Issue 174
December 2018
Snitching on cheats; Jacob “Stitch” Duran; streaming services v TV v PPV; celeb champagne or whiskey; cards without big names from four top pros.
The Pros
1) USADA has apparently been enlisting the help of fighters to sniff out cheaters in the sport. Do you agree with fighters helping the organization or should snitches get stitches?
Dave Menne
- If you’re bleeding in the gym with the guy snitching on you, I am of the mind snitches get stitches and maybe some dental extractions with a pair of dirty pliers.
Cortney Casey
- Oh, I definitely think snitches get stitches!
Chase Gormley
- Fighters should not be helping them. If someone is using, that’s their demon to deal with. Mind your business. That’s my take, anyway.
Chris Honeycutt
- I personally wouldn’t go around looking for people who are cheating, and even if I did stumble upon someone I’d mind my own business. Only coaches get famous/successful for worrying about other people.
2) Speaking of stitches, legendary cutman, Jacob “Stitch” Duran is taking a step back from his work in MMA. Do you have a favorite Stitch story?
Menne:
- Good times and a great guy. I believe, me and Jens [Pulver] were the first two MMA fighters he ever wrapped for.
Casey:
- I never had the pleasure of having him as a cut man but I hear he is amazing.
Gormley:
- I never really got to know Mr. Duran. I have been on shows he’s worked on but that’s about it. He seems like a great dude from what I’ve seen.
Honeycutt:
- Stitch is the man. I was never cut, so I never had the opportunity for him to work on me. Stitch is probably the most known cut man ever, and the most down- to-earth humble guy. I wish nothing but the best for him.
3) DAZN is the new home of Bellator MMA. Are you a fan of streaming services for big fights or would you rather watch them on TV or pay-per- view?
Menne:
- I am not yet familiar with the process, but if it allows for easier and cheaper viewing on the go, I am a fan.
Casey:
- I like it because you can watch it on the go, but I still like to keep it classic as well.
Gormley:
- TV all day. Only the hardcore fans are going to watch streams. I mean, they may get a few people popping in but I believe you lose a lot of views going that route.
Honeycutt:
- I don’t have cable, nor do I watch much TV. When big fights come on, I go out to watch them or swing by my manager, Dwayne Zinkin’s house to watch them. Thanks DZ!
4) If you have the chance, are you trying 50 Cent’s new champagne or Conor McGregor’s new whiskey?
Menne:
- I don’t wear dresses and high heels, so I will go with a shot of whiskey and call it a day.
Casey:
- I’ve not tried the champagne but I’ve tried the whiskey and I have to say, it’s pretty smooth.
Gormley:
- McGregor’s whiskey! Champagne is for chicks – no offense.
Honeycutt:
- If I’m not in camp I would try both. However, I’m more of craft beer guy.
5) The UFC is putting some underwhelming main events on big cards. Does a big event need a name fight or is it OK just to have good up-and-coming fighters?
Menne:
- I am a fan of good fighters and good fights. The soap opera shit that has invaded MMA, I wish it would have stayed on afternoon TV when I was busy doing things.
Casey:
- I think all that the fans want are good fights. Sometimes letting the fights build the name is a good thing.
Gormley:
- It needs to at least have one big fight. You can do smaller shows with up-and- comers, but it’s hard to justify big PPVs without a big draw. If the fights are exciting it can make up for the lack of name power but it’s hard to tell how a show will go until it’s done.
Honeycutt:
- The fight game is hard. I think I like to watch fights that match up good rather than just known names. I feel it’s always good to give people the opportunity to make themselves famous by great performances rather than outside-the- cage drama.
