Issue 079
September 2011
PHIL DAVIS SAYS HE’S ‘BETTER THAN RASHAD AT EVERYTHING’
UFC light heavyweight prospect Phil ‘Mr Wonderful’ Davis isn’t usually one to trash talk fellow fighters. Yet ahead of his bout with Rashad Evans at UFC 133 in August, the powerhouse wrestler was keen to highlight his superior skills over ‘Suga.’
Speaking to Fighters Only, Davis stated: “I can beat Rashad anywhere I want to. I’m better than him at striking. I’m better than him at wrestling. I’m better than him at jiu-jitsu. I’m better than him at everything. I can score points in any position against him.”
And Davis doesn’t plan to stop there. Much like UFC champion Jon ‘Bones’ Jones’ meteoric surge into the light heavyweight top spot, in less than two years in the UFC Mr Wonderful is riding a five-fight winning streak and has his eyes firmly set on dethroning the champion.
“Beating Rashad will put me into title contention against Jon Jones. I don’t know who else I’d fight. To fight anyone else would be a step back,” said Davis.
“That’s no disrespect to anyone, it’s just fact. Rashad is the number-one contender and if I beat him, to fight someone else would be going backwards.”
After taking a number of his fights at short notice yet going on to dispatch of formidable opponents such as Brian Stann, Tim Boetsch and Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, Davis accredits his supercharged cardio to his quick rise to the top of the division.
“I’m always fighting fit because we train so hard at Alliance [Training Center, San Diego]. We rarely get days off,” said Davis.
“We focus on technique during training camp. Conditioning is something you can control but technique is something you need to learn.”
Having started his camp at the tail-end of teammate Dominick Cruz’s fight camp – as ‘The Dominator’ prepared for his UFC bantamweight title defense against Urijah Faber – the timing could not be better for Davis to hone his technique with head coach Eric Delfierro.
“I feel good. My camp’s going great,” Davis added. “Right now I’m reinventing my jiu-jitsu and working on a number of new strikes and takedowns. The fans have got some explosive combinations to look forward to.”
OKAMI NOT INTIMIDATED BY RIO CROWD ROOTING FOR SILVA
UFC middleweight number-one contender Yushin Okami says he won’t be fazed by the partisan Brazilian crowd when he challenges for Anderson Silva’s belt at UFC 134 in Rio. Set for August, Okami (26-5) told Fighters Only he will be mentally and physically prepared. “For a fighter to compete in his home country will be a great honor for [Anderson], and he’ll feel very highly motivated – but, it doesn’t matter. Wherever I fight with him it’s only between me and Anderson. I’ll be focused on beating him.”
The bout will be their second meeting following a 2006 bout in Hawaii. That ended by disqualification when Okami was rocked by an illegal upkick and unable to continue. However, the Japanese wrestler is eager to get past that bout. “I completely think the fight in Hawaii was my defeat. I remember that fight sometimes. He and I are different from five years ago. I remember the feelings of that time and I’m glad I can confront them. I really want to avenge what I feel was a loss. I’m grateful I can fight Anderson in the UFC now after that fight. I want to get over Anderson.” That was Anderson Silva’s final loss on his record, and he’s since gone on a 14-fight win streak one that Okami says he has been more that aware of. “I’ve been entirely focused on my own career for the past five years, however, I think I always chased Anderson in my mind. I tracked Anderson’s fights and watched all his fights in the UFC. He’s done very well and, to be honest, I think he’s a wonderful fighter.”
25,673.5
The percentage increase one gambling fan made on his $200 parlay bet placed on the 12-fight UFC 131 card. He walked away with a massive $51,547 when he correctly guessed the winner of every bout
$75,000
The total purse BJJ legend Royler Gracie was claimed to be asking for if he beat fellow grappling ace Eddie Bravo in an ADCC submission wrestling rematch
SIX DEGREES OF DAN SEVERN
Linking the legendary moustache-wearing UFC Hall of Famer to any fighter in six people or less.
DOMINICK CRUZ
1. Dan Severn fought and lost to Royce Gracie in the final of UFC 4 in 1994.
2. Royce Gracie is the cousin of Carlson Gracie.
3. Carlson Gracie tutored former WEC bantamweight champion Miguel Torres.
4. Miguel Torres lost to Joseph Benavidez by guillotine at WEC 47 in 2010.
5. Joseph Benavidez lost a decision to Dominick Cruz at WEC 50.
Think you can stump us? Send your subject suggestions to [email protected]
