MMA Fighting - Best of The MMA Hour: UFC Champions Edition

Episode Date: December 26, 2016

On this special episode of The MMA Hour, we look back at 2016. This year on the show, Ariel Helwani spoke to the every current UFC champion including Dominick Cruz (00:05:08), Michael Bisping (00:20:20), Tyron Woodley (00:43:42), Daniel Cormier (01:06:31), Joanna Jędrzejczyk (01:36:17), Conor McGregor (01:56:24), Amanda Nunes (02:29:46), Demetrious Johnson (02:49:34), José Aldo (03:09:25), Max Holloway (03:31:30), and Stipe Miocic (03:49:37). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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Logan, everyone. I'm Ariel Hawani back inside our New York City studio. Hope you had a great Christmas. Hope you had a great couple nights of Hanukkah. So we are here. It is our best of show, our last show of the year. And in the past, we've done these best of shows where it's just, you know, random great interviews this year.

and Lord knows we could have done one of those this year. But while I was thinking about things, compiling interviews, you know, just trying to decide what exactly we should do on this last show of the year. It occurred to me that for the first time in the history of this great program, we had every single UFC champion on in one calendar year. Can you believe that? Every single UFC champion has been on this program in 2016. People say 2016 was a bad year and a lot of them are right.

For this show, we were lucky enough to speak to the Crem de la Crem as far as the UFC is concerned. So we've decided to do best of the MMA hour, UFC Champions Edition. Now there's one little caveat. Some of the interviews that you're going to hear on this show occurred when the fighter wasn't UFC champion yet, but they will end the year UFC champion, or at least as of right now they are UFC champion. Of course, UFC 207, Amir, days away.

We are going with the champions heading into that card. So, for example, our interview with Michael Bisping, it was actually the interview right before UFC 199. He found out that he's fighting finally for the belt against Luke Rockhold in June of this past year.

And that interview, if you recall, he was so fired up, he was so on point. It was so motivational to hear him speak, that's the one that we chose as far as Bisping is concerned. Now, we spoke to him afterwards when he was a champion, but I wanted to pick the best interview because we were lucky enough to speak to many of these fighters multiple times this year, but I tried to pick the best interview from these men and women this year while they were champion or before becoming champion. So as you know, there are 10 divisions in the UFC, soon to be 11 with the introduction of the women's

featherway title. But you're going to hear from 11 different people on today's show because we are including the interim featherweight champion Max Holloway, another interviewee, by the way, that were picking before he won the gold in Toronto. So the champions are, just to run them down for you, heavyweight, steep Amiochich. We spoke to him in May of 2016 after he became champion after he defeated Fabrice Over Doom. That was episode 332. Daniel Cormier, we spoke to him right after UFC 200, July 11th, episode 308, 185 Michael Bisping, as I mentioned.

That was May 24th, 2016, episode 330. That was a great one. I love that one. Tyrone Woodley, we spoke to him. August 1st, 2016, this year, episode 341. That's right after he became the UFC welterweight champion. Of course, Connor. We spoke to him right before UFC 202 before becoming the lightweight champion.

This was August 15th, episode 343, but it was his lone appearance this year on the program, so we had to include that one. Jose Aldo, we spoke to February 29th, episode 318, right before UFC 196. So that was his lone appearance on the show this year. And Dominic Cruz, April 25th, episode 326, as far as the women are concerned. Oh, by the way, Demetrius Johnson, how can I forget about him, the flyway champion, episode 322, March of 2016, of course, March 28th, my wife's birthday. As far as a woman are concerned, Amanda Nunes, we spoke to her July 18th after she became

the champ, episode 339 and Yuanian Jacek, also on March 28th, a great interview with her on episode 322. So we will begin this journey with one Dominic Cruz, because if you recall, after UFC 197, he came on this program and started hyping up his fight against T.J. Dillishal. It was the last interview of the day, and he just spit crazy. fire. It was unbelievable what he was doing. That, in my opinion, was the best of Dominic Cruz this year. He has killed it in all his interviews, but I just thought the intensity, the focus that he showed in that interview was truly remarkable. So let's start with that one. Let's go back to

April 25th of this past year, episode 326. Here's my interview with the UFC Bantamway champion Dominic Cruz. And of course, he defends that title in just a few days against Cody Garbrand. Enjoy best of the MMA hour, UFC Champions Edition. This man was on everyone's mind Saturday night. For different reasons, let's talk to Dominic Cruz right now. Dominic, how are you? Good. With us all, Ariel.

I'm doing great. I know you're short on time, so let's get right into it. Your name came up a ton Saturday night. Demetrius Johnson beats Henry Sohudo. I ask the world, who do you want to see Demetrius fight next? And you are the unanimous decision. I mean, the pick from everyone. Everyone said you, the rematch with you, no one else.

Did you watch his performance? And I know you're preparing for a fight, but I'm wondering if at this point you're even interested in this scenario. Yeah, I mean, you look at DJ and you can't deny that he's the best flyweight ever. You know, I mean, he's done great things. He's defended the title. He's going after a record of Anderson Silver right now. He said himself, he's pretty focused on that more than anything. And I kind of understand that.

But at the same time, I don't pick my fights, Ariel. I never really have. And I'm not opposed to a fight. I mean, if that guy wants to come up to 35 and try to challenge me, I mean, I don't run from anybody, so I'm there. But right now, I mean, you look at who I'm facing. The landscape with the 135-pound division is probably looking the best that it's looked in the past four years, in my opinion. Yeah. And it's looking really good.

And I got plenty of guys in this division that are my size, my weight, that I want to scrap and are in line and knocking at the door and saying they want to beat me up already. So, I mean, if you really look at the things, I got a long list of guys that want to fight. Do you think then it would be unfair at this point? Because, as you mentioned, 135 is deeper than ever. To have a guy come up from 125 and sort of skip the cue, if you will, because he's not fighting at Bantamweight, do you think that's somewhat unfair? And I know fair is sort of the term of the week in MMA, but do you think that would be unfair to guys like Al Jermaine and a Sunsau in Dillishaw?

etc. Well, we all know that life isn't fair, so I mean, they definitely is not. Very well said, Dom. Cudos, my man. Let's start with that, you know? So, but besides that, I don't think there's anything like that because super fights are at their highest demand right now. People want to see them. People like them. And that's what the fans want to see, that that's what the people are going to buy. Throw us on a pay-per-view. If, you know, a million people want to see that fight, When we sell it, you know, maybe I could be the first time DJ has some of the best sales he'd ever had in his career because people want to see him fight me.

I'm not opposed to the area. That's not what I'm saying. What I'm saying is I got a lot of guys in line to fight me right now. I don't pick my fights. It's about the demand of what the fans want to see. And if they're willing to pay to see that fight, I'm willing to fight anybody. It's been around five years since you fought him. I'm wondering when you watch him with your careful eye,

your analytical eye. Do you say to yourself, okay, this guy is a lot better from when I fought him in Washington, D.C. He's changed a lot. He's a much better fighter now. What I see is he's the same size as the people that he fought.

So like when you look at him at 135 pounds, he was beating a lot of people. But there was always a size advantage that gave him trouble that he had to work around. At 125, he has nothing to work around. These guys are his size or his height.

And he can use his fundamentals, his technique and his speed at the fullest potential because of that. When he comes up to 135, things are different. I mean, he's lost to me and he's lost to Brad Pickett. And that's because of size advantages and then technique on top of that. So he is good. He's the best fly weight ever. I agree with that.

But when you're coming up to 135 pounds, that's my division, period. Is he the best powerful power fighter in the world right now? You know, I think that he's done things that in his division that can prove that. And then I think John Jones has done a lot that can prove that also. But then you look at the things that I've done and I've beaten him and I've done things too. But me being out for so long, not competing kind of throws me out of that equation. Yeah. So, you know, I can't really speak on who's the best because, you know, I'm kind of in the mix of it, in my personal opinion.

But I've been out so long, I have a lot to prove. I got to beat some people. I got to stay more active, and I get that. So he is one of the best pound for pound fliders on the planet. I take out three, no doubt. If you were in his position, essentially cleaning out a division, there's nothing, you know, there's no, let's be honest, there's no challenges for him right now,

unless he's fighting the same guys over and over again. Would you test the waters? Like, if that happened to you at 135, would you go up to 145, or would you just keep collecting those paychecks? Yeah, I mean, like I said, Ariel, You know, what I think right now, the fans are wanting to see these super fights, and I think people want to see Demetrius move up because he's just smashing these guys at 25. Everybody wants to see that untouchable guy beaten.

It's just the way the world works. So they want to see him move up and see how great he can do also. Like, is he that good against bigger guys, too? That's what the people are curious of. Would I move up? I already said I would, you know, but it's similar to, to what Connor's doing too. I mean, he's moving up to 170.

You look, I mean, you're taken away. It's not just about technique anymore. You've got to deal with three other things. You've got to deal with size, length, reach, all these other things. It just adds so much to the equation. Plus, these guys that we're fighting are the best in the world. It changes the fight so much. You have to respect body mechanics.

And when size, length, reach, all that stuff is added into the fight, it changes the fight's dynamics completely. It doesn't matter how good you are. because body mechanics can change everything. You mentioned the C word. So let me ask you, what is your take, if any, on this whole Connor McGregor UFC saga? Do you side with Connor? Do you think that he has a point?

Are you sympathetic towards him? Or do you side with the UFC who says it's not fair for you to skip out on this media stuff when everyone else has to do it? You can't really side with anybody. I put myself in Connor's shoes. I've lost a fight before, you know? And when you lose a fight, it kind of puts you back. back to the drawing board. You hear that all the time. I'm going to go back to the drawing

boy. I'm going to do this. I'm going to do that. And it's like when you lose a fight, you've got to change something. And, you know, he realizes he's human now after that loss. He realizes he can lose. He hit Nate with everything and the kitchen sink in that first round. And Nate did not back up for one second. That's a different type of fight. Not to mention, we have never seen anybody stand up to Connor McGregor's antics in the pre-fight. Every single person he faced

prior to Nate Diaz was broken mentally, I mean shattered mentally, before they even stepped in the cage. You can't break Nate. He does not care. He doesn't he fights for different purpose. And he's a real, he's a real OG, for lack of a better term. I mean, the guy just doesn't

care. Nate, you're not going to break him. You're not going to get him out of the fight. You know when you're fighting him, you're going to be it from the beginning and to the end. You have to push the button on him. And then you realize he's got a heck of a chin too. So I get where Conner's at. He wants to put his head down, train, focus, be the best Connor he can be.

Because of that last loss, you know, it can shake you when you lose like that. And his mind is focused on being the best him he can be. So I understand that. On the other end of things, when you look at what the UFC wants, they want you to do the media. Connor's a failure of his own success. I mean, he's so good at this media. They're going to ask him to do a ton. But I'll be honest.

If the UFC said, hey, Dominic, we're going to pay you 100 times what you're getting paid now, and you're going to make Connor McGregor money, I'll go live with Ariel Helwani for my entire camp, eat everything you eat, do every radio interview you do, go out there and be ready to fight. So it's like, it's kind of a mixed thing, you know. He's getting paid a lot of money to do this stuff, a lot of money,

and people want to see it. He's at high demand. So because he's at high demand, that makes him a failure of his own success if you get what I'm saying. When I spoke to you in Boston after the win over Dillishaw, we talked about what's next. You said that you want to sit down with UFC brass and essentially get paid what you're worth.

Now you have a fight. It's coming up. Have you had that conversation with them? Have you sat down with them? Do you have a new deal? Are you happy with what you're getting paid? Yeah, I mean, let's be real. I always want more money.

Yeah. But I get paid, you know, I'm involved with the pay-per-view in this next fight. that makes me happy. Yep. The UFC took care of me. You know, we sat down, they were, they were, Lorenzo was perfectly cool with adjusting my pay scale because I was still on a pay scale from when I was injured for, for my last couple of fights. And he even thinks out with me.

And, you know, I'm happy with the contract that I've been given. And I'm going to keep moving forward to fighting. How long after that fight did you guys sit down and talk? Well, right before I got this. next fight going. Okay. With Faber, we, we sat down and talked. He came out to California and, you know, in his jet. Nice. Probably spent more money flying out in his jet than he paid me that day, but that's okay.

You know, the thing is, they took care of me for this fight. They were willing to, work with me and, you know, give me what I'm worth. I've been out a while, so it is important that I get busy. So we've been around Faber for the last few weeks, doing all this media with him. I mean, how painful has that been for you? Have you enjoyed it at all, or did it suck every step of the way? You know, you, after a while, Ariel, you learned that I was out of this for a long time, you know? Yeah.

So I have fun poking and prodding at that guy. I mean, he's just, he loves himself so much that it's fun to just pick and pick and pick at him. And he says it all the time. I'm one of the most annoying people he's ever been around, and that's by plan. That's by purpose. I plan to make his life a living hell as long as I'm in it. He has been taking some shots.

He has been accusing you some stuff. Has he crossed the line? Like, has he made this too? I don't know if it's possible to make it more personal between you two, but has he actually accomplished that? No, he hasn't, because this is the thing. You could say whatever you need to say about me.

I understand, like, all is fair in love and war. Like, I get that he's going to come. come and attack me. I get that he wants to attack my character. I mean, he's been doing this to me since 2007. This is a favor game. He wants to turn everybody against you and make himself the good guy. He can't handle being the not-like guy. But at the same time, this is all based off of fear. You know, judgment is the main act of fear. And if I'm on it, what is everybody on it, everybody he's lost to, I mean, this is his excuse. He's setting up excuses for the loss and I'm about to serve him.

And on top of that, Faber's showing his true colors. I mean, he has no professionalism, no loyalty. He's trying to disfitt. Before he said anything about me, he attacked Dilshaw on the Hersch and tried to, and tried to deny it and say he didn't, but it's like he's trying to destroy Dilsha's career. And this is somebody who's supposed to be his family, his, best friend. They were brothers at one point.

I mean, I'm not the biggest fan of Del Shaw. He's got his own things. I mean, that's needless to say. I mean, you could see our last post pipe. I'm not, he's not my favorite person either. But, I mean, he does mentor kids in wrestling, and he does do stuff. And his own best friend is accusing him of using PEDs. And it's like, what are you doing?

I mean, that's a scumbag move. That's your ex-friend. All because he left your camp. I mean, that shows. the true colors of favor. When you're attacking me, I can understand that because he wants to ruin my face because we're fighting. But when you're attacking a friend because he left your camp, I mean, you're just a scumbag. It's a lack of character. And that's something that I haven't liked about favor since day one. And we're finally seeing the true colors of favor come out

when he makes accusations with absolutely no proof of anything. And one of the best doping agencies on planet Earth, there's just no proof to anything. that he says. And again, they're excuses. I mean, this is typical favorite style. Make excuses with no proof and no facts. And they're just all accusations on his part. Let's end on this, because I know you have to go. Love talking to you. It's so great. You're just one of the most real interviews in the game, and I appreciate that very much, whether or not we agree or not. It's always great to have you on, Dom, so I appreciate it. Are you hoping that this is his last title shot? This is something that Dillishaw has talked about. You've talked about. Are you hoping that on

June 4th, or after June 4th, I should say, Uriah Faber never fights for the belt again? Yeah, you know, the thing is he promotes fights, and that's why he's in this situation, you know? And besides that, it's also because I don't like him. That's why he's in this situation. Faber got this fight because I don't like him. And because of that, people want to see me beat him up. You know, everywhere I went, Ariel, it wasn't like, you know, who you're fighting next. It's like, when are you going to beat up Faber again and shut him up?

That guy talks so much. He makes a bunch of excuses. People want me to beat him up. And he could say whatever he wants about me and I have him fans. Everywhere I go, I got people asking me to beat him up. So it's like, I don't really care what he does. But I know that I'm going to go out there and stop him again from touching the belt. And that's something I can control.

And I'm going to put a beating on him. And, you know, he could say whatever he wants about my body and all that stuff that he was saying and how it's changed. It's like, man, I was out for four plus years. that's like 1,500 days, maybe a quarter of those, maybe like 700 of those days I got to work out. I was sitting behind the desk studying fights, analyzing fights, breaking things down. There was a point where I hit 175 pounds. I was depressed at times. There's a lot going on in my life that I let go of fighting.

When I got that Dilleychall call to fight, I wasn't going to tell the UFC no. I was going to, I just said, screw it, let's go. I was rehabbing still. when they asked me for that fight at nine months of my third ACL reconstruction. I got ready off the couch, off the analyst desk, went out there and fought and did my job while he's making excuses about PEDs, you know? So it's like, I'm doing my job, and that's all I can do. And on June 4th, I'm going to do my job and shut that idiot up. Wow, June 4th cannot come soon enough.

Dom, really appreciate it. I know you have to go to practice, so we'll let you go. Thank you so much for the time, and we'll talk very soon prior to $199. Can't wait for it. Thank you very much and good luck and training. Thank you, Ariel. All right, there he is. The UFC Bantamweight champion.

You feel the passion there. Wow, there is nothing like that rivalry between Dominicruz and your eye favor. The Count himself. He joins us via the magical Skype outside. How about that? Michael Bissing in the house, the headliner, one half of the headlining act on June 4th in Inglewood. Michael, how are you, my friend? Ariel Helwana.

It is always a pleasure to speak with you, but I've got to say, You know that my time is precious right now. Yes. And I have to sit there and wait for you to go through this lengthy intro. It's like, I don't care who you have on the show. Okay. Please, let's get this rolling, my friend. I got bloody, I got next to break.

What is it? What is it? I don't know. I don't know. Checks the cash next to break. No, whatever it is. Whatever it is. How you doing, buddy?

Okay, I like the energy. How about this? Very exciting. And by the way, happy Victoria Day to you. Did you know today's Victoria Day? It means a lot to me today to be talking to you on, of course, the Blessed Victoria Day. Is that a national, what is that, a Canadian thing? Queen Victoria in Canada, coast to coast, it's a national holiday.

We celebrate the birth of Queen Victoria. Back holiday Monday. Yes, how about that? 197 years old tomorrow. Queen Victoria. Long live the Queen. God save the Queen. So that's really why I wanted to have you on.

Now we can say goodbye. No, I'm just joking. We got a lot of big news, Michael. You're back at home. No more movies for you. You're taking this thing seriously, yes? 100%. This is by far the biggest fight of my life. Of course, the Anderson fight, that was the biggest fight. But here it is, the title shop after all this time. Are the circumstances perfect?

No, they're not perfect, but I believe the circumstances are very good. Of course, as you mentioned, been up in Canada for the last seven weeks filming the new triple X movie. That was great. It was a lot of fun. Fantastic experience. But this is what I do. I'm a fighter. And I've wanted to be the champion for a long, long time. Because I was doing the movie, I was trying to keep in good condition. Of course, being as vain as I am, you want to look good on camera. So I was keeping my weight low. If the weight wasn't low, fighting for the belt wouldn't have been a realistic opportunity because I just wouldn't have made weight.

As it turns out, miraculously, from accepting the fight to now, my weight is at 203 pounds, which is where I normally am after a full training camp. Wow. So it's insane. I got back from Toronto. I went and did some pads with Jason Perillo. my conditioning is right where it usually is. So it's insane really, but it's all in the mind.

It really is. And, you know, two weeks, I believe, will be a positive thing for me. You know, I've talked about this a lot. I always overtrain. Always over-train. And the first couple of weeks of camp, I feel fantastic. You know, I'm throwing guys around. I'm powerful and I feel good.

And then as the camp progresses, eight weeks, I train so hard because it means so much to me. By the end of the camp, yes, my conditioning is good. like that. But, you know, I've lost strength. You know, I've gone from being confident to negative to confident to negative. There's all these mixed emotions, a roller coaster going up and down. There's no time for that, okay? I'm two weeks out. My weight is good. My conditioning is good. I'm going to train like a madman for the next 10 days. I'll be there. I'm going to go in confident, no injuries. And this time next week, or this time in a fortnight, I could well be the new world champion, my friend. It's an amazing story. And it feels like a very Michael Bisping way in terms of

the way you got this title shot, it's never been easy for you. And did you know, June 24, 2006, that's when you fought in your very first UFC fight. That's when you fought Josh Haynes' tough three finale. In fact, that was the very first live UFC event that I attended. So we're sort of kindred spirits, you and I. How about that? Yeah, Kinget spirits, Ariel. As I say, I've said it many times. I owe it all to you. Thank you. I appreciate it. You know, yeah, I mean, that is interesting that it's 10 years to the day. You know, I actually went on the auditions for the Ultimate Fighter in December 2005. Of course, I filmed the show and then we had the final.

So I guess my first, you know, official fight was then, you know, a decade later here I am fighting for the title. Obviously very excited. Listen, I know I'm the underdog and I know I deserve to be the underdog. Luke's an incredible fighter. He really is. He's well-rounded. He finished his guys. He's finished me before, you know.

But nothing about Luke scares me. It really doesn't. I know this guy. It's not like I'm going into unknown waters. I know exactly what to expect. Apart from that one headkeep that dropped me, none of his shots hurt me at all. I believe I'm faster than him. And I have the ability to beat this guy, believe you me.

We trained before and I made Mitzmead out of it. And then on the night where we fought, God bless him, he got the job done. But every fight is different. Every fight is different. And I will approach his fight very differently. mistakes in that last fight, I was closing the distance, then I was going out of range. I was going in and out the whole time. This time, I'm not going to play the long game. I can't afford to do that. He's going to have the better conditioning, let's be honest. If it goes five rounds, I'm going to

slow down and slow. So I'm going to look to take him out of there early. I'm going to close the distance, push him up against the fence, and just unleash what I've got, and I believe I can take him out. What I love about you, Michael, is that you essentially interview yourself. You've become such a pro with the media that you just answered like five questions in one. So I appreciate that very much. But going back to my original point, when you entered the UFC and won the show, in the back your mind, did you think, okay, it would take two years, maybe three years to get a title shot? Like here you are 10 years later. I doubt you ever thought it would take that long. What did you think initially? Definitely didn't think it would take a decade.

That is a long time. But you know, to be honest, listen, my career has been like this. It's been up and down, you know, and I've had a lot of big wins, and I've had some very, very big losses, you know, key losses. And so I don't blame anybody else, you know. I got into the number one contender spot, okay? Sorry, number one contender matchup. And I lost those fights. I can't be mad at anybody.

I lost those fights. Now, yes, if you look at those fights, guys had a history of performance-enhancing drugs. Most of them were on TRT, which we now know was the biggest sham ever. And, you know, Chale had a history. Vito Bell-4. you know, Dan Henderson was on TRT. I didn't even know TRT existed when I was fighting Dan Henderson. You know, I should have really been made aware of these things.

But whatever, you can't be bitter. Here I am. Most people only get to this position one time in the life. I've been here four times. Most guys after the Dan Henderson fight would have never fought again. Joe Rogan and a lot of media wrote me off said he's finished now, but I built myself back up again to the number one contender matchups. Several times.

People can't do that. And I believe that's testament to my first. fighting will, my spirit and my tenacity. And how much I want this. You know, still after all this time, a decade in the sport, I live in a beautiful house, I've got a beautiful wife, I've got amazing children. Life is blessed, but I want this.

I'm hungry as hell, and I want this more than anybody. And the fact that I've got here so many times, and now here I am, I'm on the cusp of being world champion. Of course, I've got to get through Luke Rockhold. I think that speaks volumes about myself. I also think that it is my destiny. I know that sounds cheesy, and I'm not a deep person.

I'm not a spiritual person, but I believe this is my destiny. And just the way everything's come together, I think it goes my way in two weeks. So when the news came out about Wyden, a lot of people, including myself, a lot of media members said, this is a no-brainer.

You've got to give it to Michael. He's coming off the win over Anderson Silva. But from what we understand, you weren't the top choice. And even Dana White went out of his way to tell the world that you weren't the top choice. Come on now. Did that not bother you?

I mean, you have been a soldier for the UFC for a decade. You have done so much to build up that market in Europe. How were you not the first call? How are you not the only call? You know, I mean, listen, you'd have to ask Dana about that. Yeah, you know, I mean, I didn't know that he went out of his way to share that with everybody. But thanks, Dana. You know, Dana always things like that.

It doesn't matter. I am getting the shot. And listen, I want this. Jackeray speaks all the time about wanting a shot. The belt, well, it was offered to him on a silver platter. and he turned it down. You know, guys like Rashad Evans, I love Rashad, don't get me wrong,

but here's a guy that was played with injuries and turned things down. People turned things down, you can't do that. I've been presented with this opportunity. I'm taking it. Is it perfect? No, I was offered Chale Sonning of six days notice. John Jones turned it down.

I didn't, you know, I'm a real fighter. I'll fight anyone, any place, any time. And the fact that I just took a fight against Luke Rockoff for the belt for a title shot that I've waited my entire life for. If I lose this, I'll never get a shot again. But I'm taking this not just for a shot, not just for a payday, not just for some media attention. I believe I can win this. And that's why I'm taking this fight.

