Issue 077
November -0001
Zuffa’s buyout of Strikeforce remains a hot topic with fight fans across the planet – and fighters too. We asked four different figures from the MMA world their opinions on the pressing matters of the moment.
The Fighters
Q1. The UFC is asking Brazilian fans to vote for which homegrown stars they want on August’s ‘Rio’ card. What would be some of your dream matchups for Brazil?
A: Davis
Wanderlei vs Belfort and Anderson vs Okami. There are so many other good fights that could be put on the card. I want to see all of my Brazilian clients on the card of course. That’s a tall order though.
A: Magalhaes
In Brazil, I’d like to see Wanderlei vs Belfort. It’s not happening, but that’s the fight. I’d also like to Anderson Silva go up in weight and fight Jon Jones. In Brazil those fights would be awesome.
A: Cane
I’m honored to be taking part, but I’d like to see legends of the sport like ‘Minotauro,’ Anderson Silva and Wanderlei Silva, along with the new generation like José Aldo, Edson Barboza, Charles Oliveira and Rousimar Palhares.
A: Silva
‘Minotauro’ has to be on this card; he is the greatest Brazilian fighter of all time – Anderson Silva and Wanderlei Silva, also. There are so many good Brazilians that also deserve to be on this card. It will make history.
Q2. How will mixed martial arts change now the Zuffa, LLC, owner of the UFC, has bought Strikeforce?
A: Davis
The first change I can see is a shift in who takes the main-event spots in the big events. There’s now a huge roster to choose from.
A: Magalhaes
For now, I don’t think much is going to change. It will get tougher for fighters, though. Now, if you get an offer to fight in the UFC, even if it’s for very little money, you have to take it.
A: Cane
We can only find that out with time, but I think it will take the sport to a new level. This has happened in the US before, with basketball and American football, and it was good for everyone.
A: Silva
That is the thousand-dollar question. I sure hope I get to fight more!
Q3. Dana White has said it’s “business as usual” between Strikeforce and the UFC. Do you believe they’ll remain separate or merge eventually?
A: Davis
I don’t know. One would think they will probably merge at some point, but who knows. Maybe it makes sense to build two brands? It has been done before in other industries.
A: Magalhaes
With Zuffa promoting Strikeforce, they might be much better than they used to, so they might keep them around for a bit. Eventually, though, I think they’ll cut Strikeforce. I think they just want one league and one name.
A: Cane
I don’t know for sure, but if that’s what Dana says, why not believe it?
A: Silva
I guess anything is possible, but the other times they bought a competing promotion, he ended up merging them.
Q4. Urijah Faber is challenging for Dominick Cruz’s UFC bantamweight title. Who takes it and how?
A: Davis
I am a fan of Faber. I like how he fights and how he handles himself in and out of the ring. It’s a tough fight. I like Cruz, too, so it’s tough to say what may happen, but Faber looked real good last time out.
A: Magalhaes
I like Urijah. I wouldn’t say I’m friends with him, but I’ve hung out with him a few times and I want him to win. This is his fight to lose.
A: Cane
It’s such a great fight. I don’t know who takes it, but it could be ‘Fight of the Year’ for sure.
A: Silva
That is a tough fight between two very good fighters who don’t like each other, which gives them both even more reason to put on a great fight. I wouldn’t feel sure making any pick on this one.
Q5. If Tito Ortiz extends his UFC winless streak to six fights against Ryan Bader, do you think it’s fair to other fighters to keep him on the payroll?
A: Davis
No. Tito has a part of the history of this sport on his résumé, but as with all fighters, there comes a time to step down. It’s a difficult moment for sure and Tito has a strong personality and will likely never give up by himself.
A: Magalhaes
If he loses, it’s better for him to go on his own. The UFC might actually keep him though as he’s still a big draw. He hasn’t won a fight in so long, but I think he still sell pay-per-views.
A: Cane
I don’t know if that’s fair, but as a fighter, it’s none of my business. If the UFC thinks that even after so many losses he still attracts fans, then why not keep him?
A: Silva
Tito was a great fighter, but he seems to be past his prime. When that time comes one should retire rather then spoiling your legacy.
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