Issue 095

December 2012

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. [email protected]

GOING FOR (NO) GOLD

I wanted to thank Gareth Davies for writing his article on keeping MMA out of the Olympics Games (‘Keep MMA Out Of Games,’ September 2012); the piece quantified everything I believe about bringing the sport into it. 

MMA is not just a sport, it’s an event. As much as I’d like to think I would enjoy watching the exact same fights, only without the build-up, the countdowns, the ring girls, the walkout music, the crazy crowd... I just don’t think I would as much. Add in the extra padding, the judging debacle that is sure to occur, and the restraint on moves you can perform, you can pretty much guarantee it wouldn’t even resemble what we love to watch on TV. Imagining it being padded down the same way that boxing has been would be a travesty.

One other reason MMA and the Olympics wouldn’t mix is the time constraints. Two weeks is not nearly enough time to hold a tournament.

There is one benefit, though, that I could see. Having MMA in the Olympics would allow some countries that have interest in fighting to compete while not waiting for the UFC to tap into that market.

While some people would be excited to see MMA in the Olympics, I think they would quickly learn that the true pinnacle for fighters is the UFC, and the Olympics would play more the part of a padded down Ultimate Fighter season. Albeit one with a farther reach regarding where their talent comes from.

Thad Johnston, via email

OLYMPICS SCHLYMPICS

Gareth Davies makes some interesting points on why MMA is not suitable for the Olympics (‘Keep MMA Out Of Games,’ September 2012). I tend to agree with him and a couple of other things are worth noting. For one thing, the politics/coaching of national organizations can have a profound impact on who gets to play. We’ve already gotten a taste of this in The Ultimate Fighter coach vs coach TV shows. 

The United States, for instance, which used to be a powerhouse in the Olympics just came off its worst showing ever, although great boxers abound here in America. Something is horribly wrong on the home front. The same is true of wushu, which, not so long ago, was seeking an Olympic venue. 

Also, the ‘tag’ format of international boxing allows the fighters to compete in several consecutive fights. This tournament format was initially used in the UFC, but proved too damaging and taxing. Ultimately, hardly anyone who pays to see MMA watched any of the free Olympic wrestling or striking venues. It’s too sanitized. I don’t know why Olympic MMA would be any different.

Regards, Jerry Davis, via email

FIGHTERS’ & FAVORITES’ TWEETS

FORREST GRIFFIN (@FORRESTGRIFFIN))

Michael Clarke Duncan walked with me to the locker rooms after the Bonnar fight and told me what a great fight it was. Great memory!

SIYAR BAHADURZADA (@SIYARTHEGREAT)

I just wanna wear my @UFC gloves, hear Burt Watson’s voice in the hall way and find myself with my prey in the octagon and display violence!

DAMARQUES JOHNSON (@DAMARQUES_UFC)

The fear/embarrassment of getting KO’d is worse than the KO itself. @UFC Jus watched my fight. I went out like a G lol. F**k it game on!!

NATE MARQUARDT (@NATHANMARQUARDT)

@joerogan dude my daughter had a pet mantis named “Zorak”! It was so cool. Drops down and snags its prey, holds it up to its mouth & CHOMP!!

The fan tweets that caught our eye this month in the online world of @FightersOnly

@CFitzm1: @FightersOnly Loving the latest issue when I spotted your store ad. That’s some sexy looking clothing you guys have got there.

@RosieCuppaTea: Feeling very alpha male today. Reading @FightersOnly , watching MMA & gonna eat BBQ ribs for dinner. I might even wrestle an alligator later.

@boovyLFC: @FightersOnly another brilliant issue, seem to be getting better every month. Big respect to Jung’s auntie! #legend.

@leash_b: @FightersOnly Just ordered a hoodie! I’m thinking ahead for this Winter. Ugh. Stupid snow. lol Now I’ll be warm and look good.

@Gands86: I Just bought my first ever copy of @FightersOnly ! Cracking mag!

@Nina_candy: Loved the @FightersOnly Tito Ortiz advert!! #WorldsToughestMag