Issue 053
August 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
Jorge Lopez, middleweight, Team Wand fighter
The Fan
Ricardo Cavalcanti Jr, 20, student from Vegas
The Writer
Eduardo Cruz, Fighters Only’s Brazilian correspondent
The Insider
Ariel Helwani, journalist and reporter for Versus.com and AOL FanHouse
Q1. With top fighters like Alves, Anderson Silva, Lyoto Machida, Minotauro and more, which weight class has the strongest Brazilian fighters?
A: Lopez
I think light heavyweight has the strongest Brazilians hands down. With fighters like Shogun, Wanderlei, Lyoto (Machida) and sometimes even Anderson (Silva), it makes it hard to beat.
A: Cavalcanti
205lb (light heavyweight) is for sure the strongest class.
A: Cruz
I think the 205lb division has the strongest Brazilian fighters. Names like Lyoto Machida and Mauricio Shogun are among the best pound-for-pound of the world and now Anderson Silva is in the mix too.
A: Helwani
I would have to say light heavyweight: Machida, Rua, Wanderlei Silva, Babalu, Cane, Thiago Silva, ‘Feijao’, Lil’ Nog. You can’t beat that group.
Q2. TUF 10 sees Rashad and Rampage go at it. Who’s going to have the best smack talk on TV?
A: Lopez
In the upcoming TUF I think Rampage will definitely do the most trash talking, and if not the most, he will definitely be the funniest! (Laughs)
A: Cavalcanti
I like Rashad a lot but when it comes to smack talk I guess Rampage will have the best.
A: Cruz
Rashad Evans is respectful and will focus on the competition, but he knows how to say funny stuff when provoked. Rampage is known as a practical joker. No doubt he’s the coolest fighter in MMA.
A: Helwani
Rampage. I think Evans is just getting into his trash-talking groove. Rampage is a few years ahead of him. Plus, he talks louder.
Q3. Should the UFC bring back tournament-style events?
A: Lopez
I think UFC should bring the tournament-style events back, once a year, but only in an open weight class.
A: Cavalcanti
No, the way they have the UFC now works just fine.
A: Cruz
For sure. The organization has contributed plenty of fighters and tournaments to make this sport recognized all over the world. No need to match two fights in the same night like Pride used to do.
A: Helwani
Hell no. I want to see the fighters perform when they are 100% healthy. Plus, why give away mega-fights in one night when you can spread them out over a few months?
Q4. What should the UFC do with all the veteran fighters on their books? (eg Randy, Coleman, Hughes, etc)
A: Lopez
If these fighters are still winning fights I think they have the right to fight. If they are no longer winning and only making the sport look bad in my opinion they should release them from contract and give opportunity to new fighters.
A: Cavalcanti
The UFC should open a class for all the veterans because it’s always good to see their techniques and experience, but the physical conditioning plays a very important part. It’s hard for them to compete with new younger fighters.
A: Cruz
These guys are responsible for the success of UFC and fans love them. I would suggest UFC create a special category based on the age of athletes to keep them from facing opponents without a disadvantage.
A: Helwani
I don’t think there is a blanket answer for a question like that, as each fighter is different. Couture, Liddell and Hughes have a couple more interesting fights left in them. Definitely no legends division. That’s just dumb.
Q5. Forrest Griffin just released a new book. Who else do you think should write a book about MMA?
A: Lopez
I think Wanderlei should because he is truly an inspiration to a lot of younger fighters. Also he has one of the biggest fight histories in the sport to date.
A: Cavalcanti
Lyoto Machida for sure, not because he’s the new champion or his way of fighting but the way he was raised with all the traditional Japanese discipline, the way his father educated all his sons. This would be a very interesting book.
A: Cruz
Mark Coleman should write a book about mixed martial arts. He introduced the ground ‘n pound style, and was a champion close to the end of his career. The Hammer must have great stories to share and reveal.
A: Helwani
I would love to read a book written by Royce Gracie about what it was like to fight in the early UFCs. Also, a Josh Barnett book would be highly entertaining.
