MMA Fighting - The MMA Hour - Episode 199

Episode Date: August 25, 2014

Featuring Frankie Edgar, Roddy Piper, Jim Ross, Gegard Mousasi, Mauro Ranallo, and Tim Gorman. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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A mixed martial arts hour back in your life. On this Monday, September 16th, 2013, I don't know why I just did the double finger. What was that like a gun salute there? I don't know what that was. What was I doing? I don't know. I'm sorry.

I apologize. That wasn't too cool, as the kids say. I was fixing my headphones, and I just thought it was an easy transition from the headphones to the fingers to trying to do something cool. I'm excited to be here, in case you didn't notice. It is our 100th and 99th shows we've done. And next week, of course, will be our 200th episode.

But you know what? We don't like to make a big deal about 200, 100, 150, 51. We try to book every show like it's our 200 show. We try to book every show like it's an anniversary show. And I think we've done just that here today, my friends. In the third hour, we are going to be taking your questions and comments. So hit us up using the hashtag the MMA hour, a busy weekend in the world of combat sports. Of course, Floyd Mayweather and Canela Alvarez stole all the headlines.

But in the world of mixed martial arts, you had some notable things as well go down. Of course, Bellator had a show on Friday, World Series of Fighting on Saturday, some minor shows over the weekend as well. I want to hear from you. And, of course, this is UFC 165 week on Saturday. Saturday night, John Jones looks to break Tidor Tise's UFC light heavyweight record

as far as title defenses are concerned when he faces Alexander Gustafson in the main event at the Air Canada Center in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. We, of course, will be there and we'll be talking about that fight as this show rolls along. In the back, we're joined, of course, by New York Rick. You'll hear from

him in the third hour. Buzzkill is back there. Will, Alfred. The whole team is back there. And very excited about this week's Now at 2.45 Eastern Time, we're going to be talking to a legend from the world of professional wrestling. Rowdy, Roddy Piper, the rowdy one, is going to be stopping by. Kilt and all, not in studio over the phone. Looking forward to talking to him. And if you don't know, his son, Coltum's actually has dabbled in the world of MMA. So really looking forward to talking to a living legend in Roddy Piper in the bottom of the second hour. Gagard Musassi is going to be stopping by. Remember, Gaggar Moussasi was supposed to fight Al-Larty. Alexander Gustafson in April. Gustafson gets injured. Musassi fights.

Illir Latifi wins, has knee surgery. And now where's Geigard? As Alexander Gustafsson is about to fight for the title, never even had to go through Gaggard. And now here he is on the sidelines, searching for a big fight at either 205 or 185. We'll talk to him at 225. At 205, speaking of legendary pro wrestling figures.

And spare me, you guys should know me by now. that when I have someone on the show, I'm not just having them for the sake of having them. I don't talk about anything other than MMA. There's always a connection to our sport. So spare me the BS that, oh, I'm going to skip this episode

because there's a pro wrestling guy. Some of you MMA people who are so uncomfortable by just the thought of pro wrestling, having anything to do with mixed martial arts, makes me laugh and tells me that deep down you're probably a pro wrestling fan yourself. Anyway, Jim Ross, the legend, the man with the black hat, of course,

has retired from World Wrestling Entertainment. He has some interesting things to say about mixed martial arts. We'll talk to him at 2.05. I can't wait for that. If you don't want to listen to it, good. I don't want to have you listening to it. Now, at 145, Frankie Edgar is going to be stopping by. Of course, you heard the news last week on UFC tonight.

He will be coaching opposite BJ Penn, Tough 19. Next year, they fight for a third time. Why is this fight happening? How does he feel about coaching tough? And what about the fight taking place this time at 145? We'll talk to Frankie Edgar about that. Tim Gorman, who was on Tough 18, but as you saw last week on Wednesday, on the second episode, he had to leave the show because of a torn hamstring, a very interesting character, I'll say.

I got a very interesting call from him just before the show. We'll talk about that with Tim Gorman. But first, let us go to the phone lines and welcome in one of our favorites in this great, crazy world of combat sports, a man who had the spotlight on Saturday night. You could talk about Mayweather, you could talk about Canelo, you could talk about Danny Garcia, Lucas Matisse. In my opinion, the star of Saturday night was one of our own. And I say one of our own, not just because he's an MMA guy, because he's a fellow Canadian. Morrow Rinaloa had the call, and as expected, he knocked it out of the park.

He's joining us right now on the MMA hour. Morrow, how are you? Oh, Canada, we stand on God. Yes. Four. He says two guys making their living south of the 49th. Ariel, I am very happy, my man, and I'm very excited to be talking to you first and foremost since the most memorable weekend, week of my career.

And before anything else, so I want to get into depth on what happened to the night of champions last night, WW. Because this is a wrestling show we're talking about, right? Yes, yes, yes, of course. Moro, please do not say those two words here on this show. People get very uncomfortable for some reason. And you know this probably more than anyone as you've mixed all the worlds together, right? It is truly hilarious to me that in this day and age,

and I know we have to get into what happened on Saturday night, but you know me, Ariel. I'll always give you a curveball or go totally in the left field on an tangential subject. But seriously, look what we saw in the last UFC show with everyone taking the microphone and finally using it to further their careers, making challenges, cracking wise, maybe Chale Sunn and started it all, but it started way back with people like Frank Shamrock and Ken Shamrock and Tito Ortiz. Pro wrestling has always been a part of mixed martial arts,

and when I say always been, I'm talking about the marketability, the promos, and dare I say it that without it, mixed martial arts, the UFC, Dana White, they wouldn't be where they are today, Ariel, and everyone has to realize that they don't have to appreciate it, but as a wise man once said, you might not like it, but you better learn to love it. Woo! I see you brought your A game more, and I love it, and obviously you're amped up.

Saturday was a big deal for you. I feel like you're the kind of guy who likes to step back and maybe even gets a little emotional about these things, because I certainly felt like this was, you know, I felt like this was truly one of our own, who was getting to be on center stage, the world was watching. It was the biggest sporting event, in my opinion, of the weekend.

and one of our own, a pro wrestling guy, an MMA guy, a Canadian, was getting the call. Did you ever take a step back on Saturday or the days leading up to the fight and say, wow, how did I get here? It was emotional for a variety of reasons, and I'm still that guy, Ariel. You know me very personally. You know of where I come from, and I want to thank Ring Magazine for really putting it out there where I come from, who I am. The fact that I was with the most talented group of individuals I've ever had the honor of working with in the consummate pro, and, you know, when you look up the word sportscaster,

you have to think of a guy like Brian Kenney, Hall of Famer Al Bernstein, who's been more than just a colleague but a mentor and a friend, Polly Malinaji, who is a natural on the microphone, a fellow Pisano, who every show I do with Polly, I just sit back and listen and go, wow, I learned something about the sweet science every time out. And from Steve Farhood, Barry Tompkins, Ariel, you know how cutthroat this business is, what broadcasting is like, what new media is like everyone. And nowadays, thanks to technology, wants to be an announcer, wants to be a reporter, wants to be a filmmaker. The fact is, when you have the opportunity that I was given, thanks to people like David Dinkins and Stephen Espinoza, it is a dream. It is surreal to me,

coming from my beginnings in Canada and dealing with, and Ariel, you might not even realize this. This weekend marked the one year of me being in the hospital in Canada, dealing with my health issues that I've been very vocal about. And so damn right, I was emotional. Damn right, I sat back and went, wow, I can't believe I'm here. But I've busted my ass to get to where I am. I've worked harder than anyone. My work ethic cannot be questioned. And while I may not be everyone's cup of tea, no one can question my passion and dedication.

of my craft, and I am beyond humbled at the feedback that I've received from all corners. Needless to say, it was all about Floyd Mayweather and Sal Canello-Alvarez and the great sport of boxing, but for me on a personal and professional note, I just want to say thank you to everybody, the amount of feedback I got from people I thought, you know, didn't like me or like me from all corners of the world, including the UFC, and individuals working for them and the fighters, and it was just unbelievable. So also was just to be able to say I was able to be ringside twice in one year for one of the greatest boxers of any era. And a man who is simply brilliant.

Say what you will about his personality or his character outside the ring. Floyd Mayweather is simply poetic. It's unbelievable, to be honest with you. So, Morrow, you've been in big stages before. You've called big fights from Pride and, you know, MMA on CBS, network television, the big strike force fights, elitics, you all that stuff. Would you say this was bigger than all of them? Again, I try to put everything in its own little chamber of the treasure chest that I hope to, when I hopefully get old and, well, not so great since I now shave my head,

but when I'm in my wheelchair and my nephews have their kids that I want to show everyone all of the highlights, but in terms of what this meant in, you know, in terms of my career, there's nothing close because of the fact that this is one of the, this transcended sports. This went into the entertainment industry, and you know, industry. And you saw the who's who of the entertainment and sports world that was in attendance and mainstream news outlets covering this. And so this was more than a sporting event. It was a spectacle.

You know, it was an event that will live on. So for me, it is number one. But I'm just, I can't believe that, as I sit now here talking to you, remembering Fadoa Emilienenko and Mirko Krokop and in Pride Fighting Championships. And, of course, like you say, being on the very first MMA show on CBS with Kimbo Slice drawing the ratings that he did. And then doing boxing on CBS. So, you know, from pro wrestling even, people don't realize I've had the pleasure of realizing every one of my dreams. And I'm not doing this to brag.

I'm doing this to tell everybody, man, oh man, I say it every day at 11-11, Carp Diem. Seize the day, man. Chase your dreams and goals and work hard and be real to yourself because, brother, and Ariel, you can appreciate this. I am living the dream. There's no other way to put it. Are you the kind of broadcaster? You've got a guy who before a big event like this. You know everyone's watching.

You know people who usually aren't watching, will be watching, and you know that it is the talk of the sports world, the world you live in. You're the kind of guy who gets nervous. And how did you deal with those emotions if you did get nervous or they pop up for the first time leading into Saturday night? Because, again, I do think it was the biggest moment of your career. Yeah, the nerves, of course, are always going to be there because of the fact you want to not disrespect the athletes, the sport, and your own employers. I mean, Showtime sports executives, you know, Stephen Espinoza and David Dinkins

and everyone on up, Les Movese at CBS. Kelly call at CBS. They took a chance on me as a guy coming from the mixed martial arts community to do, boxing. And I've been a boxing fan all my life, but in terms of the nerves leading up to it, I have never been more anxious than I was prior to Showtime on Saturday. But I know that the biggest equalizer when it comes to nerves and what gives anyone confidence in any walk of life is preparation. And I get, you know, joked by my colleagues and my friends, and you know, too, Ariel. I'm never, you know, I never used to be seen without my notes. Now I'm never seen without my iPad.

I do an abundance of research, from watching tape to breaking down the athletes to just, you know, talking to them, wanting to know more about their family life and any anecdote that can enhance the broadcast in my role as the play-by-play announcer. And you know what the sweet thing is? At the end of the sporting event that I do, if I use 20% of that information, I'm a happy guy. It's better to be over-prepared than under-prepared. But the nerves were definitely there, the butterflies. but come six o'clock when we went live on the air Pacific time in Las Vegas. I just knew that, you know, I've worked every single day of my career to get to a point like this. And while I believe I deserve to be there, I know how very, very lucky and blessed I was to be there.

Much like the MMA world, Morrow, the boxing world can be somewhat exclusive. Do you feel like they have embraced you? They've accepted you, and now you are part of the soundtrack to big fights. and let's be honest, Showtime has become the home for boxing now, as far as the big fights are concerned. It's no longer HBO. There's been a huge shift over to Showtime and credit to Stephen Espinoza and his team for getting those big fights,

but you feel like you have been accepted by the boxing community as one of their own now. I feel that I have been accepted by those that matter, mainly the Showtime sports colleagues. But honestly, I have to say, yes, by the majority of feedback I've received from a lot of journalists and a lot of the media types and longtime fans, you're, of course, always going to get your demographic, no matter who you are, no matter what you do, and thank goodness for it, because it does keep people grounded and working harder.

But, yeah, there's always going to be a segment of people who are going to say, you know, what the hell is the MMA guy doing, or what's this guy was a pro wrestling dude, or what's this Canadian doing, or what's the guy with the fake voice doing, or what's the guy who screams and yell all the time doing? So you're always going to get that, my friend. but I feel I have been accepted by those that matter, and to be honest with you, I am beyond shocked and surprised at how well the transition has gone, and I fully, fully give all equal respects to my

colleagues who have helped me succeed. They want to see me succeed. And wow, that is, coming from the background that I've had in other places that I have worked, it is so refreshing and so surprising because these are the best of the best. This is all well and good, and I'm loving you on the boxing calls, and everyone, I show, you know, I make it a point, say, listen to this guy, this is my buddy, this is a guy who came from, you know, my sport and is now doing this when I'm watching the fights with maybe, you know, casual fans, but I'm getting a little worried, and I'm getting worried because, you know, other than the random Invicta fight card, I don't really see you doing MMA anymore. Are you done

with our sport? I have a good question, Ariel. I will never be done with mixed martial arts or pro wrestling for that matter as a fan first and foremost. But in terms of coverage, you know, it's interesting, where do I go from Mayweather, Connello on Saturday? And with all due respect to MMA, which has done an amazing job in pay-per-view by rates. But I don't see anything in MMA right now that will do the same kind of numbers that we saw on Saturday. So in terms of, you know, am I done with MMA? I would love to keep announcing mixed martial arts. And Ariel, you are so good at just asking questions that can lead to other things.

I'm in the process right now, and boy, oh, boy, this may get me in trouble, but I'm not going to say anything else that will. I'm going to be doing something combat sports-related that I am very excited about, and I wish I could tell you here right now. Break the news for us. You'll be the first person, though. You'll be the first person I will tell that can report it, but I'm looking forward to something very soon that is combat sports-related on a pretty big stage.

Really? And that's it. You're just going to give us the old tease. You know, you know, buddy, how many times, I've been pretty good to you over the years. Yes, you have. I want to plan a little teaser that's going to make you maybe work a little harder as well. Okay, but it's not MMA. It could be MMA.

Again, with Invicta, I'm doing Invicta. I love Invicta. I would love to see Invicta on a larger platform. By the way, nicely done. I didn't get to see it until yesterday, but Giuliana Pena and Dana Beasler, one of the best fights I've seen in Ultimate Fighter history. and yes, I'm a huge advocate of women's MMA, but boy, oh boy, you talk about bringing it and the personalities, so I want to tip my hat to both of those girls

and the Venezuelan vixen. What a start. Yeah, do you get the same rush? Obviously, anyone will get a rush doing a Mayweather-Kinellify, but, you know, a lower-end fight. When the world isn't watching necessarily, just the boxing world, do you get the same rush that you did when you were calling MMA those fights on Showtime and CBS? Yeah, very much so, and that's the fan in me.

You know, a lot of people who, that's a great question, because a lot of people I know once they're out of something, they're like, well, I'm not interested, or I haven't watched it since I left, or blah, blah, blah. I can't get enough of all combat sports. And yes, I'll include sports entertainment pro wrestling. I'm right up on everything. There were rumors recently, actually,

that I couldn't believe how quickly they caught fire on Twitter that I was going to be doing English commentary for New Japan pro wrestling with Matt Stryker. That was something that some, I guess, guy just randomly started on Twitter. But the feedback that I got, and the positive feedback, I was like, wait a minute, you know, there's only so much anyone can do, and I don't want to overexpose myself. And at this age, and yes, I'm now 43, Ariel, and again, going back to what kind of life I've led,

I have, I've worked 24-7 since I was 16 years old in my field of choice. And I've got to start to enjoy life, and that's one of the reasons I moved to California. and as I talk to you now looking outside at the mountains and the sun, I'm looking to balance life a lot more. So knowing that, you know, things have gone so well with the boxing, I still want to do a show with you one day on combat sports-related stuff. Like, I still want to stay in the business of covering combat sports. As people might know, I had the show, my podcast that got amazing feedback,

interviews with guys like Scott Hall and Bernard Hopkins and the like. But there's just so much time in the day, Ariel, So I'm looking at really just focusing more on my health and my happiness and doing whatever's necessary. Because honestly, if I could, I would try to do pro wrestling MMA and boxing, but I don't see that happening too often. You mentioned the health. You also mentioned the anniversary of the issues that you dealt with last year. So it gives the update.

I mean, do you feel like you're 100%. You sound great. But how are you feeling now? It's always going to be a battle. It's always going to be a struggle area. I am great, but again, you know how honest I've been, I'll be honest again. I went to the hotel after the long night on Saturday, and after the event and just, you know, always after any event, no matter who you are, the rush, and especially something like that,

the energy in the MGM grand was unprecedented to me. It was surreal. Like, I almost got, like, I had to be told by my director, you know, okay, settle down, like, in between, because I'm just so shaking, you know me, I've got this energy. So I cried. I cried when I got to my hotel room, again, knowing the struggles that I've had to overcome and where I've been and what it meant to my family. And my parents, you know, who've had to – they went through hell with me, Ariel, and my support network. So to be able to do what I did on Saturday, and for them to be around to see it meant everything to me,

my health is where it should be, but I'm looking at, you know, eating better, working out more, and just really concentrating on it because I've always, I'm always going to be a little quirky, a little eccentric, and maybe that's one of the reasons why I've succeeded. You're always going to be polarizing. You're either going to love me or either going to hate me, but I just, I'm in a happy place because I'm alive, and I get to do something I love.

And I just wish I could give this to everybody out there that everyone could do something to love because I know how fortunate we are with everything that's going on in this planet. Like I scratched my head going, how the hell am I so lucky? It's funny that you just mentioned that about going to your hotel room. That was actually my next question. How you come down from something like that. First, you mentioned your parents.

Did they watch on Saturday? Yes, they did. My brothers, my family. I actually had people who haven't heard from, and you know the cases, people I went to elementary school with people I worked at, you know, my first radio station with that I haven't talked to in 20, 25 years. Like, I can't convey enough, just how overwhelmed I was with the response on Saturday. But, yeah, my family did indeed watch, and I'm not going to lie to you.

Buddy, I'm never happy after a show. I don't know what it is. I don't know why. And maybe that's the perfectionist in me. I just feel I'm never happy. So the walk to the hotel room was, you know, okay, well, geez, and I was waiting for it, to be honest. I thought, okay, God, I'm going to get, you know, let's see, let's see the tsunami of, criticism that's coming my way. And then to read what I read,

and over and over again, and I'm like, wow, this is amazing. This is surreal. This can't be happening. Yeah, I broke down and in my own way just celebrated, you know, anyone can make it, man. It's so cliche, and yeah, everybody can say what they want, but my God, you guys, I'm living proof. I'm living the dream. I love what I do. I love the people I work with, but it's nothing without the fans, the supporters, the critics, whatever. It's been an amazing journey aerial. It really has

to think it was a one-year anniversary. I'm in a psychiatric ward in Toronto dealing with bipolar effective disorder in my first my first setback in over a decade. And a year later, I've called some of the most incredible boxing matches of the year. I call myself the Forrest Gump of Boxing.

I called Miguel Codle's first loss at Madison Square Garden. You know, I was 40,000 people, Canello and Austin Trout in the Alamodrome. Abner Mades getting upset in the first round And, I mean, it just goes on and on and on, and it's not just, you know, the sport, but the way everything is growing. I mean, people always say, oh, what do you like better, boxing or MMA? I love them both, man.

They're two different sports people. It's quit it. You either, like you said earlier, I loved Iran in the beginning with pro wrestling. You don't like it. Shut up. Then don't watch. Don't criticize us to, you know, we should never be judged. And I know Jim Ross will talk about this.