I've always been a fighter. I'm a fighter's fighter. I'm a real fighter. And I'll prove that in two weeks. Man, you are legitimately giving me goosebumps as we speak right now, the way you sell. And I think that's part of the reason why you should have been the first call. Alas, you did get that fight? Was there an internal struggle, though?

Because 190 is so close away, did you say, look, I got to the finish line. they're going to have this fight, whoever it may be, and then I'll get the title shot, and I'll have a full camp. Did you think about that or try to negotiate that at all? No, I didn't. I honestly thought what I'll do is I'll throw my name into the mix. I want to get the shot, but I thought I won't get it. They're going to go with the Jacaray.

So hopefully then I've positioned myself, after just beating Anderson, being on a win streak, hopefully I positioned myself to get the winner of Rockhold and Jackaray. I never thought Jackeray would turn it down. Who turns it down? It just destroyed Vito Belfort. He's in great shape. Yes, he might have a sore knee. Listen, I've got injuries all over the place, but you do it.

You fight. The world isn't perfect. You wait for the perfect conditions. The perfect conditions never come. So, yeah, my master plan, that's what I thought. I thought I'd get the winner. Turns out, Jack Array didn't want to do it. Well, guess what?

Here we go. There's a lot of people in the division that don't want it. You know, a lot of people that don't want it. Well, they come to me. I've never said no once. And as I say, I believe this is my destiny. I believe the universe is pulling it together. I've been slogging away for 10 years.

Not only do I deserve this, I know I can do this. I'm a fighter. Listen, we're both human beings. Luke Rockholder's been knocked out before, okay? It's not like, and I know the guy. I'm not going into uncharted waters, as I said. We're going to go in there, and he knows damn well, right? If you watch that fight back, the first fight, at the end of the first round, he was panicked.

Okay, and I gave him some shit at the end of the first round because he was like, he said, I'm going to finish you in one round. And I said, hey, look, still here, buddy. What's going on? But he sits down in his corner. You can see that he was panicked, and his corner was panicked. Now, okay, the second round went out. He caught me with a beautiful head kick.

God bless him. Well done, you know. No, no ill will. No excuses. He got me. But every fight is different. And I'm going to take the fight to him. I'm going to close the distance.

And I'm going to stay there. Just like I did against Anderson. And I'm going to give him everything I got. And I believe everything I've got is enough to put him down. It's amazing to read your social media, your Instagram and your Twitter, and even the UFC is putting out this back-bisping campaign. You have become a sweetheart. You have become this underdog that everyone's rooting for. What a difference from a few years ago where you were sort of the bad guy?

Have you noticed this? Do you get a chuckle out of this? Yeah, I've certainly felt a shifting momentum. And of course, it's very nice. You know, before I lived here out in America, I was surrounding myself with maybe not the right people. We'll leave it at that. but I was surrounding with some people that were influencing me to act a certain way. And of course, you know, I've said it many times.

I cringe when I look back at some of the things I said in the past. I think my true character is coming through over the years. The more time I spend on TV and things like that, people can see who I am. Listen, I'm still the same person. I'm still controversial. I still put my foot in my mouth. I still say stupid things. Of course, I'll always say stupid things.

I'm Michael Bisman for crying out loud. I'm an idiot. I was born this way. There's nothing I can do. My wife is here chuckling in the background. because she knows what a plonker I am, you know, but, you know, I've got a good heart. And when it comes to good heart, I've got a good heart in the Octagon as well.

And I'm a good person, and I believe I deserve this. I've worked my ass off. Nobody's worked harder than me. And I deserve this, and I will take it home with me. As I said, I'm not here for a title fight. My entire life, from being eight years old, I have fought. Nothing has ever been given to me. I'm sat here in a beautiful house.

I've got a swimming pool. I've got a water slide. I've got several cars. I've worked my ass off for all of this. Nothing was ever given to me. I've worked my ass off and I will finish. I will take this final chapter in my journey and become the world champion

and then walk off into the sunset. Sorry, I can't get my words out. A happy man. Considering all of this, when you see Luke, the way he kind of talks and acts, and it's interesting when you guys go back and forth because it seems like you sort of enjoy to a degree running circles around him

from a verbal standpoint. What do you make of Luke Rockhold now as champion? because, I mean, no, I don't think he would deny. The man comes off a bit cocky, if you will, to be kind. Yeah, he's a smug asshole, let's be honest. Listen, as I said, I want the shot, you know, I want to be the champion. But I have this inner fire within me, you know, I pride myself on being a fighter. I've always prided myself from that, even at school.

If there was a kid, he was a couple of years older, thought they could beat me in a fight, I was like, cool, let's go into the Castlefield tonight, and let's figure it out. Who can win the fight? I've always been like that, and I don't know why. It's to my detriment, of course, you know, but of course now it's paid off. Luke Rockhold owns a victory over me.

I want to rectify that. I want to set the record straight. So, yes, I want to be the victor. I want to be the world champion, but I also want to beat Luke Rockhold. It is personal for me. And when I look at him, I just want to knock that smug look off his face.

I really do because you've never seen somebody that walks around, like so smug. He's just as big, as smuggest prick you've ever seen in your life. And so, yeah, I would love another opportunity to punch that guy in the face. What, and be world championed at the same time? Come on, where do I sign up? Okay, just a couple of minutes left with Michael Bisping, and we really appreciate the time because I know you're very busy. So what are the next 12 days like for you?

How do you put together, not even a mini camp? I mean, it's like a quarter of a camp. What do you do? How do you actually plan this out? Yeah, well, of course, you know, you've got to prioritize. you know so throughout a training camp you know you're doing lots of things you're trying to build your strength up and all these types of stuff there's going to be no weightlifting everything's going to be sparring drilling cardio things like that hitting pads mental focus that's going to be

key um the key of course i'm only a human being so i'm not going to try and cram in a stupid amount of training into two weeks again that would be detrimental and uh i would over train even in two weeks. I'm going to train hard. Of course, I have a press conference, I believe, on Wednesday. I've got all my medical stuff done, so that's another distraction. I've got interviews galore, and on top of that, I have to train, you know, for a world title fight. The good news is it's in L.A. It's in my backyard, so I don't have to get on a plane and fly anywhere. Here's another thing. You know, it's fate. It's meant to be. You know, it's in my backyard. I don't have to fly anywhere. I can sleep in my own bed the night of the fight, the night before the fight. Will you do that?

As soon as I get done here, maybe. I don't know. We'll see. Maybe the kids might drive me crazy. Maybe it's an opportunity to get away from children for one time. You know, I leave here. I go to the gym. I'm going to stop off.

I'm going to get some of my medical stuff along the way. I'm going to go down there. I'm going to spar. Then I'll rest. Then I'll have a stretch. Then I'll get a massage. Then I train again this evening. I ran this morning already.

You know, as I said, my cardio, believe it or not, I did five-fives on the pads with Jason Prillo. Saturday night. to getting off the plane. And I was flying. I actually felt just as good as I do after an eight-week camp. And I don't know whether that's me convincing myself. I asked Jason, I said, that's the same output, right?

As what I normally do. And he's like, yeah, it is Michael. And he said, listen, you just beat Anderson Silver. You just went five rounds not that long ago. Since then, you have trained. You've kept yourself in shape. You know, so the muscle memory, it's all there. You know, the fact I'm able, I've always been able to push myself cardio-wise,

that's still there within me, and I'm bringing it out already. I'm going to go in there fresh. I'm going to go in there strong, very, very confident, with no pressure. Do you understand how mentally freeing it is to know? I'm supposed to lose. I'm supposed to lose, so fuck it. I'm going to go out there and do my best. That is so freeing as opposed to having the shot,

campaigning for it, getting it, and having eight weeks to prepare, and you go on the roller coaster of emotions. Listen, I know the world's expecting me to lose. Luke Rockhold knows, though, that I'm a formidable. opponent. He knows that he can be as smug as he wants. But, you know, as Christopher Walking says on

Saturday Night Live, we put our pants on one leg at a time and said, I go out there and take world titles. Okay, so you know, just watch this space, my friend, watch his face. Two last quick things. Have you watched the fight recently, the first one, or I should say

the second one between you guys in November of 2014? And do you think he is a much better fighter since when you fought him in Australia? You know, of course I've watched a fight back. That was one of the first things I did. I watched it back,

see what went right, what went wrong. The first round went well. If you watch it back, I probably edged that first round. Many people don't win the Louie the first round against Luke. People don't get out of the first round with Luke.

I think I won that first round. He did head but me, incidentally, which opened up a big gash and blood was pouring into my eyes and that was a factor as well. At the end of that first round, as I say, he looked very panicked. because he's not used to that.

Since then, he's gone on to become world champion. Of course, that does, going to boost his confidence. He's fought twice. He beat Machida. Mishida, come on, looked terrible. And since then he's tested positive. I believe, you know, he came off the steroids for that fight, got his ass kicked, got beat off Romero,

then went back on them, and then he tested positive. And he beat Chris Wyman. Listen, Wyman's a hell of a fighter, and he was a great champion. So good for him. I, myself, I've had three victories against solid opponents. Doleware was ranked at the time. Talis Lytis was on a seven-fight win streak in the former challenger in the past, and I just beat Anderson Silver.

So we've both improved. For me, though, I've improved mentally. And that's always been my downfall. I've always had the physical attributes. I've always been able to, you know, a coach can only tell you how to punch a certain way so many times. You know, when you get to my age, you know how to do that. But it's the mental side of things.

And I talked about this in the Anderson fight. I can't believe it's taking me so long to make these strides, you know and and it's not just a belief it's the calmness of mind you know if you're angry if you're furious if you're in a crazy frantic state you're never the best version of yourself at all so how can you be the best version of yourself as a fighter okay so i'm going in there cool calm collected focus not fighting on emotion none of that i'm going to go out there excited happy happy to be there and i'm going to fight with everything i've got but i'm going to stay cool calm and elect you. And final thing, you know, I remember talking to you in your hotel room in Montreal prior to

that CB Dalloway fight. This is prior to UFC 186 and you were coming off the Luke Rockhold fight. And at that point, you were sort of just a featured fight on the card. The card was hit with many different injuries and whatnot. And we didn't really know. I mean, I remember talking, you know, would you ever get a title shot? Would you be content with never getting a title shot? That could have been the beginning of the end. That could have been where you took a left and the fork in the road. And you would have just been, you know, a great fighter who never fought for the belt. Now, here you are, a little over a year later about to fight for the belt. And so I'm wondering from that point and the eye injury and everything you've been through,

have you allowed yourself to think what it will feel like when the belt is put around your waist? Do you have any idea what that will feel like? Do you even dream about that now? Do you allow yourself to do that? I don't. I haven't. You know, I mean, you just said that there then and I was overcome with all kinds of emotion. You know, this means so much to me.

Of course, you know, I do everything. I want to be well champion, but I do everything for my family. That's why I do everything. And that, it would cement my legacy. It would cement that it would be a life's work. But I think it would also mean a lot for my family as well, you know. And of course it would, you know, there'd be some bigger paydays and things like that. And that's ultimately why I do it.

But for me, a personal thing. I mean, I almost started crying then when you said it. You know, I've never thought about that. I was on a run the other day and it kind of creaked in what it might feel like, you know, to have Dana put the belt around my waist. And then I thought, no, I'm not there yet. I can't think about these things. I can't, you know, I can't my chickens before they've hatched.

You know, I've still got to win this fight. You know, I've got to go out there and do what I can. And I believe I can do it. And I know I have a lot of people in my corner that believe I can. I want to thank everybody throughout my entire career that's supported me. I want to thank the people that have detracted for my career because they've pushed me to train harder. I want to thank the UFC for the opportunity.

Youself, Ariel, people like yourself, like yourself, that have always supported my campaign. And, you know, this is a win for the every man. I'm just an average guy. I'm more than average. That just proves that if you go out there with a bit of hard work and determination, you can achieve your dreams. You know, I'm sitting in Orange County, California.

I've got a beautiful wife. I'm sat in a beautiful house. I come from very, very humble backgrounds in a small, tiny, working class town in the northwest of England, but here I am about to fight for the world title in Los Angeles. You know, I've just finished a movie, a $200 million budget movie. I was one of the main characters. You know, it's amazing. I'm very, very thankful.

as brash and as arrogant as I come across sometimes. I'm just having a laugh and sometimes I'm misunderstood. But I'm going to go out there in two weeks and I'm going to fight with every fiber of heart and soul and everything I've got. Everything I've got. And I believe it's enough. And if it's not, well, God bless him. He beat me. But I believe I'll do it.

Go on, Michael. You got a whole country behind you, a whole continent. Great stuff, my man. You are literally giving me goosebumps. Amazing. Thank you so much for the time again. I know how busy you are. This means the world.

appreciate it. Good luck to you. Can't wait for the fight. I'll see you out there. And best of luck with everything that you do between now and then. It's a beautiful thing, Michael. Go on. Get that title. Thank you. I appreciate it, Ariel. Thank you. There he is. Michael Bissing. Wow, what can you say about that? If that didn't fire you up, I don't know what in a million years could ever fire you up. I mean, this guy is just, that's why he should have been the first call. That's why he needed to be the first call. That's why I've always felt he was ready for this moment. And yes, he's had his ups and downs, but after beating Anderson Silva, I can assure you Anderson Silva would have gone in that title shot.

I can assure you if Anderson Silva won in February, he would have fought for the belt. I have no doubt of that. How he was not the first call, I'll never know. But he is the call. He's the one they settled on. And in less than two weeks, he finally fights for the belt almost 10 years to the date of his official UFC debut. if those words and that energy and just everything that he brought to the table in that interview

doesn't just fire you up as a regular human being to go on and take on the world and live your dreams. I mean, I don't know what else to say. Saturday night, what a performance. Knocked out Robbie Lawler with a vicious missile of a right hand. He is the new UFC Welterway champion. He's our good pal, the chosen one, Tyron Woodley, and he joins us right now. via the magic of Skype, there he is.

Tyrone Woodley, wow. What's up? Are you driving? I am kind of driving, but I'm looking at the road. Okay, you're making me nervous. I'll see me as I look at the road. I'll be okay. All right.

This is amazing. This is a first for us. Congratulations, my man. It's been less than 48 hours. How do you put it into words? What does it feel? Are you down from Cloud 9? Does it feel real?

How can you put this into words? Man, I have not an intercloud now yet. I'm still in the state of shock. So it's hard to put it into words. I can't say that I'm surprised that I've won the fight. I prepared to win the fight. I always saw myself as being a world champion, and this seems like it was my time.

My last time fighting for a world title was in 2012. I really pushed it. I really forced it. I wanted it to be my time so badly, but I don't think it was in my cars. I don't think I was humble enough. I don't think that I would have done the right thing with publicity. I'm about to, now that I'm the champion.

I think God does things in a serious way. And, you know, now it's time for me to be the champion. And so it's interesting because you said that you didn't feel nervous backstage, that you felt great. And it was amazing to watch you the days leading up to the fight because you were oozing confidence. I mean, I started to really believe, like, this man is on the verge of greatness. When did you start to feel that in this camp? How far before this fight did you really start to believe, like, this is a foregone conclusion? I just have to go out there and fight the guy.

You know, I really couldn't put in any better words. You know, I call it a fixed fight, predetermined destiny. I felt like God was just telling me, Tyrant, you know, the battle was mine. You just go out there and be a willing vessel, relax, breathe, go out there and have fun and enjoy the moment. This is the first time of my career that I actually reached out and embrace the fans as I did the walk, as I called the Valley of the Shadow of Death As I did that walk, that was the first time I embraced the fans

And it felt good You know, it felt good to get my coach's a hug I had a small, brief moment with Dean I said, hey, I said we were about to do it I said, it's 10 years, man I said when I walk out of him I'm the champion in the world And he just smiled

And I've never seen a group of guys So calm, so relaxed And so, you know, focus on the mission at hand It was a beautiful moment to watch Dean Knees on the mat his back towards you as Dana was putting the belt around your waist. I saw him. He was so emotional.

It was really a beautiful sight to see. When you landed that punch, that right hand, did you know that was it? Could you feel that he was done? Man, I knew it. I knew it, and I knew I was going to land. I'm not going to say I just knew I was going to knock him out with that particular punch. I did know I was going to land that punch.

When I was in the backstage, I told the guys, because I sweat a lot, man. That's how I'm able to go from 205 to 170. and, you know, this is my best weight cut. So I told them, I'm sweating a lot. I need a bottle of water for each round, in between each round. And I say, you know what? I need a bottle of water. And then all my training partners looked at me like, I said, yeah, I need a bottle of water, singular.

And I said that right as we walked out and it was just, it was just a confidence that, not in the cockiness, but it was just, I was prepared, I was ready, and it was nothing that led me to believe it was not my time. Carlos Condit just told us that you are one of the hardest hitters he's ever faced. He said you hit like a truck. But I'm wondering if you do believe that Robbie Lawler was ripe for the taking, that the damage he's taken throughout his career kind of converge with this moment. I'm not taking anything away from that punch because that would crumble me into nothing. But do you feel like that contributed to his demise on Saturday? There's a couple things, you know, and I want to give out everything because, you know, Robbie is not going to sit there and soak.

You know, he's probably going to be a little discouraged and a little mad, and then he's going to get back on a horse, and I might, who knows, I might walk into him again, so I can't get out too many details. But we were really strategic on the placement of the punches. You know, a guy, a friend of my Rekoon pulled some stats, and he let me know that Robbie has a flat face. so his ability to take shot and punches straight on is very strong, especially if you're playing a teeter-totting, you know, patty cake war with him. But if you catch him on the side and you hit him clean, you hit him flush, I've always said this, and guys don't take me seriously until I get in there with them. The punches you do not see that come with quite a bit of speed are the ones that put you down.

I was the first person that really, really sent him down like that. I was the first person that really, really sent, Kochick down like that, Jay Harron down like that, Andre Gavad down like that. I was the first for many of those guys because they really miscalculate how fast I can get to them

and how much distance I can cover in such short time. Watching film and being on, you know, other end of the punch is a different thing. Wow, that is fascinating. Now that it's over, can you take us back to, you know, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday?

I noted when I was on Luke Thomas's radio show that you had a bit of a chip on your shoulder and you were giving everyone the same answer. I don't know if you know this, but I was watching Hillary Clinton's speech on Thursday, her big speech Democratic National Convention, the local news in Atlanta, and then it goes to the local news right after Hillary's speech, and one of the top stories was you at the Media Day giving them the same answer. It was crazy. Like literally five minutes later. Why were you doing that? Well, this is what I felt. I feel like in general, the fight could have been promoted a little bit better. We kind of got smashing between

UFC 200 and UFC 202. It wasn't a ton of publicity and a ton of marketing done for the film. I mean, I'm thinking ahead. For the actual fight. And with that said, I wasn't the champion at the time. So I didn't feel really I didn't really feel like compelled

and I didn't have the financial incentive to really push the fight and go above and beyond. So what I did is I did champ camp. I wanted to show you guys, what it took to get to this point, the sacrifices. I want to show you my family. I want to give you the thing that you might not be able to get on the UFC embedded or a countdown.

So I put all my energy in myself. They didn't set me up to go to Fast and Furious set. They didn't set me up, you know, to meet with Dwight Howard and all these guys. Those are relationships that I built my own stuff. And, you know, I didn't feel obligated. So why am I going to tell you three days before a fight? I'm going to do this.

I'm going to do this. I'm going to knock his head off. And I, you're going to see in three. days. So if you guys can be patient, the casual life, we'll get in a fight, and you'll see. But I told you guys, I'm going to leave everybody mouth on the ground, and everybody's going to be in awe, and they're going to be shocked, and that's what happened. 201 was significant not only because you became champion, but also it was sort of the unveiling of the new UFC owners. Ari Emanuel, Patrick Whitesail were there of WME-IMG. Did you see them

in the back after you were a champion? you know, you want to make sure I met them. They already know that I met in the same world. I already know that you know. Oh, wait, wait. We're losing you here, and I want to hear what you have to say. It's getting all, like, distorted. Can we call you on your cell?

Because we've lost you. Okay, you can hear you can tell me yourself. Okay, we're going to call him on the cell because this is a good time to hear from him. We're going to call Tyron right now. I want to hear what he has to say there. Like I said, somewhat, you know, historic, if you want to call it that, Lorenza Fetta no longer there. the sale isn't complete, but

Ari Emanuel and Patrick White's sale of, cell of WME, IMG were in attendance sitting cage side. Patrick was at the way in, standing next to Dana White and Joe Silva. So it was the dawn of a new era. They were there in full force. Tyron, you there? I'm here. Sorry about that, guys. No problem. We hear you perfectly now. I'm actually in Houston, Texas. My son's running a junior

Olympic, so I'm en route to go and watch some smoke a couple of people in the 100 meters. Doing it just like his dad. And I appreciate you squeezing us in, and we won't keep you much longer, but I'm just wondering if you actually spoke to the new owners. Yeah, I did speak to the new owners. You know, the reps of the UFC thought it was important. You know, they kind of rushed me to the guys, want to me to feed them, because I had set up for all the guys from Fast, the Set a Fast 8 to Come, and the guys from WME was like, well,

some of these guys we actually represent. So let us take it into our hands. We want to make sure they get the, you know, get the actual experience they should get, you know, as far as like the celebrity VIP treatment. And then I met those guys, and I think they know that, you know, I've done some films and stuff like that. Hopefully it's something good for me. Hopefully something, you know, branches from this. And it makes my job getting movies and parts like that a little bit easier.

But I tell you right now, I've already committed to three movies in the last three days. And I've had two other that I might not be able to do. Wow. ...this five potential films I should be working on. Since you became champ? Since I became champ. Actually, two before, two before and then one after. Wow.

Did they talk to you about, like, what they see in you, what they want from you, the potential they see, plans they have for you? Did you get to talking about any of that? Well, one of the guys I've been trying to work for a while was actually supposed to work today on a television show called Rosewood. but I wanted to make sure, you know, get my body checked out. My head was a little sore after a bunch of Robbie upside of the head a few times.

So I didn't want to go to Fed and, you know, they want me to do a stunt that I didn't feel comfortable doing. So I thought I had to pull out of doing that one. But I'm doing one Thursday, my head's already feeling better Thursday. I'll be working. I don't know if I can even say this. But yeah, I'm working on a Marvel movie on Thursday.

Wow. Congratulations. Atlanta's treating you very well. Okay, so now let's talk about the future plans. Everyone's talking about you. You've ruffled some feathers. Others are saying more power to you. Can you explain?

Okay, so this is the situation. You want the most money possible, right? We know that. And you want either GSP or Nick Diaz, right? Yep. Is there one over the other that you think gets you more money at this point? I mean, this is what I want. It's not only the most money.

That's the two-bird-one-s-on situation. I want to say I'm the best in the world. Right now, I'm the UFC World Tourist champion of the world. People can say I'm the best in the world. But I've never fought George St. Pierre. And Nick Diaz is not a retired fighter. So why not compete against Nick Diaz, who is definitely a top five? I feel like his brother finally catching on that big payday.

But I do believe Nick Diaz has brought enough attention to the sport, raised enough eyebrows, putting enough butts in C, sold enough pay-per-view buys. Well, maybe he kind of deserves, because we're using this word, deserve so much. Maybe he deserved a cash-out, and that's why I made a suggestion.

When U.S. 2-0-2, it's three weeks away. I'm in great shape, and I know he's trained with his brother getting ready for this fight. Secondly, George St. Pierre is the best of all time. You know, I can say, oh, I'm better than George,

but I'm not competed against him, so I can't really make that bold statement. if George St. Pierre decides that he wants to come back and he's interested in fighting me, which he is, that's going to be my number one pick. But in hindsight, I would like to fight both of

I would like to prepare myself, get through George St. Pierre, shock the world once again, really state that I'm the best in the world, and then after that I would like to fight Nick Diaz as well. Because those two fights, nobody can ever say I'm not one of the best world alerts on the planet Earth

If I'd not call Robbie Lawler, who was the Goliath of the weight decision. Everybody was thinking he was so invincible and unbeatable. And if I knock off GSP and Nick Diaz, I pretty much submitted myself in a UFC Hall of Fame. And I know you saw this morning GSP telling me that he's interested in fighting you. Did you, I know you said it publicly, but when you were backstage, did you say this to the UFC brass? And if so, do you think they're interested in this? I think they were already getting calls. I think Dana kept looking at me and smiled and said,

we'll talk to him, we'll talk to him, we'll talk to and I'll call you on the phone. I think George and Nick, before I even stated it, showed issues. I think I'm pretty sure Nick, our managers had already started hitting Dana up by fighting me. Huh. You know, and this is the business, man. Like, Nick knows I respect him. You know, he's one of the best that's ever done it. He's so durable.

