MMA Fighting - The MMA Hour - Episode 256

Episode Date: November 17, 2014

Featuring Nick Diaz, Frankie Edgar, Anthony Johnson, Yves Edwards, Ralek Gracie, and Chuck Mindenhall. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Support for this show comes from the Audible Original, the downloaded two, ghosts in the machine. The Earth only has a few days left. Rosco Cudullian and the rest of the Phoenix colony have to re-upload their minds into the quantum computer, but a new threat has arisen that could destroy their stored consciousness forever. Listen to Oscar winner Brendan Fraser reprised his role as Rosco Cudulian in this follow-up to the Audible Original Blockbuster. The Downloaded, it's a thought-provoking sci-fi journey where identity, memory, and morality collide. Robert J. Sawyer does it again with this much-anticipated sequel that leaves you asking, What are you willing to lose to save the ones you love?

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Hello again, everyone. I'm Ariel Hawani here in our New York City studio. Back from Mexico City, what an interesting week that was down south. Of course, Fabrice O'Roodoom, now the new UFC interim heavyweight champion. He defeated Mark Hunt in a very entertaining fight. And I would say Mark Hunt did a lot better than most. people thought he would. He, in fact, won the first round, in my opinion and was looking pretty good until, of course, Redoom landed that flying knee, finished Mark Hunt in the second round. Good stoppage there.

Hunt did not disagree with it. And now we've got Verdume as the interim champion, and hopefully we'll see that fight we've wanted to see for quite some time, Fabriceu Verdum versus Kane Velasquez. And I got to say, I got to get props to Mark Hunt for the way he fought. And, you know, just after, excuse me, after talking to him on Wednesday and seeing his demeanor and everything that he had been going through from the elements to the weight cut to of course the family issues

to regroup come Friday and turn into a different person, really. I mean, he went from a defeated man, a man who could not care less about what transpired on Saturday to back to the old jovial, fun-loving, super Samoan, and he showed up. Three weeks notice, he definitely showed up.

So that's one of those losses in my opinion, where his stock really doesn't fall all that much. Still a draw, perhaps even more popular than ever. Interesting to see what the buy rate will be for UFC 180. Of course, that was a very busy night in the world of mixed martial arts. We had UFC 180, which was an entertaining show, even though there were a lot of names and faces that we didn't recognize, some great finishes, some fun fights down in Mexico City for their debut.

Of course, Bellator, a new day for Bellator with Tito Ortiz versus Stefan Bonner, and all indications are that that show was a success for Bellator and then World Series of Fighting, David Branch defeating Yushin Okami. TKO, it might have been the surprise of the entire evening, Branch retaining his UFC, UFC, WSOF, middleweight crown. And this is a very busy day. Once again, for the UFC with a big press conference. If you're watching this live, it's in four hours from now.

The time is now they are calling it, and they're going to have a bunch of big names, Anderson, Nick Dia, Weidman, Belfort, Ronda, Zengano, Gustafson, Rumble. I mean, all the big names that are fighting in the next couple of months, they're going to be there. They're also making a big announcement. They're going to announce their schedule for 2015. So right after this show, if you're watching this live, you can watch that press conference. There's a lot to talk about these days in the world of the UFC and mixed martial arts. All right.

Who is joining us on this show? I can't wait for this one. This is going to be a lot of fun. At around 325, we'll take your questions and comments. I'm assuming you have a lot of things that you want to talk. about. So hit us up, as always. Hashtag the MMA hour. Leave a question or comment in the comment section below. 305. We're going to go inside the vault. Fun one. Timely one. So looking forward to that. 245. We're going to talk to Frankie Edgar, who faces Cub Swanson on Saturday. U.S.

fight night 57 in Austin, Texas. Huge fight at 145 pounds and even bigger now that Dennis Bermuda has lost to Ricardo Lamas on Saturday night. At 225, we're going to talk to Rumble Johnson. I'm sure you heard by now. He'll be facing Alexander Gustafson, January 24th in Sweden, 30,000 seat arena, the second biggest UFC show ever, if all goes to plan, of course, behind UFC 129. That's the main event on Fox. and that's going to be a huge fight at 205 pounds.

