Issue 115
November -0001
Fanboys worldwide express their opinions online. In print, MMA’s biggest stars share their views. We asked four different fighters from the MMA universe their opinions on the pressing matters of the moment.
The Fighters
Q1. Who is the number-one pound-for-pound fighter in the world right now?
A. MUNOZ
“I would say either José Aldo or Renan Barao; take your pick. Those guys have been doing so well inside the Octagon. They’re definitely doing something right over there. Those two are amazing.”
A. MOUSASI
“In my opinion it has to be Cain Velasquez. He has got everything: strength, skill and stamina.”
A. BARNATT
“It was Georges St Pierre but now it’s José Aldo. That division is stacked and every challenger he has is a real monster. He could move up and win the 155lb belt too.”
A, PENDRED
“I’d say José Aldo but the last time I complimented Aldo, Conor McGregor started sending me angry texts telling me never to compliment anyone in the featherweight division again (laughs). So, I suppose I’ll say Jon Jones.”
Q2. If you were Joe Silva, who would you pick to be Johny Hendricks’ first UFC welterweight title defense?
A. MUNOZ
“The best matchup out there for Johny is Jake Ellenberger; that’s a great fight. But that weight class is stacked. We’ll see how Jake does against Robbie Lawler and then we may see my preferred fight.”
A. MOUSASI
“I would like to see him fight Hector Lombard. I’m interested in that fight and believe their styles would complement each other.”
A. BARNATT
“The fans want Nick Diaz and that would sell pay-per-views, but I think Robbie Lawler should get the next shot. The first fight was great and I want to see that resurgence story play out for him.”
A, PENDRED
“Gunnar Nelson, my teammate. He’s so slick on the feet. He’s got that karate, Machida-esque style and he’s very hard to hit. And on the ground, Gunni is the best pound-for-pound grappler in MMA at the moment.”
Q3. In a poll, fans voted to let them try scoring UFC fights via smartphones app. A good idea?
A. MUNOZ
“The only people scoring fights should be people with the experience. Fans just don’t have the knowledge to score fights. That wouldn’t be a smart decision.”
A. MOUSASI
“No, I think it’s never a good idea (laughs). Fans would probably just select their favorite fighters.”
A. BARNATT
“Fans should all go on a judging course and they’ll learn how to score fights by the book. GSP battered Hendricks by the book and Hendricks beat Lawler the same way.”
A, PENDRED
“That’s kind of ridiculous because young, unknown guys with half a million followers on Twitter, as opposed to some guy they’re fighting with only 10,000, could end up winning. That’s not great for the sport.”
Q4. In this issue we reveal some natural ways to boost TRT but what fuels your fight?
A. MUNOZ
“The biggest thing I’ve learnt is to eat small and often, rather than big meals. I used to eat just twice a day, but that didn’t work. You need fuel to train. I follow a paleo diet now: organic meat and fish, and lots of fruit and veggies.”
A. MOUSASI
“Just eat healthy. People are always saying things but I don’t get too much into the hype of what people are saying. Just eating healthy is more than enough. Don’t eat chocolate or drink cola or anything.”
A. BARNATT
“Water. You can’t look past the most basic human requirement. I drink between four and eight liters a day and it flushes my system. Water, then natural foods and rest.”
A, PENDRED
“I just try to eat organic, healthy, clean foods. I get as much of my nutrition as I can through food. I don’t take too many supplements. I take protein, fish oil, a bit of glutamine, multivitamin and that would really be it.”
Q5. How can BJ Penn reverse two previous losses against Frankie Edgar when they fight the TUF 19 Finale?
A. MUNOZ
“Frankie has great tools. He’s a very good boxer and hard to get hold of. BJ likes to corral opponents and cut off the cage, but it’s hard to do that with Edgar. If BJ can keep the fight standing, he has a chance.”
A. MOUSASI
“I don’t know, he’s been out for a long time. I think he’s going to do well, better than before, but it’s a tough fight for him... For them both.”
A. BARNATT
“I love BJ Penn and it was an honor to meet him, but unless he’s made some pretty dramatic changes he’s going to have to land a lottery punch to stop Edgar.”
A, PENDRED
“The main factor in the first two fights was Frankie’s speed. He’s so fast at getting in and out, I think that’s what caused BJ problems so he just needs to work in a way to neutralize that.”
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