He's giving us some of the best fights that we can even remember. but man, how awesome would it be to compete against the guy at that level? Every time I fight a guy, the level, the higher they are, the higher I bring my game out. And I'm trying to get the more. I'm trying to see how far I can push this. And, you know, those are the two guys that definitely bring it out of. If you don't, you're going to get beat up pretty good. Here's what I appreciate about you.

You're very real and consistent because people have been following you for a very long time. know that in 2011, when Nick Diaz was about to fight Paul Daly, you showed up to the Wayans with I Got Next, right? With a T-shirt, you were there. So you've been calling for this fight for five years and then some. You were saying this stuff about Nick and GSP on Thursday. You were talking, so you haven't changed your tune. But let me offer you this counterpoint because I know you've gotten it. Around five months ago, you were on this show after 195 and said, look, you know, I know there's Connor out there and Robbie out there. Excuse me, Carlos. And, GSP and Nick and all these people, but I'm the guy, I should get it because I've done enough,

I've earned it, et cetera, et cetera. Wonderboy is saying those same things. From an athletic standpoint, it's hard to deny that. So why doesn't he get the next shot? Why doesn't he, who was you five months ago, get the next shot? Do you get what I'm saying? Well, he wasn't me five months ago because he hasn't been in the sport long enough. You know, you got to realize that even before this, I was fighting top ten competition in

strike sports. Paul Daley was the ninth break over our wealth away. when I was competing against him, off of a fight, one of the best ones who was sitting in the M.A., when he fought in a kid. And also, Wonder Boy's words had fit him in his butt. I mean, he is the one. I didn't put these words in his mouth.

You know, I got the quote, which I'll post a little bit later. He said he felt this. Robbie Lawler would take this fight. He felt that the fans would want to watch Robbie Lawler fight against Stevie Wonderboard Sound then it would be a more tight fight that I would fade in the later round, and he felt like Robbie Law was going to take it home. So when you make those bold statements, and you're not the paper view by, you're not the money fight,

you're not the people. People are not going to be jumping off the wall buying paperview to watch Stevie Wonder for a fight. He does, not to say in his career that won't happen, he's an exceptional fighter, he's beating two phenomenal athletes back to back. But when he sent those words out of his mouth, he wrote a check his ass couldn't cash.

So now he'll get a chance to fight Robby Dollar, and I'll go out, and I'll prove I'm the very, very best in the world by fighting the Hall of Famers. Does it bother you that people don't see where you're coming from here, that you have to explain yourself? Because I see the Twitter mentions and things that are coming your way. Are you blocking that out?

Are you getting more support? I haven't read those negative comments, you know? I've been on a really, you know, you read something, you just skim it. Yeah. I skim my social media. I've been doing it for the last three weeks. I skim it. if it's a friend, a training partner, someone I know, professional athletes, a celebrity,

or if I really, really want to scam, I'll go to verify accounts only. I'll only look at those bills because at the end of the day, I'm the one that's in control of my bank account. I'm the one that's in control of my poor kids, my wife, the house that I want to pay off this year. These things are realistic goals that are within reach with the right fight. So I don't have to explain to them. I don't go to their house and say, hey, I don't think you should get this promotion because Johnny, your coworker deserves him more to you.

I'm going to go to tell your boss, and I'm going to get this other guy out of promotion. I don't do that. So with that said, you know, I'm not taking away anything from Steve's going to boy. He's a phenomenal fighter. He's done a great job. He's not new as far as competition or youth, but he's fairly new to the higher level to mixed martial arts. You know, think about when Johnny Hendrick had the part of the,

Cartingamette, John Fitch, Koch, Carlos Condit. And what happened to him? Nick Diaz came along. He called Joe St. Pierre because he was the biggest draw, bigger name. Same thing happened to Warren McDonald. Same thing happened to Frank Yeager. We didn't see the immediate, you know, tighter shot against Counter McGregor, though he deserved.

We saw him about to fight RDA. When that fell through, he fought Nick. So when you get to this point, in my opinion, you can start calling some of the shots. George St. Pierce said he wanted to fight me. I'm going to say yes. He has said that he wants to fight in New York. Given your busy schedule coming up with the movies and all that,

would you be ready to fight in November? Oh, for sure. Okay. I mean, I'm not doing what Ron is doing. I'm not doing, I'm not doing like a super long six-month stretch. I got two weeks on this movie. I got three days on another movie. you know, I'm not going to be on these long stretches.

So I'll be fine. I'm not going to allow myself to get out of shape, man. I didn't get hit. I didn't get punched one time on Saturday. Wow. That is amazing. Win the title, don't get punched. Two last quick things.

Is the champ going to get paid now? Are you going to get a new contract, that whole deal, pay-per-view points, all that stuff? I believe so. No, I can't imagine that someone will come out there and put it on that type of performance against a guy who was a fighter of the year, who probably had the fight of the year this year with Carlos, the fight of the year last year with Rory,

and it was very, very, because it's funny that Robbie said he didn't get the respect. You know, I think he was giving the proper respect. I think he had to tell himself that, you know, to keep the chip off his shoulder, but just in general, it was weird hearing him say that. and he's a very, very highly regarded, very loved fighter of the UFC. And for me to completely disdeme him like that, man, I would expect a nice contract change and different, you know, incentives in there, and especially leading to the GSP fight.

Last thing, we saw you win, we saw the knockout, we saw the reaction, all that stuff, but is there a moment, is there something that sticks out that you will always remember about this weekend, a moment backstage with your wife, your mom, when you told your kids. Is there something that just really made this that much more special for you that you'll always remember that you can share with us? It's a few moments, you know. My wife walks up to me and we always do a prayer before I walk out. And, you know, if I walk out of a hotel, she prayed and she said, you know, you're going to do it.

And God gave you the tools. His mission is for you to go out here and do this and give it back to the community, and give it back to your family. He know you do the right thing with exposure, and she said it's already done. And for somebody to make a bold statement like that, they don't have to get locked in there or Rufus Robbie Zollah, I received that. The second thing is when I dropped down to my knees, I realized it was real when I was in an octagon. And I envisioned that moment.

I envisioned having that moment with God where I was like, man, it happened. I mean, everyone said it wasn't. Everyone said I couldn't be able to do it. Everyone's counting me out my whole life. And then the third and final moment is when I was, I walked in this morning because I haven't seen my kiss. I just saw them this morning for the first time. Oh, wow.

And they were asleep, and I laid that heavy belt on their back. Oh. And they started rolling around and moving around, and they woke up and they saw it, and just a look on their face. And I said, hey, we've been talking about this, you know, for a long time, right, guys? I said, if you ever want to do something, if you ever want to be somebody, or if you want to achieve a goal, if you put your hard work in, you can do that. What better way to show your kids that seen you injure, they've seen you lose,

they've seen you face adversity, they've seen politics. My oldest son has seen people say negative stuff about me on social media. And then they see you never give up. They see you never quit. They see you work your ass off. And finally they watch their dad get a UFC gold bed wrapped around their waist. Those three moments I'll never forget. You know, I could walk away from the sport and those be enough to make it work.

Wow. Man, getting me all emotional there with the kids. That was beautiful. Wow. I got to say, very happy for you. You know, it was something else. I got to sit cage side for this fight, and we were right next to your whole family. They were sitting in front of the barrier. Your mom was there. Your wife was there. Some other family members. And it was amazing just watching them the whole time as you were walking out. I was just looking at them, seeing we don't often get that perspective and just seeing how sort of anxious they were. And then how happy they were for you was really just a beautiful site. You've always been so great. gracious tyrant and nothing's different here with your time as champion. Well-deserved. Congratulations. Enjoy it. And way to call your shot, my man. You called it. You did it. Wow. What a story. Enjoy the belt. And again, thank you so much. And good luck to your son as he competes in the

Junior Olympics this afternoon. In a matter of moments, right? Yeah, a matter of moments. I'm huffering there now. And happy birthday. If somebody's birthday on on the studio, I don't know who it is, but happy birthday, whoever you are. Yeah, the guy who called you. He has always said that you're his favorite guest in the history of this show because you keep it real. Now here you are as champ coming on his birthday New York Rick. So he appreciates you very much. Thanks, Tyron. All right, guys. We guys. You guys have a bless that, man. Appreciate you guys. Much love, Tyron. There he is. The UFC Walterway champion Tyrone Woodley. Giving a shout out to New York

Rick on his way out. How about that? I mean, how can you not love that guy? Daniel Cormier came to Las Vegas around this time last week, thinking that he was going to fight his longtime rival, John Jones. He ends up fighting Anderson Silva at UFC 200 instead. Wow, what a turn of events, and he is kind enough to join us from his familiar setting in his home in San Jose, California. There he is, the light heavyweight champion, Daniel Kormier. Daniel, what's up? Oh, there he is. D.C. Can you hear me? Yeah, you hear. What's up? What's up, my man? Thank you so much. Wow. Um, wearing the burnt orange, correct of OSU?

There it is. Go pokes. Okay, we have a lot to talk about, Daniel. Of course, I want to talk to you about last week, the fight, all that stuff. But, hey, as one of the faces of the UFC, you wake up this morning and you find out that the company has been sold for $4 billion. What's your reaction? You know, man, honestly, I woke up and I didn't know much about it, but I woke up and I

woke up and I was like, wow, it's been done. It's been talked about, you know? But I've actually been one of the guys that's experienced a sale before while I'm in an organization. So I kind of have an idea of what to expect. And the thing is, like, you can just jump to conclusions or you can kind of wait and see what happens and what changes. I'm a guy that likes to wait and see what happens, man, because when Strike Force was sold to the UFC, operational, some things change. But the organization did not change all that much.

So I need to see what's going to happen first before I pass judgment and see what happens. I'm hopeful, you know, that there will be more funds and finances for the fighters, but you never really know. You're a big sports fan. Are you blown away by the number $4 billion? And does that, you know, put a light bulb above your head and say, wait a second here? You know, this is, this is, right? A big number, man. I mean, even, you know, it's like all these sports franchises now are selling for,

so much. You know, even a few years ago, the Clippers sold for this outstanding, outlandish amount of money. It's like three times. Yeah, it's like two times that. The UFC is sold two times what the Clippers sold for. And when the Clippers got sold, it was like, that's an amazing amount of money for a franchise. But the UFC is a sport that's continued to grow. The UFC is a sport that draws in young fans. Everybody wants the young fans. And the UFC is a sport that's shown that it can bring the young fans in and drove. So a big, big, huge win for the UFC, huge win for Petita Brothers. And if we are to believe what Dana said, we're going to go to the next level, I guess. Okay, let me talk, because there's so much to talk to you about. Holy moly. So I mentioned this to you.

I thought last week, in a small, weird way, sort of, it encompassed what you are all about. You are a survivor. You are a guy who keeps standing. You've been there before. You have been dealt some tough hands throughout your life. And then here you are about to realize this dream of headlining the biggest show in UFC history against your rival to avenge that loss. I mean, it couldn't have worked out better for you. And then you find out Wednesday night that it's not happening anymore. And you don't know if you're going to remain on the card, you're not getting that

money, all that stuff. Have you ever in your entire athletic career? And I know, again, the Olympics, I mean, there's so much that you've been through, but experience that kind of highs and lows where you're down, you're high going into Vegas, down, high you get the fight, then you're getting booed for your performance. I mean, what the heck is going? Have you ever experienced anything like that before in that 72-hour stretch? No, not athletically.

And anything I've dealt with personally, it's like if it's bad, it's like just straight bad. It's not bad. Then it gets right back good and bad. In sports, it was always kind of like up. And then if I lost, it was kind of like bad. Whereas this, it was, I got to Vegas. I was excited, man. I saw my picture on the side of T-Mobile Arena.

The energy was great in the area. everything was just fine. And then going to the presser and then going the way that it did, having our stare down, everything was just like, it was great. You know,

so I was on this high. And then, and then when I heard about John being pulled out of the fight, it was very disappointed and sad. And then they started talking about getting me a fight. And I was like, get me a fight, get me a fight.

And then my mind starts to play with me. And I'm like, well, do I really want to fight someone different? Have I, you know, I haven't prepared. Like,

am I going to be a, okay and then um so when i left dan and them like we're gonna try to get you we're gonna try to get you another fight so i'm like okay i'll go try to make weight i went to the gym and worked out and did things that i normally do but then like i was so stressed every time i'm hitting pads and i'm asking bob cook i'm like bob you hear anything hear anything here anything and i i finished working out and i was like wow i haven't lost as much weight as i normally would losing this weight cut so then I'm stressing and the weight's not coming off like I'm supposed to do that all day long on Thursday. I still don't know, but I'm still having to manage and monitor my weight, make sure I don't get heavy.

When in reality, when I lost Rashad off the fight and didn't know if I was going to fight, Pat, 10 days before, first thing I did was went and got some food and just ate. You know, but in this situation, I couldn't because if I got a fight, I wouldn't have been able to make weight. So it made everything more difficult, man. The weight cut was hard. It was taxing. and then when I finally found out I was fighting Anderson, then I was like, high again, you know?

So it was crazy, man. It was crazy. And then I hadn't fought eight months, which is not very good for me. I don't fight. I fight often. I fought John Rumble and Alexander last year in a matter of eight months. All in eight months, I fought those guys from January to October. I hadn't fought in eight months at all, so everything kind of felt foreign to me.

It was weird. I don't want to be off that long again. Amazing footage of Dana breaking the news. That footage on embedded. Was that when you really just found out? Like, you had no idea prior to that? No idea. You see, Dana always has this guy with him.

His name is Elliot. He takes pictures and he does videos. And Elliot was there, but I didn't know he was filming because me and Dana were just sitting there. And I was, Dana came in and he couldn't tell me because there's protocol to what everything, how it happens when stuff like that happens. So he wouldn't tell me what's going on. So I'm like, man, what's going on? Like, seriously, what is happening? and he kept going back and forth

because they were having to notify everybody before they could let me know and so I'm just sitting there with this my stomach I've got this empty this feeling the pit of my stomach and finally he tells me and I guess he I don't know how he was filming it

I just didn't notice him because I was so focused on Dana but it looks like he may have had the camera down you know sometimes you're like whole people are stupid stuff they put it down because the angle was very low and I know for fact he wasn't like squatting so he might have just was holding the camera towards us when he got the footage but that was exactly when I found out and and for the record yeah it was it was amazing to see and it made you into a very sympathetic figure because you were

willing to fight John you you you really didn't care you didn't ask about anything you just said let me fight him even if he's on steroids of course man because we're trained for combat you know I mean, I was trained for combat. You know, I was there to fight John Jones last weekend, and that was it. You know, so I asked if there was anything we could do, you know. Again, I didn't know anyone who was filming that, you know, if I knew that, you know, because I would never want to paint the organization in a light where people think that it's even possible that something like that could happen.

Right, right, right. You know what I'm saying? So I just was asking for me talking to Dana as two men, you know. And we're working to a point here. Thursday morning, he meets the press and is crying and is apologizing to you. Did you watch that while it was happening? And how did you feel about it? I was still having to train.

I had to prepare for a fight, so I didn't watch it live. Hold on. Shut up, bird. Shut up, bird. Trying to get some air time. Salinas got this bird, man. But he's got this bird, stupid bird just like, what's he doing? It's like chirping the whole time.

There you go. Okay. Bird's talking again. Every time I try to say something, birds don't talk. But anyway, so I'm still training. And I'm in the sauna and you hear that the bird's low. Birds turp and lowland. He's afraid of the champ.

So I'm actually, I'm in the song. and we're listening to it, and he seemed very sad, you know, and, and I went back to my room before I did my final weight cut, and I actually watched it, you know, and, uh, and I could see that he was heartbroken, you know, so it was very sad, man, it's sad to see somebody, I don't like seeing people hurt like that, and I can see that he was hurt, you know, so, uh, I've been trying to, I try to, I try to do things for me. You know, things that feel better for me and for my mental and me as a human being and my spirit. You know, so I just want, I made sure that he knew that his apology is accepted, you know,

and I do wish him the best in his journey. Do you feel like he was trying to cheat before your fight to gain an advantage over you? I don't know. You know, with the, when everything comes out, we'll know better. If it comes out that he was doing performance enhancers, then he was obviously trying to cheat. You know what I mean? I can only be honest.

You know, I call it like it is. If it comes out that he was doing performance enhancers, then obviously he was trying to cheat. I don't know if it was because the OSP fight didn't go as he expected it to. I don't know. I don't know what it was that made him do whatever he did if it comes out that he was doing performance enhancers. Let's say he goes away for two years.

Let's say he goes away for six months, whatever. given the emotional roller coaster, and I thought the comment that you said that was most interesting on Wednesday night was that, like, he brings out sort of an ugly side in you, and you don't feel like going back to that well over and over again. I know you talked about a trilogy, but now that the second fight didn't happen, are you kind of done with this? Like, will you even entertain the idea of ever fighting this guy again? Right now, I'm going to fight somebody else. I'm going to fight somebody else because I need a chance to reset, you know, from my mental and for my, again, from my mind, my heart. my spirit, you know, for me, because it does bring out an ugly side of me, you know, like, I don't, I find myself not being my, being me when I'm dealing with him. And it, it makes me ugly.

So I'm going to take some time and I'm going to fight somebody different, you know, and live in my world and take care of what I can take care of. This fight has been scheduled four times. We've been, we've competed once, you know, so, uh, when the time is right, we'll fight again. But my focus is not on Jones anymore. It is on me and my reign as the champion and what I can do for the organization. You are the 205 pound champion, but do you want to stay there at light heavyweight because it did seem like you were struggling a little bit. Was that just because of the stress? Are you comfortable still fighting as a light heavy weight? Yeah, I'm comfortable. You know, it was it was the stress of the week, but also too much time off. You know, if I'm off for too long, I can get big. And

last time when I've had all those fights in eight months I was making weight no problem I was just stepping on a scale was no issue last time was tough you know I was I didn't fight for eight months I was light too that's the problem it's like I was only 217 pounds on Wednesday so it's not like I was like super heavy but it was just once I started stressing over the whole situation it's like the weight would not come off and tj Dillishaw is a smart guy he was telling me the word for why I wasn't losing the weight that I was building up something, but he told me how difficult it was for him when he lost his opponent 24 hours before, but when he had to fight Joe Soto. And he was saying how much harder the weight cut was and everything, too. But it's like, I'm fine. I'm fine making the weight. Now, I've got the greatest nutritionist in the game, man, Daniel Leith.

And even if I didn't make it as easy as we did the first time, we still got it done, and I still thought I was able to fight as well as I could. Every time Anderson and I were on the feet, I was still walking him down and pursuing him. You know, it's not like I was backing up and just kind of holding on and taking damage. You know, I took essentially one shot the whole fight. Okay, so now let's talk about the fight. We still haven't talked about it. What is going through your mind when you're dominating him?

You're standing on the feet and you're taking him down. You're imposing your will. You're winning the rounds rather convincingly. And this place is just showering you with booze. You're doing what you need to do to win, to get your win bonus, all that stuff, and you're being booed for it. Are you even paying attention to that? not really you know because I'm fighting you know I'm out there fighting man you know I I get it there have been times where I'm watching football and you know I'm a huge Saints fan and I talk about

holding I talk about the referees I talk about the quarterbacks I'm I'm the quarterback I am the arm I'm the armchair quarterback I can do everything so I get it you know maybe maybe Joe Schmole in section 225 would impose a different game plan. But Daniel Formier, the guy that is in there, knows what he needs to do to win. Daniel Cormier, the guy who is the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, who's won 18 out of 19 fights and is one of the best palm fighters in the world, knows what he has to do in order to win against Anderson Silver. Do you take the hard fight or you take the easier fight?

What do you do? I don't owe it to anybody to stand in there and just trade strikes with this guy that makes no sense. I did stand with him. the last two minutes of the third round, we stood up the whole time. I could have just took him down again. He stood the whole time.

And then in the first round, we stood. We traded shots in the second round. We actually went for 30 seconds where we just stood and threw shots at each other in the second round. And I continued to press forward as we were on our feet. So I don't have to explain myself to these people.

You know, if you go into the arena with an opinion that's not going to be changed, then it's fine. But if you say the last fight was bullion, Okay, that's your opinion. But Ariel, when you look back at my last three fights, Jones, Rumble, Gustafson, two of those three fights I got fighter tonight and the fight against Rumbull, I got performance of the night.

So I'm obviously doing something right in those fights. I mean, I'm willing to go out there. I'm not going to fight everybody like I fought Gustafson. I don't want to feel like I did on Sunday morning because guess what? When all those cheers stopped, my children walked into my room on Sunday morning and my daughter had to see me with my eyes both closed. And she was crying and didn't know what happened to her dad. That's my reality after these people leave from the arena on Saturday,

you know, after being completely drunk and wasted. When they're done and they go home and they're all still fine, when I'm all beat up and tore up, I have to deal with my four-year-old daughter looking at me like, what happened to my dad by my son, you know? So I fought the fight that I needed to fight. You just didn't deserve it. And I know deserve is a tough word, but what was the alternative?

not fight, they don't get to see Anderson, they don't get to see you, and I couldn't wrap my head around the idea why they were reacting to you that way. Now, it's one thing for Joe Schmoe in Section 222 to do that. It's another for a guy like a Donald Seroni to insult you and your game plan, a fighter who's been there. And I know your styles are different, but what's your reaction to that, those comments yesterday? My reaction to Donald is shut up. Have he lost his mind? I mean, what is this guy talking about? Donald Serroney, who made you the person, like, on what ground does he stand on to be able to say something like that to someone like me he can tell me stuff if he had a problem with the way that i performed he could have told me in the back that day dc that

wasn't a very good fight man i didn't like it but to do it publicly who are you you know are you the greatest fighter of all time are you the guy that went out there and got stopped in the first round by anthony peddust got kicked in the side fell down are you the guy that got dominated by by uh Sanjos. Yeah. Where you just fell down. I've been nothing but a gentleman to that guy, and he just likes to talk. Maybe he was drinking a little bit.

I don't know. But who is he to make that decision, you know, and so crass and rude about it? But that's the type of thing that's upsetting, you know? It's like, what are you doing? Who are you to say that you can say something like that? You beat a couple guys, and then all of a sudden you walk around with that stupid cowboy hat. I'll smack you upside your head with that cowboy hat. I'll actually have Khabib do it for me.

I'll make Kibb smack him upside his head. Is that guy crazy? Yeah. Very disappointed. It's very disappointed. Especially after the circumstance with everything that's happened in Orlando and everything to use that word in those terms, you know? And it's like, man, nobody's exempt from just being like you have to be, you have to have

some class, man. You have to be okay. You know, you cannot just go around. Hey, Donald, this isn't the Wild Wild West where you can walk around with your stupid cowboy boots and your hat spitting tobacco and just talking crazy. you have to have some respect and carry yourself with some class. And when I see him,

he doesn't have some words to speak to me because you don't disrespect me like that. At the end of the day, I'm a man, you know, and when I see him, we will have some words and we'll discuss it. What do you think of John McCarthy standing you up twice when you're doing work? I mean, this is the preeminent referee in the game.

Ironically, this was the guy that John Jones didn't want in there. You and McCarthy end up to the fight. John doesn't, but here he is, it seems reacting to the game. the booze twice he uh the first one the first one i thought was okay you know whatever you know weren't advanced position as much as as i could have um he was very clear in that daniel you have have to be posturing to do damage so i was trying to posture but aniston was doing a really good job of like locking down my leg and grabbing me up the back of my head and pulling me down so i couldn't

really posture as much as i wanted i would have invited more scramble because if he would have gotten up and scrambles, I felt like I would have outscramble him and it would have exhausted him a little bit faster. But he didn't really do that. He kind of just held me in position. The first one I thought was okay. The second one I thought was a little bit iffy because I had just finished hitting them a few times and I just went back to re-secure the position. And the moment I re-secured the position is when he stopped us. But once again, it doesn't really matter. Like it doesn't matter. You know, you stop the fight. It doesn't matter. I'm just going to continue to get back up there and keep fighting. You know, I just go out there and just keep fighting. I'm just, I'm in there to do a job. I cannot worry about

what John McCarthy does. I cannot worry about what the fans say. All I can worry about is me and Anderson Silver. And if stuff would have got, if he again, I would have just took him back down. I don't care what people would have, how they would boot me. You go in there with a guy that can strike and stand with him whenever all you literally have to do is grab his legs and he'll fall down. It's the craziest, it's the craziest thought in the world. John Jones's manager, Malki Kau was on the show earlier. Didn't say anything disparaging, but the one thing that he did say, which I agree 100% is, I can't believe Daniel Cormier took a pay cut to fight Anderson-Silva on short notice.

This came out before the fight. Is that true? Did you take less money to take this fight to save the card? Yeah, I did. You know, I wanted to fight, man. You know, this is the thing, man. Like, people like, I make, I make, hold on, baby. Hold on, Daddy's doing an interview.

