Issue 082
November -0001
We asked four different figures from the MMA world their opinions on the pressing matters of the moment
The Fighters
Q1. Cain Velasquez was rocked twice by Cheick Kongo back at UFC 99. Will Junior Dos Santos get the job done in November for the UFC’s first show on Fox?
Ben Henderson
Junior Dos Santos’ hands will definitely touch and test the chin of Cain Velasquez. This should be a great fight.
Carlos Condit
Take nothing away from Cain, but Junior Dos Santos has the boxing skills to win this fight, and he is a finisher. I’m looking forward to it.
Jon Jones
Picking a winner in this fight is a very tough call, but Junior Dos Santos definitely has the tools to take the belt.
Chris Leben
He will definitely test Cain’s chin. Junior Dos Santos has all the skills to win this fight, but Cain is a very tough challenge.
Q2. How much will Jason ‘Mayhem’ Miller’s 14 months out of the cage affect him when he fights Michael Bisping?
Ben Henderson
At this point in his career, 14 months out of the cage could definitely prove an issue. It’s all up to how he kept himself in shape during his time outside of the cage.
Carlos Condit
I don’t think so. ‘Mayhem’ trains with tough guys who can keep him sharp. I believe he’ll be fine.
Jon Jones
The main thing about returning from a layoff is dealing with the mental aspect of the fight. But after the first round, he’ll get everything out of his system and will be just fine.
Chris Leben
Jason is a veteran. His timing might be a little off to start, but after the first round, he will be OK.
Q3. If Urijah Faber beats Brian Bowles at UFC 139, he gets a shot at the UFC bantamweight belt. Do you think he deserves another chance with just one win since his last opportunity?
Ben Henderson
It’s hard to argue against Urijah fighting for the title again after his efforts last time, but as an MMA fan I’d actually like to see other fighters in the division get their opportunity first.
Carlos Condit
I say let’s do it. The last fight with Dominick Cruz was so close. I’d especially like to see that again.
Jon Jones
Absolutely. Urijah Faber is a legend of this sport and deserves the opportunity for a quicker rematch than what others might receive.
Chris Leben
He and Dominick Cruz are the two main, high-profile fighters at that weight, and I would like to see the rubber match between them. Let them settle the score.
Q4. With the UFC now on Fox, how do you think MMA will change in the coming year in the US?
Ben Henderson
This is a big moment. The UFC on Fox is set to be the spark that will explode MMA into the mainstream.
Carlos Condit
This is just the next step to making MMA even more mainstream than it already is now.
Jon Jones
Bottom line, this is a big chance to bring MMA to the mainstream. It’s an exciting moment.
Chris Leben
MMA has long been the “fastest growing sport,” but this is an opportunity to make it completely mainstream. This is also a chance for stars to be made.
Q5. The Fighters Only World MMA Awards take place this December. What was your ‘Submission of the Year’ so far?
Ben Henderson
I honestly don’t think I can pick just one. A twister, a flying triangle, an inverted gogoplata? It’s impossible.
Carlos Condit
I’m having a hard time picking from the final shortlist, and aside from those, Cole Miller’s one-armed guillotine is also one of the best submissions I’ve seen recently.
Jon Jones
I guess my submission over Ryan Bader didn’t make the cut? That would have had my vote!
Chris Leben
Tough to say. There’s a lot of great candidates. After missing out in 2010, I just hope I can get nominated again in next year’s awards.
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