Issue 166

November -0001

The Pro's


Fernando Gonzalez Bellator welterweight

Steve Garcia Bellator’s bantamweight division

Mark Godbeer UFC heavyweight

Leon Edwards UFC welterweight

Is Stipe Miocic the greatest heavyweight ever?

  • FERNANDO GONZALEZ

It’s too soon to call him the greatest ever. Let him continue to work, polish some more people off and then maybe.

  • STEVE GARCIA

Stipe is the greatest at the moment. If he reigns as a champ for next few years, then that’s when you can say he’s the greatest of all time.

  • MARK GODBEER

Yes, he is. Stipe is at the top of the tree, and he showed how fight IQ can beat a powerhouse brawler. He’s defended more times than any other heavyweight, and look who he beat…

  • LEON EDWARDS

Stats say he is, but you can’t forget Cain Velasquez or Fedor Emelianenko. He’d definitely be top three.

What’s your opinion of interim titles?

  • FERNANDO GONZALEZ

They are good to keep the division moving, so long as they are fair all the way around with everybody.

  • STEVE GARCIA

Interim belts should only be given out if the champion can’t compete due to injury.

  • MARK GODBEER

I agree with an interim title if the title holder is out with long-term injury. Other than that, it’s bulls**t.

  • LEON EDWARDS

It depends. If it’s an injury, then the interim champion fights the champion, it’s OK. If they’re taking the p**s and the guy’s just waiting around, I don’t agree with it.

Who wins: Khabib Nurmagomedov or Tony Ferguson?

  • FERNANDO GONZALEZ

Khabib has the chin to get it to the ground – and he will deliver a ground and pound clinic.

  • STEVE GARCIA

Khabib looked great against Edson Barboza, but then so did Tony, who I see winning this matchup.

  • MARK GODBEER

Khabib is a beast. He just seems to maul everyone, but so does Ferguson. I give the edge to Khabib: a decision by mauling!

  • LEON EDWARDS

Khabib. I just can’t see past him, or how Tony can stop him with his constant pressure.

Who do you think will win the Bellator grand-prix?

  • FERNANDO GONZALEZ

I’m not sure, but I have a feeling it will be Muhammed Lawal or Fedor Emelianenko.

  • STEVE GARCIA

Matt Mitrione will win the Bellator heavyweight grand prix.

  • MARK GODBEER

I’d love to see Chael Sonnen win, but I can’t see him advancing against the winner of Frank Mir and Fedor Emelianenko. The winner of that bout wins the tournament.

  • LEON EDWARDS

I’d love to see Fedor do it, and then retire.

What’s the worst injury you’ve had from MMA?

  • FERNANDO GONZALEZ

Nothing more than a flesh wound!

  • STEVE GARCIA

My two worst injuries were a broken hand and a third-degree ankle sprain.

  • MARK GODBEER

I got picked up and landed on my neck, fracturing my C6 and C7 vertebrae. Two operations, screws and plates from my hip to my neck, 18 months out… Worst part of my life.

  • LEON EDWARDS

Touch wood, I’ve had nothing major that’s kept me out of the game too long. Little niggles here and there, but no surgeries. I haven’t even got cauliflower ears or anything!

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