Issue 083
November -0001
We asked four different figures from the MMA world their opinions on the pressing matters of the moment
The Fighters
Q1. If Alistair Overeem ends up on his back against Brock Lesnar, will he be able to utilize his jiu-jitsu, or will Brock’s size and strength be too much?
Dominick Cruz
Alistair can’t do anything from his back. Nobody is going to do anything with Brock Lesnar on top of them. The best thing to do with Brock is to use your sweep techniques to create a scramble and stand back up.
Josh Koscheck
Brock Lesnar is just too big. Brock’s going to put the fight in a position where he’s best, and that’s with Alistair on his back.
Gilbert Melendez
It’s going to be a little hard for Alistair to use jiu-jitsu unless he’s working some armbars. Things would work out on the takedown if somehow he gets that neck. The guillotine is Overeem’s move. That or a big knee on the way in.
Vitor Belfort
Brock is too big, but Alistair will be ready. At least, I hope so. This could be a very interesting match-up and will be a challenge for both guys.
Q2. Should the ‘Korean Zombie’ Chan-Sung Jung keep his fight with Mark Hominick on the feet, can his chin weather the Canadian’s slick kickboxing?
Dominick Cruz
No way. Hominick is going to piece that dude up. I like the ‘Korean Zombie.’ I like his style, but his style is tailor-made for a guy like Hominick.
Josh Koscheck
To be honest with you, I’m not a fight guru. Unless my teammates are fighting, I don’t really watch.
Gilbert Melendez
Hominick’s striking is a little superior. The Zombie could, maybe, have some influence by getting Hominick to come out of his stance, but I don’t think Hominick ever loses control, even when someone throws wild. He’s too smart.
Vitor Belfort
Hominick is very tough. I believe Hominick has this fight.
Q3. What do you think of the changes planned for the next series of TUF, such as 13-week filming and live televised fights?
Dominick Cruz
It’s unbelievable. I’m just glad I’m in the middle of it all. Without The Ultimate Fighter, the UFC wouldn’t be where it is. The fact the 135lb division is on there shows what the UFC is trying to do and how big those divisions are going to get.
Josh Koscheck
The 13 weeks is going to be insane. The coaches are going to need to bring their whole teams to keep them prepared for their fights at the end. The coaching is a full-time job. It’s going to take a unique fighter. They should let me do it.
Gilbert Melendez
I’ll be honest – I really haven’t had much time to watch The Ultimate Fighter. I did hear my boy Josh Clopton lost his fight on there, and he kind of got ripped off from what I saw. That’s all I know.
Vitor Belfort
The changes are amazing, but they need to get me on. They’ve got Michael Bisping on there for the third time. Show me some love. I can speak English. I can promote and be exciting.
Q4. What fight would you like to see headline UFC Japan in February 2012?
Dominick Cruz
You have to put Yushin Okami on that card, and you have to put ‘Kid’ Yamamoto on that card. Maybe they should put them against each other like the old Pride days! How great would that be?
Josh Koscheck
I would definitely fight in Japan, but I’m sure the UFC has plans for that. I’m sure they’ll send over some of the old Pride guys. I’m more amazed that there could be two fight cards that day. That’s insane.
Gilbert Melendez
I should bring ‘The Japanese Killer,’ Gil Melendez. The UFC should be real happy. Team Cesar Gracie put Japan out of business. We beat Kawajiri, Sakurai, Gomi and Aoki. Nobody give us any love for that.
Vitor Belfort
That’s going to be a hard decision. There’s a lot of guys that would like to headline that show. I’m glad I’m not Joe Silva.
Q5. Who would you vote for ‘Fight of the Year’ at the 2011 Fighters Only World MMA Awards? Aldo-Hominick, Cruz-Faber, Edgar-Maynard 2, Diaz-Daley or Sanchez-Kampmann?
Dominick Cruz
That Cruz guy has been looking pretty good lately. I’d have to give it to Cruz-Faber.
Josh Koscheck
Any of those would be great choices.
Gilbert Melendez
I didn’t see Sanchez-Kampmann, but I would say Diaz-Daley, for sure. There was more excitement in one round than all the other fights put together. I hate to say it, but it’s true. Otherwise, I’d take Cruz. He fought that fight slick.
Vitor Belfort
It’s got to be Edgar vs Maynard 2. That was incredible.
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