Issue 089
November -0001
Fanboys worldwide express their opinions online. In print, MMA’s biggest stars share their views.
The Fighters
Q1. Will UFC heavyweight champion Junior Dos Santos’ game plan be to keep it standing or bring it to the ground against Alistair Overeem?
A: Chiesa
Junior Dos Santos’ gameplan will be to keep it standing. He has a lot of faith in his game, and that’s what’s got him the title. I don’t think Alistair’s K-1 experience and his Dutch kickboxing style will really faze Junior.
A: Sicilia
I believe Dos Santos is going to keep it standing against Overeem. He’s going to hit him with a nasty shot and blow him up just like he does everybody else. It’s going to end with a nasty uppercut by JDS.
A: Vick
Junior Dos Santos is going to keep it standing for a while, but I think once he feels a few of Overeem’s kicks, he could possibly try to take it to the ground, even though most people don’t think that.
A: Tickle
Junior Dos Santos’ game plan will be to stay standing. He’s going to use his jab and his footwork and power to win the fight.
Q2. Can Chael Sonnen find victory with his ground ‘n’ pound against Anderson Silva this time, or will a healthy ‘Spider’ be prepared to neutralize his tactics?
A: Chiesa
I’m a little biased as I’m a big Chael Sonnen fan as he’s from the Northwest. Lightning will strike twice on that one. He’s going to put Andy on his back and, no disrespect to the champ, but he’s going to put a beating on him.
A: Sicilia
Chael Sonnen’s ground ‘n’ pound is undeniable. He’s going to take Anderson Silva down and pound him into mashed potatoes. He’s got the right mind-set, and he’s from the Northwest and tough as hell. I’ve got Chael all the way.
A: Vick
Chael Sonnen has very little chance of beating Anderson Silva in any position. I think that within the first two rounds, he’s going to get knocked out. He’ll probably either be cut open really bad and need a lot of stitches or knocked out brutally.
A: Tickle
Anderson Silva will stomp Chael Sonnen this next fight. I don’t think he has a chance at all. Just to prove it, I’ll put up 100 push-ups against Sam Sicilia.
Q3. If he were to defeat Wanderlei Silva, should Vitor Belfort get a shot at the UFC middleweight belt?
A: Chiesa
If it’s a close decision, or he doesn’t win in devastating fashion, he should have to keep moving up the ranks. But if he makes a statement against Wanderlei, he’s more than deserving for another title shot.
A: Sicilia
After Vitor Belfort beats Wanderlei Silva he’ll get another shot at the belt. That first fight was a fluke, but Vitor brought it, and I think he’s the guy to take Anderson out if Chael doesn’t beat him up first.
A: Vick
I guess he should get a title against Anderson because really there’s no one else for him to fight. If Anderson beats Chael Sonnen, there’s no one else that’s the caliber of skills that could contend. Vitor should get another chance.
A: Tickle
I don’t think Vitor deserves a shot at the belt. There’s other people in line. Vitor is coming off losses, and a win against a guy who’s from a different weight bracket, I don’t think so.
Q4. Do you believe in touching gloves at the start of a bout?
A: Chiesa
I guess it just kind of depends on the circumstances. There’s been a lot of fights where I’ve touched gloves. There’s been fights where I haven’t. As of late, I’ve been against touching gloves. I’m just here to get down to business.
A: Sicilia
I never touch gloves before any fight just because I need it to be more of a fight than a sport or glorified sparring match. It’s a fight. Win, lose, draw, I’ll be cool afterwards, but I don’t touch gloves with anybody, ever.
A: Vick
I believe if you know the guy a little bit, you should touch gloves. If not, you need to be cautious. There is always some clown out there that’s trying to get over on you and be sneaky. They don’t care how they win, they just want to win.
A: Tickle
I do show respect, but in our circumstances at The Ultimate Fighter house, I’m not touching gloves anymore.
Q5. Many people think MMA will one day be the biggest sport in the world. Do you agree?
A: Chiesa
MMA will be one of the biggest sports in the world, and it will happen in a short period of time because the amount of growth we’ve had in the last five years has been huge. It’s growing exponentially every year.
A: Sicilia
I believe MMA will be the biggest sport in the world because anybody can do it, and it’s growing everywhere. It’s always evolving into a bigger and better sport. The expectations are getting higher. I believe it will continue to grow.
A: Vick
I absolutely agree. There’s going to be more than just the UFC. The UFC will be the biggest one, but there’s going to be so many other organizations. It’s going to be huge. It’s going to be on 10 different TV stations.
A: Tickle
I believe MMA will be the biggest sport in the world. It’s now gone worldwide. The recognition is coming. Give it more time, and we’ll be the number-one sport on the planet for sure.
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