Issue 069
December 2010
Due to their exploits inside and outside the cage, some high-profile heroes are rightly viewed as a source of inspiration.
Matt Hamill
IN BRIEF: Former college wrestling standout. Currently on a hot streak in the UFC’s 205lb division
KNOWN FOR: Hamill was born deaf but didn’t let it hold him back. He tours schools encouraging deaf children to follow their dreams
INSPIRATION TO: Anyone with a disability. Hamill shows that it is possible to overcome adversity and compete at the highest level
GREATEST MOMENT: Sent his home Ohio crowd wild with a head kick KO of Mark Munoz at UFC 96
FUTURE: Hamill’s amazing story is the subject of an upcoming movie
Jose Aldo
IN BRIEF: WEC featherweight champion and a serious contender for the pound-for-pound crown
KNOWN FOR: Aldo grew up in abject poverty in Manaus, Brazil. From an early age he worked as a laborer in order to survive
INSPIRATION TO: All the disadvantaged. Jose endured conditions Westerners can’t imagine and went on to become a champ
GREATEST MOMENT: Aldo’s flying double knee KO will be on highlight reels as long as people watch MMA
FUTURE: Looks set to be one of the biggest stars in the sport for years to come
Martin Stapleton
IN BRIEF: All-action lightweight who came to prominence in TUF 9
KNOWN FOR: ‘Stapes’ fits in fight training around his job as a Royal Marines Commando PT instructor. He is currently serving in Afghanistan
INSPIRATION TO: Those of us with demanding careers. Stapes can train full-time, so you should be able to make it to the gym
GREATEST MOMENT: His TKO win over Andrew Fisher to win the Strike and Submit title in the UK last year
FUTURE: All set for another run at the UFC when he returns from his latest tour of duty
Mac Danzig
IN BRIEF: Polarizing winner of The Ultimate Fighter Season 6
KNOWN FOR: Danzig is a strict vegan, an animal rights activist and moonlights as a wildlife photographer
INSPIRATION TO: Outsiders. Danzig is totally at odds with the cage fighter stereotype. He stays true to his beliefs
GREATEST MOMENT: Destroying Matt Hughes’ blued-eyed boy Tommy Speer to take the TUF 6 title
FUTURE: Recent setbacks mean that his future in the UFC is on the line when Danzig next enters the Octagon
Jens Pulver
IN BRIEF: Former UFC lightweight champion and one of the cleanest punching KO artists in MMA history
KNOWN FOR: Jens’ childhood was a nightmare of violence and abuse. In one terrifying incident his alcoholic father put a gun in Pulver’s mouth
INSPIRATION TO: Those who bear mental scars. Jens battled through depression to make it to the very top of his profession
GREATEST MOMENT: Pulver’s memorable victory against the odds to defeat BJ Penn and retain his belt at UFC 35
FUTURE: Fighting on despite being cut by the WEC. The powerful documentary Driven, out in November, is likely to win him a new wave of fans
Randy Couture
IN BRIEF: ‘Captain America’. Two-weight UFC champ and the most popular fighter around
KNOWN FOR: Respecting his opponents, grace under fire and incredible longevity
INSPIRATION TO: Nice guys who don’t want to get mean to succeed. Anyone over 30 who needs motivation to stay active
GREATEST MOMENT: Coming out of retirement to dominate Tim Sylvia and take the UFC heavyweight belt at UFC 68
FUTURE: Randy can concentrate on training and being a movie action hero when he’s done with being a real-life tough guy. Hosts the FO MMA Awards on December 1st
Georges St Pierre
IN BRIEF: UFC welterweight champ, supreme athlete and MMA sex symbol
KNOWN FOR: GSP took up martial arts after being bullied as a youngster. He went on to become the best fighter on the planet
INSPIRATION TO: Put-upon people of the world. You can improve yourself, outdo your tormentors and go on to do great things
GREATEST MOMENT: Reclaiming his title from Matt Serra in front of his adoring fans in Montreal at UFC 83
FUTURE: The French Canadian looks set to rule the 170lb class as long as he wants to
