Issue 080
October 2011
We asked four different figures from the MMA world their opinions on the pressing matters of the moment
The Fighters
1 When Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson and Jon Jones fight for the title later this year, does Rampage’s key to victory lay inside the pocket?
John Makdessi
Rampage is an exciting fighter, but he is very predictable – unless he changes his style. I believe Jon Jones is a very unpredictable fighter and will have the edge. In the end, it’s all about who is more there mentally.
Fabio Maldonado
Rampage has a good notion of how to box from the clinch. He can do a lot of damage from there.
Ivan Menjivar
With a guy like Jon Jones, it is tough either way, but Rampage’s advantage might be to get inside and look for a knockout.
Ulysses Gomez
I believe so. Jones will try to keep him at the end of his punches, and Rampage needs to come in and close the distance to prevent that. But Rampage needs to be prepared to be in the clinch position once he gets inside the pocket.
2 Jackson had success stuffing Matt Hamill’s shoots at UFC 130. Can he do the same against Jones?
John Makdessi
Every fight is different. You can’t compare the two.
Fabio Maldonado
Rampage will have to do an even better job against Jones to not be taken down. It’s going to be a challenge.
Ivan Menjivar
That will be a lot tougher against Jones, but I think Rampage can prevent the takedown, or at least punish Jones as he tries to get the fight to the ground.
Ulysses Gomez
Apples and oranges. Hamill doesn’t have the striking that Jones has, so Hamill had to shoot in from a farther distance for the takedown. Jones has good striking, so he can easily mix his striking and wrestling to take someone down.
3 When Kenny Florian fights José Aldo, where does he need to take the fight in order to win?
John Makdessi
This is a very tough fight. I look up to both fighters. Only God knows. It’s very tough to predict.
Fabio Maldonado
The only way Kenny Florian beats José Aldo is if he plays him in the UFC Undisputed video game.
Ivan Menjivar
Fighting stand-up or on the ground will be tough against a guy like José Aldo, but Kenny Florian is great, so it should be an amazing fight to see.
Ulysses Gomez
When they fight, Kenny has to put José on his back and keep him there. Of course, that’s easier said than done. Kenny has the advantage on the ground if he’s on top.
4 Matt Hughes has stated he’s now only looking for interesting fights and not the belt. Who would you like to see him fight?
John Makdessi
Matt Hughes is a great fighter and has been fighting for a long time. At this point, it’s whatever he wants and desires for his legacy.
Fabio Maldonado
I’m not sure. Matt is a great fighter and he’s still one of the big names in the sport, but he should fight someone his age.
Ivan Menjivar
We’ll have to wait and see until after the Diego Sanchez fight. We’ll know a lot more then.
Ulysses Gomez
Outside of the UFC, either Jay Hieron or Ben Askren. Inside of the UFC, he’s fought a who’s who of top guys already, so it’s hard to say, but I like his match up with Diego Sanchez a lot.
5 The next Fighters Only World MMA Awards take place at the end of November. Who would you vote as ‘Fighter of the Year’ so far?
John Makdessi
Anderson Sliva deserves it. He is an exciting fighter to watch and a true champion. I respect him a lot. He goes to fight and to win.
Fabio Maldonado
I’d say Antonio ‘Bigfoot’ Silva. He dominated Fedor Emelianenko, and there’s still more to come.
Ivan Menjivar
I vote for me!
Ulysses Gomez
It’s hard to say because all the top fighters have only fought a few times this year, but Nick Diaz is my front-runner – especially if he gets past Georges St Pierre.
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