Issue 044
December 2008
In the wild and wacky world of MMA, there are busy months, and then there are crazy months. October was about as hectic as they come, but the next few months are packed with big fights. We asked four different figures from the MMA world their opinions on the pressing matters of the hour.
The fighter
Tom Watson, UK middleweight, based in the US
The writer
Stash Capar, multi-lingual FO contributor from London
The fan
Daniel Ogden, 27-year-old fireman from Manchester
The insider
Leon Roberts, MMA referee and coach, probation officer by day
Q1. With EliteXC, the IFL and BodogFIGHT all going belly up, will MMA turn into a ‘one-party state’?
A: Watson
There will always be second-tier MMA companies emerging and disappearing, but it’s hard to argue or disagree with the UFC as the leader of MMA right now.
A: Capar
I think so, yes. The UFC brand just seems to keep getting stronger in the U.S. But, there will always be room for the likes of Strikeforce and other successful ‘local’ shows.
A: Ogden
Personally I think other promotions will be able to work but only on small scale compared to the UFC: they’re dominating.
A: Roberts
I think there will be smaller shows, the UFC would like to dominate (and they clearly are) but the UFC know they need the smaller shows to develop the fighters.
Q2. Randy, Brock, Mir or Minotauro – who will emerge as top dog?
A: Watson
Brock has shown improvements in every fight but I think Randy beats him at this stage of his career. I take Minotauro to beat Randy now so I’ll go with Nog. Did someone say Fedor?
A: Capar
Minotauro, hands down. There’s no one on that list that he can’t submit.
A: Ogden
I think I’d give Brock a chance, just because he’s a lot fresher than the other three – he may not have the experience, but he’s hungrier.
A: Roberts
I knew you’d ask me that! My heart will always say Randy: I’m a huge fan. I think possibly Nogueira has the best skills and experience – but I’m going to go for Randy.
Q3. MMA reality TV shows – good or bad?
A: Watson
Good more than bad. Mainstream exposure of MMA has been helped by reality TV but, of course, there can be other aspects we see on these shows. But is any publicity bad?
A: Capar
I’m a fan of TUF, but definitely not impressed by the spin-offs and copycats shows.
A: Ogden
Good! Very entertaining I think.
A: Roberts
A bit of both. Good because they brought a whole new fanbase, but when you see 16 guys smashing up a house it portrays fighters as thugs.
Q4. With EliteXC gone bust and suffering a quick KO loss, what’s next for Kimbo?
A: Watson
YouTube?
A: Capar
I’m guessing freak show matches in Japan, probably under the K-1 banner. I wouldn’t be surprised if they make him their new Bobby Olugun. Imagine Bobby Olugun vs Kimbo.
A: Ogden
I can’t see him getting signed by the UFC, I don’t think he’s good enough.
A: Roberts
Definitely not the UFC! Possibly Japan, they like big strong guys and we’ve seen some right freak shows over there.
Q5. What fantasy inter-weight division fight would you like to see?
A: Watson
For me I’d like to see Leonard Garcia fight Eddie Alvarez. That would be a war.
A: Capar
I’d love to see Anderson take on one of his former Chute Boxe teammates – Wanderlei or Shogun, doesn’t matter which one.
A: Ogden
Fedor vs Forrest Griffin: Fedor’s supposedly top dog, but I love watching Griffin.
A: Roberts
Anthony Johnson vs Miguel Torres, the stand-up would be absolutely amazing, and I’d like to see Nate Diaz – I think his jiu-jitsu is unreal – fight Kevin Burns.
