Issue 056
November 2009
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
Clay Guida
UFC lightweight.
The Fan
Jerry Karacz
A teacher from Austin TX.
The Writer
Andrew McGuigan
Writer for FO mag.
The Insider
Mark Dellagrotte
A top MMA trainer.
1 Brock Lesnar: Unstoppable, or untested?
Clay Guida
Physically, yes he is clearly unstoppable. No one is gonna stop his takedowns and anything else he tries to physically impose. The only part of him that I think is untested is his chin. We will definitely find that out in the Carwin fight.
Jerry Karacz
I would say unstoppable. I think this guy would welcome a fight with anyone you put in front of him. If he is untested it is not his fault!
Andrew McGuigan
I would say Brock is going to be increasingly unstoppable as he learns more skills – and he’s learning them quickly.
Mark Dellagrotte
He’s definitely not untested nor unstoppable. He’s...battle tested. With small gloves come high stakes. It’s only a matter of time before a fighter loses and that includes Brock.
2 Do fighters have a responsibility to entertain as well as perform?
Clay Guida
Fighting in the UFC is a privilege and we have to understand that the fans pay our salaries and the fans put up that money to see a show. The least we can give them is 110% every time we fight.
Jerry Karacz
No. The sport itself is entertaining. When it comes naturally it is fine, but when it is forced or contrived it takes away from the sport.
Andrew McGuigan
I think the boss man likes them to be entertaining, but they prefer to go for a win. Entertaining is what the fans want to see, so yes.
Mark Dellagrotte
Fighters must have a commitment to their organizations and fans to entertain. However, when the Octagon gate closes it is time to perform, and that should truly be the ultimate entertainment experience.
3 Who do you think is pound-for-pound king in MMA right now?
Clay Guida
Fedor: Game, set, match.
Jerry Karacz
Georges St Pierre – GSP appears to be the most well-rounded fighter out there. Just look at his most recent wins against many of the other fighters who might be mentioned in this same category.
Andrew McGuigan
I would say Anderson right now. I do feel sorry for Fedor as it all seems to be the contract, but right now Silva – anyone put in front of him, he destroys.
Mark Dellagrotte
This is a toss-up between GSP and Anderson Silva. I would love to see that fight happen at a catch weight
4 Which do you prefer to watch: Stand and bang, clinch and slam, or ground ‘n pound?
Clay Guida
I like it all man. I actually don’t like a fight that has only one aspect, just striking, or just grappling. I love to see guys mix it up effectively. There is nothing better than crazy transition fighting.
Jerry Karacz
I would have to say stand and bang. I love the technical work that goes with the other two, but everyone loves a good knockout and ‘stand and bang’ delivers the best.
Andrew McGuigan
I would say stand and bang. I do like a mixture.
Mark Dellagrotte
Coming from a predominately striking background, I’m for stand and bang. Newer fans have difficulties understanding the intricacies of the ground game, but they can tell who is getting their ass kicked when the fight’s standing.
5 With Machida proving karate can work in the Octagon, will any more of the traditional arts make a comeback?
Clay Guida
I don’t think so. I think his freakish god-given agility, movement and reflexes are what make that guy a pure stud. I’m sure karate has helped. I have a lot of respect for various forms of karate but I just think Machida is an anomaly.
Jerry Karacz
Machida is to karate what the Gracies were to jiu-jitsu. I think it will just take one phenomenal talent to bring any form of martial arts to the forefront of MMA popularity.
Andrew McGuigan
I think we’ll see more from san shou, because of the MMA explosion in China. We’ll see a lot of Chinese MMA fighters coming across.
Mark Dellagrotte
Yes. There is a time and place for all techniques to work, the secret is finding that application. I often teach elements of the traditional arts when I train fighters.
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