Issue 086
November -0001
We asked four different figures from the MMA world their opinions on the pressing matters of the moment
The Fighters
Q1. Will we see a different ‘Rampage’ Jackson in front of a Japanese crowd, his preferred audience, when he fights Ryan Bader at UFC 144?
LORENZ LARKIN
I think we might just for the simple fact that Japanese fans love that guy, and they’re going to expect a certain ‘Rampage’ to show up. I think he’s going to be the old Rampage.
‘KING MO’ LAWAL
I hope Rampage looks good. I don’t like him, but I don’t wish anything bad on him. You’ll see a more motivated, more aggressive Rampage. But in the long run, it’s not what you do in your fights, it’s what you do after your fights.
LUKE ROCKHOLD
I think he’s beyond the big slams and all that vintage Rampage everyone loved so much. I wish it would come back, but I think his style is going to stay the same. I still think he’s effective at what he does, and I see him taking this one.
JORDAN MEIN
I sure hope so. I love watching him fight. In Japan, hopefully we see another sick slam.
Q2. Demetrious Johnson was very competitive at bantamweight. Will his skills make him as much of a force when he drops down to 125lb against Ian McCall?
LORENZ LARKIN
?I don’t think there’s that big of a difference when you’re in the lighter weight classes. If a 145lb’er did something crazy like go to 125, you might see it, but I think when you’re at 135lb and drop, you’re still going to be speedy at 125.
‘KING MO’ LAWAL
I think so. Some people don’t react well to cutting weight, but he’s been small his whole life, and if he’s right at his natural body weight, then I think he’ll do good.
LUKE ROCKHOLD
I haven’t seen McCall too much lately, but Demetrious is so elusive, and he disguises his takedowns well. I think he’s going to keep moving in and out, get those takedowns and control this fight.
JORDAN MEIN
There will be a lot of guys able to match him, but his speed is still going to be there, and it depends on the style of guys that are fighting him. There’s probably going to be some tall 125lb’ers.
Q3. Will Joseph Benavidez be able to retain the same pace he had at bantamweight after dropping down to flyweight to fight Yasuhiro Urushitani?
LORENZ LARKIN
?I’m not sure. He’s one of those stocky 135lb’ers. There’s a lot of fast guys at 125. He’s pretty stocky for 135.
‘KING MO’ LAWAL
I don’t think so. Everybody at 125lb is pretty fast.
LUKE ROCKHOLD
I think he’ll have a speed, strength and power advantage. He’s tough everywhere. I think he’s the true king of that division, but he’s got a tough fight ahead of him with either ‘Mighty Mouse’ or McCall.
JORDAN MEIN
Absolutely. Any chance those guys get to fight even lower and cut is good. Those guys are used to cutting weight, so I think it will be nothing but beneficial to him.
Q4. Do fighters need guidelines about topics they are and are not allowed to mention on Twitter or use in promotion of a fight, or is common sense enough?
LORENZ LARKIN
?I think it’s a little bit of common sense. I don’t think Miguel Torres should have been reprimanded like that, especially considering what other guys have done and haven’t gotten near what he got.
‘KING MO’ LAWAL
When it comes down to it, they should know. We’re not ordinary people. We’re pro athletes, so I think you should try and be smart about what you Tweet. I offend people, but you want to offend individuals, not groups.
LUKE ROCKHOLD
You’ve got to watch yourself. From the beginning, I’ve re-thought everything I’m about to tweet 10 times. Fighters need to be treated fairly on all their comments. You can’t just get a slap on the wrist because you’re in a main event.
JORDAN MEIN
You have to be professional about things when people are watching you. I definitely think you need to be funny and joke around on there, too, but be professional and use common sense.
Q5. Dana White has said Anderson Silva’s final fight could be against either Georges St Pierre or Jon Jones. Who would you prefer to see him fight and why?
LORENZ LARKIN
?Georges, because Jon Jones has achieved a lot, but I don’t think he’s yet achieved what Anderson and St Pierre have. Anderson would get something better out of the pot fighting Georges.
‘KING MO’ LAWAL
Whichever fight makes the most money. He deserves to get paid. The fight with Georges would make more. Jones would be good, but that’s if Jones still has the belt. My boy Rashad Evans is coming.
LUKE ROCKHOLD
I see both those guys trying to take Anderson down and getting on top of him. It would be more fun to watch Jones. If they say Anderson only has four fights left, I’d love to be one of those four fights.
JORDAN MEIN
I’d like to see him fight Jon Jones just because of the size and the style. That would be a crazy fight. I hope it happens.
