Fighters Only

Issue 115

June 2014

This is your page to tell us what you think of all things Fighters Only and MMA. Get your feelings off your chest where it really matters – in print! Send us your best pictures with your favorite fighters, or copies of FO, and we’ll print them too.

GIRLS, GIRLS, GOING?

I’ve been a long-time fan of this publication and enjoy the reviews, analysis, interviews, fight tips and nutritional advice – and even some of the advertising!

I have three young women growing up in my house and even the youngest has an interest in martial arts. Who knows, perhaps one day they may even compete at the top levels of MMA, jiu-jitsu or karate. Maybe they will turn out an Olympic medalist like UFC champion Ronda Rousey, or an MMA-star-come-mom like Cat Zingano.

But as we flick through the pages of FO how do I explain to them the images of naked posing women put into the magazine purely as objects of male sexual gratification? There are enough of those magazines on the shelves of the local newsagents. Leave the soft-porn industry to those desperate enough to buy into it; keep the fighting magazines for the fighting arts. You would never see such lack of respect for women in jiu-jitsu, karate and taekwondo magazines. Please don’t lower your standards as it’s not necessary. We fight fans young and old don’t need this misogyny thrust in our faces.

I don’t expect this letter to be published, and I know how men view women in the comments on UFC social media, but our attitude needs to change globally. To do that we need to act locally. My girls and I thank you.

Ryan O’Sullivan, via email

Thanks for your email, Ryan, we are always delighted to read our patrons’ thoughts on the magazine. And after you taking time out to write, we think it’s only proper to address the very important issue you raise: the possibility we might not publish your letter.

Please be assured here at Fighters Only we are staunch advocates of a person’s right to free expression; as Evelyn Beatrice Hall once said of the French author Voltaire: “I do not agree with what you say but I will fight to the death so you can say it.”

On an matter of less import, we’d just like to point out the so-called pornographic and “naked” women you take issue with in our two-page ‘Babe’ section are, in fact, as deep-rooted in fight sports as any fighter, promoter or even fan. Ringcard girls are at the very core of fight sports traditions, and many female models have launched and even built entire careers around carrying numbers around the ring or cage. Even the all-female promotion Invicta FC has girls carrying the cards.

In truth, most of our ‘Babes’ are actually wearing much more than the male athletes we feature throughout the magazine; but regardless, we also like to think readers of Fighters Only aren’t so visceral as to be unable to appreciate the aesthetic value of the female form.

Finally, with regards your speculation women in martial arts might consider it disrespectful if asked to disrobe for a publication, we wonder if Ronda Rousey, Gina Carano and Miesha Tate were of that opinion when they posed near-naked in the ‘Body Issue’ of ESPN’s magazine?

READER TWEETS

@Jrortiz81: We all know @jakeshieldsajj will land on his feet and dominate with another company. #skrappack

@AlexTCunningham: So Dan Henderson vs Daniel Cormier is gonna be awesome #TeamDC @dc_mma

@LiamIsBatmanNow: Gina Carano has officially joined the list of women I would like to go on a picnic lunch with.

@King__Lou: I can not wait for #TUF19 I love Penn, but @FrankieEdgar is my hero! #AllHeart #AllSavage

@RiniMMA: I’m prepping to do a wood engraving series about my favorite trilogy: Wand vs Rampage.

FIGHT TWEETS

@ufc

We send our condolences to the @WWE community for the loss of @UltimateWarrior. He will always be a legend. #RIPUltimateWarrior

@DiegoSanchezUFC

@VenezuelanVixen You reminded me of a girl version of myself on the show! To bad about your knee, with god all things possible!

@vitorbelfort

Tomorrow is my birthday if u guys want to give me a gift please send to: 7561 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton, FL 33487 FL United States

@MuhammadAli

What you think @DanaWhite? Muhammad Ali - the original #MMA fighter? @ufc

@danawhite

@MuhammadAli U sir are the original EVERYTHING! Ur the reason combat sports is where it is 2day Greatest tweet ive ever recieved Im honored

GALLERY

@boultonadam

With my @FightersOnly issue 114 trilogies at Central Park New York City ice rink!

@Miran_350

Finally got a frame for my @JonnyBones poster! Now I can hang it up! #jonjones #teamjones

@SerialBoxeMMA

@dynamite11 sporting the coach of the year shirt @DUANEBANGCOM

This is me and my missus (Sally) enjoying.another day at the beach in the Caribbean, Antigua with our favorite mag! We got engaged out there so this being in your mag would top off a brilliant holiday.

Gareth Watson, via email

A group shot of those who attended an MMA trainer course I ran recently in Newcastle, UK, including Fighters Only staff David Young and Joe McNally (far right).

Kevin Kearns, via email

Me and Weidman in Dallas, I’m a huge MMA/UFC and Fighters Only fan.

Shelton Andrews, via email

Me and Alexander Gustafsson taken at Canary Wharf in the build-up to UFC Fight Night London.

Vicky Brissett, via email