Issue 076
November -0001
We asked four different fighters from the MMA world their opinions on the pressing matters of the moment
The Fighters
Q1 Do you think Michael Bisping is a good ambassador for British MMA?
Thiago Tavares
“I think he is popular and has a good personality. Despite this, and despite being a good athlete, he cannot do things like he did in his last fight, and he should be punished.”
Neil Grove
“No, he does not conduct himself like a true sportsman should to represent England in MMA worldwide. There are better fighters who conduct themselves the way a true sportsman should.”
Rousimar Palhares
“He’s a good fighter, but his attitude is very unprofessional.”
Rich Attonito
“His success in the UFC is a great example of the talent the UK produces and also serves as an inspiration for British fighters. But obviously some of his past actions have made him unpopular. Does that make a good ‘ambassador’?”
Q2 Who do you think will win in Junior Dos Santos and Brock Lesnar’s titanic clash?
Thiago Tavares
“Junior Dos Santos will surely win by knockout.”
Neil Grove
“Junior Dos Santos should win. He’s more well-rounded, though Lesnar could overpower him.”
Rousimar Palhares
“Easy – Junior Dos Santos.”
Rich Attonito
“Both guys have the ability to beat each other. Junior will have more answers for what Brock brings to the table than Brock will have for him. I’ll be pulling for Brock but I think Junior takes it.”
Q3 How do you think Anthony Pettis and Clay Guida match up stylistically?
Thiago Tavares
“I think Pettis has many impressive technical qualities, but I think Guida will dominate the fight with his wrestling and jiu-jitsu.”
Neil Grove
“It will be a great fight to watch. Whoever first imposes their will is likely to win the fight.”
Rousimar Palhares
“Stylistically speaking, It will be a great fight. Both guys are very aggressive and dangerous.”
Rich Attonito
“I’d give the striking advantage to Pettis and grappling to Guida. Look for Guida to counter Pettis’ striking with his wrestling and grind him out on the ground. Both guys are always looking to finish so I smell fight bonuses for this one.”
Q4 Miguel Torres’ inception into the UFC came with a less-than-spectacular performance against Antonio Banuelos. Do you think he’ll bring the fight to Brad Pickett at UFC 130?
Thiago Tavares
“Miguel is a great fighter with almost 40 wins. To have a good fight, both fighters must want to fight. If one of them doesn’t engage, then it makes for a bad fight.”
Neil Grove
“He has to because Pickett has very good stand-up and is improved on the ground. He can also take a shot and will be Torres’ toughest opponent to date.”
Rousimar Palhares
“To have a good fight, you need to have explosive fighters. You can’t put it all on Miguel.”
Rich Attonito
“I don’t think Miguel’s going to have a choice; Brad’s going to bring the fight to him regardless. I don’t think Pickett’s ever been involved in a less-than-spectacular sparring session let alone a fight.”
Q5 Who will we see in the finals of the Strikeforce heavyweight grand prix?
Thiago Tavares
“The finals will see Antonio Silva vs Sergei Kharitonov, and ‘Bigfoot’ will win the tournament.”
Neil Grove
“Josh Barnett vs Antonio Silva.”
Rousimar Palhares
“It will be Josh Barnett vs Antonio Silva, and ‘Bigfoot’ is going to win.”
Rich Attonito
“Tough to call but my prediction is Josh Barnett vs Antonio Silva.”