At 205, how about this one? We are going to be joined by Mr. 209 himself, the man who will be facing Anderson Silva on January 31st. Nick Diaz, Nick Diaz, Nick Diaz is going to be joining us at 205. Let's just leave it at that and pray it actually happens. At 145, we're going to be joined by Eve Edwards, who has a big fight against Akbar Ariola this Saturday at UFN. And at 125, we're going to be joined by MetaMorris founder, Halle Gracie.

Metamorce 5 is this Saturday, and it's another busy Saturday, if you're a fan of all kinds of combat sports, because not only is there the UFC in Austin, there's Manny Pachial fighting, and MetaMoros, a lot of options, if you like combat sports. And he'll actually be breaking some news. So stay tuned for that. But for now, let us go to these scumptial. machine and welcome in my good pal colleague over at m mayfiting.com of course there he is the man with the hat chuck mininol himself chuck how are you good how you doing aerial i'm doing great black belt

is that some kind of black belt you got there this is that what has you oh i just wanted you to see who you're going up against right here oh wow so we know this we got a little game of kinetic chess here my friend so they give those things out to anyone i see okay yeah well after this interview there goes your black belt like mark hunt one said um Let's talk about what happened on Saturday night because you may have had the best seat in the house. You were at home in Connecticut. You weren't at any particular event. And that's why I wanted to have you on because you sort of watch us, A, as a journalist, but also as a fan, you had to make some tough choices.

So take us through what Saturday was like in the Mindenal household. How did you watch? How did you keep your finger on the pulse of all those events? Well, I said my remote control was smoking in the end because kept going back and forth. The good thing with the pay-per-view was that they were running. sort of going through so fast, we had a lot of early stoppages, and so it was, you know, they were finishing fights really quickly, and the UFC just kept humping them through by, I think, like, an hour and 15 minutes in, we were already looking at the main event

coming on. So it left plenty of time to go and check out Tito and Bonner. And in between, I was able to, you know, the fights happened so fast, were able to catch the bulk of, like, Gachie against Gillard and a couple of the others. So I was going back and forth, but it was a little strange because if you're on your Twitter feed, you know, you're obviously doing that as well, and I was doing the play-by-play for MMA fighting for the main card at UFC 180. And you're catching so much information. It's like you're sort of having to sort of put things away and move things around.

But overall it was a lot of fun, actually. I thought it was like, you know, fun to go from one to the next and see the presentation, see Bellator sort of rolling out their walkouts and sort of bringing back the strike force with pride, you know, mixture going on and great fights at UFC as well. So it was fun to kind of go back and forth. You call it fun, but would you like this to be the, norm. Would you enjoy if all Saturday nights or most Saturday nights were frenetic and stack like that,

or do you prefer having it all separate? I prefer there are no fights on a Saturday night, actually. No, I would say this one was a little unique because it felt like you were seeing something about Bellator's future a little bit, like, you know, the entertainment value that they're trying to bring out. So they had like, you know, they had the big Dave and Buster's thing going on beforehand. There was a lot of hype behind it. Some guys that we knew, some guys that were. legit, good fights with Will Brooks and Michael Chandler. There were a lot of cool aspects to what they were doing. The World Series of fighting, you know, they had Justin Gaitchukh

against Melvin Gart, and they had, you know, Yushina Kami was fighting. To me, it felt like there was some compelling fights on each one. If it's just a matter of having three fights overlapping each other, three cards, I'm not about that. I would prefer. I like the idea of what was going on on those cards, not necessarily the fact that there were just three going on at the same time. There is something to that.

