Issue 055
October 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
The Fighter
Benson Henderson
WEC 155lb fighter
The Fan
Felix Meija
21, from Gilbert, Arizona
The Writer
Matt Benyon
Regular contributor to both FO and FightersOnlyMag.com
The Insider
Manos Terzitane
Fighter manager and agent to many Scandinavian fighters
We asked four different figures from the MMA world their opinions on the pressing matters of the hour.
1. Is the world of MMA going to become a one-party state?
Benson Henderson
It’s definitely looking like it’s heading in that direction, whether that’s best for MMA in the long run is another question entirely, which will only be answered in hindsight.
Felix Meija
No, I don’t believe MMA will be one promotion. There are too many great fighters outside of the UFC. There are less than a handful of organizations that can produce and market an overall good show.
Matt Benyon
I had hoped not, but a mixture of circumstance and Dana’s voracious appetite for consuming promotions means that all signs point to an unfortunate ‘yes’.
Manos Terzitane
Yes, I believe it will become a one-party state! Japan was the country that competed with the US for the biggest MMA nation, but the UFC has fought for more than 15 years to be where they are today.
2. Should fighters be punished for misconduct, and if so, how?
Benson Henderson
I don’t feel it’s a good idea to get too nit-picky like the ‘No Fun League’ where the players can’t have a good time doing something they love. Fighters are big personalities and trying to control them will lead to a lot of headaches on both sides.
Felix Meija
Yes, because they are in the limelight and represent their promotions and, most importantly, MMA as a whole. The punishment should be left up to the promotions.
Matt Benyon
Ring misconduct? Yes. But in their own time, like Jesse Taylor in Vegas? I think they should be subject to a public haranguing from Dana and then force-fed hot dogs, thus making cutting weight extra difficult. That’ll learn ‘em.
Manos Terzitane
Absolutely! They are professionals and they must behave as such if they will compete in professional galas. Fighters should receive fines and even be blacklisted for their bad behavior.
3. The UFC have stated they’re going global – what country should they hit next?
Benson Henderson
That’s an easy one, Korea! I admit I’m a little biased, but there are great, hardcore fight fans over there with a deep appreciation for good technical MMA, as well as big, wild fights – and it’s just a great country.
Felix Meija
Mexico should be next on their list. Boxing is a crucial weapon in mixed martial arts, therefore it’s appealing to the Mexican fans. It would be wise to pursue and appeal to the Latin American market as a whole.
Matt Benyon
Australia. Masses of untapped potential and no language barrier.
Manos Terzitane
Sweden have the highest viewing figures on average per inhabitant, and it just gets more and more popular now that the UFC is shown live on free cable TV! Sweden has a number of large venues that would fit the UFC.
4. Fedor in the UFC – fantasy or reality?
Benson Henderson
I honestly hope Fedor does make it to the UFC before he gets too old, but we’ll just have to wait and see. To all the fans who say he’s fucking top talent or is too greedy, I say ‘get serious’, ha ha.
Felix Meija
I believe Fedor will be in the UFC sooner rather than later. With the collapse of Affliction, it is only a matter of time for negotiations to meet the appropriate terms to satisfy both parties.
Matt Benyon
Going out on a limb (and against my gut instinct) I say reality, and on Dana’s terms. Resistance is futile.
Manos Terzitane
I think it will become a reality in the near future! The UFC has had nearly all the fighters that they have wanted and I do not think there will be any changes.
5. If you could choose one non-UFC fighter to enter the Octagon, who would it be?
Benson Henderson
I gotta go with my boy ‘King’ Mo Lawal, he’s a phenomenal wrestler with amazing athleticism – he’s someone who could definitely enter the organization and shake up some rankings.
Felix Meija
It’s quite obvious what the fans want to see. Fedor has been the talk of the town since Pride merged into the UFC. There’s just so much mystery surrounding the foreign, soft-spoken champ. His fighting style speaks for itself.
Matt Benyon
Satoru Kitaoka. Sengoku’s lightweight champion with creepy, wiggly eyes. I think he could do some damage.
Manos Terzitane
Ilir Latifi is Europe’s best fighter in my opinion – he is the ADCC 2003 European Champion and a former national team member in wrestling! He hits hard and trains like a champion!
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