You see, this is the bird. Now it's Marquita, you know. That's back to work. One day, dad's right back to work. It doesn't stop. I understand. I appreciate the time. You want to come say hi?

Please. Please. Do you want to say hi, baby, please? Please, and I'll put the passcode for you. You got to come say hi and I'll put the passcode for you. Hi. There she is, my friend. Say hi.

Hello, everybody. You remember me? Hi. Say yes, I saw you. I saw her Saturday. She was very upset. She didn't get the seat that she wanted at the restaurant. I know.

Take this to Mommy. She'll put it in for you. I love you. But I did it because. Because, you know, man, honestly, man, as long as we're okay, like, we're good with our money. You know, we make a ton of money, you know, and my contract is different, you know, so it went from being a title fight to a non-title fight. You know, my contract states a lot of different things in it.

So I took the, I took less money to fight. You know, I wanted to fight and I'm still going to make a ton of money. You know, I didn't lose my piece of you and everything. so I still get my points and everything and I'll be fine and I'm I don't waste money like I don't waste money so I just keep my money man so

what's what's you know you know it's fine I don't like to say stuff like well what's a million dollars here it's like that sounds silly but it's like we're fine you know I could make the money that I made last weekend last me 10 years if I needed to

and just a couple more minutes left with you thank you so much for the time you know when I was watching the fights on Saturday I think maybe the most impressive performance of the entire weekend. Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Kane freaking Velasquez throwing spinning wheelhouse kicks and doing what he did to Travis Brown. And I couldn't help but think,

what is Daniel Cormier in the bowels of the T-Mobile arena thinking as his guy, you couldn't be there in his corner, but his guy, just moments before your fight, is doing that. What did that do for you before the fight? Were you able to watch it, and what did that do for your confidence? Boost, man, it was a boost. I watched it the whole time. It's like, it is the weirdest thing with Kane

and I because we've done this once. And I went to fight Roy Nelson right before him, and he had to watch me fight, and then I ran back and went and cornered him. This time, I got to watch him fight, and then he came back and ran back to the balls. Didn't do his interviews because he wanted to get back and get back with me as I finished my final preparation to my fight. Wow. You know, so it was intense, man, because Kaye Velasquez is that dude, man.

People don't realize it. Everybody wants to discredit everything. He's always injured in this. He lost the for doom. Kane is the guy, man. He's the best guy. Overall, I'm telling you, all the weight classes, Kane's the best, man.

If he's healthy and he can go out there and compete, he can do that to anyone. What I love the most was not only the spinning kicks was the pressure, but now smart pressure. It's like relentless but not reckless. You know, before he ran into so many jabs from Verdume, Verdume was just kind of putting his fist out there and Kane would run into it.

Now Kane's always moving his head. The pressure's smarter. He's touching Travis. Travis could have made it out of that round. All he had to do was move a little bit. He heard the clapper, but I think he was like, okay, this is going south. And if I stay in here, we're going somehow go past Mexico into the ocean. This was going south.

We were going south out of California down towards Mexico. And if I get out of this round, it's just going to continue to keep going south. So he was like, all right, man, I think I've had enough. What was it like for you, considering how big of a pro wrestling fan you are, to share the stage with Brock Lester. You guys joking up there, making fun of my questions to him on Wednesday. He's doing his thing, has his own press conference, but I know you're a mark. You love this stuff.

What was that like for you? The Conqueror, the Beast Incarned. Hey, he was back there. It was like the Brock Lesnar show. He's walking around. Like, Brock's so big. It's like, what? Brock.

Like, he's like, so big. Like, he, is even a human being? Like, dude, he's, he's. so big. Then he's like, he lost weight, right? Yeah. It's like all ripped up and I'm like, man, look at Brock Lesnar. Brock actually was leaving after the fight and, you know, he's kind of got like a black eye a little bit. I kind of felt like Brock was squinting to make the eye look a little more damage than it was. But I see him and Sable back there and I tell Sable I'm a huge fan, you know, and I'm like, Brock looks great. I was like, Brock, why don't you stay around 270, even when

you're in the WWE because you look so fit. And she goes, he looks good, doesn't he? I go, he looks phenomenal. The beast is going to smash Randy Orden. Oh, bad. I mean, how do you do? But this is the thing, though, like, he goes back now to the WWE. It's like, you can't lose.

Yeah. You can't make somebody beat him. Right. It's like this dude actually just fought in the UFC. Yeah. Brings somebody else over here. Hey, how about we bring your boy Kevin Owens over to the UFC? You know, and see how he does.

And then if he wins, then he can go back to the WW and be undefeated forever, you know. That's just how it is. They've been courting him for five years. Yeah, you know, he's a blue chipper. He's a blue chipper. He's Ben Simmons. He's Ben Simmons. He's a blue chipper.

Bellator's after him, too. Dude, stop making me shit on Kevin Owen. Sorry, sorry, sorry. Does Kane beat Brock? Because I think that's the fight. Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah. Okay, okay.

I like Brock, but Kane beats Brock and the UFC and in the WW. Okay. safe to assume that your next fight is the winner of Glover versus Rumble? That's what it seems like, right? I mean, that seems like it would make the most sense. You know, Glover to share of Rumble Johnson winner. I don't know exactly who it is. I don't really care, to be honest with you,

but it seems that though it would be the winner out of Glover and Rumble. You got to go? Rumble and I would be fun. Yeah. But Glover to Cher is a new matchup. But either one of them, I don't really care. Two last quick things. Malky said that he spoke to John right after your fight,

and his reaction was, man, I would have whoop D.C. What do you say to people who said that you would have lost to him, that you weren't fit? I mean, I was ready to fight. You know, I think I would have fought different if that was Jones out there. I had to fight a little bit different because Anderson doesn't have the same skill set as John. So I wrestled a lot more than I intended to in the fight with John. So I had really trained.

much wrestling as I did against Anderson. So we'll have to see, you know. Hopefully one day, John. Hopefully one day, John, we'll get a chance to see. You are a class act. Sometimes I get killed for, you know, defending you too much or talking about you that you're the second best fighter in the world, pound for pound. And now I think there's a case that you're the number one best pound for pound fighter in the world.

And you, do you believe that? I beat Anderson still, who is middleweight champ. I've got a 2-05-pound belt. I also beat Josh Gornett and Frank Mere, who were UFC heavyweight champions. I've been the UFC champions in two different weight division boys. Bad yourself on the back, old D.C., patch yourself on the back. Did you have a word with old D-12 who left your rockets and went to the Hawks? Did you see him on Saturday?

I chased them out of the arena. Okay. I had him running. I said, get out of here right now, my fire. I said, I'm just kidding. I chased them right out the back door. Nah, I only chased him out the back door to say what's up. Did you see him?

Did you see him? Yeah, I did. Just said what's up, man. I had to do some media stuff. But yeah, the White Howard thing, he's a great guy. Great guy. And then finally, what do you do to decompress now? I mean, this has been one of the craziest weeks of your life. How soon do you want to get back? But like, what kind of break are you going to take? Not a long one, because last time it was so long that I did, everything felt new to me in the back again. I don't want to deal with that. I don't want to deal with those emotions. But as of right now in the short term, I'm leaving Wednesday to go to Hawaii. Today I'm going to go hang out with my family. and we're going to just do family stuff. I'm going to hang out like a normal person, man, be a dad for a little bit. My family, they haven't really got me for six months now

because I started training for Jones in April, didn't fight Jones, and then had to train for Jones in July. So he's essentially taking a year of my life from my kids, half a year of my life, so now I get to give them some time. Much love and respect, D.C. Thank you so much for coming on.

This has become a tradition. Every month, every Monday. Go pole. Bound. Pistols firing, boys. Pistols firing. Congratulations. And most importantly, congratulations on handling it all with such class. Really, I mean, you really put out the blueprint, D.C. Thank you. Thank you, man. I can only be me, man. That's who my mom. That's who Audrey Cormier raised me to be. Well done. Enjoy your kids. Thanks, man. Talk to you soon. Daniel Cormier, the reigning defending UFC light heavyweight champion stopping by, tremendous stuff from him.

And again, and I'll say it, how in the world do you boo this man? How do you boo that man? I mean, has never, it's just, it's unbelievable, has done it all every step of the way. Rashad Evans pulling out, he fights Patrick Cummins. What's happened with John time and again, taking the fight against Rumble Johnson on a month's notice. This fight on two days notice without batting at eye, Musassi, Anderson. Think about that mental dump. Think about what he was going through there. I mean, that is just unbelievable that people would not recognize the fact that if Daniel Kornier doesn't accept that fight, there is no Anderson Silva on the card.

There was no other option for him. Now let's go to Poland where the UFC strawweight champion, Ioannio and Jacek is standing by. There she is. Wow, what a pleasure. It's great to have you back on. How are you, Joanna? Hi, guys. I don't know what to say.

Good evening because it's late in Poland, but hi, hi, hi, guys. By the way, did you hear that? C.M. Punk said his wife is a huge fan of yours. That's pretty cool. I love you. I love all of you. And I love all my haters. Oh.

Because I'm stronger. Wait, you don't have any haters. But let's not talk about, okay? If there's one person in this sport that doesn't have haters, I think it's you. Everyone loves you. Come on. Even I have some guy, his nickname is Yohanna Hater. Oh, that's cool.

And one day he loves me, but the other day, he hates me so I don't know what he wants me know. Do you look at your... I don't care. I'm happy with all of them. Yes, you should be. But do you look at your Twitter and stuff? Do you read that stuff?

I don't. I don't. Like, I love Instagram. I'm trying to respond to my friends, even to my haters. And they're happy. Okay, so right now, enough about the haters. Right now you're in Poland, right? Yeah.

Yes, I am. I just back from my parents' house, I'm full of food because it's Easter. So lots of food. You could see the picture on my Instagram. Christmas and Easter, very important day for us, Polish Catholics. So, yeah, it was a good day.

Last day of cheating. And tomorrow I'm ready to eat proper and train hard, you know. Well, happy Easter to you and your family and everyone in Poland. But it's interesting that you are in Poland because after the ultimate fighter, following your social media, Instagram, Twitter, I saw you all over the United States. You were in Albuquerque, you were in Denver, you were in California, training with different teams.

What was going on over there? Why were you jumping around from gym to gym? I supposed to go to New York, you know, to see you guys, to meet you, but I couldn't have enough time, you know? Didn't have enough time. So what happened? Yeah, I stayed two weeks after the top.

I had some media obligations. but I cannot talk about and I had few appointments with my maybe future sponsors. That's all what I've been doing. But what about I saw you training with Dwayne Ludwig and T.J. Dillishaw with Holly Holm. Yeah. Yeah, of course. Like the main thing was training for me. It's always the main thing is training here.

Even I'm busy with some other stuff with some business or some media obligations. There is always way to. find a time for training, you know, so this is what I've been doing. So we thought... And I was really enjoying to train with different people in different places. It was really great lesson for me. So we thought that maybe you were looking for a new team. Is that true?

No, isn't. I'm back to Poland. I start my camp already. I've been training for six weeks in Vegas with Robert Reisel, but my head coaches were there. So I've been training every day. but now it's time for real camp and so I'm going to train twice a day and I'm focused on my fight and I'm going to stay in Poland and prepare for my next fight here.

Of all the places that you went to coaches, gyms, which did you enjoy the most? Which one did you really like? Denver, Jackson's and Albuquerque kings. Which one did you really like? Wow. I met so many great coaches, great people. Like every gym is different, but, Like I said, every gym is like very good, you know, like in Denver, very good structure.

The gym is just perfect. It's like one big lap, you know. There is everything, you know. I like Albuquerque because of the people there, the trainers. The training was very good. So yeah. Did it open your eyes to training in America as opposed to your training in Poland? Are you going to do anything differently now after?

maybe what you learned in America? No, I'm going to be focused on the same things. You know, I'm going to have some extra surprise for Cadela, July 8. That's all, you know. Of course, UFC would like to help me in U.S. But even for me, it could be more easy to live there. But it's all about good training, good coaches, good sparring partners. I know what to expect for me, from my coaches, from my sparring partners in Poland.

So better to stay here and be focused on my next fight. Maybe in the future I'm going to move to US. Okay. How is your hand, by the way. Are you 100% healthy? Yeah, very good. Yeah, there it is. All right, the moneymaker.

Yeah, it's good. It's very good. And of course, you just wrapped the Ultimate Fighter. That premieres in April on FS1, and I know we can't talk about it all that much. I just want to ask you one question about it. Was it better than you expected? Do you have more fun with it? the expectations as opposed to what actually happened.

Did you enjoy it more or less? What are your thoughts? It was nice, very good experience. I'm very happy about that I was part of. And I used to do the same reality show in Poland, you know. A little bit different, small production, but was more for TV, you know, for people to sell it. But tough is really, you know. people, real people, real emotions, real situations.

And this is what I like about, you know, and I cannot wait when I'm going to watch it, you know, on FS1. Does it air in Poland as well? Yes, on Extreme Sports Channel. So make sure we're going to watch it, guys. Yes, for sure. Dana White said afterwards that you guys got into a brawl, but the cameras were off. The show was over. That kind of ruins the brawl, no one gets to see it now.

But the most important fight is going to be July 8. That's all. It's going to be better than that one. How difficult was it to be around her every day? It was nice, you know. Of course, last day I got enough, you know. Claudia, she just talked too much and that's all. It was enough, you know.

But that's all. She didn't get into my head, but it was like, I was the adult and she was the kid, you know. So I was just, I was just, I got enough. That's all. Yeah. So I say a few words to her. I did some things and that's all.

You know, the rest I'm going to do in Vegas, July 8. Was this, someone calling you now? Who's it? Claudia, maybe? Oh, yeah, Claudia. She wants to ask me when we're going to drink a cup of coffee, you know? But I'm too busy. Speaking of which, I saw Rose Namayunis even reach out to you and say, hey, you know, you're right next to where I live.

This is someone that you could be fighting very soon. Reach out for tea. Were you surprised about that? No, she's very nice. If I saw this message early, I could go to her and hang on with her, you know. Like, you know, I have good relation with all of the fighters, more of them, you know. So there is nothing to, like, worry about. But, you know, even with Claudia, we could hang on together, but she doesn't like me, you know.

Why do you think she doesn't like you? Because I'm the bad. I'm the champ. And of course, she's dreaming about, but she knows that she never going to be a champ. When you guys were squaring off at the press conference, what were you saying to each other? Oh, nothing. Nothing. I was just happy to see her. Yeah, I'm sure you were after all those months. So, by the way, was this like a full-on brawl? Like, did you guys actually punch each other? other? In the show? No, after.

After the camera, yeah. Yeah, a little bit. Wow. No, no, just push, push, and she drove some kick, but she can't kick. Come on, guys. I'm going to teach her how to kick. That is amazing. By the way, I'm curious, now that you were, and by the way, congratulations,

you were nominated as one of the best athletes in Poland recently at the end of the year. you know you're going to be on this show and you continue to win have things changed for you in poland do you get recognized more are you getting more respect from the fans yeah yeah i was really surprised how how many people recognize me in albuquerque and in l.a for example you know it was amazing like alberkirki is like two times bigger than my city there's like 500 000 people in my city or something it's like 250 000 people but i was really surprised at you know, like more people recognize me in Albert Horky than in my city, you know. Wow.

But, you know, I've got so many fans everywhere in Poland as well. I like my city so much. And what I can say about, like, I've got, I'm super busy with, I've got so many propositions, like movie propositions, lots of interviews, different, some commercials. I'm very happy about, you know, that people, so that MMA it's a sport, you know. So will you be appearing in movies?

Probably in some Polish productions. Wow, that is a lot of fun. I like that. What about fighting in Poland? Yeah, it is. Have there been talks to that? Have you been fighting in Poland? I know they were there last year,

but were you actually fighting on the card. I would like to fight in Poland, like maybe next year. I would like to fight July 8 in Vegas. I'm going to fight July 8 in Vegas. my next fight I would like to do in in US or in Australia. It was amazing. And you know, you just celebrated the one year anniversary of you winning the belt at UFC

185. It was fun to see you having cake and celebrating and whatnot. But you mentioned something very interesting in your post that, you know, not that long before you were signing to the UFC. You were actually thinking of retiring from fighting. Nothing was really going on. How close were you to actually retiring? Like, I don't know.

so close probably. Wow. I was like, you know, my parents teach me how to make money, how to be a good person, and how to work hard, you know, and this is what I was doing all my life. And, you know, I was kind of like sad about that. I didn't have good sponsors, good money from the fights in Wai Thai or from MMA fights on the beginning of my career. So I was like, come on, I can do some business and make big money.

and just, you know, do my things. And because I invest so much money in the Muay Thai and M.A. You know, when my sister turned 18, me and my twin sister, she bought a car. I invest the money in trainings, you know. So it was kind of sad, but I'm happy that I survived that Dana, Lorenzo, Sean Shelby, Joseph, they find out me and I'm here, you know. Do you think about that a lot? Like how close you were to your life being completely different?

I did. But now I want to keep on winning, be a champ, and I want to help some young people in the future, you know. For example, my sparring partner, he's just 19. But I promise you guys he's going to be a superstar in the future, you know. What's his name? Jakub Vigwatch, his nickname is Massa. We call Massa when somebody is very big,

but he's very tall and very skinny, you know. What weight does you fight at? Now he used to fight 1525 and 135, but now he put on weight. Okay. And when you started to think about maybe retiring, did you start to think about doing something out? Like, what would you have done in your life if you weren't a fighter? Do you have any idea? No, I finished my studies.

I finished studies like two different physical education and some. physiotherapy for kids. So, probably something with sport, but of course I always had some all kind of different ideas, you know, in my life. And now I'm sure you don't think about retiring anymore. Like, do you even think like in two, three years I want to be done? You don't think like that, right? Even five years, you know?

So I say like two, three years, but now I want to fight for five years, you know. I hope that we're going to have one-twenty-five division in the future. and I'm gonna become first female fighter who gonna hold two beds. Would you prefer to stay at 125? Like if there was a 125 division, is that better for you? Probably better, you know, I must cut lots of weight. It isn't nice, but it's part of my job and I can make it very easy. But of course, it could be more easy, more interesting to fight.

to fight in 125. What was it like? Is it surreal when you go to these gyms and you have people like BJ Penn and Holly Holm and John Jones and Dillosh? Like these great fighters, legends come up to you

and our fans that you want and take a picture with you. What's that like for you? Someone from Poland who not that long ago people couldn't even pronounce your name. It's very nice. You know, I'm trying to be the same person

all the time, but it's very nice, you know, because I follow John Jones since I started with the MMA. Holy Holm is like one of the best female fighters. She's very strong. Like TJ, I like his style so much, you know. He's

135, he's light and he's moving so fast. And, you know, I met so many great people and I'm just super happy about, you know, that we became my friends. It's amazing. Like, we announce you on the show and there's some big names on the show, but I get such a great

reaction every time you're on the show. I love Yohana so much. Why do you think people love you so much? Why do you think you have that connection? I know you said you have haters, but there's this connection that you have developed. It reminds me to a degree very different, but it's kind of like the Diaz brothers in a way.

I think it's because you're so authentic. And I'm wondering if you think that's what it is, that you're so real that you just say what you want, you don't pretend to be someone else. But there is definitely a connection that you have built with people. Why do you think? Where did that come from?

I don't know. Like you said, I'm the same. like the Diaz brothers they are always the same you know I'm trying to be the same you know like people after the press conference people start talking that every fighter is acting is trying to act like Connor

you know isn't true I've been doing the same things before the fight with Karla you know like before before I've gotten to the EFC so when I must be mean I mean when I can be nice I'm nice you know it's my business if I think it's my business it's my job so I cannot let my opponent

get into my head so I must show to them that I'm tough too and they can't beat me when you see what happened to Rhonda and then Holly does it give you like are you reminded okay everyone's beatable that I can't get too big of a head does that is that a lesson for you when you see that up close in person you know you cannot be so dominant all the time you know I'm happy that my last fight was five fronts you know that I didn't knock Valerie out it was difficult. She's very tough. Lots of respect to her. But I'm happy because I could see

what's good for me, what can work in the future, what can't work. And it was good and, you know, stay humble and just keep on training

hard, that's all. I, you know, when I walk through the octagon, I always want to win. I visualize the win, you know, winning. but in the back of my head I know that it's a sport this is what happened to Holy Horn You must be focused from the first second of the fight

Until the last second of the fight Because everything can happen The last time I spoke to you You said you wanted a bit of a break This was in November So do you feel like you're getting that itch back Like you're ready to go You're excited for the camp

Excited to fight? I am I cannot wait I was lying you know If not broken hand I could fight like March April and it's horrible you know but I did tough and I'm very happy you know I took my time but I'm back to training you know I was back to training on the end of December probably okay and have you ever felt this way about an opponent before because of your history with her

the fight the first fight tough everything that's gone on does this one feel different for you what do you mean just because you have a She's not just an opponent. Like Valerie was just someone that, you know, you have a history. You've been around this person for a long time. Claudia, does the fight feel more personal because of that? Not really, not really. Not really.

Nothing. My belt is the most important for me, you know. I will try to be as cold, as much cold as I can be, you know, like in this fight. I'm going to be very cold, you know. I'm going to be a real fighter. That's all. But after the fight, of course, I hope everything going to be clear, fair play, respect, and that's all, you know. Any gifts?

You're going to make it clear. Yes. Any gifts for the way in? Ivy? No, for the way in. Steroids? Oh, no. You said a book?

No, I don't know. Don't have idea. There is few ideas. Oh, my gosh. I was a... She's had a book, IV, or some, you know, steroids. I don't know. Why, you believe she does that?

I don't know. it's her problem you know I know that so many fighters got smaller you know after the inside a family she called she called me fat but I'm happy you know when I put on weight I'm happy you know and my fiance is happy too you know bigger few letters you know but they like you know like like you know people that they used steroids and they feel like a hero's, you know, like that they are the strongest people, but isn't true, you know? So do you think you'll see a different, Claudia, than the one you fought a year and a half of

them? Sure, she's smaller than she was a year ago, you know, so you could see that in the fight with the Jessica Gila. Wow. All right. We will leave it at that. Yohanna, thank you so much. I really appreciate it.

I know you're very busy. You guys for having me? You have a lot going on. Yeah. Yeah. I go to sleep. But thank you guys so much for having me. me. It means a lot. So thank you so much. Like I said, you're very busy. You have a lot going on. But anytime

we have you on, the fans love it and I love it as well. So I appreciate your time. Again, happy Easter. And I look forward to it. Your fight on my birthday, it's going to be a great night, July 8th in Las Vegas. I can't wait. This is what I want to say. Like, I'm going to keep on training really hard. Everything can happen, but I will try to win this fight. And I know I'm going to win this fight. And you're going to hear it and still, I love all of you guys, even you club. And I'm honest. Thank you so much. There she is. The UFC Strawway champion, Yowna. Yian Jacek, always a pleasure to talk to her on this program. Joining us on line number one is the man of the hour himself.

The one everyone's been asking to be on this show, the one everyone's talking about, the face of the UFC, the biggest draw on the UFC, the biggest star in this sport, the notorious. Connor McGregor. Connor, are you there? What's up, brother. I'm here. Thank you for that introduction. Connor, dare I say, welcome back. Dare I say, welcome home. Very good, man. Thank you. It's good to be on. It is a pleasure. Thank you so much for doing this. I know you're very busy, so we really appreciate the time.

Let me start with this. Because of the fact that you've not really had to cut weight, you've known who your opponent is going to be. You've done considerable less media going into this fight. Would you say that this has been the most enjoyable fight camp of your UFC career? 100%. I mean, it reminds me, although it's a lot bigger, it's on a much larger scale, obviously, the team and the expenses, the travel, everything, but it feels like it's like the old days. It feels like all I got to do now, show up and fight. That's all I want it. That's all I want to do. That's all I truly enjoyed to do.

You know what I mean? I just got in this looking for a knock and a few quid. That's it. I didn't want. I didn't get in and looking for everything else Now everything else happened and I embraced that I ran with it and rolled with it But when it comes down to it

I just want to get in and have a fight And that's it So that's all I've got to do here I've got to show up, get in and have a knock Now right now what are we six How many days, five six days, five days, five days I'm just trying to pass the time Before I get in, march forward and throw bombs at this man

So I've had an amazing camp It's been an amazing experience a crazy experience. I'm very happy with it. I can't wait. Are you hoping that this is the case from here on out, you know, the less media,

less obligations, just going back to the old days of caring about the fight. Is this your plan for the rest of your career? Well, you know, nothing is set in stone. Nothing is set in this game.

Everything changes as the days go, boy. So, you know, who knows? Right now, I'm very happy with how this is gone. Who knows what's next? Who truly knows?

You know, fight another guy all of a sudden, we could go back into that old partner. It's just not there, and you've got to go travel the world and do all that again, and then he pulls out, and all these other things can happen. So I'm just happy with the situation I'm in. But nothing is saying in this life. Anything can change, and I'm prepared for change.