I mean, it felt a little bit, I don't know if you remember these days, but the Monday Night Wars, when you're just kind of going head to head, it almost raises everyone, and it makes it feel like there's some kind of competition going on. But I would prefer if this wasn't the norm, because I like, you know, it's hard to digest all this. I was at a UFC event. I wanted to watch what was going on. I couldn't watch it live at least. So I feel like, you know, once in a while, yeah, that's kind of cool, like a super Saturday,

if you will. But I would prefer, and especially, and we'll get to this, you know, come 2015, where Bell Tor does things a little differently and they're doing one show every month or so I would prefer if they don't go head to head but who knows maybe it's one of those things where if you look at the Monday Night Wars both of them actually got better ratings

as opposed to when they were on separate days so I don't know how that works I don't quite understand it but selfishly I would prefer them being separate It was fun as a novelty to see how just to do it this one time but it would get old fast I can tell you that Okay so who's the MVP of the MVP of Saturday night if you had to pick

if you put all the cards together, all the fights together, what's the one performance that sticks out in your mind? I'd probably go with Kelvin Gastonelam. Wow. Interesting. Yeah, I mean, well, to me, he was going up against a guy who I really thought had a lot, you know, a lot to lose. Jake Ellenberg, he was sort of listless in his last couple of losses. I thought he was going to come out Guns Blasin.

He still was a little tentative, but I just thought that Kelvin Gaston, just the way he turned that take down into a choke was pretty amazing. He just, he's 23 years old. It's funny with a guy like him. him, you keep waiting, you know, you keep raising the bar on who he's fighting. He beats a guy like Uriah Hall, you know, and at the beginning we think, oh, what a big upset. He beats a guy like Rick's story, even though it was, you know, close, you know, you're looking at that as, eh, maybe something that he gets this one, you're like, he's real.

You know, all of a sudden, you're looking at a guy who, you know, could be a real player, only 23 years old. And to me, this was his breakout moment against the guy I thought would really come out and challenge him and Jake Ellenberger. So that really stood out. But, I mean, there were so many great performances. Fabrice O Verdome, to me, and Mark, I mean, they both kind of went in there and put on a fight that was going to, you know, it was a very compelling fight. You know, Hunt had him on the ropes a couple of times. Hunt was conserving his energy, just sort of letting him get to his feet and just picking his shots. It looked like we might be witnessing something a little bit historic, and Mark Hunt just, you know,

taking that fight on three weeks' notice and all the obstacles that he had to overcome. But to me, for Bresa Verdum, how crazy is that guy? always just sort of upset it. I wrote a piece about just sort of upsetting people's narratives. I think a lot of the story about them going to Mexico is all about Kane Balasquez and Mexico and then all of a sudden it's about Mark Hunt and Cinderella story. He just sort of shuts the door on those types of storylines. And, you know, to get to score a flying is a heavyweight, pretty amazing stuff.

So I would also look to that fight. Gaitchi as well kind of proved himself a little bit against Gillard. I believe, according to Fight Metric, that was the first flying NICO and UFC Heavyweight Division history. So certainly that was historic. And now if we do see the fight that we've wanted to see for quite some time for Doom versus Kane, you talk about him spoiling everyone's narratives and stories and whatnot. Do you think he can pull that one off? Well, it's the same thing kind of leading up.

I mean, he's sort of happy to let people take their perception where they want to go, you know, let everybody believe that Kane Balasquez is just going to steamroll them, just like it was with Fedora Milaneenko. Even going back to Brandon Vera and guys like that, I remember sort of people thinking like, hey, and Verdume was the guy who might, you know, end up on the receiving end of some bad business, you know, that type of thing. But he's very crafty, very smart fighter.

You know, he's to the point where a couple of times in the Mark Hunt fight, you're not sure if he actually got hit with something big or if he was just going to his back. Yes. Yes. And sort of duping him into something, you know, you're not sure with a guy like that. And I feel like he's got a lot of those tricks up asleep, but he's also really well-round. And I feel like he keeps proving himself on his feet. I think for a long time we just talked about his ground game. Well, look at the Roy Nelson fighter.

Look at Travis Brown. Look at those fights. I mean, to me, he's, you know, the ground game is, it's great that he has it, but at the same time, he's very lethal on his feet. So to me, it's a very intriguing fight. You know, the big difference here is Kane Velasca's pressure. That was going to be a thing. How does he deal with that pressure?