And I feel pretty bad for JR, who's been an amazing inspiration to me. and the greatest pro wrestling announcer ever, and yes, I apologize to Gordon Sully, who, you know, was a king. But Jim Ross was everything, and people always ask me, have I ever been in Spire Barre and I ever follow the suit? I tend to believe I'm, you know, as original as they come,

but Jim Ross has definitely been an influence. But I think he was, you know, kept from calling MMA or maybe doing other sports because of the stigma of being a pro wrestling announcer, and that bugs me. That bugs me to no end because on a much smaller level, I'm the same guy. I was a pro wrestling announcer.

So I'm really looking forward to that interview with JR, and I just want to publicly congratulate him on a legendary career and thank him for his support and kind words over the years as well. There's no one like JR. Tomorrow, we have a minute left, and this has been great. You know I could talk to you for three hours. But since we miss you in the world of MMA, and the UFC returns to a former adopted hometown of yours, Toronto,

on Saturday night, break it down for us. John Jones, Alexander Gustafson, does the Mahler have a chance on Saturday? Well, this is, you know, beginning with Chris Wydenman and what we saw with Anderson Silva. I actually thought to myself, what if there is a sudden shocking changing of the guard in the UFC? And then, of course, reality set in. And yes, Alexander Gustafson, after, you know, he's the first legitimate light heavyweight that Jones has faced in a couple of fights. I mean, the Chil Sunnan and Vitor Belfort probably best suited at 185 pounds. Gustafson has a reach for heavyweight, but he's still going to be at a very big disadvantage

because of John Jones' incredible 84-5-inch reach. I think Jones is just too good in all of the areas that Alexander Gustafson is effective in. We know that John Jones, it's very difficult to take him down almost impossible. I think he can take down Alexander Gustafsson at will in terms of the striking because of the reach and because of how John Jones has improved in that department. apartment. Alexander Gustafson is a very well-rounded athlete, and I think it may one day be a light heavyweight champion, but there are still some weaknesses with his

striking, leaving his lead hand low, and I just think John Jones is the face of the UFC. I think, you know, the total injury, hopefully, hasn't impeded his preparation. I think it's going to be a statement fight for John Jones as well in light of what happened with Anderson Silva. I think John Jones submits Alexander Gustafson in the second round. Wow, look at that, a submission. I don't know a lot of people calling for that, but wouldn't be surprised. The guy is a white belt, after all, but he has shown some great submission skills, so I'm looking forward to that.

But most importantly, for now, Morrow, so, so happy for you. I was proud, I was like a proud father on Saturday watching you on pay-per-view calling that fight. Tremendous job, as I said at the top, you in some ways have made me even a bigger fan of boxing, because I feel like I have a real connection to the sport now, especially the fights on Showtime. continue success, continue to feel better, and keep kicking ass over there on the other side, and we hope that we'll see you more on this side of the fence in the near future. Well, thank you very much, Ariel, and again, I thank everyone in the MMA community, and it's funny what you just said, because I've heard from so many MMA fans who have said

this kind of the same thing that they're giving boxing a chance, and, you know, I feel weird because it shouldn't be about an announcer because the fights have been amazing. It's about the fights, and people can talk about what the, you know, with the battles between top rank and Golden Boy, but this has been an incredible year for the sport of boxing, and I'm just a tiny, tiny part of it. But thanks, and keep up the great work. I'll always a pleasure talking to you and your listeners.

So thanks again for your support as well. Love you, man. All right, there he is. Moranal, the one and only, the unique one. There is no one like the bipolar rock and roller. Great to have him on. He did a great job. If you missed it on Saturday,

he is doing a fantastic job on Showtime, as expected, and we are very happy for him. Let's move along now, Tough 18. We've been talking about it. Two episodes in, one of the interesting things that happened on Wednesday's episode on Fox Sports One last week was that Tim Gorman had to pull out of the competition. He didn't want to pull out, but the UFC made him. Dana White made him. He had a torn hamstring. Now we're talking to him right now on the MMA hour about that injury and where he goes from here. Tim, how are you? You know, Tim, it's interesting because on the first episode, you kind of made headlines when you're like, well, I don't even know who Misha Tate. is, and she obviously picked you on her team. And I thought, well, you know, it's possible, but I don't really believe this guy. And then you called me like an hour or so ago, and you're like, yeah, I don't really watch MMA. I don't know anything about MMA. What exactly do you do on this show? I've never even heard of, you know, any shows or anything like that? And I was like,

and then I was wondering, is that for real, or, you know, does this guy actually not follow MMA, the sport he competes in? How is that possible? Well, honestly, I'm so involved in the sport as far as training every day. And when I'm not training, I'm just hanging out with friends and kind of doing my own thing. It's like I spend so much time being involved in the sport and preparing for the sport and just getting ready for any upcoming fights trying to be the best fighter I can be. I don't really follow it. I mean, every now and then, like, you know, if I have a group of friends, getting together,

going to a bar to watch the fights just as like a, you know, a party. I'll go out and, you know, enjoy the fights to watch every now and then there's like a, you know, I'll have a favorite fighter or something that's going to fight where I definitely want to make point in checking it out. But I don't follow the names

and I just don't follow the names and I'm not up to date with all everything that's going on. So you really, even just being a part of the sport in the gyms, all that, you never even heard of Misha Tate. Did you know who Ronda Rousey was? Yeah, I heard her under Rouse I heard she was the world champion I'd seen her in like some magazines and stuff before

But that's about her Going into the show Did you know about the UFC? Yeah, of course we knew about the UFC Not a crazy I mean Yeah, I know but you didn't know what Misha Tate was I mean she's a pretty big name in the sport

I would think if you're fighting in it But so he knew about I mean now obviously I hear her name all over the place Of course know who she is, but I mean, the USC is the mega dog of fighting. That's the ultimate dream in life is the fighting the UFC. That's the Olympics for fighting. Had you ever...

And that's what I'm training so hard for. Had you ever seen any episodes of The Ultimate Fighter, the previous 17 seasons? No, I have never seen an episode like front and back before. I mean, I've seen like little bits and pieces of it and stuff or kind of like the end of the show where they had, like, like a final fight or something like that. But I had never, like, actually sat down and watched a full show from beginning to end. So why did you decide to try out? Oh, I tried out because I knew it was just another way to get into the UFC.

And because that was my dream to make it into the UFC, I thought, I mean, this is a way in. So that's why I tried out for the show. I actually, if it were up to me, I'd rather just fight it. the USC, but just because I didn't know how I'd react with all the cameras in my face and stuff, and, you know, I just really, I didn't want to look stupid, so I guess that's certainly, I didn't want to do it at first, but, I mean, I'm willing to do anything to get in the UFC, so I guess I just said, fuck it, let's do it. So going into the show, you had to win an elimination fight to get into the house, which you did,

and then shortly thereafter comes up. up that you're injured and you're going to have to be out for a while, so they had to remove you from the show. You were injured going into that elimination fight. How serious was that injury? It was really bad. I mean, I could barely move my leg. I know I couldn't do any wrestling you get to, which was, I was really surprised that I even took the guy down when I did. Going into the match, I told myself that I was just going to stand up with the guy because I couldn't crouch down. I couldn't bend my leg. And, uh, if I did, I knew it had rip it off even more.

So, I mean, I just, I made a pack with myself to keep it standing and just, just started throwing. And, and I've never gone into a fight with a game plan before because I feel like if your game plan goes wrong, then, yeah, that can mess up the entire fight. So, so pretty much when I went out there, the takedown was there and just out of reaction, I took them down. It was kind of, it was actually a big mistake that I took. them down. When I watch the match, it looks really sloppy to me because I just feel like I'm better

than how I actually perform. But if you rewatch the tape, when I go to take him down, there's like a moment where I first made contact with his leg, and I kind of stutter for a second, like, oh, shit, man, what am I doing, taking this guy down? Like, I'm supposed to stand up with him because of my leg. And then as I'm taking them down, I'm just like, oh, man, like this is going to be bad. So, I mean, I could feel it ripping off the whole time when I was on the ground with them. But, I mean, what do you do? You just keep going, you know? Your manager, Ryan Haas, sent the media some pictures of the back your leg, the color.

We just showed those pictures right now while you were answering that question. When was that picture taken, or those couple pictures, your two legs, one looks like it's black, and the other one looks like a normal color. The picture was taken about four days before the actual fight. What? So how didn't anyone realize that you were injured? I just kept it covered up, and I mean, I hate to say it. I mean, I hope I don't get in trouble for this, but I mean, when the doctors and stuff asked if I had any injuries, I said no.

And, I mean, I just said that I didn't have any pre-existing injuries. And were you worried? They took my word for it. Well, at least they trusted you. Were you worried? I mean, you finally make it, you know, the doorstep, you're, okay, you were nervous. Yeah, well, are you saying that I get... Were you worried that you finally...

Well, you finally reached, like, kind of the doorstep of the UFC, and then you have this, you know, real serious entry that you have to deal with, so you're obviously not at 100%. Did that worry you? Yeah, it scared the shit out of me. I actually, when it tore three times leading up to the fight. The first time, it was about a month out, and I took about three days off. And, you know, because there was so much on the line to me, because this fight meant so much to me, I just stayed on the grind, kept training on it, and it ripped again about two weeks out.

And I did the same thing. I just stayed on the grind, kept on. and the final time about four or five days out from the actual fight, it tore all the way off. And that's the one that was like really, really bad, where it bruised up all the way and started bleeding all over the place. I mean, it was really discouraging. I went through like a day and a half depression where I was just like,

I was probably like four or five days out. I was only 10 pounds overweight. and just because of the injury, it was going to my head, like, wow, this is, like, the greatest moment of my life that I actually get to compete to get into the UFC. I'm on the ultimate fighter show. I had it in my head that I was going to win it. And, you know, I was so excited for all my friends and supporters around Des Moines, Iowa, to watch. And then all of a sudden, it just got ripped away from me where I couldn't even move on it. and I felt like it was inevitable that I was going to get my ass beat in this first fight.

So, you know, I was upset. I ended up eating a bunch and got up to like 17, 18 pounds overweight. And, you know, it was upsetting to think like all these people were rooting for me. All these people believed in me. And then they're going to walk and see me get my ass beat. And nobody really in this sport has time for excuses. I mean, you could have your leg. chopped off, go out and move the fight, and nobody is like, oh, well, he had a messed up leg.

All anybody's ever going to talk about is, oh, yeah, he got his ass beating this fight. He lost. So, as I said about that, and then after about a day and a half, I pretty much just played out of it, I just kind of snapped out of it, got mentally focused, and I was like, you know what, fuck it. Turned my head around. I was like, I'm going to win this fight even with a messed up leg. I don't even care.

like, this is the opportunity of a lifetime. This is my dream come true. I was like, I have all these people in Des Moines, Iowa, having my back, watching me, open for me. I was like, I used it as motivation and just truly believe that I was going to run through everybody on one leg. So when you sat down with Dana White and they told you had to leave, you were obviously upset and you said you wanted to stay. You said you'd fight with one leg.

But deep down, given how your leg looked going into that first fight, did you really think you can stay on the show in the house? and actually make a run at this thing? Was it kind of a blessing in disguise that they made you leave? At the time, at the time, I truly believed that I could still win it. At the time, I truly believed and truly it convinced myself that I was going to go out 100% and find a way to win. I felt like I was a really diverse fighter

where I can fight in all the different styles, and I felt like I'd just find a way. I mean, there was too much on the line to believe any different, really. So at the time, yeah, I really did believe that. And I was really upset when Dana said I couldn't fight because I was under the impression that it was your decision to fight no matter how bad you were hurt. I didn't know that with an injury I'd have to go home. I was pretty much led to believe that I'd be able to stay on the show. I'd be able to continue to fight.

and, you know, after, after like a day or two of thinking about it, well, at first I was pissed off, too, I'm like, I thought, at first I was pissed off. You know, I thought it was fucked up, but they had taken that shot away from me, and after, but after thinking about it for a couple days, I was like, you know what? I'm like, Dana White and the Ultimate Fighter show had my back 100%. They're looking out for what's best for me as a fighter, which, They're looking out for what's best for me and my future. And in all reality, I mean, they were helping me get ready for my next fight

because if I would have continued to fight and I would have gotten injured even worse, then, you know, I could have never fought again. I could have been, you know, handicapped somehow as far as not being able to move the right way, not being as athletic because I had a messed up leg. and I mean, really, I just owe them a lot of thanks for helping me out and making sure that I take care of my life so that I could continue to have a career as a fighter and keep pursuing my dream.

But they helped you out there. They made it possible for me to keep chasing my dream, you know, because without that, I would have been messed up for the rest of my life because I kept fighting on it, injured it more, and, you know, then I'd be fucked. And is it true? And Dana White said last week on the Google hangout on Fox Sports.com that you will get another shot on the UFC, so all as well, that ends well.

But is it true that even though you weren't covered by the UFC insurance, they paid for all your medical bills? Yeah, they did pay for all my medical bills, and that is just above and beyond what I ever expected. They really care about their fighters, and they're actually really passionate about the sport itself. and they do a lot of under the scenes stuff where shows how much they care.

So now you're going to get another shot in the UFC. Dana White said that. When will you be ready to fight again? I'll be ready to fight. I think by late December, early January. Okay. So right around when the show finishes up? I don't even know when the show finishes.

The show finishes. The finale is November 30th. So maybe you can fight on that. If not, you'll fight right after. But you made a lot of headlines. I want to get into this. You made a lot of headlines recently when you put out a video blog.

And it's funny because you said, you didn't know Misha Tate. Well, now it seems like you have taken a liking to Misha Tate because you told Brian Carraway, who's somewhat of a, I guess, a punching bag in the world of MMA these days. You said you want to fight him, and the winner gets his girlfriend, Misha Tate.

I saw her respond to you on Twitter saying, oh, now you know who I am. Was that true? Did you really want to take Misha off his hands? or were you just trying to mess with him? Hey, you know what? I wasn't just trying to mess with him. And, I mean, the whole thing was just for fun, you know.

I mean, obviously, I thought it was funny. I'd be a complete idiot to think that if I just went out and beat her boyfriend's ass, I'd be able to take her out on a date or, like, be able to, or not take her out on a date, but be able to beat her boyfriend's ass and then just start going out. Sure. Unfortunately, it doesn't work that way. But, I mean, in all honesty, yeah, I think it would be, I think it would be, I think it would be a fun little bet to have.

Sure. I mean, if she'd be up for it. It will be fun, but as you mentioned, it's not going to happen, but why did you even come up with that? Do you not like Brian Carraway? Do you really like Mishita? I mean, where did this come from? I don't know what Misha T. was.

I didn't know who Misha T. was, but when I got on the show, I thought she was hot, and I thought, I don't know, I thought she was a good-looking girl. So I take her out in the date in two seconds. Do you think that he is going to take you up on this offer? You know what was kind of funny? Yeah. I noticed he didn't even make a comment on the whole thing.

He hasn't even said anything about it. So I think he's scared, to be honest with you. You think he's scared to fight you or lose his girlfriend? I think he's scared to fight me and lose his girlfriend. Okay. Like there's too much on the line. I do it for free. I do to fight for free to take it.

take her out on a date one time. Just to take her out. You don't even know what happens there, but you just want the opportunity. Yeah, I think it would be a good time. She seems like a real sweetheart, nice girl, and I think I'd have a lot of fun taking her out. And, you know, there's things more important in life than money, and I think that'd be pretty cool to take me should take it out on a date. But you're not in the camp of people who don't like Brian Carroway, like Ronner Rousey for any particular reason. You just want what he has. Well, I wouldn't say I want him he has. I just...

Well, do you want his girlfriend? I just think he should take it's hot and want to take her out. I don't even care about him. Yeah, but there are a lot of... I don't even care, you know? But there are a lot of hot girls out there. You're not challenging every guy to fight. Well, why did you make that challenge in particular?

Was it just to get the headlines? Okay, okay. No, not at all. Because he's in the same line of business as I am. We're both fighters. I mean, that's what we do. We compete. We fight.

And I think that that would be a, I think it would just be a sweet bet. And other than her tweet back to you where she said, I mean, like, I wouldn't go challenge some pussy to go beat his ass for his girlfriend. That would just be wrong on every level. Sure, sure. I feel like him, the fact that he's this UFC fighter and he probably, he probably stretched around thinking he's a badass, like, okay, well, let's see what you got, buddy.

Other than her tweet back to where she wrote something like, oh, now you know who I am, has she responded to you since you put out this video? Well, no, but I haven't really, I mean, you say that she responded to me, I haven't really tried talking to her or asking her any questions, you know, I mean. Well, has she responded to this sort of challenge is what I meant, you know, say that she was interested, not interested. Well, I think by her even responding and saying, well, now you've heard of me. I mean, that shows that she's trying to communicate with me right there.

Did you write back to that? I mean, what do you think? I don't know. That shows that she's trying to communicate with me? I mean, obviously, she is communicating with you because she did. I don't know what it actually means, though. I don't know if we can look into a deeper meeting. I don't know what it means either.

It's all very confusing. I feel like I'm back in high school here, when the girl kind of. of response to you, but not really the way you want her to respond. You know what I mean? It's all very confusing. I think she likes it. So will you ask the UFC your debut? If I was going to get away, I'd be angry.

Yeah. And I'm surprised that he hasn't said anything. Said anything. I think it's embarrassing that he hasn't said anything to himself. Yeah, I think it would, I would feel disrespected, I think, is what you're saying, right? Oh, yeah, for sure. I mean, I think you'd say something. Yeah.

I mean, just try to say that I'm a joke. or say that I'm not worth his time or say something. I mean, he won't say anything. I feel like he's kind of hiding. The fact that his girlfriend, the fact that Misha K., his girlfriend, had to come out and say something first, I feel like he's kind of hiding behind his girlfriend.

I think Misha K. Tate has more gues than he does. So will you ask the UFC to fight Brian Carraway in your debut? Yeah, 100% for sure. All right. Well, that's interesting. Got to run, Tim, but this was great. A, very happy to hear that you're feeling better.

Looking forward to seeing your UFC debut, and it's unfortunate we won't see you on the show because you were developing into, you know, obviously an interesting character. Yeah, it's having a lot of fun with it. Yeah, it's good to see that you're going to be around the UFC and get a shot even though you got injured. Best of luck to you, and we'll talk to you very soon.

All right. Take it easy, man. Thanks. There he is. Tim Gorman stopping by issuing a challenge, or at least clarifying his initial challenge to Brian Carraway. He wants to fight Brian Carraway. If he wins, he gets to take Misha Tate out on a date. How about that? Tim Gorman, everyone. We won't see him on the Ultimate Fighter season 18, but you will see him in the Octagon in the near future. Now, we talk about Tough 18.

That's airing right now on Fox Sports 1 every Wednesday night at 10 p.m. Eastern time. Next season's Ultimate Fighter, Tough 19. You heard it last week. On UFC tonight, it will feature BJ Penn returning coaching opposite, the man who beat him twice, once at UFC 112, and then again at UFC 118, our guest at this time, Frankie, the answer, Edgar. Frankie, how are you? I'm good, Ariel. How you doing? I'm doing great.

Thanks for stopping by. So we heard from Dana White that he got this call from BJ Penn saying he wanted to fight Benson, but his real reason, his motivation for fighting Benson, was just to get a shot at you. And then we also heard that it was supposed to be you versus Uriah Faber on the show and then eventually fight. What's your story about all this? When did they approach you and say, we're not going with Faber, we're going with BJ, and when they did that, what was your reaction? Because it really came out of left field.

