American Top Team. I know he wants his shot at Alvarez and I’m pretty sure he’ll beat him when they fight. It’ll be a great matchup.”
Justin Gaethje
“It’s a sticky situation but I don’t think he (Alvarez)should fight Chandler right now. Brooks earned his shot by putting it to Michael Chandler and he whooped his ass.”
5 There were rumors online the UFC is thinking about bringing Pride back. Would you be interested in having a Pride bout?
Lorenz Larkin
“All I can think about is potentially getting kicked in the head on the ground, so I’m not sure (laughs). I’m pretty sure I’d want to try it though.”
Ray Elbe
“Pride was historic. It was home to the best fighters in the world at one point. And fighting inside a ring rather than a cage gives you this closeness to the audience that you just don’t get inside the cage.”
Jessica Aguilar
“Absolutely. If Pride came back it would be an honor of mine to fight in the promotion. I would have to do that in my career. It would be a special experience.”
Justin Gaethje
“I’d love to do it because I was a huge Pride fan. I loved the aggression and the fact you could be fined if you didn’t fight. I’d never lose my purse because I never take a step backwards.”
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