So we'll see. As you may know, after the 196 fight, a lot of the naysairs and the critics said, oh, there goes his star power, there goes his money, he's no longer the man, et cetera, et cetera. You flipped the script on him by showing up to the press conference and saying what you said. Have you noticed a dip at all in the interest level

in your career, in a business sense, sponsors, things? Have you noticed a change at all since that fight? No, no. You know, if I look back at it, what did I lose? All I lost was a fight. You know what I mean? That's it. A phase fight on a Saturday night.

that's it I showed up I handled myself well and you carry on nobody in this game gets out unscathed I said that before look at the history

of the game nobody in this game this is a crazy business Ariel a crazy crazy game nobody gets out alive so it's just another day

you know it was a crazy contest I've got to look at the contest and I'm very happy with it you know I picked up the kitchen sink and flung it on him for two rounds

and he picked it up and flung it right back it was a hell of a contest I was involved in and even looking back at the fight after it I was like you know what that was a damn good fight I'm very happy with it and I can't wait to do it again so that's my mindset on this one

you know people who say those things and they say it's people say oh this and that but they weren't with me before they weren't with me before it anyway so they're not going to be with me after I get this win back either so I don't pay attention to them I'm doing something I love I'm very financially secure

doing something I love. I'm living the dream right now, so I'm very happy. You've said that you believe or you've heard that Nate Diaz weighs around 200 pounds. How do you know this? Well, I've heard, and I mean, look, and I've been training with 200 pounds, people are close to 200 pounds, and I estimate up there. I just estimate, you know, because I'm the 1.45-pound champion, and when I fight I 155, which I have done,

and you get a little complacent with food and all of a sudden that 155 pound wakel creeps up and it's an actual wakel and it's just as heavy as the 145 pound wakel so I've no over the out that's probably what happened to him that 155 pound waco is long gone for him

so it's been month upon month so he's been eating up and I'd say that 170 pound waco it's now out of creeping up and it's a little waco farm so but like I said I've been training with 200 pounders. I've been preparing for this. So we're prepared to face this mind. So I'm happy with everything, my preparation.

And that's it. One of the interesting byproducts of that fight has been his stardom growing exponentially. And now he's on talk shows, and he's doing a lot more media, and he's a lot bigger of a star. Have you noticed this as well? And do you think that this will be to his detriment come Saturday that now he's no longer, you know, this idea of waking up in the satin sheets? lose that killer instinct. You may know something about that. You may have experienced that as well. Do you feel like he won't know how to deal with that? I mean, it ain't for everybody, that's for sure.

Countless people have crumbled on those circumstances, on this, and that type of stuff starts happening. You can't go anywhere. You can't go absolutely anywhere without getting spot. Although I don't know how he's handling it. Handling it. That's only he can. answer that.

So I'm going to focus on my training. I've been training very, very hard, as you can see. I've given fans an all-access look at the walk-up and putting in. Everyone can see that I've been walking my ass off here, so I'm very proud of that. I'm very proud of the walk-up put in for this. And that's it. I'm focused on me right now, how he is handling.

His situation, I am not interested in. Speaking of the fans, it has been said to me directly by some of your fans that look, we want to support Connor. We want to be there for his fight. They know that they are somewhat a part of the show, but it's just, it's a tough ass to keep going to Las Vegas from Ireland every few months. And I know a lot of them thought that you were going to fight a 200. That didn't happen, of course. And now, you know, they just can't come back a month and a half later. Have you heard the same thing? And are you concerned that it won't have that same sort of, you know, energy in the building when you fight, when you weigh in. And ultimately, the ticket sales won't

be the same because those Irish fans, of yours, those devoted Irish fans, won't be in attendance on Saturday. Well, I estimate that I'll be fighting in enemy territory this time, but usually it's been home. It's been home for me, this place with the traveling fans. I estimate it, I'd give it, I'm estimating I'm going into a war zone here. That's what I'm estimated. That's what I've been prepared for. That's what I'm looking forward to.

But, you know, there's many things why the Irish fans can't make it. I mean, the 200, the bugle where they took me off that card, I mean, people had already purchased tickets for that. And then, of course, the European championships, then the Olympics. There's all the stuff going on. And, of course, I'm an active fighter. I mean, I fight every goddamn month.

I mean, I fight all the fucking time. So it's getting close for me now that I want to fight back home, that I want to give my fans back home a fight. I've been, you know, I've been kept away from my home for a while. Now I understand that it's big business out here. And I've got to, and that's why we're here. You know, I've got to handle myself, too. I can't, as much as I want to perform for the fans back home,

and I want to have that same shows back home and do that, I've still got to handle my business out here. So, you know, I know my countrymen will be supporting me wherever they are. And I know there will be many here in town, and I know there will be even more back home in Ireland and all over the world supporting me. So I am content with that for now. As far as ticket sales, ticket sales has been good. It's the 20,000 Cs Stadium.

If it was the MGM, it's already sold out. So the ticket sales have been great for it for such a big arena. At this time, I've been the end of summer with everything going on. I'm very happy with it. I mean, it's going to, we're talking record-breaking again. You know that. You know the pay-per-view buyers will be smashed. I've dominated the headlines since.

I have every game wrapped up. I've the boxing game, at the wrestling game, I've this game wrapped up years now. You know, what else can I do? I have the game wrapped up. this will break all records and I'm very happy with it. When you say that, when you say wrapped up, it reminds me of your now infamous tweet, April 19, 2016. I've been wanting to ask you this question since that tweet.

As we sit here today, it currently has 162,000 retweets, 174,000 likes and some change. Where were you when you tweeted, I have decided to retire young, thanks for the cheese, catches later? I've always wanted to ask you that. Where were you when you actually tweeted that? I was in Iceland, chilling. But exactly where? Like, did you do it on your phone, on the computer? Where did you actually send out that tweet to the...

I don't have a phone. I don't fucking use the computer. I just be using the phone like everybody else. Okay. Straight out of here, thanks for the cheese. Catches all out. See ya, boom. And then off I went to the gym.

And then I came out in the gym, and all of a sudden the thing is fucking everywhere. I was like, oh, shit. Did you expect that? Yeah, we were in Iceland, isolating herself. You know, we were doing what we did. training and studying to whoop somebody's ass, that's it. I have access to a phone, and my phone has access to millions

upon millions upon millions of people. But, you know, it was all, that was another crazy experience. This life is a roller coaster, there's many ups and downs. But, I mean, you got to look at it like this. Who doesn't love a roller coaster? I mean, he wants to be just on a flat ground going through life. So I've had a great journey on this, on this, on this, on this journey

I'm on and long may I continue You know, I'm happy to be back It's good to be back here And so much has gone on I only fought two months ago I was retired then I'm not retired And now here I am back again I can't wait to fight again

I'm loving life And I'm looking forward to this contest Was a part of you shocked at the reaction I mean, world news was talking about A BBC that it turned into what it turned into That tweet and then the up and down And the empty chair at the press conference That it turned into this sort of soap opera

and every single hour it was twisting and turning. Were you surprised that it became what it became? I tell you, well, answer me this, where you were entertained. You know what I mean? That's what it's all about, where you fucking entertainers. I was having a great time when it was all going on. And I was fucking, it was crazy what was going on. I think this age that we live in is insane.

I mean, the access that we can have and the things that I can blow up to, from nowhere to everyone. You know, I'm in Iceland. middle of nowhere in my realm, but I have to go training and I can reach millions upon millions of people in the blink of an eye. I don't know. I'm fascinated by, and I think that's

one of the reason why I wanted to set up this news site, and I want to go into that side of the thing, because I feel there's opportunities to capitalize on, you know. I think with this day and age, I mean, all the news is me, anyway, most of this damn news is me. I've created all these, I see a lot

site, all these news sites that come up. And it's actually my traffic and my stuff that's actually made them into a legit news site. For the most part, not your one, but your own one a little bit, you're showing all. I have that, I have that good bit, not specifically your own one. But there is a lot of them that literally

are just about me. So I was like, hang on a minute, man. If these guys are making, if these guys are better stuff of making money, well then, you know, I'm going to build it up and I'm going to make a little news empire. And I honestly feel like I'm at the foot of this. If I play this, right, it can go big. Like, I'm only, what age

my 28 years of age, I'm only a young man. So, I'm looking to capitalize on all opportunities and this is new social media age. I mean, we don't even watch TV. Who watches TV anymore? I mean, we haven't, there's 40 TVs in this house and none of us in the house, there's

about 20 people in the house, none of us have to have the TV on once. So, I mean, it's a new age and I'm just looking to capitalize on it. And I think all the experiences I've had through, the retirement thing, the 200, just everything throughout my career on this damn internet as I've learned from it. I've learned that there's power in this.

If you capitalize correctly, there's power. I mean, you look at all these bonfires. They're giving over their accounts to these bumps, clickbait sites. Like, I forget the name of some of them even, but you see there, they post these stupid articles all the time. It's like they must be getting like a little monthly wage or something. well, you're an employee, you're an employee then. You know what I mean? I want to be the leader of this and create my own one and go and make it big and make it correct.

And that's what I'm trying to do right now as well, on top of everything else. And I'm enjoying it. It's just another thing in my life now that I'm enjoying. These videos we've been creating, these are like goddamn Oscar award-winning, Nelbies were giving you quick. And they're coming out quicker than the embedded. I know the embedded guys here now, so, and the first one got released, So I'm looking forward to seeing that one.

See, and that's going to look compared to my ones. But, I mean, I'm really enjoying what we're doing here, and we're giving fans in all access, look at the camp. And this is just a start. Who knows where it's going to go from here. But I'm enjoying it very much. And the name of that website, by the way, we should probably share that is the maclife.com.

You know what? You don't even go to, I hear you, because everyone on this car already knows the name of the MacLive. All right. Fair enough. I was just trying to help you out, my man. But fair enough. No, I know. I'm only messing with you. That's good. Thank you. And I already told you we've got contracts thrown up for you.

I might take you on board to MacLove. Take you out, I haven't made fun. Yeah, well, don't... Come on board the real team, the winning team. Well, you can certainly have a chat with my agent, and if the dollars make sense, then we'll get it done. We'll be in touch. Connor, were you prepared to walk away, though? For real. Were you okay with that, or was that just part of a whole game? You know, if I came down to what I would have.

But, I mean, good luck trying to keep an Irish man from a fight. You know what I mean? I would shout up and slap somebody with the way it was all gone down. But fuck it. And, you know, I was happy, you know. When it all kicked, I was like, for a while, for a couple of, I think, how long did it even go on for a couple days or something? For a day, maybe I was like, you know what fucking I am,

I'm tired? Put the feet up I did that night. Had a fucking drink went down. You know what I mean? I was like, fuck everybody. I am out here. and then, you know, I was like, oh, you got a little bit of this, you know, Dad, it's best to speak out, and then it kind of got a little bit more serious, you know what I mean?

Then whatever, it was a crazy experience, but if it came to it, I mean, fuck it. I'd have a knock somewhere else. I don't know what would have happened, but like I said, I'm comfortable, are you? I mean, when Lil's draw, whatever happens, I mean, it's shrimp spaghetti to start for me for the rest of my life. So I mean, I'm eating good for the rest of my days. and so you know whatever happens happens

good I do enjoy a good old-fashioned and that's what this is so I'm very happy to be back you refer to UFC 200 earlier as a debacle and I think a lot of people would agree certainly in the aftermath a part of you deep down

sort of smile at how it turned out after they pulled you from the card for not showing up to the press conference and the marketing obligations were you kind of sort of smiling deep down inside as to what it became no no definitely not

I mean, it was a successful event. It was actually a great event. The fights weren't the best for me. It wasn't a McGregor show. It wasn't a match forward, hands down, what the fuck you're going to do now? Let the shots fly. McGregor show.

You know what I mean? It wasn't that. It was tentative. A lot of the fights were tentative. But the event, the, just, I knew being there, ringside, this is a special event, and to see what the Prakitas and Mr. White had done.

And to where they, and I didn't notice that it had been sold at this, points are that they were at this stage. I don't know how to feel it. I knew. We obviously knew something, but I just knew this event was what they had created and what they had built this up to do. And, you know, I would have

loving to be on it. I think they would have loving me to be on it. But to be there ringside and get to witness it with them, and then it was a marquee event for them. It was the final home where they sold. I'm not really even sure where they are now, what the setup is truly, but it just felt like a special event.

So I did not wish that to be anything but a success. You know, they have done an amazing job. I mean, what they've done, two million to four billionaires, that's insane. I know there's a lot more money spent in between that. But I mean, that is just that.

That's the greatest of all time right there. And if you're talking the greatest of all time in the fight business, that is that. If you have to get a turnover like that, get in, get out, get in, get rich, get out, like that, and build that up to what that was. Man, that is,

I was blown away. when I was seen it all came in time. And I'm blown away that I'm even on a name-to-name basis with these people. These are the people that have mentored me in this game. I'm very proud of that. I'll be proud of that until the day I die. You know, I have been surrounded by great people in this business

and I continue to be surrounded by great people in this business. And it was an honor to be there ringside. Of course, before I went down, I would have loved him to fight for the family. You know what I mean? I would have loved to put on a show for them once again. But six, five days I'll put on a show. and we'll carry on

and we'll talk after that and see where everyone's at and sit down with Mr. fatigue that after like always at toast the fine ass and see what's really happening

and see what's next and figure it out from there. Well, will you be doing that toast because at 201 he wasn't there the new owners were there is he still present

as far as you're concerned? I mean, I'd imagine so he wasn't at 2-1 I'm not sure. I mean, I don't think they can miss him as Greg I'm like.

I don't think they're going to miss much. I don't think the whole family is going to be there. I think Uncle Frank and Kat, Cat, Lorenzo, the kids. The whole lot of family is going to be there supporting me. So I hope so. I hope so anyway. But I would imagine so.

Have you had any contact with the new owners? No, I haven't had any contact with the new owners. That's another shit down alive. That might be a, that might be a, that'll be an interesting shit down. I mean, I actually have spoke with the guys. The entourage, though, right? Ari Emanuel. Ari Emanuel.

Yeah, he came over at Q100 and was like, you think you made a lot of money now, kid? We're going to make you a lot more. Something like that. And I was like, who the fuck is that guy? And my talk was like some kind of Hollywood movie guy or something. And that's what he is as well, right? But I didn't really understand what he was saying.

But I guess that's what he, I guess, and a couple of days later, got announced that he took over or, his people, I've bought the UFC now. So I don't know. I haven't had to sit down, but hey, I'm close to a fight. My current deal is on, so we'll sit down after this fight and we'll see where it's going. There is a now famous photo of you standing up throughout the entire Frankie Edgar versus Josealdo fight.

Locked in. It's like you're the only person in the arena watching the whole thing as you stand up throughout. What is going through your mind as you're watching that fight? That's my division. That's my division, my belt. and this this this this this this this this this this this kid and this all team and talking all the kind of stuff so i just want to stand up and let them know i'm here let me see what the fuck you have let me see what both do you have and at the end of the fight i'm saying that frankly can't touch him and all those

dancing around and playing it safe and i'm saying fight fucking fight you want you want you want this you want me you want this fight again take it win it you know what i mean you've got it going, you can't play a safe, but I'm like, whoa, where's my excitement in that? You're running away and poking him, you know, you're just out-slapping him and he can't come near you and that's it. That's not.

I want to see, I want to see you come and try and get that fight and really want that fight. I didn't see that. I saw the same, I saw the same thing I've been seeing. I saw that. If we signed the fight again, he's gone running again. That's what I saw. Oh, I just stood up and I was like, I'm here, let me see what the

fuck the two years have. Right now a guy I can't in 20 seconds calls the interim federal title. So all I know is I'm in a solid

position right now. I'm gonna be tactical and figure out my next meal but I've got a hell of a task ahead of me. I've got a tough Mexican and so that's all I'm focused on right now

putting this man away in five days. Are you still figuring out after that? Are you still thinking at all about MSG, do you still want that? Because you said that from the beginning, now that it's a reality and almost here, is the plan to get out unscathed and then fight in New York on November 12th? Again, let's see. Nothing set and stone in this game. Everything changes day by day, so we'll see.

How's your relationship with Dana White these days? Amazing. My relationship with Dana and Lorenzo and everyone has always been great. I mean, we have moments. We have business moments like that. You know what I mean, but our relationship is great. I have a lot of respect for Dana. Like I said, what they have done in the sport has been truly phenomenal. And to be on name-to-name basis and to be mentored by these people is great. But my relationship is great.

It's been no different. I mean, I haven't spoke to them that much since 200. You know, I've been just kind of left and they've been giving what I ask. I've been walking. And I don't really know what Dana's position is anymore. I don't really know. You know, everything's going to change in right now as I'm preparing for a fight. So I'm just letting things happen on that side, letting things happen on my side.

I'm going to show up and fight. And after the fight, I'm sure we'll figure out what's going on and what's next. And we'll get down to more business. And given how enjoyable this whole process has been, do you really have it in you to cut to 145? Like, do you really care to do that at this stage? We see how it looks on you and how you feel. Why do that to yourself? You know, it ain't an easy cut, but I have nutritionists now on board.

Yeah. And that aloe cut was the best cut I've ever had. The IV was banned. We weren't allowed using IV to rehydrate. I made championship weight, and I rehydrated fully. I was brand new, you know, so the weight is there for me to make. But it's got to be right. I've got to be intrigued by it.

You know what I mean? I can't be intrigued by a guy that's been running. And still, I still see a runner in my eyes when I look at Jose. I still see a guy that I go through the whole shit again and then nine days out, hey, Connor, he's got a middleweight there. If you want to fight a middleweight, okay, then fuck out, I'll fight a middleweight.

And I mean, it's got to appeal to me, so it's got to be right. So like I said, I've got this guy to take care of. But I'm still the Federal Way World Champion, and after this fight, we'll sit down and we'll... I'm sure they'll attempt to make it right. get sweet for me. So we've talked then. I couldn't, and with just a couple more minutes, and thank you so much for the time, Connor.

I sincerely appreciate it. I couldn't help but smile when it was your birthday and a belated happy birthday to you when your coach, John Kavanaugh, gave you the two Cage Warriors titles because it was on the show that you mentioned that you lost the belts when they took them from you and you wanted them back and then it seems like you finally got them back. How did you get them back? Yeah, I mean, well, originally with John back set it up to have the thing taken away me, but all these years later he finally got them back. How?

I'm not sure he had a crazy, a crazy job trying to get them back. For some reason, they don't, they want to give me the belts back. So John put in, I mean, he's been working to get them back for a good one now. It seems like, I think he was telling me, like, over a year, two years or something,

he was trying to get them belts. But when he showed, when he gave me them belts on my birthday, I was gone away, I mean, this training camp has been absolutely phenomenal. John has gone above and beyond for me, and we really came back together, and it's a really coaching student and brothers in arms, you know what I mean?

We are in this together and it's been a crazy journey. Nobody can compare to this journey we are on. I'm just grateful to have a man like John, a coach like John with me every step of the way and it's been phenomenal. My birthday was celebrated well. Them Bells who just reiterated who I am, who we are, where we have come from,

what we are doing here. And I just put everybody in a solid mindset and we've been in that solid mindset since. So it's been a phenomenal camp, and I look forward to having a phenomenal fight to represent my coach and my people. Speaking of that, as you know, the lightweight champion is talking about you a lot

these days, Eddie Alvarez. Are you still wanting to get two belts simultaneously? Is that still something that you want to do? Yeah, I mean, yeah, of course. I truly, truly feel I would have the two belts right now. If the Sagnos showed up, he would have been sleeping after them shots that's no question

that's no doubt and right now there's a new champion he's a bum as well he's a novice he's a novice on his feet swinging shot overhand he's just a wrestler with an overhand as well

and the novice is where I come from and that's the truth of it so and we'll see about him we'll see about him we'll see there's a lot of options they're all begging for it they're all begging in their own unique way

but make no mistake is begging they are all begging for this they're all begging for what Nate got I mean look at Nate who went for 20 to 20 now he's talking about now he's talking big money so they're all they're all on the hands and he's begging for this

so like I said I'll have this fight in five days I'll sit down with Mr. White the new owners Mr. Fatita I don't know who the fuck I sit down somebody who the fuck is next but that he'll better be sweet and then we'll figure it out from there

when you heard that 4 billion number did you kind of think to yourself man, I should be getting more. No, I'm simply over the mill for them, I mean. To see the work they put in, to see what they're doing. I was inspired by it. Oh. Absolutely inspired by it.

The biggest, what was it, the biggest sport sale in history. Yep. A little sport that they last at. They laugh at this sport. Everyone ridiculed this sport. You know what I mean? This sport wasn't even a sport. And now all of a sudden, with their guidance,

It's the biggest fucking sports franchise in the world so I took inspiration from that that is motivation right there and I've nothing

but respect for the fatiches and Mr. White like I've said many times it is I'm sure they don't know what's going on

I'm sure they're thinking in the head like I read an interview or I listened to Dana on the talk show and he was like after the sale I locked myself in a room

and I didn't know what the fuck was going on I'd say he didn't know what was going on I was laughing at that But I'd say, I mean, you've just got to take a hat off to yourself. You've got to give yourself a pat on the back. He might have to walk that man at the only.

I'd have to work the bad he doesn't know. To get that, to get that number, to build that up to what... I mean, the UFC is damn. They did it. So, fuck me, man. I'm just... I was just motivated by that number. And you're damn right, I want a piece of that pie.

No, no, let's not get a twisted. I like ply too, so I'm coming for that. I'm coming for some of my play also. But I took motivation in that trail and that number. And like I said, I think I played a... I played a nice role in that number. I mean, what was it? It was estimated $2 billion at one stage.

I mean, before I came along, I remember when I first that, I mean, this is a $2 billion in the franchise. I remember here, that sometimes. And now, since I came along, now it's $4 billion. And the year before it was sold, as my year, numbers was, I mean, I played a nice role in that, too.

So the number motivated me. That's what that does. Two last quick things. Are you surprised at the reaction? from the WWE stars to your throwaway comment. Were you surprised at how many of them reacted to it the way they did? You know, not really. I mean, they're an emotional bunch of guys there.

They're scared of the real man. Let's be honest. That's just what it is. This is the real shit and that's a fake shit. And they're just scared of the real man. That's just the way it is. And I just felt like a smoke troop. They are little dweeps.

Let's be honest. I'm sorry. Those new guys, there is a couple of OGs in it, but the majority of them are dwebs. So that was it. It is what it is. Either way, I know I'm laughing straight to the mank with it. So that's it. Tell them all them, tell all them to tune in UFC. Actually, don't even tell them. You know that tuning in. You know that tuning in this Saturday, 2-0-2. I can't wait to see the numbers out of this and giggle my way to the bank lady. And final thing, Connor, I'm just wondering, because when we were told about this fight, you know, when we're told that you...

Is that the giggling? What? Is that you giggling to the bank? I was being giggling to the bank, lady, yeah. Okay. When we were told, oh, yes, the 50-cent song, right? When we were told about this fight, it was, you're obsessed. You have to run it back.

You have to run it back. You have to get this one back. It has to be the same stipulations and whatnot. In a way, is this a byproduct of your success? meaning when you lost to Joe Duffy in 2010, would you have liked to have run a back? Is that a part of your sort of OCD mentality that you need to get it back right away?

Back then you didn't have that clout, now you do have that clout, and that's essentially why this is happening now? I'm just a competitive man. I want to compete. I want to challenge myself. I don't want an easy fight. I don't want a cherry-pick nothing.

And that's it. I'm looking to challenge myself, and that's it. Here we are again. It's good to. be in a position where I could do this. But, you know, you win some, you lose some. But we always learn, and that's it.

So I feel I've learned a lot. I'm looking forward to Saturday night to come and show on it. Win or learn, as your coach says, right? Yeah. Fucking stars now. Yeah. Connor, thank you so much. I appreciate it.

Scoop that one up, area, and you'll know, you'll know reading that one. You'll know reading that book. Because when I read that, I was actually on the way by John's book because I didn't. I didn't, you know, when you hear, I'm talking about how his mindset is and how he's, how his coaching, it's like, man, this is no Sunday league. This isn't like a Sunday league. This isn't like, this isn't like your average Sunday league coach the way he's thinking.

So I took great motivation in reading that book, and I realized that I have a special man and a special coach on my side here. So I was very happy with that. So you can read that also. Oh, I have it right behind me. And he was on the show earlier. I am in the process of. reading it and have enjoyed it immensely. Trust me, read it.

That ain't Sunday leachy. No, I know. That ain't your average coach. No, sure. We have any reading it. It has been fun being on this journey, watching you from your first UFC fight up until this point. I know the journey dates back well before that, and that's what the book details quite nicely.