Yeah, last week pretty much, Dana. I reached out, Dan, and what's the deal with going on? He said to call me back, and then he hit me with that news. I definitely didn't expect it. But, you know, it's exciting nonetheless, man. You know, coaching his show is definitely, you know, good for the career. and it's something I've never done before, and it's definitely exciting. Which option did you prefer?

Uriah Faber or a guy you beat twice, B.J. Penn? You know, I think if Uriah could work out, the way classes could work, obviously, you know, it would have been something new to do. You know, obviously I thought B.J. twice playing Uriah would be something new, and that's something I'm going to look forward to. But, you know, BJ is going to be fun to coach against B.J. He's an interesting character, obviously, the legend in this game. you know,

the dad in a new weight class, so it'll possess different challenges. So putting the, the Faber thing to bed here, what was the issue there? You didn't want to fight at 1-35 and he didn't want to go down? Yeah, I'm not sure.

Or go up? You mean up, right? Yeah, I don't know. You know, I was just saying maybe catchweight. I don't want to go all the way down that the 35. I thought maybe 40 if we could make it work.

Dan, it doesn't like catch weights, you know, I guess he was against it. But I would have at 45 against your right, too. But I think he was pretty much Adam and staying at 35. I really don't know. I'll be honest with you. Although Dan, he called me.

He said, how about BJ? I usually say yes. You didn't even think about it. You didn't talk to anyone. You just said yes on the spot? No, I mean, I pretty much told Dan, let me make some phone calls. But, you know, me, I'm pretty much a yes guy. I made some phone calls to the team and told them,

but they were all supporting it. And they were all cool with it. So it worked out. A lot of people when this news came out said, okay, obviously we know it's in it for BJ. He gets to avenge those two losses, lost the belt to you back at UFC 112. What's in it for Frankie?

We don't often see a third fight where one of the guys won twice. So in your opinion, tell everyone, what is in it for you to fight this guy for a third time? Well, you know, it's the show. I mean, that's first and foremost. Coaching the show is definitely something that's going to help my career.

I mean, you know, look at all the past coaches. There's some of the most popular guys in the UFC and I felt it was just kind of, you know, it's going to happen sooner or later, and this is how it had to happen. You know, BJ's calling me out to beat me, so, you know, my competitiveness also once comes into play in that aspect. But, yeah, you know, it's not like I'll fight a bum. You know, I'll fight him.

You know, I'm fighting BJ Penn. He's one of the best to do it. You know, he's a legend in his own right, so, you know, that's the way it worked out. I remember talking to your most recent fight, U.S. 162, prior to the fight against Charles Oliver, and you were talking about how, you know, the fight was kind of flying under the radar, or I was asking you about this because of the Chris Wyman-Aniston Silver fight

in the main event. You were saying you didn't really mind it all that much, you know, the media stuff, you'll deal with it, but it's not your favorite. Now you're going to be on a reality show with cameras in your face for six weeks. Are you ready for that? Are you looking forward to that? Yeah, it's definitely something that I'm not the best with, or something that I don't like, you know,

like I said, I'm not the best with media. Not that I'm not the most comfortable media and stuff like that, But, you know, this is part of the game. This is what I chose to do. I chose to be a fighter in UFC. And, you know, it's what happened. I'm one of the more popular guys in the lightweight division. And this is my chance to, you know, pro myself even more.

And if it has to be, you know, in front of cameras and make myself a little uncomfortable, it's good. You know, they say you should make yourself uncomfortable. I say you push the limits. So that's what I'm doing. When does the show start filming? I believe October, mid-October, like 15th, possibly. And it's six weeks or six weeks.

so in Vegas? Yeah, six weeks in Vegas. I know you're a family guy. How are you going to be away from your family from that long? Taking it with me, man. Oh, yeah. I'd be away from my young kids, you know,

my wife for six weeks. That's too long or too young for that. So I'm just going to bring them out with me. Oh, that's fun. And what about your coaches? We've heard some rumors. Can you confirm who will be your coaches on the show? Yeah, you know, I'm going to have,

you know, Mark Henry or Carl Al-Meda, who are always in my corner. having my high school wrestling coach or my high school coach who's still coach Mnowski Rivera big part of my career and you know,

I'm an manager Holly he's going to help out too as part of my coach and staff then I'm going to bring other guys in there you know these guys have their own businesses and schools back here in Jersey so I'm going to have to swap some guys throughout the six weeks

you know, Hendo Gracie is someone I really want to get on a show he's definitely an interesting character I know he'd be great for TV and you know some other coaches I've got to talk to and see a few we can schedule in that six weeks.

Henzel on that show would be gold, especially because he had that rivalry with B.J., the famous, I was doing this when you were in your father's nutsack line. Remember that line? That was great. Yeah, I do. I do, man. And Henzel is great for those lines, and I'm sure he'll have countless of them in the filming. So will he be on the show?

You know, pretty much, yes. I'm not going to say I understand. I spoke to him directly, but, you know, I always spoke to him. So he's a very, very busy guy. He gets pulled in a lot of directions, but I'm sure I'll build to get him sometime. The X factor in all of this is that the first two fights were at 155. This fight is at 145. What do you think of BJ going down to 145?

Do you think he can make it and do you think he can be effective as a featherweight? Yeah, you know, I think his best performances, you know, as of late are at 55. Next-off 70 of the guys are getting bigger and more athletic. They cut more weight. So I feel like, you know, you've seen his past couple forms through the 70. I think he was just too small. So 55 was good. And, you know, he's not like, at 55 wasn't super sucked out.

I think he can make 45. And, you know, supposedly hearing from Danny, he's really motivated. You know, I mean, you hear that a lot, but hopefully makes it and get down. We could have some 45. Obviously, you have your history, but you were just talking how you're, you know, a guy who always says yes, you're known as this sort of rocky-like figure. You never quit. Can you appreciate the fact that BJ, who was kind of out of the sport for a bit, chooses to come back to fight a guy who beat him twice?

The second fight, the most recent fight, very one-sided. He wants to fight you because you, as he put it, are like this pebble in his shoe that he can't get rid of. There's a quality there. Oh, did we lose Frankie? I think we did. All right, we'll get him in a second. Okay. The question was, just wondering, Frankie has it.

has to appreciate that. That is a very BJ, that is the most BJ-like thing to do. When he chose to fight Roy McDonald's, who's a big Walterweight, come back. Remember, he retired, or at least said he was leaning towards retirement following the Nick Diaz loss, comes back and then fights or asks for Roy McDonald, why, because he wants to avenge his losses to GSP, the TriStar team that GSP is a part of. and he knows he's not going to get GSP, so he goes after TriStar's next golden boy, Roy McDonald.

A fight that was a mismatch, and a lot of people thought he had no business being a part of. Frankie, are you there? Yes, I'm here. All right. Sorry about that. My question to you before we got cut off was, can you appreciate the fact that even though you have your history with BJ,

it's a very BJ-like thing to do to ask for a guy who already beat him twice, most recently a very one-sided fight? And coming from you, a guy who always says yes, never quits, always takes up these challenges, you're often a smaller guy in your lightweight fights. It's somewhat of a very similar thing to what a Frankie Edgar would do.

You know what I'm saying? No, yeah, I respect BJ. I always have, as a competitor and athlete and a fighter, I think, I don't know if it's on Twitter or just someone asking me on a signing or something about BJ. I was like, yeah, I hope BJ does come back. You know, did I expect him to call me out

and come back that way? No, but it's good to see, man. He's one of the pioneers of this sport, especially the bridging the gap between the old generation to the new generation. So, you know, I'm glad I could be a part of it. So you had no inkling. No one ever told you.

BJ's thinking of calling you out. He still wants this fight. In your mind, this rivalry, if you want to call it, that was over. Yeah, I had no idea. Not at all, not at all. I mean, I don't think I'd even seen BJ around since we fought, you know,

not at fights or anything, you know. The story I was told, I was told was he was at your fight, at UFC 162. Saw you fight Charles Olver. I saw him there, and what he was telling to his friends was, I need another shot at this guy. Saw you fight, not because you did anything bad, but that kind of lit the fire under him. So kind of interesting, your last fight was, and he was there for whatever reason,

and I think it was the fan expo, was the reason why all of this happened. Yeah, you know, I get it, man. I've been on a losing end, and I wanted some redemption myself. So I understand where he's coming from, but, you know, I plan on disappoint him again. You know, that's my job. You know, Ali, you mentioned Ali Abdel-Ziz, who has obviously worked with you for a long time now. Obviously, works with the World Series of Fighting. He tweeted on September 12th.

I just spoke to Frankie Edgar. He said, this time he's going to finish BJ. He will never want to fight again. Now, we hear, you know, managers and people like that say things like this. Did Frankie Edgar really say that, or was that Ali trying to hype a fight? A little bit of both In conversation, you know, I said, yeah, I want to finish BJ. That's what I did.

I said, I want to finish him. You know, obviously he's calling me out. The last two Wednesday weren't convincing enough for him or, you know, for him to say, okay, I'm done for wanting to fight this guy. I want to go on. I got to give him a reason to say, all right, I don't want to fight this guy no more. Wow. And do you feel like this fight will be different than the last two fights in terms of how it will flow,

how it will go down? I mean, the first one, people said it was controversial, that's why they did the rematch. But because it's a featherweight fight, a 145 fight, do you think it will change anything about the fight? I think just the fact that it's been, you know, what, three years since we fought? And I know, you know, I haven't been sitting around these last three years. I've been in the gym every day. You know, even when I don't have fights, I'm in the gym training and getting improving. My confidence is only getting better and better.

You know, my first four, BJ, the first fight, I was, loo and awe, man. It's BJ Penn, you know. In a second time around, you can see my confidence to go from there. And now we have three-year gap, and I've done what I've done. And I feel my maturity is going to show in this next fight. As a fighter, when you hear another fighter retire, come back, retire, come back. I always have this theory that once fighters, and athletes in particular, or in general, have a foot out the door, they never quite return to their old form.

They lose that edge, that motivation. We see it so many times. What do you think of BJ, you know, continuing to come back and leave and come back and leave? Do you think he just doesn't have that fire and is trying to reignite it? But at some point, you just can't do it. Yeah, you know, I don't know. I can't really tell you. I mean, that's something you probably have to ask BJ.

But, you know, an outsider looking in, it's, you know, just, I think you see it with athletes and especially fighters. I mean, you know, we're just so competitive when you get that fighting spirit, it's tough to say to say you're done, you know, especially when you're watching guys and you're like, ah, a guy can compete with that guy. it makes you want to give it a shot again, and I'm sure that's where he's at. You mentioned the training. Recently, we've seen all over social media, you've been training with Rashad Evans. He told us last week on the show he was flying out to go train with you in the team. How did this come about? Yeah, you know, Rashad, I've known to a while.

Ali is very close to Rashad, and I believe more, my head trainer, boxing trainer. He's known Rashad a little bit. They worked a little bit, I think, at one of the fights, UFC fights where Mark was cornered someone, and he seemed to hit it off well with him. So he's been staying with Mark and really worked with him and just jumping in with our workouts throughout the week. Is it true that you lift just as much as Rashad does? He's big in me up, man. I think he was just a little surprised on how much weight I got out of there, but I'm not keeping

up with him and that close. Are you sparring with Rashad Evans? No, no, I'm not far Rashad. Is he going to stick around for this entire camp with you guys for the Chal Sondon fight? No, you know, I think he's going to, you know, obviously his camp's down down in Florida. So he's got some stuff you've got to do with that team. But he's trying to come back and forth. You know, you stay in for another week here with us and then, you know, Mark and a workout schedule.

And then going in just a couple of minutes left, we appreciate the time. Going back to BJ, we talked about what is there to gain. You said the show. But afterwards, I mean, what does a win over BJ do for you? where are your aspirations at? Where do you fit in that division now, in your opinion? My aspirations are always going to be towards the belt. You know, this may be a little sidetracked.

I'm going to be out of competition for a while, and, you know, fight BJ, who has a 40-45, but, you know, if it's just real, it's not always about who's the most deserving, it's who's going to be the most popular or the most pay-per-viewed, and the disc show can only help that. So I just want to put myself in a position where,

you know, after a fight with BJ, I'm right back in the title hunt. And so you mentioned being out for a while, from what we're told, this fight will take place in July, right? I'm not exactly sure. Just to wait on those answers, so you probably know better than me. But we do know the show is only going to start airing in April, so if you think about it, it has to air for several months. The bottom line is you probably won't fight for around a year. Are you okay with that?

Yeah, I mean, you know, I like to stay active, but, you know, sometimes you got to give a little to get a little. And this layoff is what it takes to do to show. It's so be it. I've had some, you know, I've had almost a year a layoff before, and I think when I came back, I responded well. I just got to make sure I stay in the gym, which isn't a problem for me. I've got great coaches always making sure they're on top of me,

and I'm pretty self-motivated as it is. So I just got to make sure I improved right this year. And it's got to be smart about it. You know, having a long layoff, you've got to kind of sit back and say, what's the best thing? Plus, Pam, attack, to improve. Final thing, Frankie, you know, last time we saw BJ on the Ultimate Fighter, he was a coach opposite Jens Pulver on season five.

And he tried to get under Jens's skin. I remember when they had the team selection process. He was trying to rile him up and whatnot. And I would imagine, just because of that competitiveness that he has in him, that rivalry, whatever, he's going to try to do that to you. How will you deal with it? Are you going to get into the whole reality side of things, go back and forth with them? Or just knowing you, will you try to avoid all of that? You know, I don't know, I'm going to play it as it comes.

You know, sometimes your emotions get involved, you can't play it cool. But I'm going to have fun with the show. That's what I'm going to do. I'm going to try to have some fun and just have a good experience with it. And just take it out of the cons. Well, I love it. I'm looking forward to it. The only downside, in my opinion, is we have to wait so long for it to actually be on Fox Sports One.

It's only going to start airing in April. That's the only downside, but I'm really looking forward to wish you the best of luck. And I know you probably, you know, once you start filming, you can't really talk about it anymore. so you'll have to keep it under wraps, but I'm sure we're going to talk to you once the show comes out next year. Good luck with it all, and most importantly, enjoy it. There he is.

The answer. Frankie Edgar is stopping by, tough 19, of course. That is, in my opinion, the downside. You have to wait a very long time, but that's how it goes with these reality shows. Originally, we were hearing that it was going to be January and then the fight in April, but now it's April and the fight in July.

All right, let's move along. Earlier in the show, we had, in my opinion, the man when it comes to calling MMA, now boxing more Rinalo, spoke very highly of our next guest, really looking forward to having him on. We had him on last year, and now we are honored to welcome back

Jim Ross, who is, in my opinion, the greatest of all time when it comes to calling professional wrestling, a true legend in his own right, and he's been kind enough to give us a few minutes of his time here today on the MMA hour. J.R., how are you? Errol couldn't be better. How are you doing? I'm doing great. So you say you couldn't be better?

That's very good to hear. We had some news last week in the world professional wrestling that you were retiring from WWE. That's accurate? That is accurate. You know, I think I've had a very blessed 39-year rain or run, rather, in the sports entertainment world and the world of pro wrestling. So it seemed like a good time with some other opportunities knocking on the door to give them a shot. So no regrets. It's all been great and more adventures ahead, hopefully.

Why now? Well, you know, I think I have a lot of interest. I've never tried to be a one-dimensional guy, even though it would be perceived as such because I was in my profession for 39 years. But I've got a keen interest in writing. I love football. I love MMA.

There are other, you know, other my great, My grandkids and my family. So I just, when you're immersed in that world that has no season, you find yourself being challenged to find time to do other things that you would like to do or that you need to do. And so it just, it was a good opportunity. You know, I'm a young 61. I think that's the new 41.

At least it is in my book. My health has never been better. So it just seemed like everything came together, and it was just the right time to make that move. Now, digging around, have to ask, you see this all the time in the world of sports, entertainment, whatnot, that publicly things are labeled one way, but they may not have gone down that way behind the scenes.

Were you forced out, or did you want to leave WWE? I think it was, you know, after a good discussion and expressing myself and things I'd like to do and just the timing of everything, I think it was, you know, when you say mutual, it means, you know, partially to somebody that you've been forced out the door or treated poorly or what have you, which really wasn't the case. it was something that we'd talked about kind of casually, and it just seemed like the way the lay of the land, and it was just a good timing. So, you know, it's just I'm not really a negative guy. You know, you and I've talked a few times. I'm always pretty upbeat.

I kind of look at the glass half full as opposed to half empty. Had some health issues. Thank God I'm over those. I'm feeling really, really good. I've taken better care of myself. So I just think it was the right time. With everything presented as it was, it was just the very best decision to make. And now we're going to move on to the next thing.

Well, first off, very happy to hear that you're doing well as far as your health is concerned. So that is tremendous news. And when this news came out, at first, I thought, oh, J.R. retiring, who knows what's next. But then I started to think of a few things. you know, A, how popular you are, B, how big of a fan you are of mixed martial arts, and the UFC in particular, you're always tweeting about it,

obviously have talked to you about it, seen you at the fights, and the fans, even those who pretend to not be pro-wrestling fans anymore, once we're pro wrestling fans, I mean, you see videos all over the place on the internet of your calls on top of some of the great moments in UFC history. And then I was thinking about,

just a few months ago, I heard that you were at the UFC offices, hanging out with your friend Mark Ratner. You met with Dana White. I see you guys tweeting each other back and forth. And I wondered, is JR making a move to mix martial arts? Are you? Well, that's a good question.

You know, it's certainly something that the direct answer, because you're a good journalist, and you get right, you cut to the chase, as will I. No plans at this time to make that move. However, am I open-minded? Would I listen? Absolutely. but if that occurs, the process would be what it is, but I'm still going to be a big fan. I just, hey, I'm a big fan of the NFL.

I don't have any NFL teams looking to sign me to be a player, the world's oldest NFL player, the world's newest coach or what have you. But there's, I have an interest in it, no doubt about it. I'm a fan of it. And as I said, I've had many interests that I really am passionate. soon about. MMA is certainly one of those and certainly near the top of the list. So, you know, who knows what the future is going to hold in that regard? I had a great meeting. It was absolutely in front two, very casual, very quick, but very positive meeting with Dana.

I am very much entertained and intrigued by his personality and his drive and how he and the patitas are building their brand. It kind of reminds me of, you know, know, my earlier career in pro wrestling when the proliferation of that kind of exploded. So I can relate to some of the things that they're encountering and the things they're doing. So, you know, who knows? It certainly would be something that I would very positively listen to if it were to come my way. What did you guys talk about? Oh, we talked a lot about Oklahoma football because, you know, the Bishop Gorman High School

where Dana and the patitas went to there in Vegas has provided Oklahoma with some very good football players in the past, including Marco Murray, who's another big MMA fan, and of course running back to the Dallas Cowboys and a friend of mine. So we talked a lot about football and a little bit about, you know, just the business in general and our experiences with Brock Lesnar. you know, we signed Brock Lesnar right out of college, and I got to knowing very well, very early in his career, and still have a great relationship with him. And, you know, we talked about Brock's impact on their business and how he made the transition from pro wrestling to a little bit of football to MMA. But it was a short conversation, more just casual, you know,

than anything else, nothing really business-oriented. A lot of people like to make a connection between, obviously, Dana White and your former employer, Vince McMahon, from their public persona, the way they've built their organizations, their attitudes and whatnot. Do you see a connection there? And, you know, side note, who, in your opinion is the better promoter? Well, you know, that's a...

They do have a lot of similarities. They're both very driven. They're both very focused. You don't have to, the great thing about those two gentlemen is that, you know, you don't have to, they don't tell you how to make the watch. They tell you what time it is.

