Issue 160
November -0001
THE PROS
What’s the most satisfying way to win – KO or submission?
DANNY HENRY
Knockout. I like body-shot knockouts, because the guy is still conscious. I liver kicked a guy in South Africa and just watched him crumble.
EMIL MEEK
I always prefer a KO or TKO. I’ve never had a walk-off KO, but I’ve had seven regular TKOs. There’s something really magical about a TKO.
COREY ANDERSON
A knockout, for sure.
ALJAMAIN STERLING
Whether you reach a KO or a submission, I think they both have their beauty within the process.
Did you have any amateur fights? How important do you think they are?
DANNY HENRY
I went 5-1. You’re getting in the cage and the crowds give you a big fight night feel, and it helps you deal with the nerves. Now, I don’t get any nerves.
EMIL MEEK
For me, it was really important because I didn’t have any previous experience with fighting or individual competition. I had six and was undefeated.
COREY ANDERSON
I had two amateur boxing matches in college, but no MMA. It’s important, as you can make mistakes outside the practice room and it doesn’t hurt your record.
ALJAMAIN STERLING
I fought seven amateur fights which allowed me time to develop my skills. I was still wrestling in college and wanted as many fights as I could in-between seasons.
When were you most nervous before a fight?
DANNY HENRY
On my pro debut. I have never been more scared in my entire life. It was on one of their shows, and I was fighting a real man.
EMIL MEEK
I always get nervous. I wake up on fight day and feel jitters. Up to that point, so long as my training is going on schedule, it’s no problem.
COREY ANDERSON
I think the fight I was most nervous for was either Fabio Maldonado, with it being my first time in a foreign land, or my very first fight.
ALJAMAIN STERLING
For my fight against Takeya Mizugaki. He was a dude I was watching before I even thought about fighting. I’d only had two UFC fights at the time!
Who gives you the toughest rounds in sparring?
DANNY HENRY
I have tough rounds with Stevie Ray. No matter whether we’re striking, grappling or doing MMA, he’s always difficult.
EMIL MEEK
Me and Thomas Formo have fought every day for five years. We have been the two top fighters in MMA from our area and we’re the best of friends.
COREY ANDERSON
My best wars in sparring are between David Branch – a tricky vet – Liam McGeary, because he’s super long and tall, and Karl Roberson.
ALJAMAIN STERLING
My hardest sparring partner is, soon to make his UFC debut, Merab Dvalishvili. He’s a killer!
Who are your sporting heroes?
DANNY HENRY
I like a lot of people. I loved José Aldo when he first came through the WEC. He was entertaining and always in a good scrap.
EMIL MEEK
Chuck Liddell was the guy everybody wanted to see. He pulled in the fans. I don’t know if people forget about it, but he’s a hero of mine.
COREY ANDERSON
My sports heroes would be Warren Sapp, Michael Jordan and Muhammad Ali.
ALJAMAIN STERLING
My combat sports heroes are Chris Weidman and Al Iaquinta. They’ve shown me the attitude it takes to get to the top of this game.
...
