Fighters Only

Issue 051

June 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

Andre Galvao, Brazilian jiu-jitsu ace.

The Fan

SSG Juan Roldan, retired US Army staff sergeant.

The Writer

Gareth A Davies, FO columnist and correspondent for The Daily Telegraph [UK].

The Insider

Tracy Lee, photographer for Combatlifestyle.com.

Q1. Wanderlei vs Franklin – who wins and how?

A: Galvao

Wanderlei’s a tough fighter, Rich is more technical fighter. I don’t like to say, but I think Franklin is more comfortable inside the Octagon. I don’t know how.

A: Roldan

I think Silva’s gonna whup his ass. He’s gonna knock him out and pick him back up again!

A: Davies

Franklin, with ease because Wanderlei’s punch resistance is gone.

A: Lee

Franklin by decision. I think they’re gonna stand and bang, although I would like Wanderlei to win this one.

Q2. Should fighters stick to one weight category or try to get as many titles as possible?

A: Galvao

Depends on the fighter, Henderson likes to fight in both 185 and 205. I don’t think GSP could do it though.

A: Roldan

I think the titles might be a little selfish, but it all depends on the fighter. If he thinks he’s ready to step up to the next level, then fuck yeah!

A: Davies

Yes, in some cases, because due to genetics some fighters will get heavier as they get older. However, the blurring of ability between the UFC divisions diminishes the strength of the individual divisions in the long term.

A: Lee

If they are capable of performing in different weight classes to the point that they are able to challenge for the belt, so be it. Get as many belts as you can fit around your waist!

Q3. If you could introduce one rule into MMA, what would it be?

A: Galvao

Knees on the ground are better, they KO people without cuts. I’d take out elbows, they cut a lot, like BJ vs Joe Stevenson.

A: Roldan

Low blows! Punching in the nuts. I would make that legal. Fuck that, ball punches!

A: Davies

No rule changes, I think they’ve got it right.

A: Lee

I would always allow elbows. I think they’re an exciting part of fights and I’m bummed when a commission or an organization doesn’t allow them (not to discredit any orgs who decide against elbows).

Q4. Five-round non-title superfights – yes or no?

A: Galvao

No, because they would make the event boring. I think three five-minute rounds is great.

A: Roldan

Yeah. It’ll make it more competitive. They’ll have to be in good shape and train harder.

A: Davies

Absolutely yes when it’s a title eliminator. In a three-round fight lose the first round and it’s potentially all over. A five-round fight gives the potential for a wider strategy.

A: Lee

Depends on who’s in the fight. If it’s a couple of scrappy lightweights willing to stand and bang like Tyson Griffin and Rafael Dos Anjos, then hell yes!