I love that. You know, I don't know who the better promoter is, but because you kind of got to look at longevity. If you only looked at longevity, McMahon certainly would have the edge at this point in time, but that's not to say that Dana hasn't done, along with his team, just an amazing job of adding that aura of legitimacy as far as USC being accepted as a mainstream sport.

You know, I look at the USC, no different than I would look at the NFL or, you know, Major League Baseball. They're there. they have come out of the shadows from the tough man fights and beginnings of the MMA on television, which I was a fan of back then, to, you know, they're the legitimate sports world. And I think that's just an amazing accomplishment, and I'm sure that their greatest days are still to come. If you were given your choice to do whatever you wanted for, let's say, the UFC, or some other up-and-coming

MMA promotion, would you prefer being a play-by-play guy, which, of course, you're very well known for, or doing the other thing you did for a very long time for WWE, develop talent. You know, one of the things the naysayers like to say about the UFC and MMA in general is that they have a hard time building new stars,

and those stars can be knocked off with one big punch. Which would you prefer to do? Well, the most challenging part probably for me would be to engage in talent development and recruiting the right kind of people for the organization, any organization. Any entity like USC, NFL, even WWE starts with its talent. It starts and ends there as far as I'm concerned because that's the, those are the reasons that talent are the reasons that people pay to engage the product.

So I think the most challenging part would be to probably work with talent. Could be a lot of fun. Be interesting. I see the same similarities. You want personality traits. You want character. You want athleticism, tough and dedication, things like that. And any athlete, I think that, quite frankly, and this may sound egocentric, and I don't mean for it to.

but I think the transition from calling a pro wrestling match and calling an MMA fight would be easy. I think that it would be a matter of just getting familiar with the fighters, more familiar with techniques, the nuances of which I try to study, but with ample preparation, I don't see that would be an issue whatsoever. And I would say the same thing to you about football. If given the opportunity to call football, I don't see any apprehension, I don't have any apprehension or have any intimidation that I couldn't do that as well.

I think it's all part of storytelling and engaging the audience, not insulting the audience, not talking down to them, talking to them, and being a fan, and engaging in making that emotional investment and whatever product you see on your monitor and make sure you're getting it right. I use that word all the time on this show, emotional investment.

We need that connection with the fighters, with the stories, and great to hear you. Obviously, that's something I learned from watching pro wrestling and listening to people like you for a very long time. Isn't it true that several years ago you had some talks with Access TV, formerly known as HGNet, about doing some MMA? And if so, why did that never come about?

We had one talk, one meeting back in the day. It just really wasn't, the timing was an issue, I think, more than anything. I really wasn't prepared to divest myself of my WWE duties and had more to do do. And I had an obligation that I thought I needed to fulfill. I'm big on that. commitment means everything to me my word means everything

and it was more exploratory than anything else so I think Arrow was probably just the timing really wasn't it just wasn't the right timing. The meeting was positive the guys I talked to were good people enjoyed it

but it just wasn't the right place or right time and I think for me to be really you know if you're going to be involved in this business. There are a lot of really

up-and-coming, outstanding organizations. But that's what I'm doing for football. Would you rather broadcast in the Arena League or had you rather go work in the NFL? And the UFC is the NFL. The UFC is the top of the game.

So in my position, at my stage of the game, I think for me to be interested in something in the MMA world, it would have to be USC or somebody who has to sell me that this is another opportunity would be equally as challenging, equally as rewarding. So what you're saying is you're not interested in working for the XFL of MMA?

Well, you know, I'm not interested today in doing that. But I'm certainly open-minded. I think I'm a good enough businessman to not, you know, illuminate any opportunities. but if you're asking me my preference, I would say, obviously, my preference would be USC, if that were, you know, to be my next adventure and my next journey would be headed in that direction. Certainly wouldn't close the door on anybody. But I think any broadcaster that's in the genre would tell you if they could, and I can because I'm not obligated anybody

that the UFC is a place to be. You know, I remember talking to you last time you were on the show about micing the cage and doing some little things as far as production is concerned. What do you think of the UFC as it stands today? 2013, they've made some improvements as far as Fox's concern, matcams, things like that. From a production standpoint, which you know a heck of a lot about,

what do you think of the way they present the product to the people? I think they've made some outstanding improvements. I think the audio, as far as mic and the crowd, you know, after going to some fights and hearing the passion, the raw passion from the fan base, who are totally invested into the product while they're there. It's just much like when I'm on the sideline of an Oklahoma football game, and I can hear the crowd around me,

and it's just so invigorating. It's an element that you can't replicate. You want to be able to hear that at home. Then when I come home and watch the game on DVR, let's say, I want to experience that same audio. I want that feel. I want you to draw me into the event. And I think U.S.C. is an amazing job of improving their audio

to where you get that real game, real fight on their experience. The broadcasting, I think, has always been excellent. I'm a big fan of Mike Goldberg and Joe Rogan, and I think they do a terrific job. So that was never an issue with me as much as little production elements. And that may be being over-critical as well because I've been immersed in that whole world for so long and seeing the world of television grow for the entity that I was earning a living in. So I think they've made some great steps, some positive steps. or can they make more and will they make more?

And sure they will. And there's always room for all of us to improve whatever we do. But they've done some really good things. And I think that the relationship with Fox encourages them to continue to get better and better and better at how they produce television. You know, much like pro wrestling, MMA doesn't have an offseason. You spoke about that earlier. And there are some who say there are too many fights now. Just UFC, we're not talking about everyone else.

As a fan, right now you're just a fan. What's your take on that? Are you able to watch everything? Do you care about watching everything, or do you think that they are oversaturating the market? Well, you know, the thing about being oversaturated is that what a lot of folks have to understand is that there are obligations that when you get into a major broadcast deal with an entity like Fox and your pay-per-view providers and other commitments that are essential to the success of the brand,

And you have a propensity to produce more product than maybe you would like in an ideal world, but you've got to fulfill your contractual obligations. I have destinations on my calendar as far as fights that I have to see. And then there are others that I try to see, but if I miss them, I don't feel like I've, you know, I don't feel empty. I don't, you know, I think that it's a fine balance. I don't know how to really answer it, but I think that you have to be, you have to, you have to fulfill your obligations with your broadcast carrier.

And in the course of doing that in a big scale way, that's like saying, yesterday I was watching the direct TV, watch the NFL ticket. I was on football overload yesterday. So by the time, a great, what I thought was going to be, a great Seattle 49ers game played, I was about ready to tap but it was a lot of football. And I love football, but there was a lot of football. Same thing for Saturday.

You know, I go to the OU game at 11 a.m. Oklahoma time. I come home and watch Texas A&M and Alabama, and by the time of the night games came, I was ready to move on. So it's a fine balance. And I think our public has a shorter attention span than perhaps we used to back in the day when there were fewer choices to watch on television.

vision. So it is a delicate balance, and you're always going to have, now that you've got a big partner like Fox in USC, you're always going to have people saying, well, there's too much product. I look at it as it gives fighters an opportunity to make themselves famous. It gives fighters an opportunity to separate themselves from the PAC. So if I were a fighter or managing a fighter or an administrative role with a fighter, my encouragement would always be, you get more time to maximize your minutes. You get to step into octagon and you get to make a name for yourself. That's what this opportunity provides you.

And the cream always rises to the top, no matter how big the audience may or may not be. If you're really great, it's going to be discovered and it's going to create more opportunities. Most recently you were working, developing talent for WWE. Did you notice that now with the rise of UFC and MMA that, 20 years ago, it was easier to find talent, in particular guys who were coming from amateur wrestling, Olympic wrestling, collegiate wrestling, all that stuff, that guys

are now moving towards MMA when 20 years ago the current angles of the world were going to WWF. Well, I'll tell you, if you were 20 years ago, or a little bit more, the territory, the wrestling territories were the biggest asset in finding new stars because they were developed

out in their regional territories, and then they were, if they were really good, he spotted them, and you can see their work on tape on the local TV shows, and then you could eventually bring them to a bigger game. What we see now is there are some amateur wrestlers. It really depends on the individual. We've been very lucky in the last year or so

to sign some outstanding amateur wrestlers who had more interest, obviously, in becoming an entertainer in the world of WWE. than they did a more mainstream athlete in the world of MMA. So it really comes back to the individual. We're finding that there are a lot of kids out there in amateur wrestling that grew up in WWE culture and now are intrigued by the opportunity to make the next step, and that's their next career.

we're also finding it the same thing in football. A lot of NFL guys or guys that have some NFL experience now are looking that the WV is a very, very viable career opportunity. So I don't think it's the major difference. So if you're asking, is there a big recruiting battle for athlete A to make a choice? Not really. That's a mindset.

Some guys want to continue to battle like they do in a wrestling room and now get into the octagon and make them some paydays and continue to do that gladiator-type confrontations. And some guys want to be athletic entertainers. And so it really comes down to their mindset. So I don't think there's a big issue there at all. Plenty of great athletes to go around, quite frankly. By the way, very interesting to hear you still.

say we when talking about the pro wrestling business. I guess it's been long enough to where you can't exactly remove yourself from it even though you have moved on, right? Well, yeah, you know, 39 years and it's been, what, five days?

Yeah. You're kind of tough. I'm always going to be a fan of, you know, that's another one of those I can throw in my list is things that I'm still, emotionally invested in. I'm still interested. I'm still, I'm not angry. I'm not bitter. It's been a tremendous run. And, you know, there's, but there are just so many things out there that

have come my way that were coming my way during my final days in WWA, final year or so, actually. I just couldn't follow up on or couldn't pursue because of other obligations. So, yeah, the Wee's going to be tough to get myself out of. And I'm sure that some MMA aficionados and diehards are going to be rolling their eyes and probably praying that Jim Ross never calls an MMA event. But they should, hopefully, would be willing to know that I would never insult any genre

by bringing pro wrestling into an entirely different game. I would bring the same preparation, the same passion, the same commitment to whatever entity that I was working on Mike for that I did in my previous career. Look, if the boxing community can accept more Rinaloa coming from MMA and Pro Wrestling, I think we as an MMA community can accept the legendary JR. The last thing I want to ask you, I mentioned those videos. Have you seen those videos that people love to make with you taking that class? call. Usually it's from the taker, Mankind match, Helen Acela, putting it over other great moments, not only in MMA, but other sports. Do you see that stuff? Do you get a kick out of that? Oh, yeah. You know, Twitter's an amazing entity. Yes. I get tweets all the time. I get them for

slam dunks in the NBA with some of my calls. You know, people get posturized. I get them for Clowny's a big hit last year, football, NFL hits. Yeah. I got one yesterday from somebody that got a German suplex in a football game with my call on it. Yep. So, yeah, it's fun because it's kind of like, hey, look, we, if they take the time to do it, I'll sure take the time to look at them,

and they're generally worth, you know, a little bit of a laugh. And I feel kind of humble that they even thought of my call in that athletic moment. So I think some of those calls will fit a lot of different environments, just a matter of timing and usually common sense. But yeah, it's kind of cool. Well, Jim, no one asked me, but if they did, I'd say it's a great idea. I'd love to have you in some part behind the scenes in front of the camera. As you know, I'm a massive admirer of yours, and that was the first thing I thought of when they said you were walking away from WWE. I thought maybe, maybe something's going on here. Maybe he can bring his

talents over to our world. I think it would be fantastic. Please keep us up to date. Let us know how we can help. And most importantly, enjoy your time off. I know it's a long time coming for you. So just enjoy this time. And I'm sure not because of this show, but just because of who you are, the offers. Crazy, good, legitimate. They'll be flooding to your doorstep right now. So just enjoy it all. And again, congratulations on a legendary. In my opinion, the best there ever was, pro wrestling career. Enjoyed it very much. You were the soundtrack of my childhood. So thank you so much. Earl, thank you very much. You're doing a great job. And, you know, as long as our heart's beating and we're passionate about what we do, it doesn't feel like it's a job. So I'm just looking for

that next opportunity that lets me feel like I'm having fun, and it's all about the fun and the enjoyment and not the work. So, but thank you very much, and you're doing an amazing job, and I always appreciate the opportunity to visit with you. Thank you so much, Jim. All the best to you. We'll talk to you very soon. Thanks a lot. There he is. The one and only. Good old JR. I feel like we should have the music, the Boomer Sooner music playing right now, because he is, you know, of course, when it comes to pro wrestling, there's guys, as Maura mentioned Gordon Soli, Girl Monsoon, Jim Ross, in my opinion, growing up, listening to this man, him just calling those big WWF matches alongside Jerry the King Lawler. And even when he did the XFL, if you recall, he was great at it. This is a guy who loves mixed martial arts, loves the U.S. UFC loves the sport can help, like I said, in front of the camera, behind the scenes, I think you'd be a great addition, and people need to get over that. I know there are some

of you, just some of you who get uncomfortable with it, get over it. If you don't think that our sport was born from that form of entertainment, you're kidding yourself, because it 100% was. Okay, let's move along now, guys, and welcome in, a man who I think will be a very interested observer come Saturday night, of course, UFC 165, Alexander. Senator Gustafson against John Jones. The light heavyweight title will be on the line. Of course, I'm talking about Gagar Musassi, who's supposed to fight Gustafsson back in April

before he was injured just a few days before the bout, ended up fighting Alir Latifi. We haven't heard much from him since. We wanted to check in with him, and we do so right now. Gagard, how are you? I'm good, Ariel. Thanks for having me. Great to have you on the show, Gagart.

So what are you feeling, knowing that in five days, the man you were supposed to fight? a very big fight in his home country, never happened. Now he's fighting for the title. How does that make you feel? Well, I don't feel a lot of, you know. I think Gustafsson is a nice guy, and he had a good winning streak in UFC,

so, you know, I think he deserves it, you know. And other than that, I'm just disappointed in myself that I got this injury. But other than that, you know, I think it's a good matchup. It's going to be a good fight, I think. So you don't feel like, man, this guy didn't even have to fight me. I went out there injured, won, and he's getting a title shot, and here I am on the sidelines. It doesn't bug you at all.

Yeah, I got a lot of disappointments. You know, I really wanted that fight. I think even I was injured, I felt good going into the fight. I thought he's a taller guy. I'm going to close the distance very well. I felt I could easily close and even take him down. So I had a good game plan in my head. And I was, so yeah, that happened.

And I had also the knee injury. So it's all setbacks. You know, I want to do MMA. I want to fight. And all I can do is wait and see how they do. And that's the hardest part, you know, not be able to compete. I wish him the best in the fight, but, you know, I just want to come back and start fighting, and then I can feel good again.

Do you think he has a shot against John? I think so. Every time you step up in the cage, you have a chance. But I think John Jones will win. At least that's what I'm thinking. And right now, where do you stand? You had the knee surgery after the first. fight in April. How far away are you from returning to the UFC?

Well, you know, I talked to my physio and he said December is a possibility, but, you know, this is the second time. So we're much more careful. And so maybe I'm going to take a little bit longer before I step in the cage. But the recovery is going well. The knee feels very stable. That's not the problem. But just because it happens twice, you are more careful than Yeah, so we're just being more careful. And so if it's not December, probably January or February. Are you concerned that this might be a lingering issue for you as your career continues now? You mentioned this is your second big knee injury.

Well, I don't think so. But, you know, you never know. But like I said, doctor says looks good. My physio said you will be back 100%. So I don't see any reason why I should doubt, you know But you know But that's the thing with this sport You never know anything can happen

And when you do return Is it 100% you will be at 185 Well I'm planning Yeah I think so because I'm already dropping weights I gained a lot of weight I was 2.30 to 35 maybe even And but For light heavy weight it is not much

But you know For me, it's a lot because I didn't go up that much. But I'm coming down slowly. I'm now 220. I think once I'm too, yeah. So, yeah, slowly the dropping weight every week, two pounds. So I'm already focusing on the fight. So obviously, over the last few months, anyone who follows the world of M.A.,

they know that you've been campaigning to try to get a fight against Vitor Belfort. He's fighting Dan Henderson in November. You come back around February, so the timing might work out. Why do you want, forget about the timing and all that? Why do you want to fight him so bad? Well, I thought he's the number one guy, you know, at least, especially after these two impressive wins. You know, that's the guy you want to fight. And I like him.

I like Fito Belford. He's a nice guy. I get nothing against him. But, you know, I wanted to go for the title shot, and I believe. If I would fight him and I would win, that would get me a little bit closer to my goal. So that's it, nothing less. But, you know, I'm injured. He's continuing with his fight against Dan Henderson.

So it's not going to happen anymore. So I'm just focusing on coming back and fighting some guy in the top three or who's famous, who people think is good, you know. So you don't even think that when you do come back, you'll get the fight? Probably not because he already had his fight then. and the next fight is going to probably three, four months later. So in meanwhile, I want to fight, you know, whoever gave me. Is it not true, though, that you felt very frustrated early on in the process.

You felt like, you know, you guys weren't talks to fight at affliction. It never happened. Now here you are in the UFC doing well. You and your manager called him a hypocrite, right? Saying that, you know, now he doesn't want to. I didn't call him hypocrite, you know. But anyway, at the afflictions. action, we had to fight, or at least they offered the fight.

And he said, no. And I said, I can make it at 185. Let's do a catchway. He didn't accept it. But eventually he went to UFC and fought Rich Franklin at the catchweight. So that didn't make sense. But, you know, he's doing what is best for his career. I can't blame him, you know.

But other than that, yeah. Have you set your sights on someone? else that you think makes sense for you upon your return? No, I don't know that. Challenging is not my real thing, but, you know, after all, I'm fighting so long and still I have to prove myself every time. So, you know, I want to fight the famous people, let's say like that. You feel as though you don't get talked about enough when people talk about the best

light heavy weights in the world, middle weights in the world, best fighters in the world, do you still feel like you need to prove people? I don't get a lot of credit, I think. And I think people still doubt me a lot. I don't know why, but after, I don't know, 35 fights, people still doubt me, you know. Do you think part of the reason why is just because you haven't had a lot of fights in the UFC yet, and that's the big stage here in North America? I think so, and also I had lesser performances, but, you know, I think that.

that had to do with training and my mentality, I believe. But, you know, I have no doubt in my abilities that I can beat any of these top 10 guys. So, you know, once I'm focused, I know I can beat them. But I think people have their opinion, you know. You know, I remember prior to your last fight for Strike Force, the last ever Strike Force show back in January, you talked about how you're finally training right, training camp, all that stuff.

You didn't do that beforehand. And then, of course, going into the Latifi or slash Gustavson fight, you got injured. Do you think it was because you just weren't used to training the right way, and that's why you got injured? No, I was boxing, and I was allowed to box with my knee. So I was doing only boxing. But the guy shoot on my legs, and at that moment my knee wasn't 100%. So in the recovery, I got injured. He shouldn't be shooting to my legs, but he did it anyway, so I get fucked.

So, yeah. How did you react to that, knowing that you're about to make your long-awaited UFC debut, and now something like that happens? How pissed off were you? Well, it's disappointment. Everything is disappointment. I don't know. I'm trying to get somewhere, but somehow it feels like you're not getting there.

And it's been a long road. you know, but I'm still young, you know. I think I have time. But, you know, it's difficult when you cannot fulfill your goals. Wasn't it strange? Obviously, Gustafin's cut was visible. Your injury wasn't, but that they wouldn't clear him.

Did they not know that you were injured going into that fight? Well, I didn't tell them because I didn't have... At that moment, I didn't have my ACL. So, yeah, I didn't tell them, of course. But I had injured. The problem was my knee was also popping, and I don't know, popping out, and I couldn't in training. So it was mentally very difficult. So I thought, what the fuck, I'm going to go into the ring and some shit's going to happen.

