Issue 088
May 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]
AHEAD OF THE GAME?
I really think there needs to be a solid debate about MMA fighter safety in terms of concussions. In many other contact sports, such as ice hockey and football, you’re seeing more care and attention than ever placed upon athletes who receive concussions, whereas in MMA there seems to be far fewer precautions being taken in MMA. It’s proven that concussions can cause serious brain issues further down the line. In hockey, if a player receives even a mild concussion he’s wrapped in cotton wool for weeks and maybe even months as they assess whether he can even be allowed onto the ice for non-contact training, let alone a full-blown game. If an MMA fighter suffers a knockout they’re told to have no contact, i.e. no sparring for a certain umber of months then after a check-up they’re good to go again. Is that really taking proper care of our athletes? I’m not so sure.
Adam Nicks, via email
RING OF HONOR
I first want to start by telling you I love Fighters Only! I started buying your magazine for my 12-year-old son Marc Anthony, until I started to read the stories as well. My son has been motivated more than ever since training at American Kickboxing Academy here in San Jose, California, where he sees fighters like Cain Velasquez, Josh Koscheck and Daniel Cormier (Marc Anthony is taking Daniel’s class for wrestling). The positive energy from the gym and your magazine has been great. Marc Anthony works out six days a week and is currently an honor roll student at Bernal Junior High School. He doesn’t know I’m writing you but I (he) would be honored to have his picture in your magazine.
Melanie Leon, via email
FO: Thanks very much for your email Melanie. We here at FO HQ think it’s fantastic your son has picked up the sport at AKA, one of the very best gyms in the world, and that we’ve played a part in encouraging him to step onto the mats. And it’s great that you’ve become an FO fan in the process. As regards to the pictures, your wish is our command.
FIGHTERS’ TWEETS
JOSH KOSCHECK (@JOSHKOSCHECK)
#UFConFox u think Hendricks will fight like a man or what??? May 5th I hope u boo the p**s out of me 2! I am so #motivated 4 this fight!
ANTHONY PETTIS (@SHOWTIMEPETTIS)
Playing the new @UFC Undisputed 3, crazy to play as myself!!!
KURT PELLEGRINO (@KURTPELLEGRINO)
Watching The Karate Kid trying to pick up on some NEW moves for tonight’s sparing #woo.
LORENZO FERTITTA (@LORENZOFERTITTA)
I just watched one of the best fights I’ve ever seen. #TUFBRAZIL It’s gonna be a sick season.
ROY NELSON (@ROYNELSONMMA)
Just got done watching Dance Moms, dance competition very similar to the MMA business, poor kids.
The posts that caught our eye this month in the online world of Fighters Only
@Ryan2608: Does it really matter if MMA goes to New York? It’s like forcing someone to like you. Sometimes it doesn’t click.
@Harry_Williams: I come home to see a big box of
@FightersOnly magazines on my doorstep dating back to 2008!
Sam Banks: Lesnar showed he wasn’t afraid to stand and strike with the ‘Reem.’ Wasn’t smart, but he showed balls.
Chopperjim01: @FightersOnly I nearly forgot to get my FO. Just by chance I was jogging by when I seen it and went right into get it. Pwhoo.
@Mrtobysmith: Still haven’t got over seeing Frankie Edgar’s nose getting smashed in. Pure gore @ufc
@Scorcherslife: Hioki was cold on the ground in that fight #UFC
@HEELjordan: @FightersOnly Hate issue has me so excited for Faber Cruz III
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