You know, obviously, if you start getting caught up on the fence and eating a bunch of punches and knees and elbows and everything, it can go south quickly. But he is a crafty fighter. To me, that's a very compelling fight. and by no stretch of imagination, I feel like Velasca is going to steamroll him. Yeah, I love that fight,

and I think we need to give a lot of credit to Hafeel Cordero, what he's done with the likes of Verdum and Hafeel Dosangos, who's fighting next month. I mean, he's turned those guys into great strikers. You know, I got to give props also to Verdum for his PR work. He really took the torch from Velasquez. He became the adopted Mexican. He was loving it all week long.

He was dancing, singing, he was playing the music. I mean, he really played up to the crowd. But I don't know if this was noticeable on TV, he wasn't the favorite in that arena and this was a very knowledgeable crowd you know this crowd first of all I was blown away that they watch our stuff I mean I thought you know

when we go to Brazil it's you know the people it's not an English speaking country they're not huge fans of MMA fighting I understand that they were very knowledgeable and you could tell that they were pulling for Mark Hunt which surprised me and I think it's because these are longtime fans pride fans and whatnot

that being said I do think of fighting Kane and Verdum in Mexico considering all the work that Verdum did all week long and prior to that would be gigantic in Mexico. Speaking of the Mexican crowd and the Mexican people and Mexican MMA, what do you think of the talent? Because I'm assuming this was probably

the first time you got to see those ultimate fighter guys. I mean, other than Sean Al-Shadi, I don't know if many North American journalists watch that. Sean Al-Scidi watched the entire season, which is which deserves a bonus in itself. What do you think of the talent? Are they there or do you think we're going to see them sort of like the tough China guys where they

just fight themselves for a bit? I think it's going to be more like that. I don't know. Nothing really stood out to me, honestly. Like a couple of guys had moments, but honestly, it looked like they're still a long way to go. I would actually make that comparison to China. To me, that's the thing. It's starting to boom. It's starting to pick up steam.

But it's going to take some time for those guys to get as well-rounded. You know, they might have specific areas in boxing or specific areas and this or that, but they're not putting it all together. I would say that in a couple of years, maybe we'll be looking at some good prospects coming out of there. I believe it was Mark Romandie who said that in our post, the fight wrap-up, that he liked the idea of Gaslam versus Woodley next. Do you think Gaslum is ready for a jump like that? Wow. Well, yeah, I mean, he's, I was kind of looking back at his previous fights.

I mean, to start sort of with Uriah Hall and then he's had Rick Story, he had, who was the other kid he fought last? But then, you know, anyway, getting Ellenberger, to me, it's a very gradual, to me, you know, the way he's beat these guys, especially the way he took down. Ellenberger, yeah, I think he could be ready for something like that. It's sort of nice to see a guy like him who comes off tough and they build him a little bit slowly. You know, he's been sort of kind of making his movement. And I felt like Ellenberg was his first big hurdle

when he cleared it very well. So, I mean, I wouldn't be opposed to it. I could see the UFC as well trying to give him somebody a little less than that. But at the same time, I don't know, I would almost put it at a 50-50s fighting Woodley. I think that he could, you know, he matches up.

with anybody. And I think his team is confident against guys like Woodley. And look, I mean, it's Jake Ellenberger. Three losses in a row or not. I mean, I can't put a lot of stuff. He lost to Rory, Robbie, and now, Kelvin. There isn't a lot of room between Ellenberger and Woodley. So I think you got to go with the guy

and he's undefeated and he's marketable. Big reaction in Mexico. His wins in the UFC, by the way. Uriah Hall, Brian Melanson, Rick Story, Nico Mussook, and of course, Jake Ellenberger on Saturday. Let's switch over to Bell to our for a second now. So there was a lot of talk about how it felt like a fresh start. It felt like

the old days, strike force and whatnot. What did you think? I mean, watching the product, did it feel different to you? Did it feel like the old Scott Coker days? Because from where I sat, watching it afterwards, it did have that vibe with the guys sitting around the cage, the VIPs and whatnot. It felt like a big deal. Ramping all, right? It did. 100%. It felt like a different product, honestly. I mean, I was contemplating what Bjorn Rebney thinks, you know, like as I'm watching it. Like, what is Bjorn Redney? What is he doing right now? Swishing as Brandy, but it's one of those things where you,

