Issue 122
December 2014
We asked four different fighters from the MMA universe their opinions on the pressing matters of the moment
The Fighters
16-2
Leading UFC light heavyweight contender
8-0
Scotland’s unbeaten TUF 20 strawweight
13-1
Submission-savvy UFC featherweight
11-1
UFC heavyweight on a seven-fight win streak
Q1. Can Vitor Belfort dethrone Chris Weidman and become a UFC champion again over 10 years after his first reign when they fight in 2015?
ALEXANDER GUSTAFSSON
“It’s going to be a great fight to see, but I think Chris Weidman is a little bit too much for Vitor. I believe he will win that fight and keep his belt.”
JOANNE CALDERWOOD
“Anyone that takes performance enhancing drugs is mentally weak... Chris is an awesome champion and I see him keeping the belt. Until Anderson Silva comes back I’m quite happy with him being the champion.”
CHAS SKELLY
“Is he physically capable and does he have the tools to get the job done? Yes. Will he actually do it? I don’t think so. I think Chris Weidman wins.”
JARED ROSHOLT
“No. Chris Weidman is a big guy who puts a lot of pressure on people and I don’t think Belfort will be able to handle it.”
Q2. Anthony Pettis and Gilbert Melendez contest the lightweight belt after their TUF 20 season, who do you expect to win that fight?
ALEXANDER GUSTAFSSON
“That’s also a very tough fight (to predict). Pettis is a great fighter and he comes out with new things all the time, so I believe he’ll win it. But it’s going to be a great fight and a tough one for both of them.”
JOANNE CALDERWOOD
“I’m not just saying this because I was on his team on TUF, but I think Anthony will keep it. I really like Gilbert and I believe he will make it a lot harder than Anthony expects. He’s also a great fighter, but definitely Anthony.”
CHAS SKELLY
“Both guys have very exciting styles but I see Pettis coming out on top of that bout. He’s going to be tough to beat for anyone in that division.”
JARED ROSHOLT
“Pettis should win that fight. He’s very well-rounded and he’s a good striker with good movement too. Melendez is really tough, but I think Pettis should get the win.”
Q3. Is Anderson Silva running the risk of tarnishing his legacy by returning to MMA in the New Year?
ALEXANDER GUSTAFSSON
“He’s a legend, one of a kind. I believe he will come back and he will perform (well), for sure.”
JOANNE CALDERWOOD
“That (leg break) is a massive injury and one of my teammates, that happened to him. He’s come back stronger so I would hope Anderson comes back stronger. I can only keep my fingers crossed because he’s an amazing fighter and I love watching him.”
CHAS SKELLY
“I don’t think so. He’s a fighter who wants to fight. It’s not like he’s someone who keeps on being knocked out repeatedly and keeps on coming back.”
JARED ROSHOLT
“I don’t think it’s fair to say that. He lost against a fantastic fighter in his last two fights and before that he dominated that division. He’s earned his spot in history whatever happens.”
Q4. Who in your opinion has had the most impressive career revival in the sport?
ALEXANDER GUSTAFSSON
“Well, you have Chris Weidman there. He had his injury, he came back and he’s the champion. That’s also one of Georges St Pierre’s strengths. He always comes back stronger and he’s also a legend.”
JOANNE CALDERWOOD
“Off the top of my head, I don’t know. I don’t really believe in ring rust, because sometimes I don’t fight for a year. It’s never really been a problem for me.”
CHAS SKELLY
“Robbie Lawler has gotten smarter as he’s got older and that’s really helped his career a lot. I think he’s put everything together and that’s really helped him out in his career.”
JARED ROSHOLT
“I’d say Robbie Lawler. He’s a great fighter who just keeps on improving and his fight with Johny (Hendricks)was one of the best I’ve seen in a while.”
Q5. With just weeks to go until the end of the year, which moment has been your highlight of 2014 so far?
ALEXANDER GUSTAFSSON
“TJ Dillashaw (vs. Renan Barao), that was a great upset. It’s tough to say who would win the rematch. I’m very excited for that fight to be rescheduled.”
JOANNE CALDERWOOD
“Obviously, the TUF 20 series, it’s the first time with an all-woman cast. I was grateful to be part of it, so that’s probably been the highlight this year, in my opinion (laughs). It’s making history.”
CHAS SKELLY
“Getting my first UFC win and my first UFC finish has definitely been the highlight in my career so far.”
JARED ROSHOLT
“I’d say being able to perform overseas in places like New Zealand and Abu Dhabi. Those were quite an experience.”
