Issue 074

April 2011

MMA’s a highly subjective sport – and we’re proud of that. Each month we speak with four characters from across the fighting world to find out their thoughts on the current state of play 

We asked four different figures from the MMA world their opinions on the pressing matters of the moment 

The Fighter

Ricco Rodriguez

Former UFC heavyweight

champion (45-11)

The Fan

Carla Duran

30, California

The Writer

Michael Huang

Chicago-based contributor to Fighters Only

The Insider

Jude Samuels

VP Talent Relations and Operations BAMMA, Britain’s largest promotion

1 Do you think Anthony.Pettis should have waited for his title shot?

Ricco Rodriguez

“Maybe he just wants to fight and stay active, which I think is important as a fighter to keep your timing and things. But, at the same time can he blow the opportunity? Yes he can; anything can happen. That’s a decision only he can make.”

Carla Duran

“Coming off perhaps the most significant win of his career, why wait? Who knows how long he’d be sidelined for? With another win he’ll undoubtedly get his title shot before the end of the year anyhow.”

Michael Huang

“No. He gets a lot of undo criticism for being more flash than talent. Fact is, his hybrid capoeira-like style keeps his opponents off-balance. It’s like a breath of fresh air. His fight with Clay Guida will be interesting.”

Jude Samuels

“In hindsight, absolutely! With the only loss on his record being to the highly experienced Bart Palaszewski, I think the fight with Ben Henderson justified it. Plus he is a very marketable person and I think he’ll make a few waves in 2011.”

2 Do you think Brock will try to play mind games with Junior Dos Santos while coaching The Ultimate Fighter?

Ricco Rodriguez

“Brock Lesnar talked a lot with Cain Velasquez and look where that got him. This isn’t WWE, this is the real thing and you have to be able to back it up. What I do like about Brock is that he sells pay-per-views but ultimately he’s very respectful.”

Carla Duran

“Of course he will! Like pro wrestling, the psychology of a match is best when it spans across a feud. No one in MMA knows this better than Brock Lesnar. Brock is a showman who will sell this upcoming fight to its full potential.”

Michael Huang

“Just because the guy was in the WWE doesn’t mean he’s a clown. However, he knows showmanship and if TUF needs it, I’m sure he’ll know how to turn up the volume. I think it’ll be a cauldron of intensity and the fighters will mirror their coaches.”

Jude Samuels

“Brock is an entertainer and TUF will be his biggest stage. I think this could potentially be one of the most entertaining TUFs if, and only if, he plays the entertainment card. The fighters will be in for a real tough time I think, however.”

3 Could Alistair Overeem cut it in the UFC?

Ricco Rodriguez

“I think he’d do really well. He just came off the win in K-1; he’s one of the best stand-up fighters in the world – that’s proven. People go where they feel they’re treated the best and Scott Coker has a very good relationship with his fighters.”

Carla Duran

“There is no better home for the ‘International Fighter of the Year’ than the world’s largest MMA promotion. I believe that titles in both Strikeforce and K-1 build a solid enough resume.”

Michael Huang

“Definitely. His power, hand and foot speed are on par with Cain Velasquez. If Lesnar can cut it, with his limited striking skills, but uncanny athleticism and power wrestling, Overeem can easily excel in the UFC with his kickboxing and strength.”

Jude Samuels

“Without question. Especially with what Golden Glory have done in 2010. Alistair’s success has been a massive team effort. They had three or four fighters in the K-1 final, plus Marloes Coenen and Alistair winning Strikeforce titles.”

4 If Georges St Pierre beats Jake Shields in April should he consider a move to middleweight?

Ricco Rodriguez

“The truth is he’s a great fighter, and if he beats everyone in that division he should test himself to go up. Personally, I’m a huge St Pierre fan and I think the most important part is that everyone want to see him fight at 185lb.”

Carla Duran

“I see no reason why a fighter should put his athletic performance second to his health, but looking at the past, present and possible future pound-for-pound lists, many fighters listed have fluctuated in weight.”

Michael Huang

“No, although St Pierre vs Anderson Silva would be one hell of a fight. I think he’ll beat Shields. But, if he beats BJ Penn again, then maybe. I just don’t see anyone else after BJ.”

Jude Samuels

“I don’t think he should be pressured into it. For him it’s more a career-changing decision that would be difficult to come back from, rather than one fight. For the sport it would be a great as he’s so dominant at welterweight.”

5 Do you think you could judge an MMA fight?

Ricco Rodriguez

“I don’t think he should be pressured into it. For him it’s more a career-changing decision that would be difficult to come back from, rather than one fight. For the sport it would be a great as he’s so dominant at welterweight.”

Carla Duran

“I sure could but I don’t how good I’d be!”

Michael Huang

“Yes, but writers have strengths and varying backgrounds, too. I can score the wrestling and boxing, with both in my background, but evaluating the jiu-jitsu and Muai Thai will be tougher. Perhaps that’s why fighters shouldn’t leave it up to judges.”

Jude Samuels

“Yep.”