Issue 078
November -0001
Fanboys worldwide express their opinions online. In print, the fighters are allowed to share their views, We asked four figures from the MMA world their opinions on the pressing matters of the moment.
The Fighters
Q1. Whose right hand will get the win, Dan Henderson’s or Fedor Emelianenko’s?
A: M JOHNSON
I like Dan Henderson. Fedor looks like he kind of fell off a little bit in his last fight, so I don’t know if he’s struggling or not, but I see Dan Henderson by either knockout or decision.
A: EVANS
I love Hendo and, at the same time, Fedor may be off a little bit because of his loss, but I don’t think Hendo’s going to win. He’s got a chance, but I don’t think he’s going to win.
A: A JOHNSON
That’s a hard one. That’s a tie for me. Both of those dudes have Mack trucks for fists. When they touch you, it hurts, and you’re most likely going down.
A: GUILLARD
I’ll take Dan Henderson. Right now, Fedor has kind of faded out. He’s not the same Fedor and I think a lot of people know that. I love Fedor though. He’s one of my all-time favorite fighters, but I see Dan Henderson taking it.
Q2. Jon Jones’ injury means Rashad’s next fight isn’t for the 205lb title, the fight he’s waited over a year for. In the same situation, would you hold out for a title shot or stay busy?
A: M JOHNSON
It’s all about circumstances, but if I had to wait for a year to get my title shot and not risk ruining that shot, then yeah, I would do it. I completely agree with him. It was the right thing.
A: EVANS
I missed fighting because I enjoy it. But, at the same time, I can’t fight my whole life. Not fighting has afforded me the ability to do other things. If you’re building yourself the whole time, you have something to fall back on.
A: A JOHNSON
I’d fight. You want to stay busy; you want to stay active. I’ve been out for a year. You hate watching the competition enjoy themselves and do what you love to do, so you want to go out there and keep doing – stay fresh.
A: GUILLARD
I would take a fight, but it’s tough. If the champion is hurt and I fight for some interim belt I wouldn’t feel like a champion. I don’t want to tell my kids 20 years from now, ‘I was the interim champion.’
Q3. Nick Diaz vs Georges St Pierre is the new super-fight on everyone’s lips. Who do you want to win and why?
A: M JOHNSON
I’ve got to go with GSP. He was my coach on the show and me and him are real good friends now. I believe he’s the best all-around fighter in the game right now.
A: EVANS
I’ll go with GSP, but I’ll tell you right now, Nick Diaz is a beast. He’s like a throwback, where he’s not super athletic or muscular. He’s not the fastest, he doesn’t even have the best technique. But he beats people. He’s got the force.
A: A JOHNSON
I don’t care who wins. It’s not me. May the better man win. It’s just somebody else for me to fight.
A: GUILLARD
I’m really, really good friends with Nick and Nate Diaz. They’re really good friends of mine. Those guys are awesome to me, but I think I’m going to have to roll with my teammate Georges. I never bet against my home field.
Q4. The UFC Personal Trainer video game is due to come out soon. Are you planning on adding it to your training regime?
A: M JOHNSON
Man, I train so much as it is that when I’m at home, I’m sitting on the couch playing video games. I’m being lazy. I don’t think I could work out any more!
A: EVANS
I’m in it! But it’s not good for my confidence. I tried it a couple of times and I was missing knees and elbows and kicks. It’s hard to do. It’s not easy.
A: A JOHNSON
I can’t do that. I’ve got coaches and stuff. For the beginners it’s a great place to start. For the fans and everybody interested in the sport, it will be great. As far as already being an athlete, I can’t see myself playing the video game.
A: GUILLARD
I better be on it. That’s all I’m saying. I haven’t been on any of the UFC video games so I’m making my feelings known on this: I better be in UFC Undisputed 2012!
Q5. This month Randy Couture is our cover star. What’s your favorite Randy Couture moment?
A: M JOHNSON
Where can I start? The guy is just amazing. He was a pioneer and basically helped start the sport. I guess I’d say his Brett Favre moments where he retires and then comes back and wins a fight. I hope to meet him soon.
A: EVANS
He’s all calm like the white Billy Dee Williams. Before I fought Chuck Liddell I was nervous, but he explained to me how I had to become friends with the worst moment, then you have nothing to fear anymore.
A: A JOHNSON
When he beat Chuck that first time, that was one of the best fights ever. That fight, and the fight with ‘Minatauro’. Those two are my favorite fights featuring Randy Couture.
A: GUILLARD
When I first met Randy I was 14 years old. That was my favorite moment. I wrestled one of his kids up in nationals in Fargo, North Dakota, and I teched this kid on a 10 count. That was the greatest Randy Couture moment for me.
