Issue 118
August 2014
We asked four different fighters from the MMA universe their opinions on the pressing matters of the moment
The Fighters
1 Who is your favorite welterweight today?
Brad Pickett
“I love Robbie Lawler, but they’re all good. Hector Lombard is nuts. That division is stacked. But I’ll go with Robbie.”
Ramsey Nijem
“Robbie Lawler has got a cool story. I hope he achieves that dream one day and becomes champion. I also like Gunnar Nelson. His style is really interesting to me and I want to see him fight more.”
Luke Rockhold
“Matt Brown is pretty funny to watch, I can’t lie. Brown vs. Lawler is going to be great. I like the way Robbie is evolving too, throwing those little leg kicks, southpaw style, my style.”
Alexander Gustafsson
“Georges St Pierre. He’s still the man. What he has achieved is incredible. He’s a legend and still the number one.”
2 Which fighter inspired you when you first got into MMA?
Brad Pickett
“I loved watching Yves Edwards, Genki Sudo and Jens Pulver. All were smaller guys, but all very entertaining.”
Ramsey Nijem
“Gilbert Melendez. I’ve always looked up to him. He’s dangerous everywhere and brings the fire every time. The first time I sparred with him I was honored.”
Luke Rockhold
“I admired styles more than fighters. Anderson Silva and Rich Franklin both had stuff I liked; José Aldo and Jon Jones now too. But Sergio Martinez, the boxer, I also admire him a lot.”
Alexander Gustafsson
“Fedor Emelianenko. He was always the guy I looked up to. He’s a legend.”
3 Will Georges St Pierre ever return, and does he need to?
Brad Pickett
“He doesn’t need to return, financially. That’s the reason why most people return. But I think he’s sensible with his money. Although I think he will come back, because he’s a natural competitor.”
Ramsey Nijem
“Walking away is really difficult, and personally I hope he doesn’t come back. I hope he walks away. If GSP leaves on top what a great role model he’d be: to put his legacy and health first.”
Luke Rockhold
“He doesn’t need to come back. But I think Rory’s (MacDonald) progress is a factor. Maybe he’s taken a step back to allow Rory time to take the title. But he may yet come back.”
Alexander Gustafsson
“He will come back. He doesn’t need to come back, but he loves the sport. He’s a competitor and you can’t just turn that off.”
4 Can Chad Mendes follow TJ Dillashaw’s success and defeat José Aldo to become the new 145lb champion?
Brad Pickett
“Never say never, but as good an athlete as Chad is his striking isn’t as good as Dillashaw, and Aldo has considerably better striking then Barao. José is the best striker in the UFC.”
Ramsey Nijem
“Definitely. Chad has looked great in his recent fights and Aldo looks like he’s slowing down to me. Chad is getting better with every fight and is a superior athlete.”
Luke Rockhold
“He’s got the tools. He’s looked pretty nasty his last few fights. He’s a beast in the first round. Chad’s got a better chance than anybody, but Aldo’s leg kicks are tough.”
Alexander Gustafsson
“It’s MMA so you never know. I think Aldo has an edge, especially as Chad has tried once before; but it’s a good fight and he deserves his chance again.”
5 Is Alex Gustafsson inside Jon Jones’ head going into their September rematch?
Brad Pickett
“The media and fans have put Gustafsson in his head, and I think that’s p**sed Jones off. I don’t like rematches full stop. But when you’re at the top you have to fight the main contenders.”
Ramsey Nijem
“I don’t know Jon Jones personally, but I hear he’s very strong mentally. It sure looks like it. The fact we’re getting to see the rematch is all that matters.”
Luke Rockhold
“I believe Jon always wanted the fight, he just wanted to get paid. He’s eager to solidify his place at the top. I trained with him and he’s so naturally gifted and creative.”
Alexander Gustafsson
“A little bit (laughs). I’m in there.”
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