But that's why I fought the way I fought, and I thought, as long as they, yeah, as long as they bones. Yeah. So, I don't know. And the surgery was for what? What did they correct with the surgery? Well, I tore my ACL again, so they had to put again the new ACL or the... Right. How much pain were you in in that fight?

No pain, but in the training, in training, when that thing happened with my knee, it would hurt, you know? No pain during the fight, though? No, no, in the fight, because nothing happened to my knee. You know, it was all stand up, and I kept the distance. It was all, so it didn't hurt. I feel like when you come back, I'm sensing a big chip on your shoulder right now. Like, you're upset. You're sick of all of this, and people are going to pay.

That's the sense I'm getting right now. Yeah, of course. I think, how can I say it? You know, it's difficult. I got injured, and now I got injured. Injury, I think, is the worst thing, you know. Even if you go, you fight, you did your best, you lose, you can say, okay, next time. But now I cannot say next time until a couple months later.

And, you know, I still want to fight a lot. And I'm not there where I want to be, you know. And I don't know. It's taking a long time. My goal set. I thought I would already achieve some of my goals, but still I'm not there. It's disappointing and also I'm seeing these other fighters fighting and I want to be where they are. So, yeah, it's not good.

Do you ever think about leaving? No. It's a lot of money, yeah, I probably would have maybe stopped. Really? Yeah, why not? Stop because you just, do you feel like you don't have the love, the heart for this anymore? Well, how can I say it? No, when I think about it, this, you know, even now I'm injured, this is the only thing I can do.

I'm not a scientist, I'm nothing, I can only fight. So it's difficult to give up, but you only, the only thing I know is this. So I don't think I would have quit, but, you know, I don't know. So what do you use this? I think money is an important issue to me. I think that's, yeah. What do you use as motivation now? You have to come back.

You have to come back, obviously, back to 100% better than you were before. Not only that, at a lighter weight, you have 185 now. What are you using as motivation during this time now where you're trying to get back to where you once were? Well, simply that I can beat these guys. But, you know, what can I say? I haven't, they're competing in UFC, so they're a little bit more famous, and all that stuff. But knowing that I can be where they are, you know,

at that level or at the credit that they get, I know I can get there. But it's, yeah, so that's the problem. You know what's been helping, I think. Your tweets are fantastic. I love your tweets. All of a sudden, you've become a prolific tweeter. Where did this come from?

Yes. I don't know. Management and... Do you enjoy it? Yeah, it's not bad. I enjoy, you know, sometimes you have idiots, but a lot of times, a lot of times people, of course, if they visit my, let's say, my site or Twitter,

they like me. I just hope so. Sure. So, yeah. I have always some people who don't have any manners, you know. Sure. Did you ever find the guys or the girls who broke up? into your house?

No, of course not. This is Holland. Yeah. It happens. Yeah, it happens. What can you do about it? I got so many shit that happened to me this year and last year's just like nothing. Well, you're going to hopefully turn that into motivation.

I sense that's what's happening here. Now you're kind of in the in-between process, but that's what we're getting at, right? Yeah, of course. And, you know, last fight, I thought I'm going to fight smart, but that's not the way I want to fight. I want to come and be aggressive and hurt someone, let's say like that. But last fight, I had to be fight like that, you know. And he was a shorter guy. Once you be aggressive against a guy like that, he's going to take you down and he's going to lay on you until the end of the round.

You know, at least that's what he's going to try. So give me, I want to fight someone who's coming. coming to fight. That's the problem. Well, I hope you get that fight, Gagard. Always a pleasure to talk to you. Love hearing the passion. I'm sorry to hear that, you know, you're feeling a little frustrated now, but I know just based on the fact that we told people you're going to be on the show,

a lot of people still very big fans of yours, excited to hear from you, wanting to know how you're feeling and whatnot, and please keep us posted via Twitter and other means on your recovery and when you'll be able to return as a middleway because I think a lot of people are excited about that. I will, Ariel. Thank you. Thank you very much. he is. The dream catcher, Gagar Musassi, speaking very passionately about his current situation, and I know I speak for everyone,

really looking forward to seeing him back, not only back, back as a middleweight. I think he could be a very interesting player at 185 pounds. Okay, last guest of the day, and we left it for a very big one. Very excited to welcome. We've had a lot of legends on the show today,

and we end with one of the biggest we've ever had on this show. He is the man known as rowdy, roddy, Piper, he joins us right now on the MMA hour. Roddy, how are you? I'm a box of fluffy ducks, chab. And listen, those ladies have broken to that house. You have them break into this house. No ladies have... I can help them out with that. No ladies have ever broken into your house, right?

No. Well, you know, four kids, 31 years I've been married. None that I'll claim. Okay, hey, that's a good transition there. And by the way, thank you so much for joining us. And we have a lot to talk to you about, you know, we speak about tough ladies. a couple years ago, I spoke to a woman by the name of Rhonda Rousey, and it was my first in-person interview with her, and I asked her about her nickname. Her nickname is Rowdy. I asked her where she got it. I want to play you this clip. It's a 20 or so second clip, and then I want to hear your response, all right? Okay. All right, here we go. Here's Rhonda Rousey talking about her nickname. The Rowdy, your nickname. Does that come from Rowdy, Roddy Piper?

Yeah, it does, actually. He was one of my favorite wrestlers back a while ago. He still is. but he's a good friend of Jean LaBelle, who's one of my corners, and I actually got to ask him personally if it'd be okay to borrow his name. So he said he's cool with it, so I very proudly. Do you remember that, Roddy? Oh, yeah. She's a nice gal. You know, Judo Gene's been choking me out since I was 17. And I remember him talking about Rhonda, and she's a sweetheart.

She gave me a jingle on the phone, and she was so nice, and asked me if she could use my name, and I told her I was proud, and to go get him. And boy, has she ever, huh? So have you... A lot of my four children, four of them are girls, so I'm a big feminist. You'll figure that one out as a dad. And so, like, I'm so proud of her.

And, of course, Uncle Gene, we all love Uncle Gene and Judo Jean LeBelle. And if she's got Gene in her corner, she's going to be a hard one to beat. So have you been following her career? She has turned into, arguably, the face of the UFC. Oh, yeah, it's great. She was doing a... She had an arm bar. What June was telling me, you know, we talk, you know how we talk, kind of very quiet.

And she said, yeah, she wouldn't tap, so I told her to break it. She did. Okay, then. Other than that, how did you like the opera, Mrs. Lincoln? You know? But again, you know, I don't know what Dana White's thinking, but I don't think a smarter thing could happen for the UFC.

And even if it's just, if it's happening because just serendipity or whether Ronda is just coming up at the right time, but for the UFC to almost have Ronda as a face of the UFC shows how the world is changing and how things are, uh, are things are catching up all the,

way around. And I would think he'd be proud to have something as pretty as that as a face of the UFC. I know there's a lot of alpha and testosterone and I am in the same business. But when you've got someone who's qualified as Ronda, I think that I'd be great. And with Dana, I only met him one time

was when Brock was fighting, when he got knocked out. And Dana came to me and said, hello, he was a perfect gentleman and put me in a nice place. So I got all the respect in the world for the league the people in it. But what a cool thing for that league to have

Ronda Rousi. You see, the latter, Mula. Yes. You know Mula, God bless her soul. She was wonderful too. She's a very tough minded woman. Does she remind you of the old shooters from yesteryear? Does she remind you?

Do you think she has that quality? Yeah, I'll tell you why. Because which is like the godfather of hooking. And she's got a taste of that mentality. Just like myself, I was taught by the last of the gorgeous Georgia era. And it gives you just a little different reference. When you go in the ring and you go to do your job,

your heart is coming from a little different place as opposed to some of the finest equipment that they have, some of the finest trainers. That's all great. And they're wonderful. but there's an old saying, and I haven't heard it for years. I try to tell guys that are coming up in whatever sport they are, especially mine, is fight with your heart, not your head.

You've been training for, we'll make it up, you know, you've been training for four, six months for this fight. You got it down in your head. When you get in the ring, fight with your heart. Your head's telling you don't go too fast. deep breathe, boom, you know, you know when to start, you know when to go. But the heart, you take, and I won't take too much time on this. No, no, I love it.

You know, here's kind of the example I give. Take Mohammed Ali and Joe Frazier in those three fights they had. Both those athletes were so finely trained. What made one better than the other? And it's really simple. The spirit. The spirit of the man. And another way of saying the spirit is your heart is an easy way to say it.

It's the spirit that's in you that you just will not give up. You will not take a backstep. Elie, and like to throw, I don't know, 13th, 14th round was still doing the alley shuffle, just to show the judges he could do it. And he talked later about it. He could hardly catch any breath at all. And wherever the fight was, I can't remember. but it was at night, you know, 90, 100 degrees.

And these guys have been battling, I think they're going 15 rounds in those days. You know, fight with your heart. And I think that's what Rhonda does. Because Uncle Gene, yeah, you've got to be smart, but you've trained all that. You've got all that down. When you come out that night, you're going to, you know, naturally with people, and here it is. And, you know, once the bell brings the bells a loneliest sound in the world. Everybody's all, yeah, go get it.

and the bell rings and you look around, where is everybody? Well, that's where you have to have your spirit and your heart and be right into it. And you do much better because you already know the one, two, threes. But when you start fighting with your spirit and your heart, you slow down. You can see everything coming much easier. And I think most of the great, great ones, that's what's made them so great. Obviously, you know who Ronda Rousey is. You mentioned being at the Brock Lesnar fight a few years back.

Are you a fan of UFC? Are you the kind of guy who sits down and watches the pay-per-view the big fights? I'm a fan of the sport. My son, of course, Coltunes, is undefeated as an amateur, and then he turned pro, and he's playing with wrestling now. So I'm a fan of it, but I don't necessarily have the time to sit down and watch one pay-per-view to another. So the guys that I hear about are usually the real cream of the crop

or somebody who's making a mark. And then every once in a while, I think I went to an affliction fight, and then later on, UFC, those are the only two that I've been to live that I can think of the top of my head. You mentioned your son. Sorry, go ahead. I don't mean to interrupt. No, sir, you're good.

You mentioned your son, and there was a lot of buzz about him going from an amateur MMA fighter to pro wrestling because of his, excuse me, two pro-MMA because of his famous pro wrestling father, but he hasn't fought in three years. Why? You know, I think that I think

Colt took a look at what was going on and he took a look at his dad. You know, his pro, Colt's dad, if, it's like this. If you want to go into MMA

and give it your role and give yourself a deadline five years and get what you can and while you're doing that be smart enough to either be getting an education or getting in some kind of a business or taking care of yourself. That's a really smart

thing to do. If you go in to become I ask people why all the time. Somebody wants become a wrestler. Somebody wants to become a MMA fighter boxer. It doesn't matter. I say why. And if I get that, oh man,

I've been watching, I'm a big fan. Those are all the wrong reasons. Because you love it. I can love it. You know, I don't care if there's one person or one million. You get the same out of me. But my mistake, because we didn't have the experience back then, you don't want to be a lifer. That's where you get the injuries that you can't get rid of.

And also, in my case, I married a saint. and be married 31 years, October 12, and it's her birthday today. And I'm doing this. Show you what a saint she is. Wow. Yeah, and four kids, and that's really abnormal in our business. I'm a big-time dad. And so going back to your original question with Colt,

Colt and I had talked a long time, and once you turn pro, and soon as you put professional in front of any word, you know, I don't care what they say. All bets are off. it's for keeps whatever you do to train to get there it's winning it's getting money for your family

and whatever you have to do to get that and it becomes a whole different piece of work from amateur the Olympics those are all wonderful as soon as you come and put pro in front of it you become a club fighter and you're trying to work your way up all the rules change and it's not things that we can talk about or that we want to talk about

because some of them shouldn't be. But it gets real, real serious. And I remember myself being trying to be in a little, being a little facetious here, but not much. Kind of like, who do you want me to fight? Ogen, what's that, Mom? Oh, you're pregnant?

No, I'll take that fight. Hi, Mom. You're what? Who do you want me to fight? Andre, I'll take that one. You're what? You know, four kids. Okay, well, wait a second.

You guys want to go in the UFC and any kind of fighting sport. If you want to have a family, how are you going to get insurance for those kids? How are you going to take care of those kids? Those kids are going to need a mommy and a daddy? You know, you can't get into a sport so much that you neglect every other part of life and all your other responsibilities. So the way I did it was I started doing movies. I never wanted to be a movie actor.

I never had any going in front of a camera. I never even thought about it. It was just an accident. But the reason I started doing movies, because there's a thing called SAG, and they have one of the best health insurance in, I don't know about the world, but in America they do.

And I think if you earn, at one time it was over $36,000 a year, and maybe it's like $50,000 a mile, you get health. insurance. That's the only way I could get health insurance for my kids. So I had to fight with the promoters to go get time to do a movie. Why? Because I want to be a movie star. No, because I needed health insurance. Guys that are going into the sport, if they just got a girlfriend and they're not married, they don't think that way. You know, but you've got to look at it a little longer term.

So the term, and I might be boring you here. No. Please cut me off. Love it. Love it. Please take all the time you want. Thank you, sir. Thanks for the respect. And this is coming from my heart For every guy out there listening And I'm talking about fighting sports right now Because of the amount of damage Not the football and you know skiing stuff you don't get

But not the kind of damage You're getting so much damage Just training MMA You know I've seen guys that are They're hitting each other so hard In the training Because there's the mentality Well you know

When I get in there I want to take the punch You're going to be able to take the punch you're going to be able to take the punch. It's like, I was on the card when Antonio Onoki fought Muhammad Ali, and Judo Gene was a referee. And one of the things that Anoki did is he laid down on the mat for training and had the young boys at that time. They called him the other younger guys that were training

come and stomp on his jaw to make it tough so he couldn't get knocked out. That dumb thing to do. You know, get big wads of bubble gum and choose them to make the muscles stronger. Yeah, but. So my point is this. The amount of damage that you're doing to your body for one fight, as opposed to the amount of work you're putting into your entire life, including this fight, is really off-kilter.

Because this fight is the most important thing in your life. And then it's the next fight is the most important because everybody wants to say this to you. All the promoters are, oh, come on, kids. come on, man. Don't give up now. Hey, hey, come on. You got to train.

You got to do what? I know why. Because you guys all make money off me. But when the bell rings, I'm the only guy in there every time. So you've got to be a smart fighter. It's great to listen to all kinds of different opinions. But it's great to say no.

That's the hardest word for a fighter. to say, no. He only has to say it to himself. But if you've got a trainer in one ear and a lawyer and another ear and a promoter in another ear and a wife in another year and a couple of kids over there, they're sick, and I got lots of nights like that. But you've got to stay happy to have a good spirit to win a fight. So bottom line is what I'm trying to say to everybody out there.

I know how important it is to you right this second because everybody makes it that important and the world's going to see it. but you've done the work. You've got a whole life to take care of. Don't go into any fighting sport as a lifer. And I hope they understand that term, meaning I went into my sport, and boom, this is what I'm going to do, period, and that's it. That wasn't a smart move on Rod's part.

Don't be that naive, and don't cheat yourself out of life that much. and I hate to say it, but each fight isn't as important as they say it is. It's all about when you start hyping it over the dollar sign and compared to how much damage you're going to do to your body, that's called ego. Now, ego pride will kill you. I know many, many, very, many men, extremely courageous.

too much courage will kill a man. In war time, he will stand up and charge the enemy, and they will shoot you. Too much courage can kill a man. Incollegeance, that's a whole different ballgame, so I'll get off my soapbox. No, I'm getting goosebumps just listening to you here on my show talking about this stuff.

It's fascinating. I'm wondering, then, what is your son doing now, after all that, after that wisdom you gave him? It's a good question. And I'm going to be honest, completely honest, at the expense of my son, because of the audience. You have a wonderful show, and the audience that's listening. I have respect for everybody. I had to have a talk with Colt, and I had this talk.

And now I would have to say that he's a little confused. He loves it, and he's good at it for where he's at. But all of a sudden, you know, he's a little confused. a lady that he really likes. They're thinking of getting married, and I'm going, hey, well, right, you need to be in the gym five, seven hours every day. Yeah, Dad, I am. Yeah, but you're working out with her.

You know, and then in the MAJ, I'm with Matt Linnlin and Team Quest, you know, are you getting down there, and are you doing that? Yeah, but, you know, today we have no, it doesn't work like that cold. and I'm doing that on purpose. And so, like, Colt, how are you going to pay for your insurance? Well, I need another fight, yeah, but you don't have a fight right now, and the lady needs something, and what if you happen to have a child, etc.? You want to get...

So all of a sudden all these things are health insurance. Where are you going to get it right now? Colt being 24 until he's 26. He's still on my health insurance. Thank God. But, okay, son, where are you going from here? What's your best run at your weight? I think Colt's the last time he fought was 145 pounds,

but he's going about a buck, $8.85 right now. How much money can you mate there? One of the kids, I keep forgetting his name, I really dig the kid. Faber, you're right of favor. I really, I've never met the guy. I have Colt to take a look at him. I don't know anything about him,

but what I've seen and what I sense. And he seems to have a real good head on his shoulders. He's doing other things. And I had, I just watched an interview in the way he handled himself. And he was getting other businesses. I think he's pretty smart. I'd like to meet him someday. So with Colt, I need you, Colt, now, to make a decision.

What is that you want to do? And the question is, not what do you want to do right now. Where do you want to be in 20 years? What kind of car do you want to drive? What kind of house do you want to live in? How many kids do you want to have? So all these questions can't be answered, but you got a, you know, me, mansion, maid, you know, cook, Rose Royce Bentley, convertible, et cetera.

You know, of which I have in nothing. I have none of those, by the way. I live on a ranch on a mountain. because my wife's 100 pounds and I'm 0.145 with her. But you guys need to know, like, what style of life? It's easy to have all the fast cars and that the first five years. I mean, if you've got any time at all, that's no brain. You've got to go in my business, what you do is you go to the end and work backwards.

So, like, when I'm 60, how am I going to, I? how am I going to want to be? I'm having paid for, how much money do I want to spend a year, inflation, et cetera, et cetera. You've got to think like that. When they get these fighters now, they get them so owned in and focused on one thing

that they're not allowing them to think for their entire life. And I think that's a shame on you for doing that to the boy, or to the lady with Ronda Rousie. Ronda's God, she might have a great career in movies or commercial endorsements, anything else she wants to do. That girl isn't going to be dumb enough to go in there and just, you know, oh, do you think Rhonda should have one more fight?

She's getting older. No, no. She's going to go there, clean up, boom, get out, and do whatever she wants to be the happiest going in the world, at least I hope so. You know, it's so funny you say that because she received some flack recently for saying that she kind of looks at her life in four years spans, and she's two years into her MMA career and thinking about after two years maybe walking away undefeated. That's kind of something she's thought of.

that. And there you are. You just said it right there. So you didn't know that. That's, you see that comes to Uncle Gene. Yeah. He's my mentor, my sense, and smart girl. Because yeah, you might take a couple of shots. You might have an injury there that you can get over in a couple years. Boom, four out. Let's do something else. Let's make some movies. Let's make, or whatever rolls your socks up, you know. You know, you might want to be, I don't know, a jet ski driver. I don't know. but that's real smart. And if the people that competed looked at it that way,

they would have much, much more power over the promoters that put these events on because the promoter would realize that they can't play Donkey Carrick. and the, you know, with your lawyer, etc., setting the fight up, the rules would start to change, but they have to have the courage to do that themselves. By the way, you've mentioned SAG and health insurance or whatnot. Do you think fighters need a union to help them get these kind of things so that they can actually make a nice living for themselves and their family if they want to do this? You know, I've been blackballed four times. First time when I was, I think I was 18 for writing the newspaper,

trying to get health insurance for wrestlers. And then I went on HBO Real Sports. I didn't do a real good job, but my point was those guys aren't taken care of. Didn't they just, and correct me if I'm wrong, somebody told me they put something like either $480 million or $780 million of football people into concussions. Yeah, I think more than that. They sued the NFL

and they received an incredible amount of money, close to a billion. Close to you. Okay, you think any wresters have had any concussions? I think any MMA guys and ladies? Holy cow. Was wrestling as much as you fall down? I don't even know how many.

