Issue 090
November -0001
Fanboys worldwide express their opinions online. In print, MMA’s biggest stars share their views. We asked four different figures from the MMA world their opinions on the pressing matters of the moment .
The Fighters
Q1. Dominick Cruz and Urijah Faber collide for the third time following the filming of TUF Live, who wins the rubber match?
A. STRUVE
I wouldn’t be surprised if it went the same way as the first fight, with Cruz outpointing Faber. Something weird will need to happen for Faber to win this fight.
A. THORESEN
Dominick Cruz will win again. He has crazy conditioning, and it is just impossible to read him.
A. MAGUIRE
I like both, but I’ve been a fan of Faber since his King of the Cage days, so I’ll have to go with him.
A. YOUNG
I think Dominick Cruz is going to win. He’s on fire, and he’s got such an unorthodox style. I think that he may be too much for Faber. He’s definitely a worthy enough champion.
Q2. Do you believe Tito Ortiz will indeed retire after his fight with Forrest Griffin, even if he is victorious?
A. STRUVE
If he wins and someone gets injured or an opportunity arises, then he’s still a sportsman and we all just want to achieve everything we can. But it would be good for him to go out with a win.
A. THORESEN
There is no way that Tito will quit after this fight. He loves himself too much (laughs).
A. MAGUIRE
Tito inspired me to get into this sport. I am a huge fan of his, so whatever he decides to do I will support him to the very end.
A. YOUNG
I do believe he will. He’s getting on now and he’s had quite a lot of fights. I think he should and to be honest I don’t think he’ll beat Forrest Griffin anyway.
Q3. Can Tim Boetsch pull off another big upset by defeating Michael Bisping, or do you expect the Brit to fight to a game plan?
A. STRUVE
He won’t catch him standing up, but Boetsch is strong I wouldn’t be surprised to see him get a takedown and launch some ground ‘n’ pound. He can win that fight.
A. THORESEN
I don’t believe Tim Boetsch can beat Bisping. Even though he has had losses recently, he’s looking very impressive. He’s definitely getting better all the time.
A. MAGUIRE
Bisping all the way. He will stick to his game plan and completely outwork Boetsch.
A. YOUNG
I’m definitely going to back Bisping. Obviously being English we’ve got to support our own, but I think Bisping will win and I think he’ll finish the fight too.
Q4. We have a spotlight on coaching in this issue, what is the best piece of advice you have given/received en route to the Octagon?
A. STRUVE
In between rounds, when I was fighting Christian Morecraft, I was really sick. I felt faint, I was done. But my corner ignored my complaints and said, ‘Finish it then.’ So I went out there and knocked him out in 20 seconds.
A. THORESEN
To keep my hands up and my chin down.
A. MAGUIRE
To stay active, keep calm and stick to the game plan. I always have my brother Tommy in my corner and he tells me straight, so I know it’s good advice.
A. YOUNG
A few weeks before my first UFC fight, Bisping gave me some really good advice. He said if I get nervous, focus on the cage, walk inside the cage and concentrate on my opponent. That was great advice.
Q5. The UFC backed the first ever International MMA Federation recently, how do you believe this will affect the sport globally?
A. STRUVE
In Holland we need regulation to ensure fighters have had a medical and that gyms show up and cards actually take place. The sport needs regulation like this, especially in Europe.
A. THORESEN
It’s great, especially for MMA in Norway, and the rest of Europe. I hope they start by regulating amateur competitions and then take it from there.
A. MAGUIRE
It should be good for the sport, especially in the UK. Anything that can improve the standard of the sport, and encourage tighter regulation is a step forward.
A. YOUNG
It’s great news. There should be an athletic commission in every country to make sure all the fighters are healthy. Every fighter should be thoroughly tested, regardless of the country.
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