So I do suggest checking it out if you are a fan of Connor McGregor and just want an inspiring story as well. What a treat this has been, Connor. Months in the making. And I really appreciate you taking some time out to to join us. It has been a minute, but you certainly lived up to it once again. Thank you so much for the time. I look forward to seeing you in Las Vegas, and I wish you the best of luck on Saturday night. Thank you, Ardiel. I appreciate it. And it's always an honor getting on and speaking.

And I'll send those contracts over for the MacLife shortly. Check them out. I will. I will. I will. I look forward to. You know what they say. If you ain't Macin, you ain't stacking. Thank you, Connor. There he is. Thank you. If you ain't Mac in, you ain't stacking. That's good. That's a good tagline. I like it.

The brand new UFC women's bantamway champion, Amanda Nunes, is joining us right now on the phone. How about this? Very exciting stuff. Amanda, are you there? Yes. Hello. Hi, guys. Hello.

How are you? Thank you very much for joining us, Amanda. It's great to have you on the show. Thank you so much to have me. Thank you. So it's been nine days since you became channel. What's life like? How would you describe your life as UFC champion? I'm sleepy. Very good, you know, last night.

What's my, the best sleep that I have? Because being very, like, it's a dream coming true for me, you know. And like true, having these bells at home, like, making me so, like, unbelievable, you know. and everything's getting so crazy. And now, then everything is normal. I saw that you tweeted a picture of you sleeping with the belt. Have you really been sleeping with the belt every night? Only one night. I put the belt by myself in the bed.

Wow. What was it like? It was very nice to see when you came back to the gym, American Top Team, with the belt. What was that like for you to come back to the gym in Coconut Creek? and share the belt with your teammates and friends? You know, it was very happy for me back with this belt, you know, make the group more strong, you know. And it was amazing.

It was amazing walking the game with the belt. Everybody waited for me in there. It was an amazing moment. How many times have you watched the fight against Misha Tate? Al-A-A-Lah. All the time. I remember when I ever shared him, watch again. Wow.

Watch, watch again. A bunch of times. You know, it's interesting. I remember watching the fight and you rocked her, and then at one point you went for the rear naked choke, and I was wondering, oh, you know, is she giving her an opportunity to sort of recover? And, of course, it worked, so it was the right call. But I thought it was very symbolic that you would go for the rear naked choke,

and that's what won you the belt because of your nickname. How do you pronounce your nickname? It's Liao. Is that correct? Leoa. Leoa. Leoa. The Matalao is the rear naked choke.

That was sort of like your signature move. Did you think about that as well? Yeah, actually, my best movie, I always work in everything. I always work in everything, but the real naked choke is the best move that I have. And every official, I always finish it in that position. And that's right. Work better well. Did you go for the submission because your hand was hurting?

Is that why you decided to go to the ground and try to submit her there? No. Actually, I don't feel my hand in the fight. I feel my hand right after when I walked in the cage, right after. And when I saw, you know, she's already done on the feet. And then I decided, you know, like I saw she's hurt. I saw her nosey, you know, very... Blea la and I decided to go to the submission because it's always very easy to get. I don't want to like if you this fight go, you know, I don't want to make any mistake. When I saw, she's available to get the choke and then I went full.

Were you expect when you were preparing for the fight, did you expect that that you'd be able to finish her that quickly? Did you think that this would be a relatively short fight for you? I know I know I'm better than Misha everywhere like I said my whole interview and I know whatever moment in the fight

that he can finish her on the feet on the ground but I don't think it's going to be in the first round I think we're going to go to the second and the third

and then we're going to get the victory but I'm surprised I mean I I saw a couple of I grabbed

I saw she she's like her in the first jabbing. Wow, I don't think it... Because I thought Misha's was tough, you know, because I watched her fight against O'Reilly Homes, you know. She keep it going. But when I thought I saw it, my hand was very heavy, and I knew I'm going to get it soon as possible.

Yeah, I thought it was so impressive because Misha, her greatest attribute is that she's hard to break, and you broke her very quickly. So I thought that that was incredibly impressive. And before the fight, she was saying that she thought that you were easy to break. She said a lot about you going into this fight in a very sweet and friendly way, but if you actually listen to what you was saying, she was taking a lot of shots at you. Did those bother you? Were you insulted by those? No, no. I think at that time, the fighters have to, you know, sell the fight. I think, like, she only has this to tell about me because she knows them better than her, you know?

only because my old fight happened things, you know, but you'll never take these, like, take the fight for her last fight, you know? I always back to the game to come back stronger and stronger. And I think she only had talk about my mental, something like that, but she was very wrong. Do you think that maybe she looked at your last performance and said, oh, it was split decision,

you didn't get a finish, maybe you got a little tired, and said, oh, okay, this isn't going to be as hard. And there was some talk that she chose you over Holly Home. Do you think that this all kind of played into her being too confident going into the fight? Yeah, for sure. I think she watched the whole time in my last fight,

it saw was my gosh tank or something like that was broken. But I, like, I'm very, like, I'm very focused for that fight. I prepare my mental. better to be ready for that moment my career. Whatever my last fight, what was the way, you know, like I got tired in the 30 round, but I know my next step is going to be for the title.

I know I'm going to be ready for. And speaking of the mental part of the game, did it affect you at all that you became the main event, that there was more tension on your fight, that you were last on the card after everything that happened to John Jones? How are you dealing with that all week long? always like smooth everything

okay I walk I like in that week everything changes very fast and the day the fight I walking

like I walked in my first fight in my career was like unbelievable how calm how control

about about myself I was like I'm in shock too because I I work a lot you know

and And those things, like getting calm because I have a lot of energy. Sometimes I don't know how I control. But now I know. And this is making me more interesting to see how I'm going to be my next fight. You know, and always that is moving. The whole situation over there, go to the main event. I take, like, everything, that is moving.

Why do you think that you were so calm before the biggest fight of your life? the opposite. Why do you think that was? Exactly. Like I was prepared. I don't know. I was very calm. I don't think like the whole time we're going to walk for the minute, fight for the main event into the title. I tell you, the way I walked that day, I thought we're going to like, fight.

The same way I walked in my first fight in my career. Wow. It was like crazy. I feel that. I talked to Nina Bauda. actually I look in Nina the whole time you know me Nina have a very good connection we train together we do everything together we have like amazing

relationship and sometimes in the fight I look in Nina she's like more nervous than me wow and for this fight even Nina I look at her like I look at her eyes I can read things and I saw she's very calm she usually tell me things this fight like

you have everything thing. Go have fun. And always, like, unbelievable. I can explain this kind of thing because you want to connect, only me and you know. Yeah, yeah, yeah. That's amazing. What was it like when you actually felt the tap

and that you became champion and it starts to sink in? Did that feel like you expected it to, or was it different than you had dreamed of? You know, when I get niches back, I know I'm 100% I'm going to submit to have because that position, I love that position. I work in that position a lot. and when she talked

like everything shut down like wow I'm the champion now the dream you come to and like he's so happy if you see like for a little bit of time

I know I don't believe you know and then like when the noise put the bell like I say yes this is happy what is the best moment

of my life I was going to ask you that so the happiest moment Have you ever felt emotion like that before in terms of positive emotion? That moment where you realize you were the champion, they put the belt. We actually have a great picture of you sort of screaming when you got the belt. Would you say that's the happiest moment of your life? The happiest moment of my life, because a lot of people did this with me, you know?

Yeah. And I don't only make me happy with my family is happy, my team happy, a lot of things. Like a lot of people there, you know, true for me. me, like, in one moment, like, not only for me, like, for everybody, you know, what is amazing. Okay, and so your hand, it's not broken, right? No broken. It's a little bit slowly right now.

Yeah. But I'm going to do the MRI to, you know, make sure, because it's still slowly. Okay. They're nervous or something, but no broken. They're good news. That is great news. Congratulations. So when do you want to come back?

Have you thought about that? When would you like to fight again? You know, I have to go to Brazil, see my family for two weeks, and soon I come back from there, I'm going to start it. And I'm going to be ready for, you know. So there are a lot of options. And, of course, the biggest one is Ronda Rousey. Are you hoping that she's going to come back in your first title defense is against her?

Is that what you want? Whatever happened, I'm going to be ready for, you know, for sure. if Rhonda comes back is going to be huge. Yeah. You know? Of course, a lot of people want to see Rhonda come back again. And I'm going to be ready for her. But if she don't come back,

having all the girls in the line, I take two. Do you have a preference? Like, you probably can make the most amount of money fighting Rhonda, right? Yeah. Yeah, but I don't want to stay in the gym, only train, you know. I want to prepare for the fight.

If Rhonda don't come back, please give to me somebody else. I take. After the fight, I don't know if you were listening, but Juliana Pena was saying that she really wants to fight you, that she dragged all you, things like that. Did you get a chance to see her fight against Katzengano, someone that you know, I know you were preparing, but if you did get to see it, were you impressed with her performance? Yeah, I saw her fight, I saw. I'm no impression at all. Oh. And I'm not impressed with her performance, and I watched the fight in the locker room.

Mm-hmm. But congratulations to Hatch B-KAT and but I know I'm going to be the champion for a long time

you know and whatever coming Juliana, Bronda whatever you're going to be ready for why weren't you impressed

with her performance because I I think like go to the fight you know to like to finish the fight you know

I told you like take too much time I think she don't know I don't know I don't know I don't know how to explain like like she

can give it to her a lot of a lot of spaces to finish she the fight on the field on the ground but she don't know how to take it

that moment you know I think like this was the mistake okay and Julianna that's why I'm no press because she don't know how to see the moment of the fight she can finish you, you know.

I remember when you came into Elite XC, a lot of people were saying, way back when, a lot of people were saying, oh, this could be the one, the woman to defeat Chris Cyborg. You remember that when people were talking about you versus Chris Cyborg a long time ago, and now... Yeah, I remember that. I remember. And it didn't really work out back then, but now Chris is in the UFC. She can't fight at 135.

I'm wondering if you're still interested in fighting her, maybe at 140 or 145. Does that interest you at all or do you want to stay at 135? I'm in 135 champion, you know, and I'm going to stay there. Okay. It's fighting my division. You know, it doesn't make any sense for me and go up, you know, because I want to be the best in 135 division. Okay.

So you're going to stay there, and if she can make it, she can make it. speaking of those days, what has been the difference for you? Because I remember you came in, Strike Force, the Alexis Davis fight, and then Sarah DeLelio and Invicta. Now you've looked amazing as of late. Do you feel like something changed? Is it, you know, you teaming up with ATT? Is there something going on in your personal life? What is the secret to the success that you've been enjoying lately?

Yeah. You know, in every stop, always when I back to the game, when I lost fighting back to the game, I always think, like, better, watch the fight again, and see what I think at that moment, what the things go wrong in that moment, you know. And then it happened the same against Cattigano. Right after, Minina, we talk about, and we decided we're going to switch the team

and then pick the best team on the planet. And we decided a medical top team and work very well. And of course, it worked a lot of things. personal thing and being working very well. Do you feel like it's important to hold the belt for a long time to prove that this division isn't, because the belt has now changed hands three times. Are you looking forward to saying, okay, it's not going to move for a very long time. Is that an important thing for you?

Yeah, for sure. I'm going to keep this belt until I retire. Oh, wow. And I'm going to, yeah, until I retire, I'm going to keep this belt. And I'm going to prove everybody. I mean, the best and I'm going to stay that until I retire.

Do you feel like people still don't believe that you're the best? No really pay attention, you know? I don't really like care about people's safe. And I try and go all the time in my social meetings, stuff like that. I post something I give attention

but I don't care, you know. I believe in myself. My coach believe in me. And is the thing I care. about and move it fall and then keep it proving keep proving you know to people prove it myself and go forth and then people anyway people is gonna talk you know because have these things you know long as I have missus things and then have my thing and this is

you know all the things talking anyways you want or if you're lost you you'll lose it then is gonna keep talking then never going to stuff. And what about the fight coming up this Saturday, Holly Home and Valentina Shofchenko, that you know, who do you think is going to win that fight? I think Hollyholm is going to beat Valentina Cicchio. Okay. But he's going to go to five rounds.

Yeah. Fight. Going to go to the season in this fight. A lot of people seem to think that as well. Two last questions for you. The night before your fight, or was it two nights before? No, two nights before, Hafeld Dosangos lost his belt. and for a while there were no Brazilian champions for a long time now.

I know Jose Aldo is interim champion, but you're the only official champion. Was that an important thing for you to bring a belt back to Brazil? And when you go back to Brazil, to see your family, are they going to make a big party for you? Oh, yeah. Everybody, right away after they fight, they go to Brazil. But I have to do a couple things in America for it.

And then next week, I'm going to back to Brazil, and then for sure is going to have a huge party there. everybody wait for me. Wow. I have a national way for me. That is great. And my last question is, you know, a little bit was made of the fact that you're the first openly gay champion in UFC history.

Is this something that you're comfortable with? Do you like when people talk about your personal life like this and sort of put this label on you or would you rather people don't? Yeah, that's okay for me. I'm happy. You know, this is more important. You love is loving. That's why I hope.

To help people see if you don't need to keep. you don't need to care about nobody, you know, care about yourself and show people you're happy and everything is going to change, you know. But if you, like, hide your happiness, you never is going to be happy, real happy. You have to open and then let it go, you know. The life is beautiful.

You have to live your life. I think if I help at least one person to be strong to go through this, I'm happy. Wow. That is a beautiful thing. Congratulations to you, Amanda. Very happy for you. What a performance.

Enjoy the belt. Enjoy your time back home in Brazil. And thank you very much for coming on the show. I know you don't sometimes love to do media, so I really appreciate you coming on and talking to us today. Thank you so much. Appreciate. Okay.

Obrigado and parabenz to Amanda Nunes, the new UFC Women's Bantamway Champion. I mean, those words, obviously her English isn't. She's not fluent in English, I should say, but you can totally understand what she was saying there in her last answer and pretty beautiful stuff, especially in this day and age. Really, really great stuff from Amanda Nunes. And certainly, I mean, when you think about what she did to Misha Tate, and again, considering that Misha Tate's best attribute is that she is virtually unbreakable in the sense that it is hard to finish this woman via strikes early in fights. She's tough. Amanda Nunes defeated her in around three minutes, the biggest stage possible.

In many people's eyes, the pound for pound king, the man who will be defending his title at UFC 197, April 23rd in Las Vegas, Nevada. Our old pal, Mighty Mouse, Demetrius Johnson. Demetrius, how are you? What's on, Ariel. How are you doing, my luck? Great to talk to you, Demetrius. You know, it has been a while, believe it or not. I don't know if you know this since you've been on the show.

almost like three quarters of a year. The last time you were on, man, you ruffled feathers, huh? You threw out that $2 million remark and that thing had legs for days. It was unbelievable. You got any more grenades that you want to launch today? I believe the reason I spent so long for being your phone shows because you lost my phone number. So shame, shame on you. No, now you give the exclusives to your boys over at Twitch to your fans over there.

What are we at now as far as followers there now? I think we just hit 36,000 followers. So shout out to the Twitch family, Twitch Squad, Midas Squad. Yeah, we're building the next community over there. We talk about all types of stuff, video games, MMA, all types of shit. What does Rampage have? Rampett. I think he's like 46,000. Oh, we got to beat him.

I'm not sure. We got to beat him. Oh, we're working on it, baby. Okay. It's a healthy competition. Okay, good. We definitely have to beat him. But when you found out that you were the co-main event on this great card to this main event of John Jones versus Daniel Cormier and that you wouldn't have, you know, to answer for, you know, the promotion, all that stuff, you could just be co-pilot and ride that train along and have a lot of fun with it because, you know, a lot of the attention was going to be on them. Was this the perfect scenario for you? Did you love this idea that was thrown out initially?

Yeah, I was ecstatic, man That was, you know The whole entire time You know, leading up to after my last time With John Dodson, I was like Dude, let me play matchmaker And you make your guys' card I was like, you know

Put me in the co-main event You know, of Wyman or Luke Rockhold Okay, well, let me do a co-main event Of Purdue and And Camelaskas, you know And I was like, you guys can have Two Latino champions at night If you guys make that card happen

But, yeah, I'm very excited to be behind John Jones and Daniel Cormick because they're going to be nice and there's bad blood between those two and I think it's the right platform to get the flyweight division a little more ice. Yeah, this is the perfect scenario in my opinion.

So, Hudo, obviously, we know about his background, gold medalists in the Olympics, undefeated, has had a nice run in the UFC thus far. But honestly, do you think that this, if you can be objective here, do you think this is coming a little too soon for him? Do you feel like this is too big of a jump in competition?

and he's kind of a product of, you know, you just blowing through the competition at 125 and they're not being any other credible opponents and contenders out there? No, not at all. I mean, I believe you're in a UFC, there's no, you know, protecting people or, no, I don't want that person to fight him

because it's a bad matchup, you know. I think that's back in your amateur days when you're trying to build your skill set, and all that stuff, you know, you're at the big league now, so you fight everybody. You know, since, right when I jumped into WEC, you know, they offered, you know, a rat ticket. And, you know, Sean Schumer was like, that's a pretty tough fight, Matt goes, I don't give it there,

I will take them. And I went out there and I fought my ass off. People are like, oh, man, that fight might have been too soon for you. You're fighting a little more development? No, it was a perfect fight, you know. Look at work you come to now. And I think it's good that everybody just fights, you know, don't try to pick and choose your opponents. You know, U.S. you call us in the fight.

Sounds good. So I think, you know, here's a student. He has great accolades, you know, a gold medal. in Olympic wrestling and he's undefeated and mixed martial arts. Born on UFC, the two he's got. I'm excited to test myself against them and we're going to find out. He said at that unstoppable press conference a few weeks back that he sincerely believes that the UFC wants him to win this fight to get rid of you.

What's your response to that? Okay. Do you think he's just trying to get under your skin? I guess you can say that I mean like I said I mean I've had people call me boring you know my favorite

my favorite line was somebody called me was drama and he goes he was Josh is so boring I can sit there and watch his fight get up and go make his sandwich come back and he still do the same shit then when I arm barred him

I was like yeah yeah that sandwich must taste good didn't it so for me people say all types of stuff man but it's all funny games outside of the case when you get in there with me you realize how fast I am you realize how good

my transitions are, you realize how I get my clinch game is, how I'll get my kickbox and my wrestling game is, and then, you know, after we're done fighting, you know, they ain't got shit to say. I love the stare down. We're watching it now that you guys had a couple weeks ago in Vegas. You yawning afterwards. It was great. What did you say to him? You did sort of the air quote thing. What did you guys say to each other? He said, he said no excuses. And I was like, dude, the only person made excuses is you about tacos, bro. Remember that that type of you had in Mexico? Yeah. So that's the thing, man.

I'm all about trying out there and let my skill set do the talking, and I've never made an excuse in my life. I followed a broken hand, broken leg, broken ribbon, a movie tight fight, came out, you know, victorious, and, you know, after the fight, my coaches then we knew my leg was broken, or my hammer's broken. I was like, what was wrong? I was like, I broke my fucking hand in the first route. He goes, oh, all right, well, good job.

You did it good. Tap out in the back. Go get surgery and get back to the gym and get back to work. It's funny that he used that line about excuses during the Stairdown because I just want to play this quick clip of him on my show a few weeks back and get your response to it. Is that all right? Of course. Here it is. Here's Henry Sehoud on the show just a few weeks ago. What I don't want, I don't want excuses when I beat him.

I don't want excuses that. Oh, my shirt, my beard, and people were pulling me over here, pulling me over there. No, you're fighting an undefeated fighter. he's an elite fighter and you know, showcase. Come on, man. Like, this is,

this is a fight. This isn't, you're not fighting, you're not fighting, you're not fighting, you're not fighting Haribucci, you're fighting Henry Sohudo.

A really strong, strong, world human being that can put things together and that will shine on the brightest life. What do you think of that? My favorite thing is how he's

in third person. He's like, you're fighting Henry Suudo. And I'm, Pete, I put things together, blah, blah, blah, blah. I'm like, that's fine. I'll see you every 23rd. Sounds good.

Why is he so worried that you're going to come up with an excuse? I have no fucking idea. I have no idea. You should be asking that. Not me, damn it. All right, fair enough. I will ask him that the next time because he seems to be really talking about that particular thing. Do you recall watching him in the Olympics?

Are you a fan of amateur wrestling? Do you recall when he won the gold medal? I do not. I'm 110%. I've never watched, you know, and a lot of USA wrestling people might be pissed at me, but I've never have, you know. I grew up in a household with a mother and a brother and a sister, and I was the only person he did wrestling.

So after I was done with wrestling in high school, after I lost state, I was like, okay, well, you know what? I sound like, you know, those are professional wrestling. I'd go making money. So after my high school career, I was like, okay, I'm done. I'm going to go work full time and, you know, skip out on track this season. and just start working out. And so hearing about the Olympic,

I never knew you could, you know, didn't know the world's Olympic wrestling until I got older. And then, I honestly can tell you the first time I ever heard about the Olympic wrestling. But, yeah, so I didn't know he won it, and then the very first time I heard about his judo when he was fighting a legacy fighting championship.

And, you know, the headlines that, you know, this man misses weight again. And then when I clicked on the page, I'm in the main junkie, I was like, I read the thing and I was like, oh, Goldmanos says his weight again

and blah, blah, blah. I'm like, huh, that's interesting, whatever, and then move on to the next news. And then,

you know, fast forward, here we are. Are you concerned at all that he won't make weight? Making, I mean, it doesn't really affect,

no, no, no, you think he will. He'll make weight. He'll make weight. I mean, nowadays, you know,

people pay people to make sure they make weight, you know? So I think, uh, for me, I've never been a type person

that I've never been a type person to go out and hire dietitian. You know, I always read books or I always ask doctors. And I pick people's brain. That way, at the end of the day, I can do it on my own. When I am comfortable and I can do it on my own, and I have the mind power and the will to be like, all right, tonight we're going to have, you know, all my chicken breast with asparagus with some type of carbohydrate, and I get thought I have soup to be able to eat.

Sweet, sounds good. Eat it, wake up, feel good, go out and fight. So, he'll make weight. If you knew about Olympic wrestling back then and applied yourself, do you think you could have made a run and meddled at the Olympics. Do you think about that sort of thing? I don't think about it, but absolutely I believe I can do that. I would like to think I can.

I believe in my skills and the skill set and with the right coaching and with the right mindset and where I'm just focused 110% on one thing, then absolutely. I mean, you'd think about it. I was working full-time at a job carrying, you know, construction tubes around, set them up. I made all the way up to the championship at 135, beating the best fighters in the world at that time.

So now, here I am, you know, doing my thing, beating everybody up at 125. And life is good. So I believe I could have. You're always peppered with these questions about your opponents and you're sort of, you know, you're stone cold. You never give us an opening. But when you find out that you're fighting an undefeated guy who is, you know, one of three gold medalists in UFC history, do you perk up a little bit?

Do you have an extra pep in your step? Does this one feel a little different because of who he is? Arrow, Herod, it could be 8-8, and I'll still have the same fire underneath my ass as if he was undefeated. So for me, it's just another opponent training my ass off like it's just another fight, and that's how it's going to be even the next fight.

You know, like I said, I never touched the outcome of my fights. I never touch to the outcome of who my opponent's going to be. I ask you to see what is my date, and I say, all right, I'll make sure I'm the best to Michigan Johnson on April 23rd, and that's what I plan on doing. Seven straight title defenses, right? Anderson has the record 10

How important is that to you to break that record? It's important. You know, it's a goal. It's a goal for me. And I think that, you know, me having that goal is super high or high on my priority list is something I'm shooting for. And I just think it'd be fucking dope. I was like, oh, Denetri Johnson, UFC player champion

with 15 consecutive kind of the 50s, never got injured, beat all his opponents. and I think that's something dope to look back on where, you know, whoever purchased their company after Dana Lorenzo and they look at him

and they see my name like, oh shit, they had 15 to follow effects because let's look up his why was he so successful? What was he so good? What made him different than all the other champions?

You know, he kept on evolving. He kept on, you know, he fought a two-time world samuel champion. Couldn't take the name down. What do he do? End up pushing him and outstriking him.

That's what I want my legacy to be to words. If I get in there with the opponent who is superior in one aspect of mixed martial arts. I'm like, my friend, let me tell you something. This is mixed martial arts. I can take this in many different areas.

And that's why I credit, you know, Bad Hume and Brad Kirkson for making me have such a long amateur career in mixed martial arts, where there was me doing kickboxing, boxing, boxing, MMA, grappling tournaments, shoot boxing, just doing different types of things to where nowadays, everybody's such in a fucking rush to get to the dictionary.

It was like, dude, take your time. You're 18. 18 years old, go do a couple boxing fights, go do judicious tournaments, go do a Muay Thai fight. That way, if you did it with a certain person who specializes in one aspect that you still have that, that is where you can go

to a guy and like, hey, what is your background? I specialize in Muay Thai. That is, I am a fan of fighter. So it's like, hey, so that makes me feel like you never did any grappler tournaments or any wrestling tournaments. Oh, hey, so I know we do weak to kids. So that's why, that's yeah, that's a little rant on mine. I like it. I like that rant.

