Issue 149
December 2016
Once upon a time, the UFC had three owners. In 2016, the number of names with a piece of the promotion could fill a fight card.
The talent agency, WME-IMG, which recently bought the world’s leading MMA organization for $4 billion, has brought some of its clients on board to invest some of their cash into the company.
The 23 investors include actors Ben Affleck and Sylvester Stallone, musicians Adam Levine and LL Cool J, as well as sports stars Tom Brady and Maria Sharapova. WME-IMG co-CEO Ari Emanuel told The Wall Street Journal they were all invited to invest because they are fight fans.
On The Radar
Emerging talent with big potential
NAOKI INOUE (JAP)
The teenage brother of Invicta FC’s Mizuki is being fed a diet of steadily tougher opponents in the Deep promotion. He started fighting at 16 and he’s now 19 with a 9-0 record. Watch out, flyweights.
KHUSEIN KHALIEV (RUS)
How is this man not in the big leagues yet? While he waits for a call, he’s been busy adding to his dynamite grappling skills. His last win – a flying-knee KO in Akhmat Fight Club – should be on your must-watch list.
ALONZO MENIFIELD (USA)
The 205lb weight class is crying out for talent, so imagine how delighted we were to see a former football player throwing hands with aplomb. This guy is raw, but a pure athlete. Count on him getting to the UFC soon.
Return to the top?
Ronda Rousey’s comeback is the biggest fight of the holiday season, but who do Fighters Only readers think will win the UFC 207 main event?
Ronda Rousey
57%
Amanda Nunes
43%
Ben Chook Pace
Nunes because she has nothing to lose and Ronda has everything to lose. Nunes KO 42 seconds in the first round.
JayJay Apostol Olitoquit
Rousey will destroy Nunes in less than 20 seconds.
Damien Hassan
Nunes to win if she keeps it standing up.
Ludicris Peralta
Rousey learned from her loss. This time she’ll be better than ever. Rousey all the way.
Elizabeth Marin
Nunes defending her belt! She will tko Ronda in second round with punches! Mark my words!
Inez Krause
Ronda Rousey, because she is the best female fighter.
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