Issue 079
September 2011
We asked four different figures from the MMA world their opinions on the pressing matters of the moment
The Fighters
1 Can Yushin Okami replicate Chael Sonnen’s takedown-based success when he challenges for Anderson Silva’s middleweight belt at UFC 134 in August?
Diego Nunes
I’m always going to root for the Brazilian and, obviously, I’ll always cheer for Anderson too. The punches are going to fly so fast Okami’s not even going to be able to think about taking Anderson down.
Jake Ellenberger
I don’t. Yushin’s a great fighter, he’s definitely a top middleweight in the world, but I don’t see him being able to do what Chael did. I don’t believe there is many who can. Chael’s an Olympic-caliber wrestler, and his work ethic showed in that fight.
Krzysztof Soszynski
It’s a little bit different style-wise. Yushin is a little bit stronger than Chael Sonnen so he’s going to try and wear out Silva in the clinch more, rather than just take him straight down to the ground.
Shawn Tompkins
I know Yushin has been focusing a lot on that, but I don’t think he can catch up in that short amount of time. He’s a different type of fighter.
2 Should Forrest Griffin be considered the underdog against Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua at UFC 134 despite being one up in their series?
Diego Nunes
Forrest is a great fighter. He beat Shogun when Shogun was in not such a great place. But I feel this time Rua will come back and avenge that loss.
Jake Ellenberger
I don’t know. They were both world champions. Shogun is going to be a new guy in this fight. I saw him in the gym down at Kings MMA and he looks motivated. As a fan, I’m excited to see that fight.
Krzysztof Soszynski
Not really. With what happened with Shogun in his last fight and how well Forrest has been fighting recently, it should show how even these fighters are. It’s an even fight.
Shawn Tompkins
I believe so, considering where they both are at in their careers. Also, with the recent fight that Shogun had, he is going to come in very motivated. I love Forrest, but I lack a little bit of faith with where he’s going in his career.
3 Does Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira still have what it takes to hang with young guns like Brendan Schaub?
Diego Nunes
We’ve seen in combat sports a lot of guys that turn back the clock. Randy Couture became a champion even though he was a little bit older than most guys. You can never underestimate those guys. They can shock the world.
Jake Ellenberger
I do. The guy’s been fighting forever. There are guys you can’t count out; you can’t sleep on. Nogueira is one of them. He’s dangerous everywhere.
Krzysztof Soszynski
I definitely think so. He’s been hurting for a long time. Now that he’s had his back taken care of and his hip taken care of, he’s going to come out a refreshed man.
Shawn Tompkins
It seems like rather than picking up and going faster and stronger in the division, he seems like he’s kind of slowing down. When it comes to the Nogueira brothers, they’ve been involved in a lot of wars, and those wars will catch up with you.
4 The UFC seems to be making a big announcement every month. What do you predict their next step toward global domination will be?
Diego Nunes
The UFC already dominates the world! I don’t know what else they could pull off, but I’m just glad to be a part of the biggest promotion.
Jake Ellenberger
They’re making all the right moves. I don’t know what else they could do, honestly. They’re doing a great job with what they’ve got.
Krzysztof Soszynski
I’m not really sure. New York is their big thing. I don’t know what’s going to happen with that. I really hope that one day UFC fighters can get a chance to fight at Madison Square Garden.
Shawn Tompkins
We’re hearing all kinds of things about where we’re going to go next in the world. I’m just happy to be along for the ride. Now being involved with Strikeforce, too, it’s just getting more and more exciting.
5 With Strikeforce now owned by Zuffa, the UFC’s parent company, which company would you estimate to be the world’s number-two promotion?
Diego Nunes
If you consider the UFC and Strikeforce as one, then I guess Bellator would have to be
number two.
Jake Ellenberger
After the UFC, I don’t know. It doesn’t really matter.
Krzysztof Soszynski
I don’t believe there is one.
Shawn Tompkins
It’s hard to say when it comes to the numbers game, but you’ve got to look at popularity and Bellator is out there and in people’s faces. They’re developing fighters. That’s important for a guy like me. It gives me another place to put my guys.
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