I know I can go on the record and predict this, and I know it's going to be true. You will be more appreciated when you're done fighting than you are now. You're one of those guys. I can't compare you. No one's coming to mind right now, but you know that's true, right? I mean, when this run is over, when you retire, when you're done doing something else, whatever that may be, people are going to look back on your run in your career way more fondly than they do now. You know that, right?

I hope so. And I think he might be right. You know, I think now everybody's all caught up with, you know, they want the bad blood and a great sound bite and the look for that. And I think for me, when I'm done by it, I think people would truly appreciate how I'm able to mix it up, be floated in my transition,

and look back how I carry myself as a champion to where I'm a humble guy, even in victory and defeat, you know? If people beat me up or when I get beat up, you know, I always get down and appreciate it. I was like, I'm still tipping your job for two cuts me three times in a row, But I still love you. You got great footwork. Or even when I beat John Dodson the second time,

and he was talking to all this stuff, and I can't hit hard. I was like, dude, even though you talk shit, congrats of being a father, I wish you the best in life. I wish you the best in your career. After I arm barred John Rock, I went until I was like, dude, it's not the end of the road for you. You'll be back. It's all about take care of your family and paying bills.

So, congrats, thank you for finding me, and wishing the best of the career. And that's how it's going to be after me hit him here to fight. Do you even look at the bottom of the division, the rising stars, the prospects? Like, are there certain guys that you're like, you know what, I have a feeling in a year or so he may be closer to my radar, he may be someone I'll have to prepare for. Do you look at that? I don't look at it as they're going to be on my radar or I have to prepare for them

because I'm preparing for, when I prepare for my fights, I'm preparing to beat Matt Hume. I'm trying to compete with Matt Hume. That is my end-game goal. If you be able to tap out that Hume and give him fit and work. work him on the feet. That is my end-game goal. So I believe Matt Heum is the best fighter in the world. So when I am training for my fights and I'm fighting him, there's no way not to get on who's going to be able to put it together like

Matt Heum can. But I do look at the guys to the very below the division who are coming up and say they're going to have great careers that they see on this path. Is there anyone in particular that you're super interested in that you've been watching that you think is going to be a player? I think all of them. I honestly think all of them. You know, I can't sit here and hand-pick one because, you know, I can say, oh, well, this person is going to be good. But, you know, injuries play a factor in being a successful, have a successful career. You know, you look at, to beat Mr. Mernardoff.

I mean, he's an amazing, amazing athlete. And his fight is he's undefeated. But the thing that's keeping him out of, you know, the oxygen is his injury. So that plays a factor in people's career. And I can't just take, oh, this guy's going to be great. Let's make sure you know, you know, why 60, he gets their woman pregnant. They have my kids. I don't know.

Oh, shit. Anything can happen. That's another thing that I feel like is overlooked. You might be the most reliable champion in UFC history, right? Have you ever pulled out of a fight? I pulled out of one fight because I need a surgery. And once I pulled out, I got surgery, and I pulled out in my fight against John Maraga in March, and then I got surgery once I pulled out on my labrum, and then I fought him in July.

So I was like, hey, hey, I go get a Band-Aid on my arm, then you go to surgery. As far as I got out of surgery, I was in physical therapy and trained for the fight, then we ended up fighting in July. So that's the only time I've pulled out of the fight. Was that announced yet when you pulled out? I don't remember. Or was it being just? Yeah, yeah, it was announced because we're going to fight on the ultimate fighter.

Okay. The main event, I believe. But then I, you know, I was training, and I was like, now I was like, do this. And I was like, man, I can't fucking do it. And he goes, why? And I was like, it hurts. He goes, taking MRI. And now I got an MRI.

And he goes, why don't you tell me? I was like, I don't want you to think I was a bitch. And he goes, dude, like, that's the last thing I think you're going to be. Like, when you're hurting, you need to tell me that. That way we can work around training. And sure enough, my labor was so blown, he was like, you need to get surgery. And then I try to fight it, but now's like, get surgery. I mean, you can be a tough guy and try to go out there and fight,

but what if you lose and your arm blows out, whatever? You know, get surgery. You can have this fight. The fight's not going anywhere. You know, you're still young. Just fluid surgery. So I did. Do you pay attention to, you know, what Connor is making these days and Nate and some of these other guys and are you...

Be goddamn right, I do. Are you... Hell yeah, man. Shot at the Conn of McGregor for making seven figures on first fight. I ever to make seven figures in the UFC payout. But, yes, I do pay together that. And are you close there? Do you feel like you should be closer?

How do you feel about what you're getting? I honestly do believe I should be closer. just for the skills that I bring in the octagon. And obviously everybody can look back at USC191 and see what my, you know, disclosal play is. And that's another one of my goals is to hitch my way closer to those big pay days, you know, and shout out to Nate Diaz and both those guys

for setting the pedestal for us fighters to get paid more. I mean, we go out there and we work our asses off. And the USC, they work their asses off, too, with promoting the fight and try to sell tickets. and I think it's great those guys need to pay more, but absolutely I love to see Demich Johnson, you know, Jimmy's Johnson, UFC 197 playout,

500K payout, baby. Yeah, absolutely. Yeah, amen to that. How many fights left on your contract? I have to look. I think we're getting close. I think I got three left. Are you looking forward to that?

Are you going to, you know, do what a lot of fighters are doing now and try to test the waters or at least try to, you know, you know, not signed before you're done as was the norm back in the day before the contract was up. To be honest, you do, I always let Matt Hume deal with that. We sit down and when we talk about it, you know, and Matt Hume was the best for me, for my family, for my children, and I'm sure, you know, the biggest thing right now is

out there and fight. At the end of the day, when I was first fighting the U.S.C. Malibu, like, dude, just go out there and fight and win. If you just win, everything else to take care of itself. You know, now I've been winning, you know, for a long damn time. And I'm hoping now that everything was going to take care of itself. But when we get closer to, you know, that part in my career, then me and Matt, him, we sit down and talk about it, then we will go from there.

All right. Well, for now, we appreciate your time. It is, I love this fight. This is going to be fun. April 23rd, Las Vegas, UFC 197. What a great main and co-main event, a true co-main event. Demetrius Johnson versus Henry Sehudo for the flyway title. and of course, John Jones versus Daniel Cormier for the light heavyweight title.

What a one-two punch that is. Always a pleasure. It has been too long, my friend. Thank you for gracing us with your presence. I know you're going to train now, so I appreciate some time here on a Monday. Absolutely, or any time. You know, you got my never dog. You're kidding you up.

You're my man. There he is. Demetrius Johnson. We appreciate him very much, the flyway champion of the UFC big fight for him coming up in less than a month and interesting comments there regarding his pay. And certainly one of the more underappreciated. fighters in UFC history, I think that's a very, very valid point and a point that could be argued easily.

We've been doing this show for over seven years now, and, you know, we've been lucky to get most of, if not all, the big names. One name that has alluded us over the years is one of the greatest of all time, and I'm so excited that he is joining us right now. I'm talking about Joseo Aldo, who is joining us from Brazil. Jose, are you there? I believe that is him. I believe that is him. I'm here. Yes, and he's being joined by a translator, right?

We got a translator there? Yeah, I'm here. Okay, fantastic. Well, Jose, thank you very much for the time. I appreciate it. So, okay, let's start first things first. We haven't heard much from you over the last couple of months. How would you describe the last two and a half months for you since the loss to Connor McGregor?

Are you still getting over it? Do you feel like you've gotten over it? How are you physically and mentally? He said mentally I'm okay This is part of the sport We win we lose I've been working out Physically

For a few weeks And I'm getting ready to go again How many times have you watched the fight against Connor McGregor What did you say What was he said how many times You said how many times he did it How many times do you have?

No how many times does he watch it on his computer, on his phone. Okay. Okay, Gary. How many of you have your death for the phone number greener? Ah, yes.

I don't need to see much because it's practically we've been in a few, so we just watched a very, so I don't need to be watching that thing, because we've got to be

the last two seconds. So, we don't I don't really watch it a lot because we saw the mistake, we saw what we had to do, and we saw we have to do next. In your opinion, what was the mistake that night? In your opinion, what was the mistake that night? I think, for me, no, there was a error. I think, for me, didn't have a problem.

The The other has a opportunity to continue to connect a bonob a lot

I think he no exists no no was in the moment of this is I prefer

to see on the other other other he had he had a better and he

was my did you gop to be a place and it

would be and the I'm a another I'm also I'd

I was a good place to the ground I said I didn't do any mistakes I had a good punch, he had a good punch but he had a better one so he connected the merit is his it had been said afterwards that you didn't seem like yourself out there like maybe he got in your head under your skin is that accurate at all did he take you out of your game plan

because of all the things that had been said leading up to that fight You You think that In a hour The other He, in some way He, in some

head to make your And make sure that And affect the Not, I don't Vents in this manner I was

Well, I'm prepared I was being I'm gonna never I never I'm gonna I'm gonna

For my head I'm gonna I think I'm a good And pot I'm As I said, I think there's

a good to get a lot and end up with the other other. If you're the other

other other, I think that's that's the other and it was the

side of the other but it was not no, I'm no, no,

I'm something, I'm a question, we're too, I'm sorry, the same,

Nair, Errol, the voice okay, the voice okay, the voice very, was, um,

um, the, a nice punch, a great punch. I wasn't in a bad day. He was really lucky. So typically when we've seen a champion hold the belt for a long time and then lose, we've heard calls for immediate rematches

and seeing the fight again out of respect to the champion, wanting to see it again. When you lost, that didn't happen as much from all corners. People weren't calling for it and it didn't seem like that was the direction that the UFC was going in. Were you surprised by that? Did that bother you

that people weren't calling for the rematch after you had been the king for so long? When you said, when you said, I don't talk about talking to you'd have a revanch automatic, not?

It had been commodered to some of the same for a time and not have been in a revanched immediate. I don't can't talk to me. I'm not even, that we're also

that we're talking about it. I think I do this is a problem a minute that I know that

I'm sure that's things, and I say I'm a advance mediated so that's

those people that say about the people who think of what we're what we're we're thinking

and we're getting a conclusion that we're in a revocated I'm I can talk

on the half of everybody of a lot of people that in my mind I just

was the rematch the UF things I deserve a rematch. So in my mind, I'm ready for it. Okay, so it came out last week that the UFC called you to fight

Connor McGregor on less than two weeks' notice to fight this weekend. Is it true that that happened, and is it true that you turned it down, and if so, why? I'm not to speak to four. You should make a little

four for two friends. And If you're not, if you're not. If you're not, I think I think the other people

imagine that's that's all the time I should and then we're on the

time for the I'm Okay, clearly, just one second, guys, we're having some technical issues. Let's just reestablish the connection. We're going to call you right back, because I want to hear what you have to say to this, okay? We're going to call you right back. Okay, we're going to call Jose right back.

A crucial part of the interview I was trying to bill to that. And I want to hear exactly what he has to say. Sometimes you rejiggered the connection and we'll get him right back on the horn. Fascinating, as always, to hear his insight despite the language barrier. And I do appreciate him coming on. hasn't done a ton of interviews. He actually did a scrum recently as he opened a new burger shop in Rio, so that's pretty cool. I think our man Guillermo Cruz tried to get a burger or two, but he was shut out. Understandably so. I'm not sure if they sell assaille there. As you know,

I am a big fan of the assaille, but Dana White did say last week that his first two calls were to Frankie Edgar and Josealdo. Not sure if in that order. And curious to hear, hear his take on that. You work so hard for the rematch, people tend to forget that it's not, you know, you got to be ready. There's no doubt about that, but not the most ideal circumstances to, you know, try to avenge that loss when you only have, you know, 11 or so days notice because if for some reason you happen to falter, well, it's hard to get that third crack when you're oh and two. So I think fans tend to forget that sometimes. Sometimes we, we, we, we tend to look at these fighters like they're rock and sock and robots and they could just

you know be interchangeable like when I used to play with my old school LGN was the LJN I think they were LJN or JLN pro wrestling toys and I would make cards I believe we have Jose back Josay are you there you guys there okay great yeah that's a lot better so you were you were in the midst of translating that that question so we can continue there Do you need me to ask the question again? Yeah, okay. So, on the second, so on, about the two weeks,

you'll receive, or if you really received it, because you're not saying, uh, I didn't receive a lot of, I think this, the last part of the Lunt, not the Lita,

we had to have been in the Colorado of the U.S. And we've got to be the United States and we can't have a response to terminate Then I was going to have taken away from there. I was going to be left. And, and even if I was still in the case,

he was still, so I was trying to take the activity of contact, until until they were never, and he was able to be liberated. And the G. He said, said that he had a job of the domino, because I've never said.

And I think he said that said this, so a blog he's been to say to say, not, not to say he said. came to have a obligation or to whatever thing. This does part because I'm going to try the job of them.

So you're trying to get a person to be made. So, so, the defendant or not. So, you know,

those who do you who call what you're going to those guys in my part, I'm very very simple,

I don't know to be kept to me, so, then I'm going to any whatever, whatever,

if you're trying to make, mod, sports, and that's actually I didn't appreciate to me. Actually, Darren made a call for my coach

that I wasn't able to train to Siberia level. I chose the UFC, I chose what they put in front of me, and I chose the match of the game. Were you disappointed, though? Were you disappointed? Like, did you want to take the fight? If you had a little more time, or did you not even consider it, given the fact that it was less than two weeks notice. You've got disaffronted a little. You'd have to be able to spend more of time to train.

It's, of course, I think we always we always take care of those people, or do you, a corporate professional. We need to take care. This is not a line of gala, that I'll get my Gala to break. It's a sport. You can't afford to,

but at all the years, but to put up for me to try them, for sure it's a good. A good job. So, so you get paid to intern out, minute for him

to go to that a lot, to go to go to go to the same. Of course

we'd accepted. In order to put on a great show and do a great job,

I needed more time to train to be ready for it. What do you want more at this

point next for you? A rematch against Connor or just a shot at the belt?

If he, you know, happens to relinquish the title and stays up will fighting for the belt be enough, or do you really want the rematch against Connor next?

What do you want to rematch against Connor next? What do you want to, the same round of the vote more important for you or a revenge against a moment. What's what you're going to beckis? I think, for me, my brother and many friends with the same way, the moment I'm going to be able to be able to be able to be able to be a champion.

It's important to be a lot of being able to say that I think I will repulchia. I don't care much about McGregor. The most important thing is my life now is to get the belt back to be the champion again. When... Because I know if I get the belt, my next shot is with the corner because I won the belt first. Right. And after the Magrath. Are you worried, though, that he's going to stay up 170, 155 and vacate the title

and then the title is not going to mean as much? you're preoccupated that he can in a division of 55

kilos and I don't be like the I'm the

I'm with me I'm what they go that's the problem

of them I think I'm my family and my family and for the family

I'm sorry my family of my I'm worried that I care about my family, my friends. I don't care about Mediaga at all. I don't care about me much. So in a perfect world for you, when would you like to return?

It's a world perfect in this vision for you. When you'd like to go back? Can't let's hear. I'm sorry. I'm sorry to try to try to let's. So I'm sorry. I know that's a good because it's going to be a great. I would like to be part of this.

You're going to be a major wage. I know that's going to be a great event for the event, but I really would like to be part of this. Would you be interested in fighting Frankie, Edgar, even though you beat him, if they say, okay, it's going to be you and Frankie maybe number one contender fight for the belt,

but not for the title? It's just that. Or is it belt or nothing? you. You can't be able to talk with Frank Edd for a few

who would be able to the client even just unpaid to be political I don't have ever

with them and I think direct that he's that he passed over in my head this

this would not make any sense if it wasn't so about to be for the belt. So your next fight, you want to be for the belt? Have you expressed this to the UFC? Have you told the UFC this?

And do you feel like they're on board? Are you confident that your next fight will be for the Featherweight title? You've talked with your FECD for your own borkman. You think that the WACSI is, is with you, is with you, is that you're supporting for you in the cuntlete for you in the cuntlet? I think we're, we see. We've seen.

We've got our job and our story, so I hope so. And he's about this, too. I think that's the earlier this idea because I think they're in the first place. So I think you're in the first place. So I'm going to say that's going to be here. I think so. I think they're with me.

I think everybody wants to see. I think it's a lot. It has to happen, make it happen. How would you describe the state of your relationship with the UFC now? In the past, you know, you've had some things to say. It seems like you guys weren't always on the same page. Right now, how would you describe the state of your relationship with the UFC? How much you would you describe it would be a relationship?

I think it's normal. I'm a job of a business. I see. I don't know. I've got to have been with them, me too bad, me with Florence. I just have to be

a little bit of course, I just have to be able to pay. He tried me to attenders. So, and then it would be great. So I think it's been that's not going to be able to. For me,

for me, for the only time for example, don't have to fight. Uh, things people change because I also fight. We have a good relationship. Everything has been messing in them.

They've been doing it. So, uh, I'm a couple more things and then we'll let you go and thank you so much oh, thank you so much, oh, do you miss being champion? Like is it still strange for you to not have the belt? Is this something that you think about a lot? You think of a lot?

You think, or you think, not a champion, or, you think, really, in this? Yeah, so, strange, for me, there's been to be a champion in the story. The other than this is, but I think, but I think, but, I think, but, I don't. who are going to get into New Jersey. It's a little bit more than the country. He went back to back in the back. He goes back.

He goes back in my mondayv. It is a little bit weird for you because I've been the champions in 10 years. Normally champions to them. But I think in a short future, I'll be able to get it back. Who do you think is going to win? Nate Diaz or Connor McGregor? Gregor?

What do you think you may have been to say on McGregor? I don't be what I'm going to say what I'm going to

switch it but you know a lot of my name if you're who I'm who can get no,

I don't know so so I'm going to me off so much of the money I really don't care about

who you're going to actually I don't know if I'm doing watch it so whatever happens okay and final thing how's the new hamburger restaurant doing for you and why did you decide to open this? I think I'm going to stay in the restaurant to hamburger that you have served you and we're just so much thank you very much thank you very much for a good day and I'm sorry for you And, ah, it's really very much very much

my opinion because I think for this people have been a good and it

uh the idea the office we're in a lot of but after she's almost

he knows that he knows for me a lot of the people we're doing so that we're doing the money

until they're in the phone We have created a idea. The final contract, we've got to come in a different time. He was very happy. I was very happy. So, because I think I'm going to look for this. And I've just put a little of the market there.

This is a lot of difficulty in this. And the implications of this of the money. And I just don't know me, too much, First of all, thank you for asking about it. This is a new opportunity for me after I retired in the future. I know I'm not going to fight forever. But business has been late. It's selling a lot of burgers and Asia's greatness.

Okay, and one more thing. Sorry, one last thing. I know a lot was said between you and Connor leading up to the fight Can you say that you respect him now as a fighter? Do you have respect for him or Is that still not the case? It's very difficult,

you know, If you were in a little, you feel something different for him or you know, or you know, the same thing? I want to hear you know, this education,

I do you know, so I'm sorry, so. I'm going to be able. For me, it's a lot of people. I'm talking about it. I mean, it's not going to be able to be able to be able to do. I'm not sure they're up to you. Uh,

the museum, Jerry. It's a little bit of the importance. I think, I'm not for me. I was raped to be polite and be a good person, but I feel like I was in the all. Okay. We'll leave it at that.

Thank you so much, Jose. really appreciate it. Obrugado. Thank you for the time. And I hope to see you soon. And also thank you to Andre Pettanaris and your translator today for helping us out. I really appreciate it.

Thank you. Thank you so much, thank you very much. Okay, thank you guys. There he is, Josealdo, the former UFC featherweight champion. One of the very best at 145 pounds in the UFC is Max Holloway.

This man is on a roll. He is hungry for a big fight, and he is joining us right now. Vee the Magic Skype. Wow! crystal clear Skype over there in Y Nye. How about that? Max, how are you?

What's up, my friend? Good, good. How are you, my friend? Look at this setup. What do you got over there? This is incredible. This is a regular logic tech camera and a Yeti. My streamers, I stream it.

I'm off of, I stream on Twitch TV. So this is all my streaming setup. Oh, I see. So you're one of those Demetrius Johnson, Rampage Jackson guys, doing the video game thing. Yeah, yeah, let Demetrius Johnson know that, I'm coming for his ass on Street Fighter 5. He whipped my ass real bad a couple weeks ago.

So tell him I'm practicing and I'm coming to to get what's mine, my revenge. You guys are actually competing in front of fans online? Oh, yeah, he was playing Street. His game is Street Fighter 5. I played him once in UFC and I won and he was saying how terrible that game is or whatever. So I told him I would buy Street Fighter 5 to play him. We played 10 times and he wooked my ass 10 times. Wow.

I'm practicing. Damn. Let them know. I will let him know. Do you get paid for this? Twitch, we partnership. Yeah, we do. It's all off of our Twitch is at Bless Soma.

So give me a follow, guys. I watch the fights and stuff, whatever. And we play games, but we got to sponsor a partnership with them. They give us e-motes and stuff in the way we get paid if people come and subscribe to our stuff. So it's pretty cool. And the best way to talk to fans, I get to, tell my wife that I'm, you know, working. So it's awesome while playing games, so it's fun.

Well, I know nothing about that stuff, but I love the fact that they are supporting fighters and giving you guys an outlet. So I am all for that. Great stuff by Twitch. Okay, there's a lot of business to talk to you about. First, let's start with the new stuff. Saturday night, UFC on Fox,

Anthony Pettis, 145 looks great. And then, wow, I see on your Twitter, don't believe the hype. You were not impressed. Bro, I didn't even want to fight, bro. I swear to God, after every 140 fight, five fight, people's tweeting me that I should fight this guy. And I'm like, bro, like, two weeks ago, you used to tell me I should fight your rear. And before that, you just is telling me I should fight, Duhu Choy.

Make up you guys mine, man. What the hell is going on? You know, it's just a confusing thing. You know, these guys want me to fight. It's just the hype, you know. It's just, I'm not talking about pettis or whatever. You know, I'm not trying no shit. I just just saying, don't, like, they're so, like, this, um, this, M.

fans, they just jump on the whatever that fight is, you know, and that's what I say. I want to fight. That's come I want to fight often because they remember you for fights. You know, if you take some time off, they kind of forget what you do. But it just proves over and over again. Every time I, every time I won 45 or fights, they're like, Max, fight them. Max, fight them. I'm like, what the hell is going on, my friends?

You know, there's some guys that I want to fight. Hey, that's all good matches for me, I think down the future. But there's a couple guys on my radar right now that I really want. and if I can't get the guys I really want I'll fight I'll fight whoever but you know that's what I'm talking about they keep fight 45 is keep fighting and I keep getting harassed on Twitter that I should fight them that they win so it's crazy

okay well get to the guys that you want to fight in a second but have you seen the peddice fight since Saturday no I didn't watch it I was a you didn't tape it or anything finished no I didn't tape it no we was uh I had a family day on Saturday and then we came home and the DVR didn't record so Damn, it is what it is. Yeah.

But after the fact, he's saying, you know, title shots this and that. I mean, I'm looking, you've won nine in a row, correct? That's not a typo. Yeah, yeah, nine. Well, it's, yeah, my friend said to make sure to correct you because you keep saying eight. But I was saying, I was giving you a break because it's eight 45 fights and I fought Clay Collar, it won 50. So it's nine fights. Fair enough, fair enough.

My bad. I'm not trying to take anything away from you. I'm just trying to be in. No, no. He said, I told him I got him. I tell my guy, everyone will say that? He said, yeah, but it is what it is.

Right, because of the Will Chope fight, correct? Yes, sir. Okay, so nine, eight, whatever the hell it is, it's very damn impressive. But still, we're not hearing you in title picture talk, this and that. What's going on here? When are you going to get what you deserve?

I don't know, you know. The weird thing of the division, there's two champions. I would sit here and be like, you know, I want to fight Connor, but then I'll be stupid. I'll be dumb ass, you know, because there's another brother. in the division and Aldo got him you know so if if Connor comes back down they fight each other for sure you know I can't be saying like wow where's my

fight because Aldo got a belt you know so if but we're hearing talks you know of stuff going up to 55 and fighting for that title and he got to drop his 45 about then of course the only fight that makes sense is probably me and Aldo you know since Aldo already fought the guy Frankie Edgar twice that's in front of me and then I would like to think I'm next in line but you know we sound we sound some crazier things in UFC happen So I ain't holding my breath on it. If I get the call, get the call. If not, we got to go for 10. And that's what we're going to do. So, okay, so let's lay it out. If they do Connor versus Aldo unification bout, who makes sense for you then?

