Issue 066
September 2010
MMA’s a highly subjective sport – and we love it like that. Each month we speak with four characters 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 time
THE FIGHTER
Joey Beltran
UFC heavyweight
12-3-0
THE FAN
Jordan McDonald
28 years old, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
THE WRITER
Joe Bell
Regular contributor to Fighters Only magazine
THE INSIDER
Paul ‘The Mauler’ Lazenby
Commentator and former fighter
1 It was rumored Brock Lesnar’s camp blackballed Steve Mazzagatti for the fight with Shane Carwin. Is it fair to do that?
Joey Beltran
“I think that if you handle business in the cage it doesn’t matter who the ref or judges are. Just go for the finish and take control of the situation.”
Jordan McDonald
“I think it’s cool to exercise your rights if you have good reason to think something shady is going on, but if that point deduction situation from UFC 81 is all he’s got then I think attempting to blackball Mazzagatti is a little much.”
Joe Bell
“Would I want Mazzagatti refereeing my fight? No, because he’s inconsistent. As Brock is among the few in the upper echelons of the UFC stable, he’s earned the right to request anything within reason.”
Paul Lazenby
“If they did I can’t say I blame them. If you’ve got a legitimate grievance with a ref, why not insist on a different one? I did a similar thing for my last MMA fight in 2005 and ended up with a ref in who I had full confidence.”
2 Some people have said The Ultimate Fighter exploits young fighters. Do you agree?
Joey Beltran
“I don’t really feel that The Ultimate Fighter exploits young talent. If anything the show gives awesome opportunities to young fighters who would never gain that type of exposure without it.”
Jordan McDonald
“Sure it is, but they’re not trying to mislead anyone. It isn’t the only way to get into the UFC and they know what they’re getting into. TUF is formatted to appeal to the masses so I‘m not hating on it; just not watching it much either.”
Joe Bell
“If a fighter is any good, TUF offers a fast track onto the biggest stage in MMA. Most fighters are switched on; they enter TUF with their eyes open and focused on the prize. The ends justify the means.”
Paul Lazenby
“I don’t agree. TUF contestants live in a swanky house with all their expenses and needs taken care of while competing for a life-changing six-figure contract. Many experienced fighters don’t get that.”
3 At the start of filming for TUF 12, Josh Koscheck said he’d heard Georges St Pierre used steroids. Is GSP clean or a cheat?
Joey Beltran
“Georges St Pierre is not a cheat. I think Koscheck should just worry about stopping GSP’s takedowns.”
Jordan McDonald
“Koscheck looked like a bitch making those allegations. Nothing about GSP says steroids to me. I think it’s totally possible to get his kind of results when you combine good genes, hard work and a proven scientific approach.”
Joe Bell
“Not a chance. GSP is as clean as they come. He’s the by-product of natural hardcore training and embodies what all mixed martial artists should aspire to. Koscheck’s doing what he does best: talking.”
Paul Lazenby
“GSP has passed every drug test. Until he fails one he’s innocent. Trying to malign a man’s reputation without proof just shows the accuser is grasping at straws. Koscheck should either come up with tangible proof or shut up.”
4 Is Strikeforce overrated or underrated?
Joey Beltran
“Strikeforce is an awesome promotion, but mixed martial arts fighters don’t grow up dreaming, ‘I want to be a Strikeforce fighter.’ There is only one major league: the UFC.”
Jordan McDonald
“Strikeforce is willing to promote women’s MMA and I’m a female fighter so, of course, I’m going to say they’re underrated. I see no reason for the UFC to have a monopoly and I hope Strikeforce continues to do well.”
Joe Bell
“Neither. They’re still growing; it’s too early to tell. But, because of an impressive roster of fighters, it’s easy to confuse hype with their place in the world of MMA promotion.”
Paul Lazenby
“Strikeforce is rated just where it should be, as a distant number two behind the UFC. They put on some good fights but are just now starting to iron out some of the wrinkles in their production and corporate strategy.”
5 With UFC Fan Expos in both the US and UK, are you planning on visiting one?
Joey Beltran
“I will not be able to make it to the UFC expos, but I had a great time at the Vegas expo and met some great people.”
Jordan McDonald
“I wouldn’t go out of the country for an expo but I do plan on attending one in the States. Hopefully next year.”
Joe Bell
“Of course, it’s a great opportunity to meet the legends who make this sport what it is: the best in world.”
Paul Lazenby
“I’d love to. The first time I have the opportunity, I’ll be going to one. I have strong ties to England and have spent a lot of time there, so I may use the next UK expo as an excuse to fly over and visit again.”
