Issue 084
January 2012
We asked four different figures from the MMA world their opinions on the pressing matters of the moment
1 After two decision wins defending the UFC featherweight belt, some people have accused José Aldo of playing it safe now he’s in the UFC. Do you agree?
Jake Ellenberger
Absolutely not. He’s a phenomenal fighter. People don’t realize he’s the best in the world and is taking on the best. It’s not like he’s taking guys down and laying on them. He’s doing his job, there is no way he is playing it safe.
Rashad Evans
I don’t think he plays it safe. You don’t know how it’s going to be in a fight. He aint fighting guys too far beneath him no more, and that’s a fierce division.
Rafael Cordeiro
UFC is so tough, it’s a different level. Everybody there pushes you more and more. José fights smart and the most important thing is the victory.
Thiago Alves
Not at all. He’s trying to finish every fight but sometimes that’s just the way it goes. He’s had some good competition.
2 Olympic wrestler Daniel Cormier is set to fight catch wrestler Josh Barnett in the Strikeforce heavyweight grand prix final. Will it be a wrestle-fest or kept standing?
Jake Ellenberger
They are going to slug, for sure. Cormier is the best wrestler in MMA right now, while Barnett is, if not the best, definitely one of the best heavyweights in the sport. It’s a great match-up and I expect a real tough fight.
Rashad Evans
They’re going to stand and bang, I guarantee it. DC has some very good takedowns but his stand-up is coming along a whole way too, and no way can Barnett take him down. They’ll bang it out for sure.
Rafael Cordeiro
Stand and bang for sure. Daniel is a real tough guy and was training with us at Reign and Kings and is a real nice guy. He has amazing wrestling, but I believe he will knock Josh Barnett out.
Thiago Alves
This is an interesting fight. Daniel has a big shot on him but Barnett gets the job done so all I can say is that I am excited to see it.
3 Considering the rapturous reception for the last UFC event in Brazil, how desperate are you to play some part on the return January bill?
Jake Ellenberger
I love Brazil, in fact, I’ve been studying Portuguese for a year or so. I’m actually going to Rio this month and I would love to fight in Brazil. It’s possible I could be on the card, for sure. I just love the whole Brazilian culture.
Rashad Evans
Maybe not January but I would love to fight in Brazil one day. That’s where MMA first started and I would love to go back there. The culture is incredible.
Rafael Cordeiro
For sure I want to be there, I have no fighters involved yet, but I am hoping. It’s a pleasure for me to go to my home with the UFC so I am hoping this happens.
Thiago Alves
I would love to fight back in Brazil, are you kidding me? That would be a dream come true, for sure.
4 Anderson Silva said he doesn’t think Chael Sonnen deserves a shot at his middleweight title. Do you think Sonnen has done enough?
Jake Ellenberger
He had a very impressive win over Brian Stann, but I don’t know. That’s a tough question. I’m glad it’s not my call!
Rashad Evans
He was very impressive against Brian Stann and it’s about putting together the fights the fans want to see, so yeah, I believe he deserves another shot.
Rafael Cordeiro
Sonnen is a tough dude and he proved that with a great match with Anderson, but he lost. It’s not fair for the other guys in line, like Mark Munoz. He lost so he should go to the end of the line.
Thiago Alves
After his last performance he looked great so I believe he does deserve another title shot.
5 The 2011 Fighters Only World MMA Awards is now part of history. If you were given the chance to create a new award for next year’s ceremony what would it be?
Jake Ellenberger
There should be one for the dumbest post-fight interview, that would be pretty funny. That’s a well-contested award too.
Rashad Evans
Best dressed… I’d fancy that one too, and I gotta win some kind of award there right?
Rafael Cordeiro
High kick, definitely. Best high kick (laughs).
Thiago Alves
The sexiest fighter in MMA… (laughs).
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