Issue 114
May 2014
We ask four different fighters from the MMA universe their opinions on the pressing matters of the moment
The Fighters
1 What are your thoughts on the UFC scrapping bonuses for the best knockout and submissions of the night and introducing performance bonuses instead?
Eddie Wineland
“It doesn’t bother me too much. I have KO power and I knock a lot of guys down. I don’t KO every opponent, but I do always put on a good show, so I think the performance bonus will be good for me too.”Demian Maia
“For me personally I just hope that good submissions can win ‘Performance of the Night’ bonuses just as easily as knockouts can.”
Paul Sass
“As a fighter that likes to go for submissions I would be disappointed if it directly affected me. But as long as the fighters still go all out for the finish that’s all the fans want.”
Jeremy Stephens
“As long as we still get a fat check for putting someone’s lights out, I don’t care what they call it. Everyone loves a KO and so I’m sure a big knockout makes for a big performance.”
2 We recently hosted the Sixth Annual Fighters Only World MMA Awards, but if you could add one prize to next year’s ceremony what would it be?
Eddie Wineland
“I have never attended the World MMA Awards, so perhaps that’s my only suggestion. To ensure my invite is in the post next year (laughs)!”
Demian Maia
“I would like to see an award for ‘Manager of the Year’ as there are a lot of hard working guys out there, especially my own.”
Paul Sass
“‘Sponsor of the Year’ may be a good one as so many brands commit a lot of money into fighters... Xbox has ‘Mighty Mouse’ so PlayStation should sign me!”
Jeremy Stephens
“What about ‘Fan of the Year’ with a cool prize like a free pay-per-view or even just a UFC Fight Pass for life or something. I’d like to win that myself.”
3 Contracts are becoming more paramount in MMA, both with promoters and sponsors. What’s the best/worst contract you’ve ever signed?
Eddie Wineland
“Contracts generally get better and better. The more wins you have will bump your pay. I’ve never really signed a bad contract. I’ve been with the WEC/UFC since 2006 and it’s steadily getting better.”
Demian Maia
“I’ve always had good contracts. As far as I can remember I’ve never had a bad one. Thank God, I always have a good relationship with my business partners.”
Paul Sass
“I’ve never signed a bad contract and I think that’s down to the people around me giving me good advice as much as anything.”
Jeremy Stephens
“Best contact I ever signed was with the UFC. I’ve been with them since 2007 and it’s been a great ride, with more to come. I’ve had a few bad manager contracts in my time, but I have a good one now.”
4 Can Glover Teixeira build on Alex Gustafsson’s game plan and actually defeat UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones?
Eddie Wineland
“I believe it will be hard for Glover because he doesn’t have the height and fights differently from Gustafsson.
I don’t see Glover beating Jones unless he KO’s him.”
Demian Maia
“For sure. Everybody knows deep down that this is a tough fight for both of them. Jones is the favorite but Glover has the tools to win and Gustafsson showed that it’s not impossible.”
Paul Sass
“I don’t believe so. Jones will likely just be too technical for him. But, if Teixeira does catch him it could be interesting.”
Jeremy Stephens
“No disrespect to Teixeira but Alex is my training partner and, I believe, the real champ already. He’s the hardest working and most talented guy in that division and his time will come. He’s the real champ now!”
5 Should José Aldo step up to face Anthony Pettis this year, who do you think wins that fight?
Eddie Wineland
“A fight with Aldo and Pettis is something a lot of people want to see. Two of the best in the game today, both very well rounded, dynamic striking, good ground games. The fans win in this fight.”
Demian Maia
“I believe it is the right move for Aldo. And, in my opinion, he is the favorite for this fight – although it is a very tough challenge.”
Paul Sass
“This would be one of the most exciting fights in MMA to date, it simply must happen, and I believe Pettis would win.”
Jeremy Stephens
“I’m not sure if he should step up or not, but it is an interesting fight in either weight class. Both have good Muay Thai and jiu-jitsu defense. And both are slick, diverse and tough as nails.”
