Issue 103
July 2013
We asked four different fighters from the MMA universe their opinions on the pressing matters of the moment
The Fighters
Q1. Anderson Silva is due to make a record-breaking 11th UFC title defense this summer, but what is it about the champ that’s made him so successful?
NORMAN PARKE
“I think some people just have a natural ability to be a world champion. You’ve got to have heart and determination and want it. But he has all of that, and incredible timing and accuracy.”
CHAD MENDES
“I think it’s his confidence. People are afraid of him, and he goes in there and does what he does best.”
TJ DILLASHAW
“His confidence. He’s just super confident in what he can do, and he shows it in the cage. He does things other people can’t – or that you’re not supposed to do and get away with.”
JOSEPH BENAVIDEZ
“I think he probably sold his soul to the devil at some point. You can see it in his eyes. The guy is just too amazing. He looks possessed out there. How else could he do it?”
Q2. How can Chris Weidman stop Anderson from extending his successful UFC title run?
NORMAN PARKE
“I think he’s a good wrestler, but I just don’t see it happening anytime soon. Anderson Silva just put away a light heavyweight. He’s moving up weight categories and finishing them in the first round.”
CHAD MENDES
“He’s got to do what he does best. The guy is great with pressure. He’s got good wrestling. He’s slick on the feet, too. I think he’s just got to stick to his gameplan.”
TJ DILLASHAW
“That’s a tough one. It seems like Anderson’s been through everything. But Weidman is a stellar athlete. I think he can push the pace, be in his face like Chael but be a little bit more athletic with it.”
JOSEPH BENAVIDEZ
“He’s going to have to do what he does to everyone else, and that’s wrestle him. That’s what other guys have done to make Anderson look human.”
Q3. In his absence, the UFC’s bantamweight division is thriving. Should Dominick Cruz be allowed to sit on the world title?
NORMAN PARKE
“I feel sorry for him because he’s a really nice guy and a very knowledgeable guy. But there are other guys out there working hard, so I kind of feel sorry for those guys, too. I guess it’s just up to the UFC.”
CHAD MENDES
“I think it sucks to be stripped of your belt, but if I was managing him, I would almost at this point let it go. It’s going to be tough to go from an injury straight into a title defense.”
TJ DILLASHAW
“Everyone else is waiting for that belt, but also for him. His first fight is going to be a title fight. He’s a great champion, and I think he can beat Barao, but that’s a tough fight after a two-year layoff.”
JOSEPH BENAVIDEZ
“They already have the interim belt, so that’s obviously along the right way to go. But if he has to go another year, maybe you just say Renan Barao is the champion.”
Q4. In this issue, we look at some of the greatest debuts in the history of the UFC. What do you remember about your first professional bout?
NORMAN PARKE
“I remember not choosing entrance music and just telling them I would come out to anything. I was pumped up for the fight, and I walked out, and they played YMCA. So I had to walk out to that.”
CHAD MENDES
“I just remember being close to home and having my family there. It was an awesome experience.”
TJ DILLASHAW
“My first fight was in King of the Cage. I fought a three-round war with a tough guy I didn’t know much about. The production was actually a lot better than for my next three fights before The Ultimate Fighter.”
JOSEPH BENAVIDEZ
“I remember it was in a bar, and there weren’t really any rules. I didn’t really know what I was doing, but I knew I could wrestle. Fortunately, it was enough to get me the win.”
Q5. Be honest – have you read the UFC’s code of conduct?
NORMAN PARKE
“Not really. I know a lot of it started over this Fallon Fox situation, but in my eyes everybody has a right to be their own person. That’s it. Life is what it is, and you can be whatever you want.”
CHAD MENDES
“I’ve looked over it, but I haven’t read it all word for word. But I’ve had them before in college wrestling and stuff. I’m not an idiot. I kind of understand the stuff we’re supposed to do and not supposed to do.”
TJ DILLASHAW
“I read a little bit of it. It’s pretty simple. Honestly, the physical activity restrictions probably affect me more. I used to wakeboard a little bit, so it’s kind of a bummer to read some of the stuff you can’t do.”
JOSEPH BENAVIDEZ
“Oh yeah. I’m all over it. I’m studying it and trying to make sure I don’t make any mistakes.”
