Issue 181
November -0001
Khabib’s future plans; going too far at a press conference; crazy stories from strange territories; worst injuries and breakout stars of 2019. Four top professionals on the top issues in MMA:
The Pros
1. Khabib and his manager are talking about a year end fight with GSP. How dangerous is it to look past Dustin Poirier?
Alex Nicholson
- Dustin Poirier has been in the game. He ain’t ever left. You gotta respect that. I think he could take out GSP or Khabib. He fights for himself and his family – that’s a dangerous man.
Shawn Bunch
- It’s never smart to overlook an opponent and, trust me, Khabib is not overlooking anyone. He’s strong-minded and disciplined but having goals and fights to look forward to is good and that’s all he’s doing, setting markers for himself.
TJ Jones
- I can understand the attraction of fighting a GSP, considering the money he brings to the table but, boy, Poirier is no joke and has come a long way.I see Khabib wining but at this level I wouldn’t bet on it. (I’m a big fan of Dustin so if you read this, sorry man)
Chris Honeycutt
- Khabib is a different type of individual. I have full faith that Khabib will show up at his very best against both opponents, regardless of planning ahead of Dustin or not.
2. Paulie Malignaggi spat at Artem Lobov at the press conference before their bareknuckle fight. How far is too far at a face-off with an opponent?
Alex Nicholson
- I mean, you spit at me with no security? Who is gonna save you? And forget a contract. it’s going down on the spot.
Shawn Bunch
- When someone crosses the line and disrespects you like that it is bad. That is 100% too far. We are fighting right there if someone ever did something like that to me!
TJ Jones
- If you spit on me ever we’re fighting then and there. I don’t care how many people try and hold me back. That’s the ultimate form of disrespect. No excuse for that ever. Paulie lost a fan when he did that but he doesn’t even know me so I doubt he cares. (Laughs)
Chris Honeycutt
- I understand the face off is supposed to bring hype to a fight but spitting at someone is gross and unprofessional. Just my opinion, of course.
3. Michael Bisping recently shared a story where he was nearly robbed and kidnapped in Cape Town. What’s the craziest story you have from a time in an unfamiliar place?
Alex Nicholson
- I was told not to wear my chain in Mexico City at the place UFC put us up at. I was told locals would kill me for it.
Shawn Bunch
- One time in Istanbul, Turkey I got chased down the streets leaving a bar. I had to run and jump in a taxi and go back to the hotel room (laughs)
TJ Jones
- I was in a restaurant in Ohio, where I’d never been. A guy in front of me was choking. I panicked and instead of giving him the Heimlich I punched him on his back. The food came out but his buddy saw me hit him and punched me in the mouth thinking I’d attacked his friend!
Chris Honeycutt
- That’s insane! I dont have a story that can match that. I spent some time in India and got lost. There is just an insane amount people around the Taj Mahal Hotel.
4. Sage Northcutt suffered pretty horrific injuries in his recent knockout loss at his ONE Championship debut. What’s the worst in-cage injury you’ve seen close up?
Alex Nicholson
- I’ve seen my own jaw split in half twice. The first time I won, the fight second it was stopped when Misha rebroke it. It’s just part of the game.
Shawn Bunch
- The worst in-cage injury I saw was when one of my buddies got his orbital bone fractured in one of his fights. It was really bad swelling, eyes swollen shut, everything.
TJ Jones
- I had my ear drum ruptured in a fight. My ear was bleeding pretty bad. It was crazy painful. I cornered a guy that got kneed so hard in his “area” both feet were lifted off the cage floor. It’s actually on YouTube.
Chris Honeycutt
- Sage was banged up pretty good after that fight. I have not seen anything like that in person.
5. Who do you see as a breakout star in the second half of 2019?
Alex Nicholson
- Me, a millionaire! Also, this girl I used to know. Her name is Hannah Goldy. She makes her debut on the Contender series in mid-June. I see her doing big things.
Shawn Bunch
- Next break out fighter is gonna be AKAs own young savage. Don’t blink on Deron Winn! Look out for him in his UFC Debut in June. He’s been training hard and ready to fly high!
TJ Jones
- Cris Lencioni, aka Sunshine. I got to meet him during Bellator 221 when I fought Jake Hager. The dude is crazy talented and I think he could be a world champion. He’s a super cool cat.
Chris Honeycutt
- Myself, of course. I look forward to getting back in any cage, anywhere, ASAP.
