Issue 096
November -0001
We asked four of different figures from the MMA world their opinions on the pressing matters of the moment
The Fighters
Q1. Is it time for Cain Velasquez to force Junior Dos Santos to show his ground game at UFC 155 in December?
Duane Ludwig
“Of ccourse, that is the better option. Dos Santos is too fast with his hands, his boxing is too crisp and sharp. Everybody’s best option is to try and put him on his back.”
Jimi Manuwa
“Possibly, but people say the same about me. I like both fighters. I liked Cain as champion, and I like Junior as champion. All I know is it’s going to be different than the first time.”
Che Mills
“That’s what he needs to do, whether he can has to be seen. I dont think he will beat him standing, so he definitely needs to use his wrestling.”
Sara McMann
“JDS doesn’t need to prove to anyone he has a strong ground game considering he has a BJJ brown belt. While both fighters are formidable in the striking game, I’d love to see high-level grappling in their next match.”
Q2. What’s next for UFC 155’s Wiedman vs Boetsch winner, Michael Bisping or Anderson Silva?
Duane Ludwig
“Probably Bisping. And then the winner of that fight should face Anderson Silva for the title.”
Jimi Manuwa
“Bisping deserves a title shot, but both Wiedman and Boetsch did very well in their last fights. Yeah, the winner faces Bisping and then the winner gets a title shot. That makes sense.”
Che Mills
“As a UK guy, I’d like to see Bisping fight Anderson Silva next. And maybe the winner of this fight makes it to number-one contender.”
Sara McMann
“Since neither fighter has fought Bisping, and he is ranked above them, it would be fair to have the winner face him before having a title shot.”
Q3. TUF 5 semi-finalists Gray Maynard and Joe Lauzon also collide at UFC 155, who wins that fight?
Duane Ludwig
“I’ll go with Gray, as he’s been in this situation a bit. And Lauzon, he seems to gas, and I dont think he’ll be able to put Gray away in the first few rounds. And I think stamina may well become an issue.”
Jimi Manuwa
“That’s a good fight too... I see Gray taking that. He’s too strong with too much power.”
Che Mills
“This is a very interesting fight. Both are really good fighters, and they’re well matched. Joe is technically good, and Gray is strong. I’m on the fence.”
Sara McMann
“I don’t like making predictions on fights because I have a hard time keeping my personal bias out of it. And I always root for wrestlers for obvious reasons.”
Q4. In this issue we reveal the Gracie family’s Scottish roots. Do you know anything about your family tree?
Duane Ludwig
“I dont really know to much about my family history if I’m honest. I’ve done the whole Warrior Roots thing but that’s nothing to do with lineage.”
Jimi Manuwa
“There are streets named after my grandad in Nigeria. He’s a very famous doctor and inventor. I have a massive family over there.”
Che Mills
“My mom is from Jamaica, but one of her grandfathers is from Cuba and the other one was Chinese. And my Dad’s family are from Scotland, but originally Irish immigrants.”
Sara McMann
“I don’t know about my family tree. My sister researched it a few years ago but I don’t remember what it entailed.”
Q5. ?It’s the Fighters Only World MMA Awards ceremony in the coming weeks, but who do you think has been the breakthrough fighter of 2012?
Duane Ludwig
“The one who is getting the most exposure right now, and rightfully so, is Ronda Rousey. There’s a ton of candidates, but it’s got to be Rousey for me.”
Jimi Manuwa
“Ronda Rousey, the armbar queen. She’s done the business this year for sure.”
Che Mills
“Ronda Rousey. For a woman to break through in the manner she has; she’s a superstar.”
Sara McMann
?“Demetrious Johnson is an excellent candidate. Lighter weight fighters display unbelievable conditioning and high-paced fights.”
