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In the world of Mixed Martial Arts, very few have managed to transcend the sport. With the likes of Ronda Rousey and Rich Franklin gracing the silver screen, the door has opened for the current crop of fighters to cross borders and become a bigger name. It can be argued that Cung Le was the first person who made it possible for the MMA fighters to become a success outside the sport, and the former Strikeforce Middleweight champion is better in his 40s than most of the younger fighters in MMA today.
I had the pleasure of interviewing Cung Le back in February during TUF – China finale, and he had informed me that he would be returning to action inside the Octagon this year. Cung Le is scheduled to fight Michael Bisping in August during UFC Fight Night 48, but before that, Ratish Menon and I managed to get hold of the icon, who was gracious enough to take some time off his busy schedule and give us an exclusive interview.
During the conversation, we talked about his MMA career, his upcoming projects and his upcoming fight with Bisping, which will arguably decide Cung Le’s future, as a loss to Bisping will be devastating for Le. We also talked about the upcoming UFC 175 PPV, and were able to get his thoughts on Chris Weidman as a champion, and the fight between Ronda Rousey and Alexis Davis for the Women’s Bantamweight championship. We will come out with the complete interview at a later time to hype Cung Le’s fight with Bisping on August 23rd, but here are his thoughts on Weidman – Machida and Rousey – Davis bouts.
Akhilesh: So, who do you have as your pick in the main-event fight between Chris Weidman and Lyoto Machida?
Cung Le: I think since Weidman is coming off a knee surgery, having been through a few surgeries myself with my knees and elbows, I never gave myself enough time to recover. If he is doing the same and hasn’t fully recovered, the fight will go to Machida on points. I also feel his striking is a lot better than Chris’s and he is going to outpoint Chris is my take on the fight.
Ratish: Just staying on the course, in the co-main event Ronda Rousey defends her title against Alexis Davies. Who would you pick in this one?
Cung Le: I think Ronda is just too much for her (Alexis Davis). You know I thought Rhonda would have her hands full with the Olympic Silver medallist in her last fight and she ran through her and I decided I will never doubt Ronda again.
The UFC and MMA fans are excited, and cannot wait to see Cung Le back inside the Octagon and throw some devastating kicks like only he can. You can follow him on Twitter, Facebook and on Instagram and keep yourself updated regarding Fight Night 48. Also, do not forget to check back soon as we’ll upload his entire interview exclusively for the Indian fans! Also, don’t forget to check out our recent exclusive interview with the UFC Middleweight champion, Chris Weidman.