I don't know, man. You know, I want to fight in New York. So, you know, Frank Yeager pops up in mind. Yeah. You know, Dominic Cruz is saying that he would, he wanted to fight for a belt and won a big fight. I would like to fight him at 45. I think that would be a fun fight to, uh, prove myself against someone pound for pound number two in the world number one pushing it there so I think that would be a fun fight

or you know now there's Pettis and whatever so we see what happens you know whoever you see wants me to fight I take the fights you know we never turn down one fight in my life

you know we get the call and it's like whatever you know time of us the day we get ready and we be there but as of right now they haven't reached out to you yet they haven't talked to you about

what's next no I'm I'm in the shadows just like you guys yeah I'm in the dark man And ninja's moving the shadows. It's time to shine. It's time to shine, huh?

Are you starting to get anxious? Are you getting like, you know, you're starting to feel like, okay, what's going on? I fought, you know, two months ago, two and a half months ago. What's going on here? A little bit, you know. I want to, yeah, I fought four times the last two years, you know. So it's like, yeah, I want to, I want to, I want to, each year I fought four times. So I want to fight, you know, I want to keep fighting.

So, yeah, I'm getting anxious. You know, this breaks. anything longer than three to four months is kind of driving me crazy, you know, without being booked. Usually I would be book already, you know, last year I would have been book already. So, yeah, I want to get, you know, I want to make those big money paydays and whatever. And I want people to harass people because I fight and they harass the top, the other guys in front of me that I should fight them, you know. So, yeah, I'm getting anxious, man. I want to wait. But, you know, time is on your side. You know, I'm just taking my time and we see what happens.

If you were in charge, what do you think should happen with the title? Like, do you think that if Connor doesn't, if he fights 155 next, should he just give up the belt at that point? Is there value and still, you know, having him hold the belt? What do you think should happen here? Because he's now fought, what, twice since winning the belt and hasn't defended it once. Yet, you know, you can't deny the fact that his two fights against Nate have made a lot of money for everyone involved. What do you think should happen at this point? You know, I don't know, I ain't the UFC, you know.

At the end of the day, at the end of day, it's whatever, you know. when I'm in that position, I would want to do what I would want to do, you know. So we see what happens, you know. Dana White already said that he said that if he fights 55, he's going to drop the belt, you know, or unify the belt at 45. So we see what happens, you know, everybody keeps crying and complaining. You know, I ain't no cry baby. You know, it is what it is.

You know, I'm not going to let my emotions get into this. It's just the way it turned out. You know, you can't change nothing. You see going to do what they're going to do. and I'm just ready for the call. Whenever they call me, I'm going to fight. I like to call it spilled milk. You're not going to spill milk and try and put it to a container.

You know, you just wipe that shit up and move on. What's your dream fight at this point? You know, my dream fight is either a rematch with Connor or a fight with Aldo, you know, because, you know, I always wanted to fight Aldo since his WEC days before I even was in the UFC. He was the best guy forever, you know. I always wanted to fight him. And then, of course, the Connor fight, the Connor fight, you know, people keep. saying, telling me that, harassing me on top of Twitter and stuff, that he had a torn ACL

and he couldn't finish me and this and that. But it is what it is. You know, go tell your boy Connor, prove it that he can finish me. Take the fight. You know, we keep, I keep calling him out. I keep, I keep talking, talking, and he's not talking about me. He's talking about a bunch of other guys that he fought before. Have you noticed that your name has sort of become a verb in MMA where people say, oh, he's pulling a Max Holloway right? now the sort of end of a round thing where you point to the ground. That whole thing that emerged when you fought Ricardo Lamas, this has become a thing now in the last two and a half months.

Yeah, yeah. They put it in the EA Menon Sports too, too. Really? UFC too. So, yeah, yeah, they did it. Only my guy can do it, so it's pretty sick. Wow. Yeah, shout out to, I think, Terry out there, Gary, he, the guy who does the game, he put

it in for us, and he's the man, you know. You get to, what happens in the game is the last 20 seconds, you do the taunt, and I do the point-down taunt, and they taunt back. You get a limited, a limited, what is that, cardio. You can't shoot and clinch, and you just bang hands in other words. So it's pretty cool. It's pretty dope. And yeah, everybody's doing it, you know. Shout out to Rivera.

Rivera, they did it in the first 20 seconds of the turnaround, not the last. I was like, they're kind of forgetting the thing. It's at the end, not the beginning. Shout out to their fight. That fight was crazy too. When was the first time that you did that? Was the Ricardo fight? You never did that in training or in any other like small-time fight?

That was the first time ever? Yeah, I was like, you know, I try. At the ending of fights, I try to, I try to throw down for like the last 10 seconds. But I never really made it known. You know, I try to stay there and be like, oh, 10 seconds, my way would just swing, you know, see what happens. But that last fight, Ricardo, like, if you watch, he taunt to me, like, three times and I was thinking like in my mind like what the hell you taunt to me you know if you want it you can get it then you know I decided to just stand my ground you know so it was crazy wow it's amazing

how it's actually become a thing now explain something to me how has the UFC in hawaii not become a thing yet with your success and so many others coming up Courtney case you just won a couple weeks ago i mean i feel like they can legitimately put on a card at this point Hawaii versus the world I feel like you can have like a 10-deep card of Hawaii fighters, Hawaiian fighters against international fighters. How has this not happened yet? I don't know. You know, I talked to Dana-Wa-Dame a while ago about it,

and the only way they said they want to come to Hawaii if it's huge, and the arena that we have in Hawaii, the big stadium that the Pro Bowl and stuff come down, it's an open stadium, and they keep saying that the rain and stuff and whatever, but they want to come down for a big event for a huge event they said so we see what happens you know maybe uh maybe i can get my title shot in new york you know hopefully pull it off and win and then uh you know take defender belt at home you know that would be uh i think that would be pretty crazy is that part of the motivation like do you feel like you need to be the champion to bring the ufc to hawai oh yeah uh hell yeah you know hell yeah you know look at stepe you know that guy just wins the

And they do a damn event for him in Cleveland. The hell is going on Cleveland. Shout to LeBron James then. But come on, man. I agree. I agree, by the way. Come to Hawaii. People want to come to Hawaii.

Everybody wants to come to Hawaii. I agree. Do you feel like life has changed? Like now when you're going around your town, are you getting noticed a lot more? Oh, yeah, yeah. Way more. And just going around anywhere, you know,

going to the mall getting stopped and whatever. It's super cool, you know. It's just, showing that the hard work is paying off. You know, I go out there, I train hard, and I go out there, I fight hard. And, you know, a lot of time and a lot of my time and a lot of time I got taken away from my family, sacrifice. So it's just a relief like, damn, it's working, you know.

I'm doing something right, you know, so it's super cool. How old is your son at this point? My son is four years old. Does he? He turns five in January. Well, happy birthday, or well, sort of early birthday to him, but does he get a kick out of seeing people recognize you and ask for pictures. Does he understand kind of what's going on? Yeah, yeah, you're not going to believe that guy. He either wants to be in the picture or he tells

me to stop taking pictures. So if he's not in the picture, he shows a little fit and he's like, Dad, stop taking pictures, I said, stop. And then if he's in the picture, he's all smiles and shocking and whatever. So he loves it. You know, he just got it. I got to make sure, I got tell him, hey, get in the picture so he doesn't complain about it. Wow, he feels left out. He wants a piece of that action too. Yeah, I guess so. Smart man, I guess. Like I said, your last fight was against Ricardo Lamas. And now here we have the legend B.J. Penn fighting Ricardo Llamas. We were talking on this show a couple weeks ago. I feel like, I don't like this fight for B.J. I feel like it's a little too soon to have him come back against someone like Lamas.

You've been in there with Lamas. How do you feel about the fight? You know, I feel MMA is wild, you know, and motivated B.J. Penn is a, is a, a, scary dude so we see what happens you know uh ricardo ain't no slouch you know he's number he's number four in the world for a reason you know so but then you know uh bj ain't no slouch either so he's a legend so we see what happens you know i think should be a fun fight it's just who's uh who can get their game plan first you know it's if if ricardo can uh you know i think ricardo's probably going to try and stick and move on on bj and you know and uh you know kind of try and take them down and stay in bj's guard but and then you know of course bjie j probably

get on top we see the most uh most damage he does when he's on top and he takes someone back from there so i just think it's just who gets the game plan off first you know we see what happens who's your pick i you know i you know hopefully uh we got to stick i got to stick with the hawaii you know so we can get this uh you this ufc oi train rolling oh okay all right all right so so you got it okay you can't even though maybe you're you're picking with your heart right Yeah, yeah. All right. Sure. Fair enough.

I like that very much. Okay, so when do we think that we're going to hear something here? Hopefully this week, you know. I'm waiting. Hopefully we can hear something as week. It's a one week past since the... Actually, this is going to be a second week going on with the whole Connor McGregor and Nate Diaz fight.

So hopefully Connor make up his mind soon, you know, because... Everyone's waiting on Connor. I guess so, you know? What's new? Does that piss you off? No, I don't care. You know, I have no, I have no, I can't let that affect me because I can, I have no control over that situation. Sure, sure.

I'm not going to be pissed off, but I'll be crying about nothing. That's really, really stupid. So I ain't being pissed off. But fair to say, you're not going to accept any fight, right? I mean, you want the top guys. If it's on a belt. Yeah, I want a fight. fight, you know. We see what happened. I just want to fight. If USC comes with me with a fight,

I'm going to fight. That's just at the end of day. If you don't believe you the best in the world, then why the hell are you doing this shit? I think I can beat anybody in the world. And to prove it, you got to fight everybody. You know, I'm not picking and choosing. I'm not cherry picking out here, you know, or being like, no, I don't want to fight that guy when they call me. When they call me, they get the same answer. Yes. You know, just tell us the date, tells the time. We'll be ready. By the way, what's the Brodies? The Brodies is my YouTube channel. Oh, look at you.

Damn. The prodies, yeah. YouTube Twitch? Yeah, me and my boy, me and my boy, Birdie Bird, my friend, he takes pictures and stuff and whatever, and he does videos for me sometimes here and there. So, go check them out. And you're not into Twitch, but you can watch my gaming, some of my gaming clips. I got it up there.

It's funny. And you're doing commentary, right? I'm talking, yeah. Yeah. Yeah. This is how Twitch looks. This looks just like this, and then the big is my game, and I can talk, and I talk shit to, too, whatever.

All right. My Madden one is the best one lately. I've been, we've got to put up a Madden one actually, but I've been losing my shits over Madden, man. Fucking Madden gods. I want to see you and DJ talking crap to each other while playing. Is that online somewhere? Oh, yeah, that's on our Twitch.

I'll have my boy post one up on the stuff and I'll let you know. It's funny. I won one round and I gave DJ the most shit talking ever because you got to win two rounds. Okay. And I won one round and I was talking shit. shit to him. I was saying, yeah, boy, just fucking swearing out of him and doing all kinds of shit. He was laughing. He was funny. And then he whooped you. The DJ is a good time playing. Yeah, if I get you, he moved my ass. It is what it is. That's his game. He can have his game.

Look at you, a man of many interests. I love it. All right. Well, best of luck to you in getting that big fight. I hope you do get to fight in New York. It seems like everyone wants to find on that card. And who can blame him? What a, what a scene that will be November 12th. I appreciate you coming on relatively early over there in Hawaii, Max. All the best to you. And congrats on all the success thus far. It's great to see. No, thank you for having, man. You have a great one. All right, there he is. Max Holloway, joining us from Wainai in Hawaii, from his amazing setup over there. Wow, unbelievable stuff, certainly deserving of a big fight, and you'd have to think that if Connor fights Aldo next, he needs a big fight.

If Connor doesn't fight Aldo, he's got to fight Aldo, right? You would think. We'll see. How about we go to the UFC heavyweight champion now? Coming to us from the land, the home of the Eastern Conference champion, Cleveland Cavaliers, he is the one and only Steve Amiochich stopping by. How about this? Steve, are you there? Yeah, how are you doing? I'm doing great.

Thank you very much for the time. Okay, this is the big question right up the top. How was the Bachelor party and why wasn't I invited? It was awesome, and it was just the winning party. I apologize. What happened to your voice? I lost it. Is this a result of the Bachelor party?

Most likely, yes. What do we do? Can you give us a hint of what you guys did? I presume, I know John Volante was there. I saw, was it off the charts better than you expected? No, it was going to be a great time with our friends. It was awesome. But, yeah, you know, we had a pool party, went to, you know,

onto a part night. We had two houses. It was fun. Is it possible to put like, you know, scale of 1 to 10? Is that even possible how good life is for Steve Amiotich right now? because it really does seem like you're living the absolute dream, not only from winning the belt, but hanging out with all the athletes in town, bachelor parties.

I mean, is there anything bad happening to you right now, or is life just amazing? No, it's amazing. It's always amazing, man. I mean, I don't like to bring myself down at all I try to stay positive all the time. Is it better than you thought the aftermath would be? Hey, you know, it's not too bad, you know what I mean. I've been a little bit digital with interviews and doing stuff like, yeah, but you know, what's a good problem I have?

And we all know how much you love the interviews, right? Oh, so exciting. Have you warmed up to them a little bit? Now that you have good stuff to talk about, you're the champion, they have to be a little more enjoyable, right? Yeah, definitely. I mean, it's just, you know, I just, I don't know, and I didn't like doing it before because they didn't know what to say.

Now I've gotten more comfortable with doing them, and I do them so much now. I'm just used to doing them. What has been the coolest thing to happen to you since you won the belt? Is there something that sticks out? No, I mean, I got to do the parade in one of the series I worked for and I got to pull the belt up and I don't scream. That was pretty cool. And what was in the home run at the Indians field?

I mean, you actually hit two though, right? No, I did one. Just one. Okay, I thought you hit two dingers. I thought you tweeted that. That's got to be cool. You have all these multimillion dollar athletes bowing down to you. That has to be a little surreal.

I was talking about this, you know, before. It's like you're coming home and your hometown teams and your favorite athletes and all that are looking up to you and giving you the red carpet. This doesn't happen all the time. It's got to be a little surreal, right? Oh, definitely. It's just winning terrible surreal by itself. You know, still really hasn't yet. You know, but I think that when I'm all done in the entire old and sad, I'll find out sinking.

But right now I'm, you know, she's going to try to keep getting better and, you know, hold the dog for a while. How many times have you watched the fight against Verduim? Quite a bit. Is it just amazing? I mean, you got to love that thing. Is there anything that you feel like you did wrong in that fight? No, I think it was more head movement. You know, I was kind of standing still with my head.

But in general, I know everything with the game plan, you know, we knew exactly what he was going to do. And, you know, and then I started charging, which actually caught me off guard, but we, you know, we work on backing up and throwing punches and angling. But it worked all well. So did you expect that or not? Because, you know, we talked about afterwards how it was a little out of character for him to just start charging you like that.

Were you expecting him at some point to do that to you? No, I didn't think of that. You know, he's going to keep doing what he's doing. You know, looking for the leg cakes like to take down. Trying to do the crunch and all that, you know. And, you know, everything you're trying to do. And, you know, they start charging me. I caught up quite a little bit.

Crazy. Do you recall what it sounded like in there on television? It seemed very quiet. What was the, like, were you working? Like, were you worried that they were going to, you know, throw things at you? Because we've heard if, you know, a non-Brazilian goes into Brazil and wins the belt, that it could be a little bit, you know, a little bit rowdy. But from a viewer at home's perspective, it just seemed really quiet.

Like everyone was just in shock, but they were actually very respectful towards you. Was that how it was? Yeah, I mean, honestly, the fans are respectful before, during, and after the fight. They're amazing fans. And, you know, it definitely was real quiet. And I heard me screaming. and that's about it but everyone was real nice and respectfully

when you were after. What about that moment when you came home at the airport? Were you expecting a reception like that? No, not at all. I just wanted to go home and see my mom and show her the bell, but it was a little warming. So all these fans showed up, they're greeting you like you just won the NBA title

and you were actually moved to tears, right? Yeah, definitely. Amazing. Yeah, man, I just, I thought, you know, it worked so hard to get here, you know, and just, it was so awesome to have support. And then just, you know, it was just amazing. She just to have all the people behind me and supporting me. When you finally got your mom and gave her the belt and, you know, you got to see her for the first time, what was that like?

How we just started crying. Wow. So a lot of tears shed in those 24-48 hours. Oh, definitely. It was, you know, you know, it worked so hard for something, and, you know, finally, she was nothing better than that show. And so when do you switch off? Like, when does the party end for you? And because you already have your next fight,

typically it doesn't happen this quickly. You have a couple months to bask in the glory. Have you already started thinking about that ovarine fight? Or are you giving yourself a little more time to enjoy this? No, no, definitely. You know, I'll be the gym tomorrow. I've been going a couple times a week, you know, not every day, but just kind of working on stuff.

But, you know, probably that one is a very exciting. Did you know that that was at play that if you won, you would headline in Cleveland. Did you know that that was a possibility? No, I had no idea. I know EOC's always trying to come, you know, Cleveland, but, you know, they gave it probably a week, probably about a week after the fight,

you know, they reaction me and told me that, you know, like that big fight in September. Wow. What was your reaction when they told you the news? Oh, of course. I mean, I love what I do. I mean, fight, you know. Can't pick and choose their own fight.

Sure. So you, but do you think, Ream makes sense? Yeah, definitely going to for if I win, shoot, whoever you want to put in front of me outside, you know. Gosh, I can't imagine what that week is going to be like with you defending the title. They've really rallied around you, and it seems like some people are saying, maybe you're the one to sort of change the fortunes of Cleveland,

and now the cavaliers are in the finals and their four wins away. Does that, can you even process that, that Steve Miochich, local guy, could be the one credited for changing the fortunes of a city that has enjoyed so heartbreak, I shouldn't say enjoy, I'd experience so much heartbreak over the last 50 years. Does that even make sense to you? No, listen, we are, it's a great city. I love a city other than, man. People here are awesome, they're loyal, and, you know, they're hardworking and they're loyal

to our sports team, so, you know, things are changing here. Did you see LeBron when you were at the game a couple, a couple weeks ago? Yeah, for a split side. I mean, you, they're running out of locker. Okay. That's all. Why did you choose the Delavadova jersey and not the 10th? typical LeBron jersey.

Well, I need some more calves here, so I went to a store, and pretty much were all out. And I'm pretty much pretty much to be pushing. But I do like Delaware, but I do like a lot. He is a hard worker, but you don't actually think they'll beat the Warriors, right? You're hoping for the best, but you don't think it's actually going to happen, do you? Oh, I'm sure. It's going to happen.

Oh, you're going to, you think it's going down. It's going to happen this time. Oh, yeah, 100%. What's your prediction? Do you got one? I'd say six games six games all right that means they will do it at home

have you been on any I know you're still a fireman and you're not planning on leaving that post right that nothing in the world will take you away from that correct no yep I worked this Friday have you been out and about and have people been like wait are you the heavyweight champion has that happened yet just civilians

no no I mean we're not a few calls and nothing like that I came up yet okay I saw a picture that you posted what a picture this is you're in your you're in a uniform and you're holding the belt. We'll show it right now. Was that your idea to do that? And you're sitting in front of the fire truck.

I mean, this is like, this is a movie right here. I'm looking at this picture. It's unbelievable. How did that come about? My button up, the suit and everything? Yeah, it's unbelievable. Yeah, yeah. Yeah, my, I actually wanted to do it in LA did the fellows, wanted to do it also.

Wow. And you got the hair, the quaff. It's, I mean, that is, that is framable, right? I mean, that has to be somewhere. At least your mother, that is a great picture. What a dream. I want to ask you this. I had Roy Nelson on my show after your fight,

and I asked him, it was just a couple of days after, and I asked him about the fight. And this is what he had to say. I just want to play you the clip and get your response, okay? All right, here's Roy Nelson. He did the point of fighting with me, too. He ran. You can actually see him.

I think that's where the people that are, you know, in track stars, you know, but, like, I would love to fight Steve A, again, especially now if he's champ, with actually a full camp. The point fighting. What do you make of that? That's where we think it is. Sure. And what he wants to say?

It's his opinion. Are you surprised here him saying you knocked out the heavyweight champion, and he was, do you think it's still, you know, just stems from your first fight at 161? I mean, I've heard him say this before, but I was surprised to hear him say it on that day. where do you think it's coming from? Do you have interest in fighting him again? I mean, if I really want me to fight, I mean, I think he's just trying to round me up

and, you know, get some Twitter action or whatever you want to say. Maybe 31st, I mean, that's fine. I mean, if I come up with Derek Lose, you should have to worry about. Right. But you're not opposed to that. I mean, if they say you're going to fight everyone else,

and you're down with that. I'm going to fight. Okay. All right, so September 10th. Do you have any idea when those tickets go on sale, by the way? Yeah, I do not know. I'll have found out since that where I get everyone in their mother texting and calling me and asking me. Yeah, wow.

I think that those are going to sell it in one day. I'm pretty sure. Are you enjoying, there's going to be a lot of distractions. Do you think it's going to be fun or do you think it's, you know, just fighting away from home would be less of a, you know, and I don't want to say a headache, but there's a lot that comes with fighting at home, as you know. How do you think that's going to be? How are you going to deal with that? I'm going to do everything over you do.

if I was out of town, I would stay in the hotel, teach myself and do my thing. Okay, so you're not going to stay at home or do anything like that? Nope, no. Do the usual and, you know, take care of business. When's your wedding, by the way? Junior team. Wow, it is good to be the king. What a life.

Steepin-Meotich-Kill- I'm super excited. Are you going to sit courtside for all the finals games as well? I'm going to try unless I'm working. Wow, I'm sure they're going to hook you up if you want them, right? Yeah, we'll see. Maybe not. You know, anyway, I'll be watching, so I'm not worried about it. Did you know that it was exactly two years ago today that you flew to Brazil to knock out Fabio Maldonado? May 31st, 2014?

Incredible. Two years. Look what's happened to you since. Crazy, right? Unbelievable. Well, Steve, congratulations, my man. Thank you for some time today. I really appreciate it.

And good luck, September 10th against Alster Overeem. Hey, thanks so much for having me on and have a great week. Same to you. is the UFC heavyweight king, Steve and Miochich. All right, great stuff there from Steve Miochich and of course all the other current champions in the UFC. 11 in total, what a year for the first time ever. In our great show's history, we've talked to all the UFC champions in one calendar year. How lucky are we?

No chance we could top this in 2017. In fact, I'm considering shutting the show down because I don't know how we can top it all come next year. New York, Rick? Favorite interview of the year as far as the champions are concerned? got. Who do you got? I think it was the one we we led with Dominic Cruz. He really brought it that time. And in fact, every time he was on the show, it was memorable. But Bisbing's appearances, especially the one where he popped in. We didn't show this one, but he popped in on Jason Perillo's interview was also great. So you're right that I find it incredible that we were able to bring

them all on in 2016. Here we are. You have your work cut out for 2017. You know, also weird, you're wearing the exact same thing that you wore last week, which I think is a little bit dirty on your part. I don't really like that Reebok, don't you? First of all, shout out to Reebok, you know, if you want to. Sure, sure, yeah. But also, yeah, I'm not, I'm not big into hygiene or cleanliness or anything like that. So, uh, I decided to just sleep in this for a week. All right. Well, uh, it was fun. Thank you for all your hard work. You can hear my music. So we talked to them all this year. And of course, we could have done, you know, best-up shows, just, you know, random interviews, GSP. Remember that?

Coming back, saying, I'm back. And then he said, I'm a free agent, and we still don't know where he stands. Vincent Henderson announcing that he has signed with Bellator, remember that? Roy McDonald telling the world, I'm not very happy and I'm going to fight on my contract. Matt Matrione announcing that he had signed with Bellator. Al Jermaine Sterling announcing that he was re-signed. with the UFC. A lot of fun signings this year, of course, one of the themes of the year. A lot of in-studio guests, having John Kavanaugh after UFC 205. What a treat that was.

Tyrone Woodley in studio, that was great. Justin Wren as well. So many guests. I wonder how many we had in total this year. Lord knows I was adding way too many on the back end of the year. But it was a lot of fun. Love doing the show. For me, most favorite thing that I get to do as far as this job is concerned. Booking this show, doing the show, coming each and every week, talking to all of you, it's just a ton of fun. And then when you start to get the big names, the champions, you just feel so lucky that they're accessible to us, that they want to talk to us, that they give us some of their time.

They don't have to do it. Lord knows they don't, but they do it. I'll never forget that show after UFC 199 when I had DC and Cruz come on, two champions. You know, that just meant the world. So I want to thank all those champions that stopped by. Max Hallway, Steve Miochus, Joseo, Dmitz, Jonathan Nunes, Connor, Ewanian, Jaychek, Daniel, Korme, Tyron,

Willie, Michael Bisping, dominant crews, and every single fighter, every single personality that's stopped by this year. Thank you so much, and thank you so much to all of you. Back next week, same time and place, until they say, peace, I'm out of you. Support for this show comes from Odu. Running a business is hard enough,

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