Issue 073
March 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
Danny Downes
WEC to UFC lightweight
7-1
The Fan
Samantha Johnson
23, Phoenix, Arizona
The Writer
Callum Hornigold
Fighters Only Assistant Editor
The Insider
James Walsh
Fight manager of WEC sensation Brad Pickett
1 With the UFC.taking an event to Brazil later in the year, what effect do you think that will have on the sport in the future, both in Brazil and internationally?
Danny Downes
“Unless a fighter gets crazy at the Rio Carnival and commits a felony, it won’t have a major effect on the sport.”
Samantha Johnson
“It’s long overdue, and going to be one of the most anticipated sporting events to come to Brazil in some time. Internationally, it is just another positive step of the UFC reaching new regions. But, a south Asian show is long overdue, too.”
Callum Hornigold
“It’ll benefit Brazil’s reputation more than anything. They’ve been granted the World Cup and the Olympics, and, even though it’s already a hub for MMA, the UFC will further raise its profile and we’ll see more young fighters.”
James Walsh
“Going back to Brazil is going to be a big deal for the fans there. I’m not sure of the international effect, but I think it will only help grow MMA in Brazil and get new fans. I’m sure the UFC will be welcomed with open arms.”
2 Tito Ortiz is fighting ‘Little Nog’ in March, at UFC Fight Night 24. If he loses, do you think the UFC will finally let him go?
Danny Downes
“I don’t see Tito getting cut, but even if he does we all know we’ll be hearing from him for a long time.”
Samantha Johnson
“As many issues as Tito and Dana White have had, I think Dana realizes Ortiz is a staple. The UFC might not give him fights but retain his contract to disable him from fighting in other organizations, and use his ‘notoriety’ on a future card.”
Callum Hornigold
“Although Ortiz has had some great fights and spewed some fantastic trash talk – I believe every dog has its day. If you’re not good enough to put on exciting performances anymore, trash talk isn’t going to save you.”
James Walsh
“I think so, yes. Dana said after his last fight that this would be his last if he loses. But, saying that, if Tito still has a good fight it would make sense to keep him on the books rather than let him go to a rival show.”
3 Which flyweight fighters would you recommend for the UFC’s future 125lb weight class?
Danny Downes
“Can Cristiane ‘Cyborg’ Santos make the cut?”
Samantha Johnson
“Jussier ‘Formiga’ Da Silva and Ulysses ‘Useless’ Gomez. Nova Uniao member Da Silva is 9-0 and would be an amazing addition to the UFC. Gomez (7-1) is a brown belt under Marc Laimon and an accomplished grappler.”
Callum Hornigold
“Our very own Fighters Only office junior and resident hard-core flyweight Joseph McNally, of course. When he’s not working his ass off in the office he’s at the gym training for fights.”
James Walsh
“Phil Harris without a doubt. This kid is beyond the capabilities of Europe now; no 125lb fighter is near his level. Phil, I’d like to think, would get the call up right away on the day they announce the UFC 125lb division.”
4 Alistair Overeem won the K-1 World Grand Prix and is the Strikeforce heavyweight champ. Who should he really fight next: Fedor Emelianenko or Fabricio Werdum?
Danny Downes
“Everyone wants to see him fight Fedor, but, knowing M-1, who can be sure what will happen?”
Samantha Johnson
“While Werdum did beat Emelianenko, it does not negate ‘The Last Emperor’s record leading up to that fight. At 32-2-1 Emelianenko is still a dominant fighter and would create a dynamic challenge for Overeem.”
Callum Hornigold
“I think Werdum would be a tougher opponent for him. If Werdum took it to the ground I think Overeem may crumble. Then again, I’d like to see a true class act and hard-hitter like Emelianenko potentially derail ‘The Reem’ hype machine.”
James Walsh
“Personally, I think he should fight Werdum because of the win over Fedor. What does it say about your championship belt if you let a guy on a loss fight for it? Saying that, I understand why they’ll let Fedor fight first: it’s Fedor, right?”
5 Is the Bellator promotion’s new three-year TV deal with MTV2 a good partnership or a bad one?
Danny Downes
“I think it’s a great idea. I can’t wait for the Bellator-Jersey Shore crossover episode.”
Samantha Johnson
“I think it is. MTV2 is guaranteeing a primetime slot, as well as other features FSN couldn’t offer. The deal is rumored to include other ambitious details that will help launch Bellator as a brand. I say it should be a win-win.”
Callum Hornigold
“It’s been hard to make MMA into a mainstream sport and I guess you can’t get more mainstream than MTV. Plus, its demographic fits the target market. There’s just a tinge of ‘selling out’ that makes me feel a little uncomfortable.”
James Walsh
“I think it’s awesome. Anything with TV for MMA is a good thing. MTV is kind of a big deal I guess, and it might work out good for the fighters; with exposure to a wider audience, the sponsors may be more willing to jump in.”
