Fighters Only

Issue 052

July 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

Mike Whitehead, light heavyweight fighter, 23-6-0

The Fan

Elliot Chester, barber from Las Vegas

The Writer

Keiran Bamford, www.FightersOnlyMag.com

The Insider

Dave Farrra, host of www.RawVegas.tv show MMA Fix

Q1. Anderson vs Forrest – what do you think?

A: Whitehead

Forrest because he is so damn tough!

A: Chester

Forrest has matured to be a very intelligent fighter, but you have to go with the ‘Spider’. He is the Michael Jordan of MMA, an absolute freak of nature.

A: Bamford

I’m loving it, I can’t wait! I think Griffin will take him.

A: Farrra

How can anyone predict a Silva loss? It’s tough, but I am going to have to go with Forrest. He has an amazing work ethic, and is going to have a size and strength advantage. Maybe I am a fool for predicting the upset here but I like Forrest in this exciting matchup.

Q2. Who do you think should coach TUF 10?

A: Whitehead

Wand and Anderson.

A: Chester

This is a stretch but how about Anderson Silva and St Pierre. Sets up the dream fight at a catch weight.

A: Bamford

I’m thinking Velasquez and Carwin would be pretty good to see as coaches, and the fight at the end would be awesome.

A: Farrra

How fun would it be to see Brock coaching heavyweights on TUF? Brock’s real personality is still a mystery, and if he could be an effective coach he would earn a lot of respect from MMA fans. Seeing Rampage back on the show would be fun too.

Q3 Should fighters be allowed to choose their own entrance music?

A: Whitehead

Absolutely! It’s bullshit if they can’t!

A: Chester

Fighters should definitely pick their own music. It gives the fan the state of mind that the athlete is in when they enter the fight.

A: Bamford

Yeah why not? It’s part of their personality. It makes more of a show.

A: Farrra

Sure, but as anyone who works in the music business will tell you, it can get complicated when you open the floodgates to anyone, playing anything, as they enter the ring.

Q4. USA, Brazil, Europe, Russia or Japan – who has the best fighters?

A: Whitehead

Man, that’s a tough one, it’s between the US and Brazil.

A: Chester

Tough question. I lean toward Brazil, but there is only one way to find out Mr White. How about UFC ‘Nations Collide’, USA vs Brazil?

A: Bamford

I’d probably go with America; Brazil has a few real gems but the USA keeps churning out top-quality fighters.

A: Farrra

I guess it depends on weight class. Russia has the best heavyweight, the US has the best light heavyweight, Brazil the best middleweight, Canada the best welterweight and Japan some of the best lighter fighters.