Fighters Only

Issue 155

November -0001

A cross- section of athletes weigh-in on some hot topics.

THE PRO'S

Paul Bradley Welterweight in WSOF

Ryan LaFlare Once-beaten UFC 170lb contender

Brett Johns Undefeated UFC bantamweight

Lee Chadwick Cage Warriors veteran at 185lb

Q. Do you think GSP can become world champion again?

Bradley:

I don’t think GSP will even be able to beat Michael Bisping, let alone match Tyron Woodley’s explosiveness if that fight were to happen.

LaFlare:

I’ll answer yes, but you never know what a layoff like that can do to a fighter.

Johns:

He’s phenomenal and said his coaches wouldn’t let him come back unless he was 100%, but I don’t think it’s going to be a good move.

Chadwick:

I believe so. He left the sport at a very high level and he’s obviously got his hunger back.

Q. Who should be next to challenge for the 205lb belt?

Bradley:

I’d say Alexander Gustafsson should get the next title shot. It’s really hard though as that division is so wide open.

LaFlare:

Jon Jones should get the next shot at the title.

Johns:

I’m going to say Manuwa, but it depends if Gustafsson can put Glover away quickly. Not Jon Jones. He’s the greatest of all time but he still has to earn his shot.

Chadwick:

I’d like to see Gustafsson come back after losing two very close decisions. Third time lucky perhaps.

Q. Legend fights are all the rage. Which two icons would you like to see return to the cage?

Bradley:

It would have to be former UFC lightweight champion Sean Sherk versus former UFC welterweight champion Matt Hughes.

LaFlare:

I’d love to see former champions Matt Serra fight Matt Hughes.

Johns:

One of my idols in the game was Sean Sherk. Maybe Sherk vs. Matt Hughes 2, a wrestlers’ clash.

Chadwick:

I’d love to watch Liddell and Couture again. Those were great fights from the past.

Q. How would you solve MMA’s weight-cutting dilemma?

Bradley:

It’s really simple: we need to make everyone move up a weight class.

LaFlare:

Adding weight classes would be the best way. At every 10lb, there should be another weight class. This will also make for more champs and more super-fights.

Johns:

I don’t have a clue. You can weigh the fighters 20 minutes before the fight, but the problem is if they weigh over you haven’t got time to cut weight.

Chadwick:

Fighters should get weighed throughout a fight camp to monitor a more appropriate weight class. Everyone should fight 7lb under their natural weight.

Q. Do you do any swimming as part of your strength and conditioning regime?

Bradley:

I don’t do much swimming, but I actually need to. I need to find a good pool.

LaFlare:

I try to incorporate some swimming in my routine. I think it’s very good for cardio and better on your joints than some other exercises if done the right way.

Johns:

I would do more often but I’ve got really bad cauliflower ears. The canals of my ears are very small, so once I get water in it takes about three weeks to come out.

Chadwick: