Issue 065
August 2010
The great thing about MMA is that it is so subjective. Everyone’s got an opinion and we love a bit of debate, so we spoke with four people from across the MMA 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 hour.
THE FIGHTER
Phil ‘Mr Wonderful’ Davis
Light heavyweight prospect
THE FAN
Hayley Forster
Ann Arbor, MI
THE WRITER
John Joe O’Regan
Web Editor,
THE INSIDER
Wayne McCullough
Pro boxer and spokesperson for the UFC
1 Lorenzo Fertitta and Dana White have repeatedly said they want to target countries such as India and China. Is it too soon to take UFC global?
Phil Davis
Dana White and the UFC are extremely smart and have made intelligent business decisions which have led to what we know as the UFC today. Therefore if they have decided to take the UFC global, then I trust it isn’t a mistake at all.
Hayley Forster
Nope! Doing shows in Asia is in the interests of the UFC. There is a huge amount of potential lightweight talent there who can help sell the product in that market and further deepen Zuffa’s talent pool.
John Joe O’Regan
I don’t think so, the time is probably right. The US is all but conquered, the UFC has got fans all over the world and there are new territories ripe for the picking.
Wayne McCullough
This is the perfect time. Lorenzo and Dana have worked feverishly to take the UFC global. Asia is a huge market and it’s time for them to expand over there. The fans want it and the UFC are all about giving the fans what they want.
2 Of the five UFC weight divisions, which do you think is the most competitive?
Phil Davis
Many people think one division is tougher than the next – I truly don’t think so. Every division has a champ with KO power followed by three to four legit contenders that will scare the chrome off a ‘57 Chevy.
Hayley Forster
The heavyweights at the top, but 155lb is the UFC’s most competitive division. You frequently get Dunham-Escudero moments where a fighter previously fighting in the prelims can upset an established star.
John Joe O’Regan
I suppose it has to be the light heavyweights, the way the belt changes hands. There doesn’t seem to be any dominant force at 205lb.
Wayne McCullough
I’d say the heavyweight division is the most competitive right now with Lesnar, Carwin, Velasquez and Dos Santos to name a few. There are a lot of good fighters coming through this division too but these top guys can all fight.
3 Every fighter wants to make it big in the UFC, Strikeforce or similar. Is there a still a decent living to be made for fighters in smaller shows?
Phil Davis
It’s tougher for a fighter to make a living on small shows but it can be done.
Hayley Forster
Fighting in the smaller shows is a great way to showcase your talent and foster your development en route to the big leagues. Some promotions have said their business model is to create the next generation of Zuffa stars.
John Joe O’Regan
Only if you’re a big local ticket seller. Other than that you are just paying your dues and hoping to cash in once you reach the big time.
Wayne McCullough
I don’t really know much about the smaller shows or how much they pay. But there are a lot of other promotions and their fighters can probably make a decent living at it if they fight four or five times a year.
4 Joe Rogan said that wrestling is the most important factor for any MMA fighter. Do you agree?
Phil Davis
Wrestling is the most important factor of MMA and will continue to be, but that doesn’t mean that the standout strikers and BJJ fighters of the world don’t bring a lot to the table.
Hayley Forster
Obviously, modern-day martial artists need to have both striking and grappling skills in abundance in order to be competitive. I believe that wrestling is the strongest of these skills and a key base.
John Joe O’Regan
Absolutely – it bridges the gap between striking and the ground. You can’t be a complete MMA fighter without some wrestling ability.
Wayne McCullough
I agree to a certain extent. I would also say that boxing is right up there – and not just because I’m a boxer! If you have fast hands, power, and can keep your chin down, you can then use your wrestling skills.
5 Who is your favorite MMA personality to follow on Twitter and why?
Phil Davis
I enjoy following a variety of people on Twitter. I follow some models, artists, musicians, pro athletes and fighters alike. I enjoy the mix of daily nonsense I get from everyone.
Hayley Forster
I follow so many, it is difficult to choose! I have to say the two most amusing tweeters are Kurt Pellegrino (@kurtpellegrino) and Miguel Torres (@MiguelTorresMMA) – these are two very funny guys and the banter between them is great!
John Joe O’Regan
I like following the official UFC twitter (@UFC), because it’s a great mix of serious news, humor, insider info and interesting links.
Wayne McCullough
I follow MMA champ and good friend @uselessgomez who I used to spar with, and
@Kenny_Florian because we’re mutual fans of each other, but my favorite follow (who also follows me back) is @DanaWhite.
