Issue 112
November -0001
The Fighters
Q1. This issue we present our best prospects of 2014, but which unsigned fighters are you tipping for big things in the future?
Matt Lindland
“I have no idea. I think he was an incredible fighter, but I also thought he lost his last fight.”
Tim Kennedy
“I have no idea.”
Mike Brown
“I’m not really sure. I don’t think he’s even sure, but if I had to bet on it I would say we’ve seen the last of him. What an amazing career.”
Ben Askren
“I doubt it.”
Q2. This issue we present our best prospects of 2014, but which unsigned fighters are you tipping for big things in the future?
Matt Lindland
“I see Tarrance Williams doing big things in the sport. He is a great athlete and a serious competitor.”
Tim Kennedy
“A guy at Jackson’s named Phil Hawes is going to wreck the 185lb division. There are two guys that fight for Legacy: Bubba Bush, who is their 185lb champ, and Daniel Jolly who is 5-0. You want to look away after he knocks people out.”
Mike Brown
“Without a doubt Mirsad Bektic. If you don’t know him now you will soon enough. Keep an eye on Sirwan Kakai, Steve Mocco, Charles Rosa and Mike Graves too.”
Ben Askren
“I’ve got no idea.”
Q3. With the UFC planning 40 cards in 2014, and Bellator and WSOF also heading overseas, which city/country would you most like to fight in?
Matt Lindland
“I love to travel and I have competed on every continent, but I would like to fight in the US, the best country on the planet.”
Tim Kennedy
“I love fighting here in the US, but I would like to fight in Japan where it all started.”
Mike Brown
“Portland, Maine; I was born and raised there and they just recently formed a commission.”
Ben Askren
“Since I am going to fight in One FC, I will have the opportunity to fight in many awesome places!”
Q4. It’s the Sixth Fighters Only World MMA Awards ceremony in February, so what has been your favorite moment from 2013?
Matt Lindland
“I would say Chris Weidman’s KO of Anderson Silva at UFC 162.”
Tim Kennedy
“The Jon Jones vs. Alexander Gustafsson fight is up there. I wish I could remove myself and say this objectively, but having a soldier headline UFC Fight for the Troops and end the fight with a first-round knockout, that was pretty cool!”
Mike Brown
“Not necessarily my favorite, but the most shocking and exciting was Anderson Silva vs. Chris Weidman.”
Ben Askren
“I would say Weidman’s knockout against Silva would be everyone’s favorite moment from 2013.”
Q5. Cain Velasquez may defend his UFC heavyweight title against Fabricio Werdum next. How could the Brazilian veteran spring an upset?
Matt Lindland
“Outside of Fabricio Werdum actually learning how to wrestle, the only chance he has is a well-placed punch.”
Tim Kennedy
“Nope. I don’t see a way.”
Mike Brown
“They hit pretty damn hard in the heavyweight division so sometimes it only takes one punch and the fight is over. It’s going to be very difficult to win a decision against Cain.”
Ben Askren
“It’s not gonna happen. Wrestling beats BJJ every day of the week.”
