Issue 063
June 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
Joe Lauzon, UFC lightweight, 18-5-0
The fan
Paola Montilla, Las Vegas BJ Penn fanatic!
The writer
Tom Ngo, Online correspondent for FightersOnlyMag.com and 5thround.com
The insider
Keebo Robinson, director of operations at the Tapout Training Center and BJJ Black Belt
Q1 Should the UFC institute a yellow card system for warning fighters, like Pride used?
A: Lauzon
I don’t think the UFC should have a yellow card system; it should be on referees to take away points for stalling. There was no point system in Pride, so a yellow card was the only way to penalize fighters, but taking away a point is a much better system.
A: Montilla
No, the current rules are best, we just need better refereeing.
A: Correspondent
Yes, fans pay a lot of money to watch fighters do their jobs, and the best way to motivate an employee to produce is the threat of docked pay.
A: Robinson
I definitely think the yellow card system would be a great idea. It’s been a topic for quite some time and I think it would be a great way to keep the fighters more accountable.
Q2 With shows in Afghanistan and China mooted, is the UFC neglecting their core audience back home?
A: Lauzon
Branching out is great for the UFC, great for the fighters and great for the fans. I think it is particularly awesome that the UFC has done shows on military bases, and usually stacks those cards with guys that have served in the armed forces.
A: Montilla
No, but we could do with more shows on the East Coast of the States and in the UK.
A: Correspondent
Yes, but it is for the betterment of the sport. They already have the US locked down, so attacking other countries is the fastest means towards achieving continued growth.
A: Robinson
Not really. I’d love to see more shows in the US, but MMA is a growing global sport. UFC is doing a great job at keeping it moving.
Q3 MMA: Sport, entertainment, or both?
A: Lauzon
MMA is definitely a sport, but there will always be an entertainment aspect to it. It’s the same with boxing, baseball, football... People want to see knockouts, home runs and touchdowns.
A: Montilla
Both. Look at Rampage Jackson and Randy Couture, both starring in movies and headlining multi-million dollar fight cards.
A: Correspondent
Both. Nobody is going to pay $44.95 for a pay per view if it’s not entertaining. Did you hear that, Mr Anderson Silva?
A: Robinson
Definitely both – it’s athleticism and sport at its best. It also appeals to people who don’t necessarily care for sports at all, but follow their favorite MMA fighter.
Q4 What do you think is the most important quality a fighter must possess?
A: Lauzon
It’s important that a fighter constantly surrounds himself with the right people – coaches, friends, girlfriends / wives can all make or break any fighter. It’s important to keep a good head on your shoulders.
A: Montilla
Looks – just kidding! Determination is the most important part, you can’t teach that – you have it or you don’t.
A: Correspondent
Heart – and you either have it or you don’t. Regardless of how talented you are, anything can happen in a fight. In the fifth round of a championship bout, how do you respond when your back’s completely against the wall?
A: Robinson
A combination of confidence and humility.
Q5 Do you prefer to watch MMA events live and in person, at a viewing party with friends, or by yourself?
A: Lauzon
I love going to MMA events live. Sometimes it’s a lot easier to just get a bunch of people together and watch at my house or something, but there is nothing like being there live. You can feel the energy and anticipation with thousands of others.
A: Montilla
I don’t like to watch the fights in bars. I saw one UFC live and it was AMAZING! I enjoy watching it with my friends the best!
A: Correspondent
Although I often find myself looking at the big screen to watch the fights when I attend the shows, there’s nothing like watching an MMA event live.
A: Robinson
Viewing party. As part of Team Tompkins, I have the privilege of going to, and cornering at, many of the live shows. It’s great to get together with friends and family to grill out and have a few adult beverages while watching.
