Issue 071
January 2011
We asked four different figures from the MMA world their opinions on the pressing matters of the time
THE FIGHTER
John Alessio
A 12-year veteran of UFC, WEC and Pride (30-13)
THE FAN
Justin Lopez
37, San Diego, CA
THE WRITER
Steve Tallantyre
Regular contributor to Fighters Only magazine
THE INSIDER
Ryan Loco
MMA blogger at Jaco Clothing and Heavy.com
1 How do you predict the Gray Maynard vs Frankie Edgar rematch going?
John Alessio
“I really feel like Gray Maynard will win the rematch just like he did the first time they met in the Octagon. Gray has the style to beat a guy like Edgar and give him lots of problems by outwrestling him.”
Justin Lopez
“Both fighters are much different and much improved since they first met in 2008. The way that Frankie handled BJ, twice, impressed me. I have to go with Frankie. I think he outboxes Gray and avoids his takedowns enough to win a decision.”
Steve Tallantyre
“Gray could be Frankie’s kryptonite: a stronger wrestler with the psychological advantage of a previous win. That said, Edgar’s improvement curve has been impressively steep and I think his speed, footwork and movement will be enough for him to take a points victory.”
Ryan Loco
“Frankie Edgar is on such a roll right now; it’s hard to beat a guy who has so much confidence. The man beat BJ Penn twice when he was supposed to lose both times. Factor in going into the fight with the belt and I see Frankie outpointing Gray for a decision victory.”
2 Would you like to see Nick Diaz jump into the UFC welterweight mix or continue in Strikeforce?
John Alessio
“I think Nick Diaz would fit in well with the UFC, plus there are lots of good matchups for him. Strikeforce doesn’t have the depth the UFC has in the welterweight division – although it’s nice for him to be Strikeforce champion.”
Justin Lopez
“I want to see Nick have a rubber match with KJ Noons before he does make the jump to the UFC. Nick
gets a bad rap with his antics but these antics do help promote him, good or bad, and it helps build hype for his fights. With that said, I’d love
to see both KJ and Nick in the UFC.”
Steve Tallantyre
“I think Nick’s career will be better served by continuing to be a big fish in a small pond. He’s an entertaining fighter and character, but for me he hasn’t got the necessary talent to be a credible title challenger in the UFC.”
Ryan Loco
“I want to see Nick Diaz fight everyone – anywhere. Every time that guy is on the TV screen fighting, I’m captivated. Get him to the UFC to get the publicity he deserves. But first, he needs to fight my buddy ‘Mayhem’ Miller. Don’t be scared, homie.”
3 Is now the right time to merge the WEC with the UFC?
John Alessio
“I knew it was a matter of time before the UFC and WEC merged together. With the sport growing so much, and the UFC having so much to do with that, now is as good a time as any.”
Justin Lopez
“I love the idea. WEC has had the most exciting fights lately and a lot of new MMA fans are missing out on them because they are not on the UFC’s Spike TV or pay-per-view cards.”
Steve Tallantyre
“Absolutely! The move’s been long overdue and I’m excited to see the lighter guys finally get their just rewards. It’s also the best possible way for the UFC to offer more title fights on cards without splitting the weight divisions.”
Ryan Loco
“I think so. With the UFC getting some criticism for having lackluster cards due to them putting on so many shows, adding the incredible talent that the WEC has is going to practically guarantee stacked cards from top to bottom. As an MMA fan, I’m excited for the future.”
4 Gina Carano and Randy Couture are both thinking about acting full-time instead of fighting. Which one will have more success?
John Alessio
“Randy Couture will probably have more success as an actor. He’s a bigger name than Gina and already has his foot in the door with a few big movies. Gina will have him in the looks department so she could still get some fun roles.”
Justin Lopez
“I actually enjoyed Randy in The Expendables. If Arnold and Sly can do it why can’t Randy? As far as comparing Gina and Randy’s future acting success, I don’t have an opinion since I have never seen Gina act. She does have a marketable image and looks so I suppose that’s a start.”
Steve Tallantyre
“Randy has the tough-guy looks and physicality to do well as an action-movie star. Gina might struggle: being the best-looking girl in MMA isn’t the same as being the best-looking girl in Hollywood, and the market for kick-ass females is a lot smaller.”
Ryan Loco
“As much as I love Randy, I think Gina will. For some strange reason it seems like directors can always find roles for hot women. Weird, huh? Older guys with mangled ears seem to be on the cutting room floor. Sorry, ‘Captain America’.”
5 What MMA-related gift will you be asking for over the holidays?
John Alessio
“I can’t think of a gift that I really want that’s related to MMA, but I sure wouldn’t mind a new iPad or Mac laptop!”
Justin Lopez
“A subscription to Fighters Only magazine plus one of the Triumph United and Shoyoroll Collaboration Brazilian jiu-jitsu gis that are coming soon.”
Steve Tallantyre
“Some sports massages or extra freezer gel-packs to help my ageing, aching joints...”
Ryan Loco
“I have all the gear I need, all the clothes, figures, etc. I want a pair of Sakuraba’s orange shorts. I’d honestly wear them every day and twice on Sundays. Imagine the chicks! Instant magnet.”