You know, I have spaces that I just don't know of. why wouldn't the sport given that the sport has attained a certain amount of wealth and notoriety around the world why would it not want to

keep its class by taking care of the people that made the sport that draw the fans that help the promoter that work well with the promoter in my case sometimes not so well you know no I'm not taking a but why would you not want to take care of them?

And that's a real, that goes way, way back to the Madison Square Garden, days the original one. And it's a school of thought. They're independent contractors, and that's a lie. Excuse me, I'll rephrase that. They say they're independent contractors. I think there's 33 questions you have to answer. 32 of them say that we're not independent contractors,

and one question does not apply. But it's the fight game. Why wouldn't the fans stand up and say, make them take care of these people? Because at the end of the day in the fight game, when the bell rings, you're all by yourself. That's why you've got to think about what you're doing. You're not making any friends.

You're just making people who want to hang around you and your money and your prestige, and they get a rub from you. don't ever every once in a while you make a friend maybe I got two in all the years

and I don't know you see I started when I was 15 I'm going on 42 years in my business and out of the 42 about 38 have been on top and maybe two friends

I know what it is to be taking advantage of huge I know what it is to go in and be careful. I know. I started when I was 15 pro, so I know what they go through. And I don't know if you'll ever get these leagues to take care of them.

And the answer is greed, man. Greed and also, you know, they don't want to have to pay the price. I don't, you know. It baffles me sometimes. and it angers me. Tremendously. You know, so many guys that should, that fight, you know,

there's all the guys in the mid-card that maybe never quite make the main event, but without those solid guys, there would never ever be a card. And they just drift off and whatever happens to them instead of having some kind of a pension and help plan for what they just be, you don't have to be the main event. The guy, we used to call them Pumes, plus one other match.

the first match on the card. Now, of course, if a guy comes in and has five fights and leaves, that's different. But you've got a guy that works his way up from the first fight on the card, and after 10 years, you know, he's solid and he's had some really great ruins and a couple of tough losses, and he gave everything he had to it, move on. Why wouldn't you not want to take care of that man that took care of your brand? it's a horrible situation that not many guys got the courage to stand up and talk about I know this is a special day for you and your wife do we have a few more minutes of you

do we've gone a little over our time this has been one of the highlights of my life do you have a few more minutes with you rowdy yeah yeah because I want to talk about the Klondike celebrity challenge of course of course of course we're getting that I just want to know you talk about 40 years ago when you started all of this if if MMA was was as popular as it is today. Do you think you would have gone into that as opposed to pro wrestling? Without a doubt. Really? Without a doubt. Why? Oh, I can just feel it. I was a boxer, golden gloves champion and the 167 amateur wrestling champion, then got into with judo Jane and it's just, I don't know, I just know where to go.

I don't know how. I'm sure there were, there were a lot of great, guys, but even in my style in the ring, it's more of a rough house kind of style and more of a hooking, a striking, and, you know, take the air out of them, hold them down. And I like it. It's freedom. You know, you're not sticking to just one. I feel comfortable there for some reason. I don't know what. I remember when you wrestled Bad News Brown, I never forget when you coming down the aisle, half your face was, half your body was black, half of it was not painted.

He was, I mean, he's actually trained, or he used to train, uh, when he was with us, he used to train some fighters who have, uh,

fought, you know, pro and whatnot. Was he one of the tougher guys you went in the ring with? Um, well, I think they were all tough. Yeah,

I think the bad news brown was, uh, an exceptionally great athlete. Uh, as far as toughers, no, there's some guys like, you'd maybe never heard of,

Carl Gotts, George Gordianko, like a whole other, more in Lucez, Eddive Strangler-Lewis, whoosh. The reason they call him Strangler-Lewis is he was in France, and he had a front face lock on a guy, and in France they thought he was strangling them. And the next day in the paper in France said, Ressler Strangles, Ressler, however, and that's how he got the name Strangler Lewis,

but as far as hooking and hurting you, holy cow, those guys were brutal, just brutal. A whole different mindset. They enjoy inflicting pain. That's a different guy you're fighting there. Different guy you're fighting. But bad news about the Klon Dyke Celebrity Challenge, and we're going to be playing this clip

while we speak about it. people can see it over at the Klondike Man Cave. So you were one of the three celebrities chosen, other ones Alfonso Ribero, aka Carlton from Fresh Prince, Tiffany, the former pop star, and you were part of this. And Klondike, obviously, something that we grew up with, much like Roddy Piper.

How did you get connected with these guys? They asked me if I wanted to do the Klondike Celebrities Challenge, and I didn't know what was about. And they got Klondike Facebook. You go to that, What it turned out was the fans, like, what would you do for Klondike Bar? Right, the famous line. And they get to throw in, okay, you know, you'll rest, make them wrestle a bear,

or make them hit somebody with a coconut or whatever. I mean, and you can see all these on the Klondike Facebook. So they're smart Klondike did is, okay, whatever one we picked, the fan has to do it, too. So this one fan wanted to know, like Eric, his name, well, he's a good guy. to wrestle Roddy Pfeiffer and Joel McHale. He hosted it, and he did soup and a couple of other really good shows. I'm not sure if he's on my side or not, though. I ended up coming right to the door of the guy's house,

and he want to wrestle. We kind of tore up the house a bit. But the coolest thing is, so on September 22nd, and when the Emmys, you've got to get on your phone because they're giving away Joel. McCale's hosting the Clondie First Clondie Awards. And I want my Clondie Award. I have a feeling

though that Joe's going to try to ace me out of it. But it was just a lot of really good fun. You know, like, I live in a little bit of a rough world. And to be able to just go

with some first-cast people and like, yeah, well, I tear this place up for Clondie? Boy, you betcha. The Clondie Award, is that edible because I would think it would have to be, right? Well, you know, I've got to see it to kind of, it's got a Klondike bar on it, but I don't know if it's edible. But I also get a lifetime supply of Klondike bar.

Wow. Look out, baby. It's really cool. And the Tiffany, you know, and Alfonzo and even Joel McHale, who we became actually pretty good friends on it. I had never met him before, but he's a friend that Jimmy, Jimmy, mutual friend of ours. He was great. He's got a great set to your.

Actually, I ended up whipping a chair at him, and he said, you know, he pardon me. He goes, you miss me, Piper, you pussy. Wow. We're back into it. So on September 22nd, when they're giving the armies away, you got to get your phone on because they're going to have the Klondis. And they're going to kill the Klan. Who have the best, I guess, the best video. you've got to go to Klondi Facebook, and they've got them all up there and vote for me.

I'm sure the people who are listening, watching to this, will do just that. Let me ask you three quick questions, and then we'll let you go, and thank you so much for your time. First, when's the last time you played the bagpipes? Wow. The actual bagpipes, I broke my left shoulder about a year and a half ago. I haven't been able to get it fixed yet. So the real bagpipes, it's been maybe two and a half. three years. But I acquired a pair of a set of electric bagpipes, and I just recorded a song two days ago in Toronto for Terry Fox, a cancer victim. Of course.

And played it. I'm going to come up. It's called The Light of Day Charity on November 8th and 9th in Niagara Falls in Toronto. And I'm going to sing this song. It was written by a guy named Alan Snoddy. It's a great song about Terry. I'm going to perform it live, and I've already recorded the song. So the answer was two or three days ago, the electric bag. Wow. Terry Fox, obviously, a Canadian hero. If you don't know about him, you need to look him up,

a guy that growing up as a Canadian, we learned a lot about. Number two, how often do people come up to you and say, chew bubble gum, kick-ass, that famous line from the film? I mean, how often do you hear that? I probably hear a couple times a day. Wow. You know, if I'm out and about, it's, it's, like the third, I don't know how they make these picks, but it's the third most popular

movie line ever said, I guess. And, you know, they always continue to rephrase it different ways. I had CM Punk was in Wrigley Stadium to sing take me out to the ballgame, and he says, I've come here to chew bubble gum and sing a song. I'm all out of bubble gum. So it's just Duke Nukem. It just, one of them things, man, it just grew, and I don't think it's going to stop for a long time. And then finally, I mean, I wish I had the time to talk to you about WrestleMania 1 and being a part of that, the feud with Adrian Adonis, the coconut, you know, the half-black match with the Bad News Brown.

I mean, your career, when they say legend, they often overuse it, but with you, it definitely applies. But at the end of the day, when it's all said and done, when people look back on the career of Rowdy, righty Piper, this guy who gave so much to so many people, how do you want to be remembered? Because you were, you know, you were somewhat polarizing. You talk about the real sports moment and some of the things you've said being blackballed, but how do you want to be remembered at the end of the day?

You know, I think at the end of the day I want to remember this. He was a good dad. Yeah, that I've raised four children, never a drop of rain on them, never missed a meal, never an act of violence in their home. And because it's like, well, why did I do all that? Because I had a family to feed. and yeah, some of it I got into, but some of it I did for extra press because I had a fat meat feed. What do I want them to think of my career?

I hope that they got some enjoyment out of it because there's a lot of it I enjoyed doing and some of it that I didn't. But I did because I had to. So at the end of the day, I wanted him to say that he took care of his, responsibilities. He took care of his family. He was a good dad. Well, as a new father myself, there's nothing you can say that would make me have more respect. I grew up playing with your doll, watching you as, you know, on the cartoon, watching every single match of yours. And a little known fact, I was actually an intern on that real sports piece. When I got out of college, I worked for HBO Sports, and I was there working with those

guys, if you were called Tim Walker, Andrew Bennett. I was an intern, and the first thing they did, they were actually watching clips of you in the intern room. And I'm just a guy. guy starting out, not trying to bother anyone. And I'm like, why are you guys watching pro wrestling clips at HBO? They tell me about this story. I was a massive pro wrestling fan, massive fan of yours, and they take me along this ride. Never met you, never was on the shoots, but I worked behind the scenes. Also find out today that we share the same wedding anniversary, October 12. So I now feel like I have a connection with the legendary Roddy Piper. And you just had a little baby. And I did, yes. A little baby girl, boy. Boy, Oliver. Oh, and how's what I'm doing?

Great. Everyone's doing great. You hug all over every second you can because he's going to grow up. I want to thank the good people at Klondike. Check them out. The YouTube page where you can see that clip is over at the Klondike Man Cave, their Facebook page, facebook.com slash Klondike. They also have Twitter. We'll give out all that information.

Go vote for Roddy later on this month so you can win that edible or at least I hope it's edible award. And I cannot thank you enough. On your wife's birthday to do this for us, it truly means a lot. and continue, you know, great health, success, all that stuff to you and your family. Thank you so much for all the great years, Roddy.

Pleasure is mine. Thanks for having me. The one and only. Wow. What can you say? What can you do after that? You might as well just, you might as well just close this thing. We should go home. We can't answer questions. What do we do after that? Roddy Piper, are you kidding me? Where's the music? Where are the bagpipes? What do we say? Eric, you have anything to say? I don't know what to say. anything. He doesn't know what to say. Is he even alive? Oh. Wait. Oh, okay, okay. He was busy, I'm being told. Wow. That was something else. I hope you enjoyed that. And that had nothing. And this is not me, you know, this is not patting in ourselves on the back here.

That had nothing to do with me. That was, that was. That was. That was. was art right there. To listen, you hear how his voice goes down when he wants to make a point. You hear the answer that he says about his family, about, you know, being a fighter and the decisions you make and his son, that was art right there. And that's when you just sit back and let the man speak. Roddy Piper on the MMA hour. What a show. Wow. I don't know, I can't really say much else after that. That was special. I think that was probably one of the best interviews we've ever had. I just, I don't even know what to say. I was getting emotional

during the interview. I know you're a young buck. Oh, there he is. Look at you. Are you invading the show? What's going on? Yeah. More me. Here he is. I mean, there's other shows I can't get on, so. Sure. Put my face wherever I can. Speaking of invading, how about your boy Tommy Tohold on UFC tonight? I feel like you had a bit of a pardon all that. No, no, no. That guy works harder than everybody else in the game, so everything he did is his own volition.

Can we take the credit for it? I mean, we did put him on the show. I don't know if we could take the credit for it, but he definitely marked it as a milestone on his Instagram. That's true. He had some goals. I saw that. And this was one of them. So, uh, congrats to him.

Incredible. It is incredible. I'm very happy that he's on the show. I think it's a, it's a great idea, great, and it wasn't my idea. I wish I could take credit for it, but I cannot. All right, let's talk about, so this weekend, no UFC. So Mama knows was not an action. She is an action for UFC 165, but let's put this weekend to bed.

Uh, you were in action. I was. Although not as, uh, busy as I thought you would be. Here's the thing. I wasn't, I wasn't, uh, loving any of the lines. In fact, I was even a little hesitant to bet on Belator because I didn't love the lines on that either. But I pretty much saw Patricio Pitbull as a lock, so I was like I might as well put down a bet on it. He was roughly 2 to 1.

Minus 2.15. I put half the bank roll on that, and I won on that because I didn't think Diego had much of anything for him. That guy's a stud, and I think he's coming for another title shot. Now, why no action on World Series of Fighting? I wasn't sure which way I was leaning on Kyle Arlofsky, and that was really the only one I was willing to bet on. And Arlowski came in as an underdog, and that seemed a little appealing to me

because I thought there's two ways that could end. Kyle could clip him, or Orlovsky could out-wrestle him. I didn't expect Arlofsky to stand and have as much success as he did, and I'm glad I didn't put down a bet because I would have looked at it incorrectly. Who do you think won? I think I scored it for Kyle. I think he knocked him down in the first and the third.

If that's not enough to win a round that was almost entirely contested on the feet, then I don't know what is. It wasn't like Arlowski was doing that much more in each of those rounds that you can overcome being knocked down. I don't have a problem. I don't think it was a robbery, crazy like that, but I scored it for Kyle 29, 28.

Yeah, me too. So you weren't in action on Saturday, but as far as M.A.'s concern, but you did put some coin, I hear, on the Mayweather fight, right? Well, that was my own money. Yeah, sure, sure. Unrelated to this. Absolutely. I wouldn't give you credit for it. I put my own money on Floyd to win by knockout or decision. Those were unanimous decision. Those were my two payout options.

and unfortunately Go ahead, unfortunately What do you laugh about? Shenamous decision. That's funny to you? Well, it's kind of funny because it was so ridiculous. Yeah, it was, so let's just say that CJ Ross is not my favorite person.

The judge who scored one of the more lopsided boxing fights I've ever seen, not having seen as much boxing as I have in MMA, but Mayweather was completely in control of that fight and seeing that fight as a draw is just baffling. Baffling. I can't even explain it. Honestly, I didn't even know that you could pick unanimous.

Can you pick split decision? Can you do things like that? Yes, you can. In MMA, there's less options. But in terms of prop bets, but in boxing, there were quite a few, and that was one of them, to get KEO comboed with unanimous decision. Because I thought either Kinella would wear down and he'd knock him out or may whether recruits to a unanimous decision, which is obviously what happened in the fight.

But unfortunately, one judge was a little tipsy that night and didn't see it that way. You know, when the fight is over, before they read the scorecards, they do all their hullabaloo in the ring. Yeah, I was putting the money in my pocket at that point. So you were thinking, I got this, right? And then when they said majority... I only put a little bit of money. It wasn't... You can't put that much money on props.

I only put $100, I think it was. So I just was like, okay, that's more money in my account. Great, thanks. And it wasn't. This pleases you a lot more than I thought it would. No, no, no, it's just so ridiculous. I mean, it doesn't please me, but it's just, I would love to have seen your reaction when they said majority decision. What was your reaction?

My reaction was, I swear, I kid you not, my reaction was identical to Floyd Mayweathers. Yeah. I just looked, I took my head to the side and said, what the F just happened. That was great. His reaction was great. You could tell you he was a little nervous, right? He thought he wasn't nervous. I mean, we know who won that fight regardless of, you know, what the...

There's a lot of times where in MMA, because there's three rounds, it's kind of up in the air. If they say split, majority, you don't know what's going to happen. Sure. But over the course of 12 rounds, it's clear to everybody except CJ Ross what happened in that fight. So I don't think Mayweather was concerned about losing it. But he was definitely puzzled. He was definitely... That was a shocker for him.

I don't think he's... I read this on an article. I really wish I could source it. I don't remember where I saw it. But that was like one, the, that was the second time in his career that somebody scored a fight against him. Just the second. Yeah. 45 fights.

It's mind-boggling. I have no explanation for what just happened Saturday night. I thought he was nervous because he was thinking of maybe a Tim Bradley, Mani Pachia moment, which we come to later find out, C.J. Ross was one of the judges who scored it for Tim Bradley. And there you have it. Once again, not even in MMA. We talk about that, obviously, on this show, quote-unquote, fight capital of the world. Nothing's going to happen. You see Keith Kaiser talking to USA today having no issue with it. Las Vegas putting on the biggest fights, and yet it seems like so many of the people that they employ are not being held up to the standards that you expect from Las Vegas, that you expect from Nevada. how she could have scored that fight a draw is bizarre.

Look, innocent people like New York Rick lose out. No, it's just unfortunate. And the other thing that's interesting is I saw an article, and I believe it was Luke Thomas or Kevin Ioli, somebody within the MMA slash boxing realm had cited an article where a lot of money was coming in on a draw. Yeah, that was Brett Okamoto. There you go.

Was coming in on the draw payout before the fight, which, I mean, if nothing else deserves an investigation. That's weird. It went from like 30 to 1 to 8 to 1. Which means a lot of money came in on it. And which is that outcome is not very likely, especially with a Floyd Mayweather fight. So it's surprising when something like that, when a long shot like that just all of a sudden starts getting that much action. And so something has, I mean, there has to be some kind of inquiry. Excuse me.

Yeah. Inquiry into this. All right. Let's talk about UFC 165 and stop crying over spilled milk here, right? You're a man. You bet it happens. It was a draw after all. Okay, so UFC 165 is this Saturday.

It's in Toronto Air Canada Center. Looking forward to it, going back to Canada, a short flight for me. And that's really all I care about at this point. And so Mama knows back. What is her record? Do you have that handy? I don't have that paper in front of me. I think...

Once again, trying to sabotage. You're going to make up some bad record now. No, no, no. I believe it was 22 and 10. I don't believe it. There's no way she has double-digit losses. No way. Yeah.

You're trying to make her look bad. Once again. There's no way... Somebody confirm this. Watch last week's show. I will bet. That should be your job. You're going to bet?

I will bet she doesn't have double-digit losses. What do we bet? betting. I'd like a seat on the MMA beat. That being up for grabs would be... You figure out her record. Now, let me tell you what her picks are. Main event, John Jones over Alexander Gustafsson.

By the way, someone said, learn how to pronounce his name. I'm pretty sure it's Gustafson. Is it Gustafson? Oh, come on. Anyway. Hennon Barrow, or I should say, Henen Barrow, that's the Brazilian way of pronouncing it over

Eddie Weinland. Our pal, Matt Matrion over Brandon Shab. The last three fights, I feel like the top two, everyone's going to pick Barow and Jones. Last three fights are interesting. Mitrione over Shab, Costa Filippu

over Francis Carman, and then Chabibh Nirmagamadeov over Bam Bamhili. What do you think? I think she's pretty wise in terms of betting. Well, let's get it out of the way. Those are favorites again.

