Issue 108
December 2013
Fanboys worldwide express their opinions online. In print, MMA’s biggest stars share their views. We asked four different figures from the MMA universe their opinions on the pressing matters of the moment .
The Fighters
Q1. Can Miesha Tate possibly derail Ronda Rousey’s gravy train and become the new women’s UFC champion?
A. Karakhanyan
“Miesha would need to keep it standing and then it could become a good fight. If she comes prepared it’ll be a good fight.”
A. Makdessi
“Nothing is impossible in life, especially in MMA. It all depends on what happens during the night and how they both feel.”
A. Wineland
“With the way MMA is, it’s an ‘any given sunday’ situation. Tate is going to have to come in, fight a solid fight and be on top of her game.”
A. Schaub
“Her best bet is if her boyfriend Bryan Caraway jumps in and they fight her two-on-one. That’s the only way she’ll beat Ronda.”
Q2. Do you support talk of new lightweight champ Anthony Pettis facing José Aldo, or should he concentrate on his own weight division first?
A. Karakhanyan
“I think Pettis should fight Aldo, whether it’s at 145lb or 155lb. It would be better for the UFC and the fans if we got that fight.”
A. Makdessi
“That’s up to the bosses. Everyone has their own agenda, it really makes no difference to me. It depends on what Pettis wants.”
A. Wineland
“I’m not really too opinionated on that. I haven’t really thought too much about it. If the bosses think it’s going to make money and sell tickets then that’s what they’ll do.”
A. Schaub
“I’m all for super fights, you’ve got to give the fans what they want to see. I want to see Aldo vs. Pettis too.”
Q3. This month we analyze what ingredients make for a great fight card. What’s the best show you’ve featured on or attended?
A. Karakhanyan
“I went to WSOF 4 recently and I got to see a Tyrone Spong fight. That was pretty amazing.”
A. Makdessi
“UFC 129 was a huge event for me. It was the first time they’d held an event in Ontario and having all those fans there was crazy.”
A. Wineland
“Every one you go to is electric, but the GSP vs. Shields fight in Toronto; to hear the Rogers Centre go as crazy as it did was amazing.”
A. Schaub
“It was probably the last time I was in Toronto, when Georges St Pierre fought Jake Shields. It was a crazy atmosphere.”
Q4. Dana White reportedly saved UFC soundtrack Face The Pain from being cut from its PPV events. What does that song mean to you?
A. Karakhanyan
“Every time I hear the song it makes me think of the UFC. I think it does that for everyone. Personally, I’m not a big fan though.”
A. Makdessi
“Honestly, I don’t have much of an opinion on the song. It is what it is.”
A. Wineland
“It doesn’t really mean anything for me, I’m more of a Slayer or Hatebreed fan. I think it’s synonymous with the UFC.”
A. Schaub
“It’s kind of like a mouse with cheese. When a mouse smells cheese they get happy, but when I hear that song I get happy because I know the UFC is about to start.”
Q5. We also have tips on how to be a good sparring partner this issue. What type of sparring partner are you?
A. Karakhanyan
“I’m a controlled sparring partner, but if my partner is trying to knock me out then I’ll do the same. We like to say, ‘Hit me as hard as you want to be hit.’”
A. Makdessi
“I’m the type of sparring partner that tries to bring out the best in people so that they can bring out the best in me.”
A. Wineland
“When I’m sparring I’m always trying to push my sparring partners constantly as I want them to do the same to me.”
A. Schaub
“I’m the type of sparring partner that doesn’t have any ego and takes care of you. I’m not the guy who’s going to try and knock you out.”
