Issue 106
October 0213
We asked four different figures from the MMA universe their opinions on the pressing matters of the moment
The Fighters
1 Has Anderson Silva’s legacy been tarnished by his UFC 162 defeat?
Jake Ellenberger
“I don’t think so. What he’s done speaks for itself. He got a little reckless and complacent, and that happens. It was disappointing as he’s a once-in-a-lifetime athlete, but his legacy won’t be damaged.”
Erik Perez
“No, not at all. Anderson remains the greatest mixed martial artist of all time.”
Jessica Penne
“No I don’t think so. Unfortunately a few MMA fans are a bit fairweathered. Everybody has an off night, but I still think he’s the best and should still be respected for the hard work he’s put into his wins.”
John Danaher
“I hate to say it, but the memories of MMA fans are quite short. Anderson will always be top five of all time, but he always had holes in his game and they’ve now been exposed.”
2 If Anderson refused the rematch, who would you have chosen for Weidman’s first defense?
Jake Ellenberger
“Mark Munoz would beat Chris Weidman 10 times out of 10. He’s still got so much more to offer that fans haven’t seen yet. There’s not many around as quick as Mark, so I’d love to see that fight.”
Erik Perez
“I’m not sure who would be next. There’s a very long line.”
Jessica Penne
“Mark Munoz. When he took the fight against Chris Weidman he had a lot of injuries and that affected him going into the fight. I think if he had a rematch he would beat him and win the title.”
John Danaher
“I knew there would be a rematch, first and foremost. But, obviously, Vitor Belfort is a leading contender, although there would be some problems with his TRT usage in the US.”
3 How does a Cub Swanson vs. Frankie Edgar title eliminator grab you?
Jake Ellenberger
“Now that would be a fun fight to watch. I’ve been a huge Frankie Edgar fan for a long time, and Cub just keeps improving, he’s a master of creativity. They’re both fan pleasers and I’d pay to see that fight.”
Erik Perez
“Yes please. That’s a very exciting fight and one I know Cub would win.”
Jessica Penne
“I will tune in to watch Cub Swanson fight any time. I think he is so dynamic and such an amazing fighter. I want to see him fight everybody, including Frankie Edgar.”
John Danaher
“I think Cub’s come on very strong and that fight makes sense. They’re both pocket battleships and I’d be thrilled to see that fight.”
4 Hendricks vs. GSP is the next big UFC title fight. Do you think ‘Bigg Rigg’ can pull off another upset?
Jake Ellenberger
“Hendricks doesn’t have the skills to beat GSP, he just has power. He’s tough and can scramble well, but GSP is way too intelligent to leave an opening. GSP is consistently one of the best in the world.”
Erik Perez
“Perhaps, he has the power. But Georges St Pierre is the best, so…”
Jessica Penne
“I don’t know if Hendricks will be able to do it if I’m honest. I am excited to see that fight though.”
John Danaher
“(Laughs) I get it, I’m being interviewed by an a**hole… Georges is training hard as always. And he knows never to underestimate an opponent. He won’t learn the same lesson twice.”
5 How far are you from your next title shot?
Jake Ellenberger
“I believe that I’m one win away from a shot, for sure. I’m in a good place right now and I’m working hard in the gym. One more win and I believe I’ll be right there.”
Erik Perez
“All in good time. I will get there one day and hopefully I will fight for the title on a UFC card in Mexico too.”
Jessica Penne
“I believe that it should be my next fight. I feel as if nobody else deserves a shot at the title more than I do.”
John Danaher
“Georges is up next, against Hendricks in November, so that’s the target now. He’s been deep in training for months already and last time I saw him he looked very impressive.”