All of them? All five. Matron's a favorite, huh? Very slight. minus 120 and Shab is plus 100 So it's almost a pick-um Is Carmon? Someone told me he was favorite

Is that incorrect? Incorrect. He's plus 165. Okay, well let's get the first two out of the way. You're obviously, you would pick those two, right? Yeah, no question about it. And the odds on a straight play on them, Jones at minus 800 and Barow at minus 700,

those are no plays for me. So you'd have to look to props for those. Sure. But Jones and Barrow, solid picks, going to win. Mama knows. What do you think, yes, what do you think of Shob and Mitrione? I'm leaning toward Brendan Shob in my picks. I wouldn't bet on him. Because Maitreone said that stuff about Falun Fox. Yeah, that's it. I was so hurt. No, I just, I think that Shob's better on the feet, and I don't think Mitrione has the wrestling to necessarily take down Shab at will. So I think that it's going to play out

on the feet and Shab might be able to box him up for a unanimous decision. Or he might try the approach he took against Lavaar Johnson and kind of wrestle him. I'm very confused about this fight. I don't know what to expect. The thing is I don't like to lay money on guys who I'm a little nervous about. Like Shab, his chin worries me. Now, I'm one who's said in the past, and I always say this, I don't believe in being chinny that you're getting knocked out all the time.

but these are heavyweights and Shob has shown that he can be hit on the chin. Regardless of, you know, if he has a good chin, a bad chin, I don't think that that's in play with heavy weights. If you get cracked, you're going to go down. So I'm reluctant, but I'm leaning towards Shob on this one. I think he has more tools in the toolbox. And this is, remember, back in the day,

I picked Matt Mitriona over Roy Nelson when he got starched in, what was it, two minutes or something. Yeah, the tough finale. But I just think that he's been off too long, and Shab is going to outpoint him. But it wouldn't surprise me at all if Mitriot won and looked good doing it. By the way, I feel a lot better now. My friend Jonas Nasland on Twitter tells me you are pronouncing Gustafson almost perfectly. Trust me, I'm Swedish.

So there you go. Nailed it. What do you think of Philippe-Carmé? I could see this fight going on. I could see Carmon kind of maybe winning a stinker here. Yeah. Philip who maybe knocking him out? I don't know. This is a no play for me.

Because I think the odds are about right. I think Philippe who should win. He's got the boxing to keep it standing. I'm sorry, he's got the boxing to win, and he's got the grappling to keep it standing. Karmat's going to try and make it one of those fights where he holds a guy up against the cage. He hasn't been too exciting lately. He's just kind of been trying to grind out wins, and they've been close. And some people think he have thought that he's lost these fights.

so I'm not expecting him to come out and light the world on fire. So it's a no play for me. I'm not loving either guy in this matchup. I could see Philippe losing, but he should win. So I like her pick there, but betting-wise, I would stay away from me. And by the way, these are close. I mean, I'm looking at best fight odds. These are super close.

So they're pretty much coin flips. Now, not as close. No? All right. Well, Sean Ben Mitrione is a coin flip. All right. For sure.

Not as close, though, is the opening fight on the pay-per-view, which I love. Pat Healy coming off that big win over Jim Miller, where he won two fight night bonuses and then had them taken away after he tested positive for marijuana. He faces Habib Naramagamatov, who is obviously streaking, undefeated, in the UFC, undefeating his career. What a great fight. Two real hard-nosed lightweights going at it. And the winner, probably one or two wins a one. way at that point from fighting for a title. My mom, Mama knows, picked Habibi. What do you think?

Man, I hadn't seen this line before. So this is the first time I'm kind of like looking at it and evaluating it. I think there's value on Healy here. Now, I think this is a very close fight. So that's why there's value on Healy. I think it's about 50-50. I don't see Nirmagamade of being able to throw Healy around the way he has other people in the past, just the way he suplexes and completely dominates guys. I can't see that happening to a guy like Pat Healy. He's just too good. And I gave Jim Miller the edge going into that fight and he just blew his doors off. Healy did, that is. So I see some value on Healy here as an underdog at plus 190. So do I? Go into my head. I'm leaning toward Nirmaga made of, but I don't think I would play him at those odds.

So Mama knows, looked pretty good on this card. I like her picture. You think she goes 5'0. Yeah. You never know. I think that Healy's the most likely dog to win here, for sure. Or Schab, but that's really a coin flip. Yeah.

Healy, man, that last performance was something else. So it wouldn't surprise me. The rest of the card features the UFC debut of Nandor. the Han Gelmino, famous for his fight against Josh Barnett at the last ever strike force event in January. Alex Ciceres returns against Roland DeLorm. Jesse Ronson, who is a highly regarded Canadian, making his debut against Michael Prazereseris,

Hene Forch against John McDessie. That's just the Facebook fights. And then on Fox Sports 1, beginning at 8 p.m., Facebook starts at 6 p.m. Eastern Time. Fox Sports 1 prelims, You got Dustin Kamara versus Mitch Gagnon, Chris Clements versus Stephen Wonderboy Thompson. Always fun seeing him. Ivan Menjavar versus Wilson Hayes, which is fun.

Wilson Hayes, if you recall, the former Elitexie featherweight champion way back when getting a chance finally in the UFC. And then Miles Fury Jury, undefeated against Mike Ritchie. Any of those fights interests you? Interest me, sure. For betting? Or there are no lines out, so I'll pay attention to them. I mean, the names are, you know, when you get down the card and you actually recognize names, it's always a good sign because that means, you know, there's a body of work for you to evaluate, especially if the fights have been in the UFC. So I'm definitely interested, but nothing jumping out at me at the moment.

I think the most interesting fight on the undercard is obviously Ritchie Jury, which is like the, you know, the featured prelim fight. Sure. I am interested also in Casares versus DeLorm. I like that fight. At 135, and it's on the Facebook fights. How about that? All right, that does it for UFC 165. Just wanted to mention, you know, we sometimes do this because our show lasts so long during the day

that obviously our thoughts and our prayers are with the people in the Washington area right now where at least 12 being reported by CNN.com, 12 killed in a mass shooting at the Navy Yard over there. So just another day, another tragedy. Don't know a lot about it because it happened around when we went on air, but just want to acknowledge it that it is developing and ongoing. And obviously our thoughts on our prayers are with the people over there in that area who are dealing with this terror once again in the United States. A horrible story.

And one that I'm sure will get worse as time goes on and more information comes out. But what I'm looking at right now on, on CNN.com is that 12 confirmed dead and a suspect has been identified. So horrible news. Sorry to hear that. And very tough to make a transition to MMA questions from that. But let us try our best and go to the questions now. Our first question, question for Ariel and Rick, do you believe, I'm sorry, that's not even on there. Do you think people don't take Gustavson's loss against Davis into consideration for this title fight? It seems like the blueprint is already there to beat him, as Davis is like Jones without striking.

People underestimate Jones's choke ability. I will weigh in on this, and then you certainly can. If I recall correctly, and I was at that fight at UFC 112, very little known about Gustavson. Then he had that less than a minute knockout against Jared Hammond on a, I believe it was UFC 105 card, and then came back and fought Phil Davis. So they pushed him up the ladder rather quickly. If memory serves me correct and I haven't watched the fight in a very long time, I believe Gustafsson was actually winning the beginning of the fight.

Didn't he actually look good in the beginning of the fight and Phil Davis complained about his takedowns, not being a little sloppy? Wasn't that that fight? It was that fight. It was reminiscent of the early fight against Nog for Phil Davis where his takedowns were being thwarted and his boxing wasn't up to the level of Gustafson. So a lot of people had him winning that fight up until that point. But you can't take it. A finish is a finish, regardless of what happened before.

He got him in a very slick choke and finish the fight. Yeah, absolutely. And I remember it was very hot. It was an outdoor fight. Only won UFC history, so they were very sweaty. But not making any excuse for Gustavson. He changed everything. Went to train with Phil Davis. And we know the story then at Alliance and doing what he has done, you know, knocking out guys like Maushchenko in a matter of seconds. And obviously, the Shogun win was a big one. The winner. over Tiago Silva in his home country, another big one.

I don't know if you can look at that. I mean, that was a long time ago. That was three years ago. It was more than three years ago. It was in April of 2010. So I'm not putting much stock into that. I think at the end of the day, John Jones is just very good. It's such an easy way to talk about a fight,

but he is just very good, very athletic, and very well-rounded. I mean, we say he's a white belt, but he is much better than that on the ground. Great wrestler, obviously. obviously we know about a striking. He's just a very quick, well-rounded, better than very good, amazing fighter. And he's once in a lifetime. And I just don't know if Alexander Gustafsson

is that kind of fighter. Couldn't agree more. That's really how you break down this fight. And I don't understand. Are you as bothered? And I want to mention this. Well, my buddies at Fight Metric giving me up-to-the-date stats.

Tell me that Gustafsson landed zero strikes against Phil Davis. Why do I remember him doing well against Phil Davis? Maybe I'm wrong. Also telling us that Costa Philippeux and Francis Carman are the, it's the first non-title fight in UFC history to feature two fighters on five-fight winning streaks in the UFC. So how about that? But are you as bothered by the promotion for this fight as some of the critics, if you want to call them online? Like, why do people care? Yeah, I think it's actually an intelligent way to sell a fight. Long reach, this is the first tall guy with the long reach that Jones is going to fight. He presents some different problems.

Why is everyone so bothered? Why does this mean this fight? Why does it diminish the value of this fight? Why does it feel to them like the fight is nonsense? I don't get that. I think it's actually a very smart insider way to build a fight, to promote a fight. I'm not bothered by it, but I definitely see the point that people are trying to make. Gustafsins's resume and his skills are impressive on their own merit.

You don't need to promote him as some kind of, you know, giant. That's not that's not his, the attribute that stands out the most for him. It's his slick boxing and his takedown defense. He has so many, he has so many skills in MMA that it seems almost like a disservice to him to promote him as just the tall guy, which is essentially what the entire promo promotes him as. Now, I'm not up in arms about it. I think it'll, those promotions will, not sell paper views one way or the other.

People aren't going to tune out because of that. But I definitely see the point being made that Gustafsson is a good enough fighter to sell him on something other than look at how tall he is. Yeah, 32nd clip, who cares? And John Jones's reach is longer than his. So to have it as some kind of, you know, this long guy is going to reach out and touch John Jones where nobody else can. Well, John Jones, his arms are longer. going to still punch you. He's going to jab you. Although he now claims that his reach is longer than the UFC.

Gustafsson is, he's saying it's what, like 82 and a half or 81. I think these numbers are so irrelevant in terms of fighting. At that point, once you're that big and that long, it doesn't really mean much. Actually, John Jones tweeted a picture of him with a seven-foot, seven-foot-something volleyball player. He took yesterday at the airport and they compare their reaches. They're both standing in front of each other with their arms out. And Jones's reach is just like inches, like mere inches shorter than that volleyball guy. So, I mean, at that point, Pussy, so it'd be one thing if Gusufson,

if Jones was the guy who was more athletic and all that stuff, quick and all that stuff, would the smaller reach maybe it adds something? And I get it. I understand why people... But, I mean, why are you... You have to find creative ways to promote a fight, and this is the first time that he fights someone who is that tall, that long.

Why not go that route? I commend them for doing it. I don't think it's silly. I don't think it makes me less interested or makes me feel like they're reaching, pardon the pun. But, sure, I agree with that as well. As I said, I don't think, you know, people are going to tune out based on that being the promotion.

But is his next opponent is it going to be like, oh, his legs are really long, or you know, you're taking away from his fighting ability by promoting that as the thing. He's tall. Well, okay. So you'd rather just be like this guy, da, da, da, da, da, da, da. He's being these guys.

Yeah, check out what he's done in his career. And it's a good, it's a good resume. All right. Fair enough. Our next question, MME hour question. Excluding, this one's lengthy, excluding the miserable global adaptations of tough. We are used to coaches having some measure of relevance in their division,

or at least the possibility of going on a run. Is the matching of BJ with Frankie Edgar too uncompetitive sick to be compelling, given that they share one win since January of 2011? Now, is that accurate? Frankie Edgar. He got the one win recently. Yeah, but 2011, let's see. I mean, his last win as a UFC lightweight champion was October, off top of my head here, October of 2011,

because he beat Gray Maynard at UFC 136. It's off top my head right now. Now I'm going to his page. So then that's got to be the last time. Okay. And so what? Some of those, here's my take on this. This is, if you're comparing this fight to Rampage and Tito, then I don't even know what to say to you,

but I'll ignore that last comment. This, in my opinion, and again, I feel like I always have to say this when I talk about tough. I've been critical of tough. I'm into it this year. Two seasons, two episodes in. Let's talk six episodes in and then we'll really see what's going on. But last episode I thought was one of the best. And if someone asked about it, we could get into it. This, in my opinion, is the perfect, the perfect way to use tough. Why? Because you're not putting a big fight and anticipate a fight, a fight we've been waiting for, a fight that's been built up on the sidelines. You're not putting it on the shelf and having to wait a year for it to happen. It's a fight that no one was thinking about. It's a fight that wasn't on anyone's radar, and it just came out of nowhere because

of tough in many ways. So it's not like you have to wait for, and it holds things up the title or anything like that. B, it gives a platform for a guy we haven't really seen all that much from, you know, since December when he fought Roy McDonald, this thing's going to air in April. Who knows how much we'll see of him. It gives a platform to someone like BJ. who was a very entertaining coach, who was great alongside Jens Pulver. That scene in the beginning when he was telling, okay, why don't we just do it by show of hands? If you want to be on his team, my team, let's just do it. It was great.

All that was great. He's very entertaining. He's one of the more entertaining characters in the history of M.A. It gives him a platform. It gives Frankie Edgar a platform to develop his character. And then you see some of his coaches, guys like Ricardo Alameda. Mark Henry's a great coach, his boxing coach, of course, and a great character. Henzel Gracie would be phenomenal.

has a history of the BJ Penn. It's all a plus. Now I get it. The third fight, not as interesting. He beat him twice. And the second time, it was very one-sided. But the 145 aspect of it all is enough for me to want to see it again. I mean, Frankie Edgar is one-in-one as a featherweight. He's not going to get a title shot.

You almost don't want to use him to kill off other contenders. This is the perfect way to use tough, in my opinion. It has all of that, and that's why I like the decision. I'm on board with that as well. Allegiance to BJ Pennicide. I definitely agree with that. And it's reminiscent of the people who have the debates about earning the title shot or being put in there because it's promotable and things like that. At the end of the day, you either like the coaches, you either like the fight or not, and you're going to watch or not watch.

So those are the choices either tune in or tune out. It really doesn't matter what, at this point, since it's already made, what the merits of these guys haven't done this or that. The last time BJ was a coach, it was an entertaining season, and it actually, I believe it's what catapulted his lightweight run, right? He didn't have a fight at lightweight before that. He beat Jens Palver, and then he went on to fight for the interim belt at UFC 80, and then he beat Sean Chirke at UFC 84. But the thing is, it's like when the Ronda Misha, even Ronda Kat, when that was first and out, I was kind of bummed because remember, Rhonda hasn't fought since February of this year, and she's not going to fight until December 28th.

Now that we're in the midst of it, it's three months away. And now I dig it, and it's becoming fascinating between her and Misha. But I don't like when they hold up the belt, they hold up big fights. This is not one of those situations. And I think it's only going to make you more interested in watching BJ return, more interested in watching Frankie. I think it just works. To me, it's very smart. Now, what I have liked to see BJ return,

versus Ben Henderson. Fun. Definitely fun. And it's a fresh matchup, but 145, and it's just so BJ Penn to want to come back and try to beat a guy

who already beat him twice in a new way class. I mean, that is BJ Penn in a nutshell. Always go down the road less traveled. Always make things a little more difficult on yourself than it has to be. And that's why I think people love him. That's why I love him.

Amen. Sure. Next question regarding BJ Penn? Can he make an impact at 145? Can he even make 145? Well, that's the million dollar question. No one really knows right now. But I hear from people close to him that he's walking around at 165. He's been kind of secluded. I try. People ask me, you know, why don't you get BJ on the show today? I tried to get him on the show today. Just very hard to reach right now. Very motivated. He was at 162, saw the Frankie Edgar Charles Oliver fight and said, I want to beat that guy. I can beat that

guy. I can't believe I lost to that guy twice. And he wanted this fight. And it's fascinating how he asked Dana White for the Benson fight because he thought it could get him to Frankie. And then it says, let me just give you Frankie. And let's make it happen. So can he make an impact? I've always said that the BJ Penn that fought at 155 was one of the greatest of all time. And I wish we could have seen him for his entire career at 155. I remember sitting at the press conference in Memphis, UFC 107, after the beatdown that he gave Diego Sanchez and cut his head open, his forehead open, and just sitting there thinking, this guy right now is better than Anderson Silva, he's better than Fader Emilienenko, he's better than all these guys, he is unbelievable

at 155. Does he get even better at 145? I mean, it has been some time since then. It's been three years. By the time he fights, it'll be a very long time. He's been through some wars. He's on being up at 170. I never liked the idea of him going to 170. We'll see. But BJ Penn is a pro, and I don't see him missing weight for this. Also, Frankie made the point that you made that he looked best at 155. I mean, that's, that's inarguable.

Undoubtedly, he's looked his best at that weight. But he also made the point that BJ didn't look drawn out at 155. He didn't look like, you know, he cut that much weight to make 155. He's wearing the jeans, right? If I remember correctly, he was wearing jeans to even make the, the 150. Or maybe that was Fitch at 170. You pay attention more to what he's wearing and things like that. I just kind of look at

you know, body work, but you know. But yeah, he doesn't look drawn out at 155. I don't see it being a problem and I'm sure he'll make 145. Yeah. That's what he's contracted to do and he'll do it and he'll fight there. This is our last one from the website.

All right. The Hollis Gracie K.O. Oh, yes. Can a Gracie still be relevant in M.MA? Well, uh, they did go one and two on Saturday night. Neiman Gracie won, but there was, you know, lesser known opponent and early on. And although, you know, Hall's Gracie's opponent, not all that well known. I think at this point, I think A, World Series of fighting needs to move a bit away from

the Gracies because, you know, Ali Abdel-Z's, he does have ties to them, and it just seems like they're getting a lot of fights. Right now in MMA, I don't, I don't really, I mean, there's Hajer Gracie, but, you You know, he was released. You're going to say something? I was going to say Guillermo put out something. Sure. I believe this last week about Crone Gracey.

And if you saw him submit Shinya at Meta Moris, you know that his jiu-jitsu is for real. Sure, but that's always what we know about these guys. They're jih-too. What about everything else? Sure, sure. But he's going to be one. People are very excited about him. Yeah.

Yeah. He's the next one that it'll be definitely interesting to see what happens with him. I was curious about Kira-gracy, but I don't think it's going to happen just because women's MMA at the time when this came out a couple years ago. You can move up the ladder a little quicker and make some noise. I still think Haja Gracie can do something at 205. I don't think he should fight at 185. I don't think he's going to be knocking people out. But yeah, Crohn Gracie would be the guy. And a lot of people when that story came out last week, got very excited. But, you know, I don't think it's fair to judge. You know, they have a famous

last name. They've obviously done a lot for the sport. And, you know, they're losing some fights that, you know, they should be winning if they're going to be taken seriously as a family. But I don't think we could judge the family. You got to judge each fighter individually and take it from there. I mean, Henzel Gracie had a great MMA career. You know, Hoyst Gracie had, the guys have had careers, and it's not fair to just lump them all together, in my opinion. Also, the standard is just higher. Sure.

