| COVER STORY
The Ambassador
You know all about Strikeforce’s Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos’ exploits in the ring. In this exclusive, find out what she’s like away from the fight game. By Rose Gracie
DON’T MISS We also went one-on-one with Cris.
FEATURES
The Heat Is On
While UFC lightweight Kurt Pellegrino was cutting weight, we were right there with him … in the sauna and on the bike. What was he like during this process? Mean? Nasty? You’ll soon find out. By Doug Jeffrey
EXTRA We asked some other high-profile fighters what it’s like for them to drop weight.
MMA’s Next Superstars?
Hard to believe, but it’s true. The year 2010 is upon us. So, to keep you up to speed with the new faces in MMA, we’ve got 10 up-and-coming fighters you need to know.
AND We’ve thrown in five more you need to watch.
Bring It Father Time
“I think that the sport of MMA has been sissified.” There’s only one man who could have said that. Yes, Don Frye. By Joshua Lashley
BONUS Find out why this former UFC champ took a shot at the current status of MMA. Heavyweight Duel
In the bout between Brock Lesnar and Shane Carwin, who has the advantage and why? We break it all down for you. By George Ryan SPECIAL SECTION
10 Years Young
We’re not real big on birthdays, but we thought we’d celebrate our 10th with you. In this story, we take a quick stroll down memory lane as we check out the history of our magazine. By D. Jeffrey First-Round Knockout
During our 10 years of publishing this magazine, one of the biggest changes to hit MMA is collectibles. In this story, we analyze the staggering success of Topps’ UFC cards and what they mean for the future. By Tracy Hackler Life Lessons
The third story of our anniversary section is devoted to the No. 1 Family of MMA — the Gracies. Because, without them, who knows where we’d all be right now. By Elisa Jordan
EXTRA Royce Gracie reveals how his father, Helio, provided advice on how to cope with the fame that accompanied his MMA success. PROFILES
Thai Trailblazer
Can a fighter spend 19 years in muay Thai and then make a big splash in MMA? Chris Romulo intends to find out. By Chloe Branch
Cruz Control
The WEC’s Dominick Cruz is determined to bring something new to MMA. Find out what it is and why he wants to do it. By Anthony O'Rourke
EXTRA Find out why Cruz is a “pro” in dealing with hardship. PICTORIALS
Through the Lens
Randy “The Natural” Couture and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira. One amazing fight. Two world-class fighters. Three indelible photographs. Photos by Wanelle Fitch
Jersey Girl
With her long flowing blonde hair and dark brown eyes, Nicole Pietrontone may be one of the most beautiful girls in “The Garden State.” EVENT COVERAGE
7 Days to Battle: UFC 102
We spent seven days with Chris Leben as he prepared for his bout at UFC 102 with Jake Rosholt. By Burton Richardson
TRAINING SECTION
Burn With Kearns
Want to look good and perform like a champ inside the cage? This four-week program to build your pecs is just what you need. By Kevin Kearns BS, NSCA CPT
BONUS Find out the key to developing a monster chest. Break the Posture
JC provides another four-week program that will kick-start your game into high gear. This one builds endurance and power so you can smother your opponent’s offense from the bottom. By JC Santana, MEd, CSCS
INCLUDES All the information you need to get the equipment for this program. Fluency Through Movement
In Part II, the author provides additional methods for you to turbo-charge your guard-retention game. By Stephen Whittier Ask the Trainer
We’ve got the full story on how tape can help you in your training. By Robert S. Gotlin, DO Sport Nutrition
The glycemic index sounds a little confusing … until we break it down for you.
EXTRA Find out what carbs you should eat to energize your workouts. By Nancy Clark, MS, RD COLUMNS
Round 1
A review of where MMA and we have been the last 10 years
Web Check
Behind the scenes, contests and more … Inside the Cage
News, fun MMA facts and more Midwest Report
VJ finds himself in “Sin City” … but why? Video Brawler
Call of Juarez and G.I. Joe
Inside MMA In Part II, referee Cecil Peoples takes us back inside the cage.
10 Burning Questions
The UFC’s Josh Neer is up.
Street Wise
One martial arts system is good; several are better.
Canadian Report
The unsigned phenom … Chris Horodecki.
In the Guard
Mr. Valente talks about the roadmap to success.
Beginner’s Guide to MMA
More info for the new fan.
Top 5
Our 2 cents on Chuck’s involvement in “Dancing With the Stars” …
Product Check
The latest and greatest in products …
Rankings
We got the big boys this time …
Final Round
Nate Marquardt and Demian Maia
The Cover
Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos
Photo by Cherie Carlson
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