Issue 098
March 2012
We asked four different figures from the MMA universe their opinions on the pressing matters of the moment
The Fighters
1 Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is this month’s cover star. What’s your favourite ‘Big Nog’ moment?
David Mitchell
“Training with the brothers in San Diego. I think I surprised them a little. And then, of course, the old Pride days.”
John Lineker
“Definitely his knockout of Brendan Schaub at UFC 134. Many people counted ‘Minotauro’ out of that fight so to win like that in front of a Brazilian crowd was amazing.”
Thiago Tavares
“When he fought Bob Sapp in Pride. That was an incredible fight.”
David Terrell
“His entire career. I was able to witness first-hand the fan base he has in Brazil. He’s like a rockstar.”
2 Should fighters with medical marijuana cards be allowed to test positive, like guys with testosterone exemptions?
David Mitchell
“Every job has rules. So whatever rules the UFC and the state commissions demand, we have to follow.”
John Lineker
“Absolutely not. The commissions should not ever permit this.”
Thiago Tavares
“I believe all PEDs must be banned from the UFC. It’s ridiculous that some guys get ‘permission’ to use certain substances while others don’t. PEDs are for cowards who don’t want to train.”
David Terrell
“Being a fighter requires mental strength. I don’t believe that exemptions of any type should be necessary.”
3 This issue, we speak to fighters who admit to fighting for bonus cheques rather than championships. How do you feel about the subject?
David Mitchell
“Good for them. We only get paid if people want to watch, and I’ve seen some very boring fights lately, which is bad for the sport.”
John Lineker
“I believe it’s normal. Everyone needs to make money, and the bonuses are a very good opportunity to do that and can make the fighting more intense.”
Thiago Tavares
“Each person knows what’s best for him. In my case, I fight first and foremost for the love of fighting. I have even fought for free during my career. Money is just a consequence.”
David Terrell
“I understand and enjoy the incentive, but for fighters’ sake, I actually wish I knew the purses were guaranteed.”
4 We’re also outlining the 20 greatest rounds in MMA history in this edition. What’s the best round of fighting from your career?
David Mitchell
“Tapping Tim McKenzie in the first round for Tachi Palace Fights’ welterweight title with a one-handed mounted guillotine, then getting voted ‘Move of the Week’ by Jake Shields and Gilbert Melendez on Inside MMA.”
John Lineker
“The first round of my UFC debut against Louis Gaudinot. I ended up making a mistake and losing in the second round, but the first round was intense and it was my first inside the Octagon.”
Thiago Tavares
“From my career, I’m not sure. But the fifth round of Anderson Silva vs Chael Sonnen’s first fight has to be one of the greatest ever.”
David Terrell
“My 24-second knockout of Matt Lindland at UFC 49.”
5 If you could play UFC macthmaker Joe Silva and put together any fight in 2013, what fight would it be?
David Mitchell
“I’d like to see David Terrell fight again, or a rematch for me with Paulo Thiago. But, realistically, the fight everyone wants – me included – is Nick Diaz vs Georges St Pierre. The sport needs superfights!”
John Lineker
“That’s easy – me vs Demetrious ‘Mighty Mouse’ Johnson for the UFC flyweight title.”
Thiago Tavares
“I would book a rematch between me and Matt Wiman.”
David Terrell
“I would like to see Strikeforce middleweight champion Luke Rockhold come to the UFC and face Alan Belcher.”
