Issue 177
November -0001
The Dillashaw stoppage; McGregor’s next fight; the new UFC belt design; mental coaches; and is Amanda Nunes the female GOAT, from four top pros
The Fighters:
1. T.J. Dillashaw came down a weight class to challenge Henry Cejudo for the UFC flyweight title in which Cejudo TKO'd him in a matter of seconds. Was it an early stoppage?
Knight: It's hard to decide an early stoppage these days. It used to be that the fighter had to be pretty much unconscious in order for the fight to be stopped. Nowadays, if you take a few unanswered shots they jump in to save you. In my opinion, if I wanted you to save me before I went all the way to sleep and before you gave me every opportunity to try to bounce back, then I wouldn't be fighting. So, to answer that, by todays standards it was an excellent stoppage. During Pride days - hell no it was way too early.
Sayles: The T.J. stoppage was no doubt stopped too early. The rule is to intelligently defend yourself when you are in danger and he did just that. But, Blake Grice doesn't seem to be the most intelligent referee. He is also the same ref that missed several eye pokes during my own bout, resulting in a torn retina.
Pena: I don’t think it was necessarily early. T.J. was definitely hurt badly and was on his way to getting his lights completely shut off however, I can definitely understand his frustration considering his reputation for getting dropped and coming back. I think the ref made a correct call but I can also see why another ref might let it go longer.
NIcholson: I didn’t think it looked early but T.J. himself is the only one who knows what he was feeling. I wish they’d let us fight till concsciousness is fully taken, honestly. No more if ands or buts.
2. Everybody wants their next fight to be against Conor McGregor. Who do you think he should fight?
Knight: I want to see #CONORVSCOWBOY.
Sayles: Of course, everyone wants the money fight. I would like to see him fight Donald Cerrone, personally. McGregor has so much pull with the UFC it seems that he can choose whoever he wants to fight and when.
Pena: Al Iaquinta. I think that’s the perfect fight to set up a rematch with Khabib for either man if Khabib will entertain it.
NIcholson: I think Cowboy has earned it.
3. Do you like the new design of the UFC championship belts?
Knight: Yes, I think the belts are sick. I like the diamonds on it!
Sayles: The new UFC belt looks pretty cool. It's a nice, slick design but if I had to choose I'd stick with the old design.
Pena: I’m indifferent to it the look of the belt. Honestly, it doesn’t matter to me at all. It’s what it represents that I’m striving for.
NIcholson: Ehhh, they’re OK. They aren't as nice as a million dollar PFL check!
4. Many fighters are enlisting the help of mental coaches. Do you have a mental coach of any kind?
Knight: Yes we have Mindset Mike. I think mindset training is the key if you put forth the effort to do it right.
Sayles: Mental coaches have been around and I've had the chance to work with a few. I just don't see the need for it myself. I see the need for a mental coach as somewhat of a weakness.
Pena: I don’t have one and probably wouldn’t use one just because I don’t personally need it. I’ve always been good at getting over adversities in my own way and I have a couple people in my life that I’m able to talk to when I do need help but I’m not gonna knock those that use them. To each their own. If you feel it helps you more power to you.
NIcholson: My mental coaching is done in thought and prayer. It’s us alone in there and I believe we need to prepare ourselves mentally.
5. After Amanda Nunes' incredibly impressive stoppage of Cris Cyborg is Nunes now the GOAT?
Knight: Yes, Amanda is the G.O.A.T of the women's MMA world!
Sayles: After Amanda defeated Cyborg, I was amazed. No one has finished Cyborg that way. With that said, Amanda is a new breed of fighter and a separate individual. Amanda is now building her own legacy and her own highlight reel. Cyborg is nearing retirement and has paved the way for fighters like Amanda. I believe Cyborg will always be a name brought up when the question "Who is the GOAT?" is asked
Pena: There is no doubt that Nunes is the female G.O.A.T.!
NIcholson: Nobody can take what Amanda did away and she’s the most dominant champion in UFC history.
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