Issue 068
October 2010
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 and the pressing matters of the time.
The fighter
Joe Duarte, TUF alumnus and Bellator veteran, 5-2
The fan
Sammy Perez, 47 years old, Bethlehem, PA
The commentator
Adam Crowther, regular photographic contributor to Fighters Only Magazine
The Insider
Brian ‘Goze’ Garcia, Co-host of MMAJunkie.com Radio
Q1. Will Vitor Belfort ever hold the UFC middleweight belt?
A: Duarte
“Anything can happen in an MMA fight – we saw that with Werdum and Fedor. As long as Anderson is there I think that belt will always be his. Vitor has the tools but Anderson has the brains. Anderson fights smart and is too elusive.”
A: Perez
“I don’t believe so. I only say that because I don’t think he can defeat Anderson Silva. However, should Silva retire or leave the division soon, then I can see him become champion because of the other talent at middleweight.”
A: Crowther
“I hope so, Belfort is a legend. He’s a BJJ black belt with KO power and he’s on a winning streak right now. If he finally gets to fight Anderson Silva it will be exciting – unlike Silva’s last recent outings.”
A: Garcia
“It depends which Vitor Belfort shows up. An aggressive Vitor Belfort that pushes the pace and backs Anderson up could be dangerous. However, it’s tough to bet against the pound-for-pound best fighter in the world.”
Q2. After his loss to Werdum, do you want to see Fedor fight in the UFC?
A: Duarte
“Fedor is always exciting and as long as he fights I will always watch him. He has said that his road to retirement is almost here. He has done more than most fighters dream of and if he wants to fight for the UFC I’ll tune in.”
A: Perez
“Yes, I would, but not because he lost to Werdum. It would be solely to answer the lingering question as to whether or not he could defeat the cream of the UFC’s heavyweight division including Brock Lesnar.”
A: Crowther
“Of course! Who doesn’t? Assuming he’s still got the drive and determination, his loss to Werdum will just bring him back stronger and meaner. It would be good if we could see that against the UFC’s current heavyweights finally.”
A: Garcia
“I would love to. I would pay for any event featuring Fedor. The problem is the UFC is a business and it doesn’t make sense business-wise; its heavyweight division is already stacked and pay-per-view numbers are high.”
Q3 . Is it worth the WEC taking its events international?
A: Duarte
“It does any fight organization good to go international. WEC is big enough to go anywhere and have a good showing. WEC fighers are finally getting the recognition they deserve – like my boy Dominick Cruz.”
A: Perez
“Yes, I do – it’s the next logical step. It has slowly become a viable promotion with stars at the lighter weights that don’t have to take a back seat to anyone in MMA. Not to mention, many of its star fighters are from other countries.”
A: Crowther
“I think so. In slightly small venues I think they would sell out, and if it was shown on the TV here as well it would be just more high-quality MMA to watch. There is no doubt that the WEC has exciting fights and fantastic talent.”
A: Garcia
“The WEC roster is stacked with international stars and that makes selling an already phenomenal product that much easier. The WEC brings something different to the table that I feel the international market will eat up.”
Q4. Would you like to see another Chuck Liddell fight in the future?
A: Duarte
“Chuck put on some of the most exciting fights in MMA. Now I think he should sit back and enjoy his legacy. It’s painful to see guys who were once the greatest lose fights. He hasn’t ruined his legacy by losing fights he shouldn’t have.”
A: Perez
“No, I wouldn’t. Two reasons: his health is coming into question after each KO and he’s had his time. The sport has evolved and sadly it’s out with the old and in with the new. Leave now and his legacy is cemented forever.”
A: Crowther
“He should call it a day. I photographed him on a seminar tour which was very well received. I think he should look at coaching. He has nothing to prove and his style means more chance of getting KO’d by quicker, younger fighters.”
A: Garcia
“I want entertaining fights and Chuck Liddell can provide that. The question is, at what cost? Chuck has nothing left to prove. It’s time to move on.”
Q5. Who will you vote as ‘Fighter of the Year’ in the Fighters Only World MMA Awards?
A: Duarte
“Fabricio Werdum for ending Fedor’s ten-year undefeated reign as the greatest heavyweight ever. That will most likely be the greatest moment in his career.”
A: Perez
“Jose Aldo. The way he blew through the competition, won the title in November against Mike Brown, then defended it dominantly against the one fighter many people thought had a chance, Urijah Faber. I don’t think there’s a question.”
A: Crowther
“Probably Shane Carwin. I like people with crazy knockout power, and as a fight photographer you’re always looking for that split-second KO moment. He was so close to getting that KO against Brock too.”
A: Garcia
“Jose Aldo has been an absolute menace in the WEC. He’s not only winning his fights, he’s destroying his opponents. The scariest thing is he’s only 24. He could potentially clear out his division and move on.”
