Issue 112
March 2014
A co-ed matchup between Reign MMA friends Emanuel Newton, Bellator interim 205lb champ, and Jessica Penne, Invicta’s ex atomweight queen
Round 1: Around the Octagon
Q. What age did you start training?
A. Emanuel Newton
“I took kempo as a kid but I really got into it after wrestling, so about 17 or 18.”
A. Jessica Penne
“I started MMA aged 22.”
Q. How quick was your fastest knockout?
A. Emanuel Newton
“‘King Mo,’ around 2:30 of the first round.” (Bellator 90, R1, 2:35)
A. Jessica Penne
“I’ve only ever had a TKO and that was under two minutes.” (Bellator 5, R1, 1:35)
Q. Favorite move to end a fight?
A. Emanuel Newton
“Any kind of kick: roundhouse, spinning back-kick, 360 wheel-kick.”
A. Jessica Penne
“I favor triangles and rear naked chokes, but I’m happy with any win.”
Q. Toughest opponent?
A. Emanuel Newton
“Trevor Prangley back in MFC days. I’ve never felt so much pain after a fight.”
A. Jessica Penne
“A favorite was Lisa Ellis because I’d always wanted to break someone’s nose.”
Q. ‘Fight of the Night’ or early TKO?
A. Emanuel Newton
“If there’s no ‘Fight of the Night’ bonus I’d rather knock him out quick.”
A. Jessica Penne
“I would rather end with the finish. Sorry, but I don’t trust judges at all.”
10/10 – There’s a 100lb weight disparity but nothing in it here
Round 2: PERSONAL LIFE
Q. What car do you drive?
A. Emanuel Newton
“A Mazda. I bought a new car for my daughter and her mom.”
A. Jessica Penne
“A Honda Pilot, and everyone makes fun of me because it’s like a mom car.”
Q. Favorite luxury item?
A. Emanuel Newton
“Netflix.”
A. Jessica Penne
“My 9mm Smith & Wesson. I enjoy shooting. It’s my new hobby.”
Q. Do you have any higher education?
A. Emanuel Newton
“Just two years of college. I’m bright, except when it comes to academics.”
A. Jessica Penne
“I graduated from Cal State Fullerton with a BA in communications.”
Q. Do you have any pets?
A. Emanuel Newton
“No. But my roommate and I are getting a fish tank set up.”
A. Jessica Penne
“I have two bullies: Ludo Monster and Chimera. I also want a sphynx cat.”
Q. Who is your ideal woman/man?
A. Emanuel Newton
“I haven’t found her yet.”
A. Jessica Penne
“Someone who is assertive and patient.”
8/10 – Educated, trigger-happy Jessica shuts out ‘The Hardcore Kid’
Round 3: HAVE YOU EVER...
Q. …stolen anything from a hotel?
A. Emanuel Newton
“Yeah, I’m sure I’ve taken kettles and soap and stuff.”
A. Jessica Penne
“Yes. I’ve stolen a yoga mat. It was just so comfy.”
Q. ...killed your dinner?
A. Emanuel Newton
“I went spear fishing, so yeah I’ve killed fish and eaten them.”
A. Jessica Penne
“I don’t think so, no.”
Q. ...ridden an animal?
A. Emanuel Newton
“Yes, I’ve ridden a horse.”
A. Jessica Penne
“Yes, a horse. I really like horses a lot.”
Q. ...made your own booze?
A. Emanuel Newton
“No, never.”
A. Jessica Penne
“Like moonshine? No, I really don’t drink often.”
Q. ...considered taking a bullet for someone?
A. Emanuel Newton
“Yes, for my family. And I would also shoot somebody for them.”
A. Jessica Penne
“Yes, for my family. And I would also shoot somebody for them.”
10/9 – Emanuel with the late comeback, but hotshot Jessica is close behind
28/29 – This sharpshooting gal takes a rollercoaster contest.
...
