Issue 121
November -0001
Fanboys worldwide express their opinions online. In print, MMA’s biggest stars share their views. We asked four different fighters from the MMA universe for their opinions on the pressing matters of the moment.
The Fighters
Q1. Fabricio Werdum and Cain Velasquez square off at UFC 180. Who do you believe emerges with the heavyweight belt?
A. SANTIAGO
“It’s a very difficult fight to predict but I’ll stick with Werdum. We grew up competing in jiu-jitsu tournaments together so I know him very well. He’s really been opening his mind since he moved to America.”
A. WATSON
“I like Werdum, I think he’s really tough. But I don’t see anybody in the heavyweight division beating Velasquez, so I’ll have to back the champion.”
A. POIRIER
“Velasquez. Both have great stand-up and ground games, but Cain is a little more efficient on his feet. And with his ground game he’ll be on top and he’ll win rounds that way.”
A. SAFFIEDINE
“I believe Cain will keep his belt. He’s more well-rounded, has great cardio and I don’t see Werdum putting him in too much trouble, even from the bottom.”
Q2. Do you think Chad Mendes has got what it takes to dethrone longtime UFC featherweight king José Aldo second time around?
A. SANTIAGO
“Chad Mendes? Not really. If José Aldo moved up to 155lb and fought Eddie Alvarez then I would say yes. I’d like to see that fight one day.”
A. WATSON
“No. José Aldo is too athletic and too well-rounded, even for someone like Mendes and his strong wrestling. I think Aldo will finish him again.”
A. POIRIER
“It’s a tough one to call, and a really good fight. Personally, I hope Chad wins a decision this time around.”
A. SAFFIEDINE
“I don’t think so. Chad has improved in his stand-up but I still think Aldo is a step ahead of everyone in that division. He hasn’t been taking many risks lately though.”
Q3. We have a feature on MMA’s greatest fight teams in this issue. What do you think is the main ingredient for a successful fight team?
A. SANTIAGO
“A fight team needs the right connection between the fighters and the coaches. Everyone also needs to be open-minded and have trust too. Those are all very important parts.”
A. WATSON
“Seclusion. Albuquerque was good for me as there’s just nothing else to do in that town. With the elevation and the great coaches as well, that’s a great camp. That’s why John Kavanagh’s boys go to Iceland as well.”
A. POIRIER
“No egos. Having everybody in the team on the same page, pushing each other; that real team atmosphere and camaraderie.”
A. SAFFIEDINE
“Communication between the team and the coaches is an important key. Being professional, having fun and supporting each other is also important too.”
Q4. Pat Miletich was recently inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame, but who would you like to see in there next?
A. SANTIAGO
“I really respect BJ Penn. I think he’s the man that needs to go in next because he brought so much to the sport with his great fights.”
A. WATSON
“Rickson Gracie. I accept he never fought in the UFC but his impact on the sport was incredible.”
A. POIRIER
“BJ Penn definitely. I’ve always been a big fan of his fighting style, his intensity and his personality.”
A. SAFFIEDINE
“BJ Penn would be great. I trained with him for his fight with Rory McDonald. Dan Henderson should go in there too as he’s a legend of the sport”
Q5. With MMA continuously growing all over the world, where’s the strangest country you’ve ever fought or coached in?
A. SANTIAGO
“Russia. There are some badass people over there. They’re willing to fight anywhere and if you’re watching the news you know this too (laughs).”
A. WATSON
“I went to Poland to wrestle and that was an experience. Talk about secluded locations. It was very industrial, and those guys are tough.”
A. POIRIER
“I fought in a rodeo arena one time. That was pretty crazy, but also kind of cool too looking back.”
A. SAFFIEDINE
“Never in my life did I think I’d compete in Singapore. I’ve fought in Thailand which is really close, but I never thought I’d fight in Singapore.”
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