I think it's a little unfair as well. Our first question from Twitter, who do you feel has the best chance to be? of winning the light heavyweight title. Glover Tashara, Daniel Cormier, or Alexander Gustafson. Who's the best chance? I'm going to go with Daniel Cormier. I think that's the fight that needs to be made

if John Jones runs through. And that's no disrespect to Glover. I just think, as I said on the MMA beat last week, John Jones is the closest thing that we have to affluent Mayweather in the sense that he can be the guy to unite, the masses, the mainstream sports fans. To all want to sit down,

and watch a big fight. He has that. He, you know, he, he has the great story, his family has the sports background that people love, can be charismatic when he wants to be. He's an interesting interview when he wants to be. He has all of that. What he's missing is a foil. He's missing a Joe Frazier. He's missing a Chale Sondon. Yes, he had Chale Sondon, but no one really believed that Chale was really going to give him a run for his money. Now, the chale that was talking, the way he was talking going into UFC 151 before it was canceled and obviously afterwards, I think people could get behind that, but it fizzled a bit once we got to Newark, New Jersey for 159. He needs that for us, someone to bring the best out of him. Daniel Cormier is that guy, at least right now. He's the one

who's talking. He's the one that gets him fired up. You see the way John Jones talks about Daniel Cormier, it bothers him when you ask, you know, when you ask him about Daniel Cormier. He pokes that bear with a very big stick and he has the credentials, you know, a little Olympic wrestler, undefeated right now. Yes, he's fighting Roy Nelson at heavyweight, and we don't know if he can make the way, all that stuff. Those are questions. But if you're asking me, who is the best chance given his credentials, what he can do, what he has done,

and just making the best fight, which isn't the question here, but just rivalry and getting the best out of John, it's Daniel Kormier. I agree. I think D.C. definitely has the best chance. On your point about him needing that foil, I agree with that for sure. but I don't think necessarily Daniel's that person. I think the circumstances are just wrong for it. It has to be kind of an organic thing where they came up at the same time,

whereas DC is entering this sport a little later, and John is still really young. I don't see it playing out past this. GSP doesn't really have that guy. I guess you could say Hughes, Hughes was, or BJ, were the last guys that had that kind of heat with GSP. GSP had that... Do you remember Matt Sarah?

Do you remember what it was like in Montreal for UFC 83? Sure. Do you remember Josh Kosteck? See, but now you're saying... Your point was that this... Who brings that out of John Jones? Who's done that to John Jones? Well, your point was that this matchup would be the thing that could possibly link the boxing fans and get that kind of...

I don't know about that. I'm just saying of the guys, I think he needs that. And if he had that, he could do it. I don't know if Daniel Cormey versus John Jones are going to bring the masses, but if he had someone who could bring out what Chale brought out of Anderson, he could be a major, major star.

Not to say that he's not a major star now and he's not making a crap load of money, but he has that ability to take the sport to the next level, in my opinion. Maybe. I'm not so sure. Look at the people who he has fought. I mean, they've tried, but it's like he smokes, he needs someone who's really going to give him a fight

and a rivalry and then there's a rematch. everyone he's fought. Bader, Shogun, Jackson, Machita, Rashad. I don't think there's a guy that can stay close to. Yeah, I don't know if there is that guy, but it would behoove him to find him. Yeah, and DC is the best choice for sure. And right now leading into the fight, DC is the most interesting hype master, if you will. Our next question, if Widman beats Silva, could you see Silva moving up to light heavy weight, beating a few top guys and getting a title shot against.

Jones. Well, you know, you know how I feel about this. I would like to see, I like to see champions stay in their division, sweep them, dominate them, Aldo, Anderson for a long time, Jones now. I like that. I like when there is a king at the top and people are gunning for him and if he keeps beating him, even if it's one-sided, that's part of the appeal. You want to see them keep going. I think a fun, quote-unquote super fight, you know, they're both from New York. If New York was ever legalized, you have that at MSG, I think it would be a very big deal. But right now, it's a 20-pound difference. I don't think Chris Wyman should be worrying about John Jones. The question is referring to Silva losing and then going up to light heavyweight to face Jones.

Oh. Um, I guess. I mean, it kind of, it kind of, I thought, you were really on that wide Yeah, I thought the question was a little more intelligent. I mean, we've seen it happen. Chale got the title shot. Crazier things have happened. Yeah, why not? But it would just almost feel, it would be annoying because I would want to see that fight

when they were both undefeated in the UFC and all those runs, and I'd be like, eh. Sure. If he loses badly, if he gets knocked out by Chris Wyman, it's going to be very hard to sell that fight. When I'm thinking about the fight, I'm going to be like, well, I wish I saw this fight two years ago. Well, assuming he gets knocked out.

Well, that's what I'm talking about. I mean, if he loses, I could say, it's, was your, was your, was your, uh, level of excitement for the Frankie Edgar

versus a Jose Aldo fight diminished by the fact that Frankie had lost? No, but that was a different one because a lot of people thought he won that fight. Sure. Uh, believe me, I was one of them.

Yeah. But, um, different. I think that Silva, Silva fighting anybody is, is a show and you're going to want to see it. So if he could get on a roll,

let's see what happens. If he gets knocked out again, let's just say, that's what we, know he got knocked out the first time. If he gets knocked out again, his stock diminishes. Well, sure. And there are fun fights for him still. I don't think he should retire. I just don't know if he gets to fight John Jones. Fair. Our next question from Old Dirty Bastard. Ariel, what do you think about Jokoree fighting Vitor after the Hendo fighter,

after the Hendo fight for the number one contender spot at 185? You know, honestly, if, if Weidman wins, you see, if Anderson wins on December 28th, You know, depends on how he wins, of course, but you could talk about maybe a third fight. Let's just see what happens. But I think that if Vitor wins and the champion is going to move on, Vitor deserves a shot. At that point, especially if it's a very impressive fight, he deserves it. And Jacare and his team, they agree. I spoke to his manager, Gibezzavito Faria, and he told me that at this point,

point, they're okay with the fact. They agree that Vitor deserves a shot at the belt if he wins. And that's why they told me that they would like to fight the winner, if all goes well, of the Michael Bisping versus Mark Munoz fight, which takes place October 26th in Manchester on Fox Sports too. And Jacare is out for a little bit. He's only going to return January, February, due to the injured foot, which robbed us of his alligator crawl after he finished Yushin Okami a couple weeks ago. So I think that makes sense and led Vitor get a shot.

I think after beating someone like Henderson and what he's done before that, he deserves it. Definitely agree. I think he deserved it after the last fight. Next question. If Roy Nelson beats Daniel Cormier,

do you think you should steal D.C. spotlight and announce he will drop to 205. That is not happening, although didn't he do some sort of Facebook contest and didn't he reach the point that he said that he was,

if he reached it, he would go down to Light Heavyweight? Didn't that happen? And he never really... Yeah, that happened. I think we talked about... I think you had him on the show and then asked him about it,

but I don't remember what the... He gave some sort of non-answer. He went around it somehow. By the way, this guy, Jake Mango's backdrop is Hakuna Matata. For some reason, my son is obsessed with Hakuna Matata, and he's not at the age

where he really understands, you know, what they're saying. He's only 16 months old. But I listen to that song maybe 40 times a day. So it just kind of... Now, are you playing the Lion King for him? Is that, or just the song?

I just played the clip on YouTube, yeah. He loves it. Got to show him the Lion King. Well, I mean, we're not really in the stage where we're going to sit down and watch a 90-minute film. I don't think you can appreciate it like that, but one day we will. So what do you think about that? No, no, no, no. No chance.

Oh, our buddy. Our buddy, UFC Facewop. What's worse? Judging in MMA or judging in boxing? Funny thing is, it's a lot of the same people. The referee on Saturday was Tony Weeks, who judges M.MA. By the way, how about that haircut he has? Still rocking the high top with the line in it?

You know what I'm saying? Yeah, that's coming back, though. Yeah, it is coming back. I guess so. I guess it just looks old school on him. But yeah, you're right. What's the name of the guard on the Miami Heat? Monchumper?

Oh. No, of course. much shumper, but the line is more... Norris Cole. There you go. What's worse? Honestly, I'm going to say that judging in MMA is worse because you have a lot of people who come from boxing and come from kickboxing, other forms of martial arts who don't know about the ground game and all that stuff,

and they just kind of... I mean, they give you some very bizarre scorecards. They do that in boxing, but I feel like they are less educated in MMA. So I'm going to go with MMA. I said this on Twitter on Saturday night, And I probably jinks myself, honestly. I said that boxing only has one incompetent judge per fight because it seemed that two of the judges would get it right

and then one would get it absolutely wrong, just what were they watching? And oftentimes in MMA, just the wrong guy will win versus in boxing, just the wrong type of decision will be awarded. And then in the main event, the wrong type of decision was awarded. Sure. By the way, I mentioned this on Twitter. you have people over at your house

and we're kind of watching World Series of Fighting but they're all thinking like what the heck is World Series of Fighting why are you even watching this? Why is this in Pip? We're here to watch boxing. World Series of Fighting was kind of forgettable. Early boxing fights kind of forgettable

although the Matisse versus Garcia fight was fantastic in the co-meant event but it's very stressful watching combat sports with non-combat sports fans because you just want something great to happen and for some reason it never does. Most famously, at least you're not. for me was I invited all my friends and family who were in town, living in New York at the time,

to go to a bar in Times Square for UFC 73 on my birthday. That was the show called Stack. For sure, this was going to be a great idea. Everyone would love UFC. No knew anything about it, but they would fall in love with the sport after this great card stacked headline by Anderson Silva versus Nate Mark Hart. Well, up until that point, the four fights on, actually three fights, There was Heath Haring versus No Gera. That was, I remember Herring had a chance to finish him in the first and didn't go for it. Sean Shirk fought Hermes Franca to a decision. Tid Ortiz fought Rashad to a draw, which I remember saying after,

this never happens. This never happens. A draw that was so boxing-like. And then the Anderson fight was just there. Although the highlight, by that point everyone had left, but I stuck around was Kenny Floreen coming out in the Bruce Lee outfit and finishing Alvin Robinson. and doing his famous, Who wants to see fights finished at 155?

That was one of my favorite post-fight interviews. Point being, I felt very stressed the whole time. I couldn't enjoy it, and I kind of had that feeling on Saturday night. Somebody asked this, but I didn't select it because it was kind of long-winded, but have you ever had any positive examples of that where you had some people over and then it delivered?

I can't. I don't think so. I mean, not recently, because anytime there's a big MMA, you know, UFC, I'm there, so I'm not inviting people. And then boxing, I feel like every time I invite people to watch boxing, they're kind of like, me. I remember I had some friends who, on their own, I didn't try and convince them. They watched the Strike Force card with Robbie Lawler knocking out Linlin, I think, and Daly had a knockout on that card.

Something like that. The details are escaping me right now. But it was maybe two years ago, something like that. Yeah, that was December of 2011. same night as a tough show. Right. It was a tough finale. Those in St. Louis,

Dan Henderson versus Faisal. Did I have the other two? Yeah. Linlin was knocked out cold and Paul Daly knocked out Scott Smith. That's right. So they were instantly fans after that one, after seeing those kind of fireworks. Yeah, that's true.

People love that. So coincidentally, they just happened to fall onto that one. Our next question. Oh, wait. Wait, you skipped one. Yeah, I did. Let me go back to that. From our friend,

Robert Pearson. Oh, yeah. Now that Jim Ross is out of the WWE, any chance the UFC makes him an offer. I wonder. I think he can add a lot in front of the camera,

behind the scenes. I said that earlier. I wonder if they don't want to be too closely linked to wrestling. But I mean, you know, Brock Lesner did on a different level,

but, you know, they were okay with that. And they have, you know, skirted the line a little bit. I would look into it. Even if it's not as an announcer, just building stars, building characters, finding talent, all that stuff, he can help. They have matchmakers now, but, you know, it's just two guys, really. Sean Shelby, from 125 to 145, and then 135 women, and then Joe Silva, 155 up.

That's, you know, that's pretty much it as far as talent development, looking for talent, signing talent. You know, I think it would be fantastic. I really do. So any chance? Not a question for me. will happen. I don't know. You never know these days, but I would like to see it happen. On that same

topic, not MMA related, but since he is on your show, what is your favorite most memorable call by Jim Ross? Well, obviously the one that comes to mind is mankind getting thrown off the cage, Helen O'SSell. I think that was in 1998 in Pittsburgh at the Mellon Arena

by the Undertaker and they're getting slammed through the cage and it was like the good God Almighty. that he has broken in half, something like that. I always loved the end when he would just like kind of lose it. Like, damn you, Triple H. You know, like he would just kind of, you felt like, of course it was all scripted, but you felt like he was going off on his own and just losing his mind or stone cold,

stone cold, when he would do the stunner out of nowhere. He's just, I mean, Jim Ross was on our show today. If you would have told the 1998 me that I would do a show with Jim Ross and Roddy Piper, not to mention, you know, other MMA stars, Barra Nallo. This is a fun day for me, all right? And to all you haters out there, I got two words for you. You don't have to say the words, don't worry about it. I was about to jump in there.

Yeah, I mean, if you listen to the Roddy Piper interview and you were like, oh, I don't want to hear a wrestler, you had to be instantly turned around after that one. It was just a great interview, regardless of what his profession is, or was, or whatever. Two side notes, Matt Dumke is saying that the Strike Force card was in December of 2010. I thought I said that, but I guess I said 2011, so apologies for that. And Ben Olin reminding me that my grandfather, who I watched the Glover-Teshire win over Ryan Bader on Rush Ashana night, was very intrigued by the Glover win over Bader, and got very into it after dismissing the sport, like 30 minutes earlier, sure, I don't know if he'll be coming back for more Glover action,

but yes, it was a fun fight. I don't know. Also, if it sold people larger sense here on Glover being a top contender, but yes, it is a good point. Yep, that was a good example. I remember that tweet now that you mention it. Our last question, if Ariel Halwani takes on Vincent Henderson at basketball, will their mums have a BJJ match? Well, first off, I mean, just from the the spelling of the word mum, which I love. I love little things about maybe this is someone

from England or just the UK moms and legend. I love little words that they use. It's so great. And then of course there, I believe, is a football pitch in his background here, Gaz Killiam. But anyway, you know, Benson,

while he has been busy lately, he's still not taking me up on my offer to play him. So I don't know what happens now. I'll tell you, my mom would be game or my mom would be game to go toe to toe to with his mother. His mother does have a head start as far as BJJ's concern. We've seen that on the clips, but my mother has a nasty, nasty guillotine. I mean, you do not want to get caught in this thing. This is tighter than the swicketeen or the McKenzie teen. It's the, it's the Halwani teen. And you... Creative. Yeah, yeah. I just thought of that off the top of my head. You don't know.

not want to get involved. Plus, I believe she's a little taller than Mrs. Henderson. So, or Ms. Henderson. So, you know, there, there, there, there's certainly an offer to be discussed or, or I should say kind of, we should mull it over. But as far as the basketball game, I'm still a game. I'm right here. I'm waiting. But he's been busy. He's got the elbow issue now. So we'll give him some time before we dismiss him, call him out. But it's, it's a very interesting. I think we, I mean, I think we're building a pay-per-view card right now. Me versus Benson on the court. My mom versus his mom in a BGJ match.

What else can we do? Tag team. What was that, Will? Yeah, tag team wrestling. Tag team. Oh, yes. Well, then we're mixing the two. Might get a little weird.

Maybe the debut of myself. Maybe the debut against his assistant. Does he have one? Is there somebody? I was just saying that. You're much more than an assistant. Well, thank you. But yes.

And speaking of which, I'm happy you brought that up. Sure. What is going on with that? You had Sapon Natal call you out. Well, I don't think he was calling me out. No, he was saying he's ready to... Yeah. I will say that our good friend, Javier Vasquez, who is putting on a MMA seminar in Pekipsey on...

Let me read this right now because he sent me the flyer yesterday. he offered for you to come over there and train with him. But of course, you're not going to be in town. I'm not. I'm going to California for glory. Right. Let me read this thing. It is September 27 to the 29,

Javier Vasquez, MMA camp, Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, striking, mixed martial arts at the National Martial Arts and Fitness over at 677 Duchess Turnpike in Poughcy, New York. Now, how far is Poughkeepsie from here? I think it's a little bit of a ways away. Yeah. Anyway, it's $300 to sign up.

You can learn more over at info at national martial arts and fitness.com or call Christian Lacey at 845-845-483-7675. So he invited you, and you're not going to be there. I'm really sorry because I met. But it seems like people are coming out of the woodwork here, and you're kind of taking your time. Well, wait a minute. I'm in a different city.

This is not my doing. It just happened to be traveling. Sure. I met Javier at Meta Morris and couldn't have been a nicer guy. Yeah, big fan of the M.A.R. Yeah, he told me as much. More of a fan of me than you. I mean, let's be honest, there's a lot of people like that.

Right. Absolutely. But, yeah, that's unfortunate. I would have loved to do it. But as far as what's happening, I mean, maybe we'll find some updates soon. Yeah, maybe. Maybe next week, a good transition here as we celebrate our 200th episode. We already have some guests, some big guests lined up, but I think I'm going to wait. Should I save them now?

No, don't save it. Save it. Maybe you'll let us know then. It's part of the festivities. Very well may happen. Wow. All right. Well, any more questions? That's it for today. That is it. That is all. Thank you very much, everyone who asked us questions and sent them in, and we appreciate it. That was a very fun show. Alfred, you can hit my music. There it is. Very fun show. A memorable show. Kind of wish that this was our 200th episode. I mean, how do you top that?

Roddy Piper, Jim Ross, tomorrow. That alone was fun. Such great voices today, right? I mean, Tim Gorman. Wow, the pipe's on him. Great stuff. Anyway, it is UFC 165 week. We'll be out there Thursday, Thursday morning, leave to Toronto.

Remember UFC tonight? Fox Sports 1, 7 o'clock Eastern Time, now on Wednesdays. broke the big Frank Edgar, BJ Penn News. It is must-see TV, my friends. You don't want to miss it. So Thursday, we head over to Toronto. And by the way, I don't give it a plug much, but check out the MMA beat. We also have an iTunes page.

Had a good show on Friday. Whenever there's not a UFC pay-per-view, I'm not at an event. There's an MMA beat, so check it out. So looking forward to UFC 165. John Jones v. Alexander Gustafin, the fans in Toronto, always great. Can't wait for it. And you can expect the usual coverage over at MMAfighting.com.

Want to thank Morano for stopping by. Congratulations to him. Always very passionate, great stuff out of morrow. And, of course, great stuff on Saturday night. Tim Corman, good luck as you enter the UFC, some funny stuff, some interesting stuff about him and Brian Carraway. Good luck to Frankie Edgar as he prepares for tough 19 and his third fight against BJ Penn. And Jim Ross, good luck to him post-W-W-E. Let's see what happens.

Him and the world of MMA slash UFC. That could be very interesting to monitor. And how about Gagar Musassi, very passionate stuff from him? And finally, we wish Gagar the best. Finally, Roddy Piper, what can you say? Thank you so much to the people at Klondike. Check it out. Vote for Roddy.

Klonike, Celebrity Challenge. There's only one Roddy Piper. Great stuff out of him. I'm even going longer here because that was so good. I have so much to say about it. But anyway, I'll see you next week for our 200 episode. Peace. I'm out of here.

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