Issue 100
April 2013
We asked four different figures from the MMA universe their opinions on the pressing matters of the moment
The Fighters
Q1. Fighters Only celebrates its 100th issue this month, can you recall the first time you were featured in any magazine?
RODRIGO NOGUEIRA
“It was in Tatame magazine, a story by Marcelo Alonso, I was still fighting jiu-jitsu. I took the magazine on the airplane and started showing it to everyone around me. I was very excited.”
FABRICIO WERDUM
“It was in Tatame magazine. My face was featured in this tiny little square, like a three-by-four picture, as one of the blue belts to look out for. It was this tiny thing, but I was so excited. It’s funny, right? Now I’m on the cover!”
ALEX DAVIS
“Absolutely. It was in Brazil, and I have to say I was very proud that a reputable publication would publish what I had to say.”
EDSON BARBOZA
“To be completely honest, I don’t remember the first time, but it’s always an honor to be featured in any publication.”
Q2. We’ve also listed the top 100 fighters in MMA history in this issue. Who is your favorite fighter of all time?
RODRIGO NOGUEIRA
“Anderson Silva. For everything: his number of title defenses, of wins, of belts he’s held. As an athlete, you usually have a very small ‘useful life’ in sports, but he’s still performing at this very high level.”
FABRICIO WERDUM
“Wanderlei Silva. For everything he’s done to help the sport grow, for his heart, his ‘go for it’ attitude, but mostly the way he didn’t promote himself with words. I would also say Fedor.”
ALEX DAVIS
“Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira because of his continued determination. He is like the Terminator: you cut him up, and the pieces will still keep coming.”
EDSON BARBOZA
“It has to be Anderson Silva. His style is both unique and entertaining, and his record is unmatched.”
Q3. Cain Velasquez reflects on his victory over Junior Dos Santos too. Were you surprised by how dominant he was in the heavyweight title rematch?
RODRIGO NOGUEIRA
“I was surprised with the blow, not the performance. I knew Cain was a great fighter. He’s a well-rounded wrestler with great striking skills. I did expect JDS to win, but Cain was very successful in his strategy.”
FABRICIO WERDUM
“I was. I thought JDS was going to knock him out again. I never expected it to happen like that. Cain was very strategic. He is incredibly fast and agile for a heavyweight and has a great offense.”
ALEX DAVIS
“I kind of expected that result. I know how good an athlete Cain is, and I knew he would come back with a vengeance. But props to ‘Cigano.’ He proved what kind of a fighter he is in a tough situation.”
EDSON BARBOZA
“It wasn’t a surprise to me. When you talk about the heavyweight division, you can never be certain what is going on. The fighter who hits his opponent first will usually take home the victory.”
Q4. Now that it has closed its doors for good, which Strikeforce fighter do you expect to have the biggest impact in the UFC?
RODRIGO NOGUEIRA
“There are so many: Ronaldo ‘Jacare’ Souza, Roger Gracie, Daniel Cormier.”
FABRICIO WERDUM
“Roger Gracie, Daniel Cormier, Ronaldo ‘Jacare’ Souza and Josh Barnett, for his experience.”
ALEX DAVIS
“Daniel Cormier. He looks like the real deal.”
EDSON BARBOZA
“I don’t know, honestly. I haven’t really been following that organization, so I don’t have any name in my mind right now.”
Q5. Jon Jones fights Chael Sonnen in April after TUF coaching duties. What can Chael do to defeat the champion?
RODRIGO NOGUEIRA
“Talk. That’s about it.”
FABRICIO WERDUM
“Nothing. He has zero chance.”
ALEX DAVIS
“Kick him in the balls (laughs).”
EDSON BARBOZA
“Jon Jones is so tough. I think he will win this fight without too many difficulties.”
