Issue 060
March 2010
We asked four different figures from the MMA world their opinions on the pressing matters of the hour.
The Fighter
Martin Kampmann
15-3-0
The Fan
Tom Lee
Indiana
The Writer
Matt Hyde
The Insider
Andy Roberts
UFC judge
Q1. Does the judging system need to be overhauled?
Martin Kampmann
Yeah, maybe, but I don’t know how. You can say that but how do you come up with an answer? I think it’s hard to find a fair system. There are always going to be mistakes.
Tom Lee
I would like the see them give more points for being active on the ground, e.g. Serra vs Hughes. Also I’d like to see points given for fighters who get up from the takedown, as well as submission defense.
Matt Hyde
Judging in any combat sport is always going to be controversial. MMA judging is superior to that used in boxing. Some of the recent decisions in MMA will hopefully encourage fighters not to leave it to the judges.
Andy Roberts
Maybe, but how? The ten point-must system is OK if the judges know what they are looking at. They need to understand all aspects of it. I would be interested to hear people’s ideas on a specific MMA judging system.
Q2. Do you think Brock Lesnar will return to defend his heavyweight belt?
Martin Kampmann
I’m not a doctor, I can’t tell you about that. I think he will. I know he’s sick but I don’t know how bad it is. I hope he’ll come back, I want to see him fight.
Tom Lee
I do, but not till late summer or fall.
Matt Hyde
I believe he will be back. I just hope he’s able to reach the phenomenal level that he’s showed thus far in his MMA career.
Andy Roberts
If he recovers to full strength then yes. He seemed committed to expanding his skill set by cross-training in jiu-jitsu. I don’t think he did it for the payday, I think he genuinely likes to smash people!
Q3. Is the UFC spreading itself too thin by holding so many events?
Martin Kampmann
I think it’s great as a fighter, it gives me a lot of dates to be able to fight. I think as a fan as well, I enjoy watching the sport. Keep them coming!
Tom Lee
No I don’t think so, they have 130 fighters under contract. With the new expansion onto the Versus network this will allow more shows for some of the fighters that are not getting enough fights as it stands.
Matt Hyde
Although the quality of the card invariably suffers with more regular events, it gives new fighters a lot more opportunities. Not sure how much more mileage TUF has, though.
Andy Roberts
I don’t think so, it has enough fighters on its roster to enable it to do so. If the audience figures start to drop off then I think the UFC is intelligent enough to reduce the amount of shows to keep the interest!
Q4. What was your stand out MMA moment from 2009?
Martin Kampmann
I was happy about beating Condit, that was a real close fight. That was a good moment for me.
Tom Lee
The Brian Bowles upset over Miguel Torres.
Matt Hyde
Anderson Silva stepping up a weight class and making a mockery of former light heavyweight champion Forrest Griffin, an outrageous performance that will live long in the memory.
Andy Roberts
The UK guys on TUF showing that British fighters have what it takes and their subsequent wins on UFC 105!
Q5. Will 2010 be a bigger year for MMA than 2009?
Martin Kampmann
I think so. The sport is growing and it’s only getting bigger.
Tom Lee
For sure… Can you say NBC?
Matt Hyde
Lesnar returning (hopefully), more Fedor fights, Silva vs Belfort… yeah it can only get bigger!
Andy Roberts
Definitely, with the international events the UFC has planned, such as Australia, and its continued commitment to the UK / European scene I can only see it getting bigger and better!
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