Fighters Only

Issue 109

December 2013

All the head-turning information every MMA fan needs to know

GUSTAFSSON STICKING WITH CROSS-ATLANTIC GYMS DESPITE REPORTS

Swedish UFC light heavyweight contender Alexander Gustafsson will continue to train at both Alliance MMA in California and All-Stars MMA in Sweden, contrary to a report in his native country suggesting ‘The Mauler’ had turned his back on his American training base.

The boxer clarified an October quote in Swedish tabloid Aftonbladet where Gustafsson had reportedly said it was “not worth it” to “go off all the time” to train in the US, citing family and cost as to why.

The 205lb favorite, who took division champion Jon Jones to the judges in a close September title fight, has since said his comments didn’t come out as intended. He confirmed he will hold full training camps in Sweden with the input of the Alliance MMA team and head coach Eric Del Fierro.

The US-based trainer told FightersOnlyMag.com: “People ask if he’s going to be doing camps in Sweden now. He’s already done camps in Sweden – his entire camp for (Gegard) Mousasi was done in Sweden. I had complete input into that camp via his head coach Andreas (Michael).”

BACK TALK

CARLO PRATER (Ex UFC lightweight): “Having trained and lived in Brazil and the US, it’s worked for and against me. You’re talking about splitting preparation between two different time zones, and two diametrically opposed lifestyles. You need a coach who’s with you on both sides to gauge how you’re doing.”

CHAEL SONNEN AND WANDERLEI SILVA WILL COACH TUF BRASIL 3

Warring UFC main eventers Chael Sonnen and Wanderlei Silva have been booked as coaches on the third season of The Ultimate Fighter: Brasil, UFC president Dana White announced in October. Likely to be available to watch online in English-speaking countries, the series and subsequent coaches’ fight will bring some significant bad blood to a head. The two fighters, who have fought in and around the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions in recent times, have slung insults at each other in the press and in person for several years.

9-12

It takes between nine and 12 months to produce a Round 5 UFC figure from start to finish.

85%

Former UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva recently said he was at 85% fitness when he was knocked out by Chris Weidman in July.

WHAT'S HOT

ALEX GUSTAFSSON

After taking Jon Jones to the limit his stock has never been higher

FIGHTERS ONLY AWARDS

It’s not long until we start taking your votes

MELENDEZ VS. SANCHEZ

Could a rematch ever live up to the first fight?

WHAT'S NOT