it was so different, you know, on so many levels that it just felt like a whole different promotion. I almost wouldn't have thought it was possible. It felt like Bellator had a black eye to the point where maybe wouldn't be able to come back, you know, and to see them sort of steer into, I don't know necessarily about a media darling or a fan darling or anything like that, like we've seen with some of the other, but it certainly has like a different vibe. and it's like it's a more fun vibe. It's like the entertainment factor has been ramped up. It's almost like they've understood like if we can't compete with the USC

and straight up meritocracy and talent and all those things, let's at least put on things that are going to be entertaining. Let's make these walkouts like, come on, Mike Richmond coming out. You know, that was like an epic walkout for a guy that was crazy. But things like that, it made it a lot more fun. It made it that much more intriguing. And it was sort of fun because if you've been to those Strikeforce shows, they used to do stuff with pyrotechnics.

they were always having guys walk out, you know, kind of in these big, grand ways, you know. To me, that's fun. I remember when I first talked to Dan Henderson right after Pride, and I asked him what he was going to miss, and he talked about just the walkouts, you know. So, I mean, it matters to the fighters, too, to kind of get that sort of reception and everything. So to me, it all translated on television, I'm sure it translated in the arena, and it was fun to see guys like Josh Koschek just sort of hanging in the background and other, hoist Gracie and all these guys.

So it was just a fun event. felt bigger than Strike Force because the Strike Force ramp and walkout to me always felt a little chinty. There was nothing in back of them. It was just like a black curtain. And here, when you saw those, those screens, I mean, to me, it proved that Viacom is truly behind this product. And, you know, we hear about this Viacom money a lot from Dana White. This, this, what, 40 billion dollars is sitting in a match. Just sitting on it. They're out of the pro wrestling game and it feels like they're putting a lot of time, attention and resources into, I was going to say Strike Force, into Bellator.

And to me, you know, they totally copied the UFC. They announced their schedule before the event. They brought out all those guys. I mean, totally ripping off what the UFC is doing. But you look at this card, the British invasion card. I love that idea with Paul Daly headlining and guys like Liam McGee and probably Michael Page. They're going to do four of those shows, those big shows with the ramp and all. Then the smaller shows will be once a month.

And that won't have the ramp and all that stuff. But I got to say, going into, you nailed it. It feels like all of a sudden everyone's kind of, you know, the media darlings and what, It feels like people have gotten over their hatred towards Bellator. And they feel like it's okay to, you know, not root for them, but it's okay to cover them. It's okay to be, you know, sort of pulling for their success. Not the, not the fans, not the media, the fans, you know, because they even felt like the fans had this grudge against Bellator back in the day.

It's an interesting juxtaposition, and it really makes you wonder in terms of where the hiccup really was. Was it Bjorn Revenue, was it just him? Yes, I think it was. Yeah, I mean, it could have been. And, I mean, honestly, when you were talking to, you know, Belmont, or people in those days, you know, the PR people and everything, you know, it just didn't have a very positive vibe. I feel like it's like this rebirth with those guys, even those guys.

They're all very into it. It seems like a fun venture. It seems like sort of like they're understanding how to, you know, how to fuck, how to feel like a niche that maybe isn't being hit again, you know, like that's one thing that Scott Coker was very good at with Strike Force, not just, you know, mounting his talent and getting guys that would be coveted by the UFC, but essentially, you know, putting together interesting fights without depth, you know, which is a trick, because I feel like everybody wants to know what's next for this guy, what's next for that. Scott Coker's always been a guy who just

puts the most immediate good fight he can, you know, fine, and then deals with that stuff after the fact. But so far, so good for those guys during his run. I love the idea of putting together fights like Schilling and Mannhoff, which mean nothing in the grand scheme of things, but it's a complete 180 from what Bellator was. Belator was like, this is the quarterfinal of this and it got so confusing. Now, let's just put in the most fun matchups, and then we'll worry about the other stuff later. And I think that they're in a good place there. Chandler Brooks was kind of the people's main event, as I called it.

It was the most important fight on the card. Brooks wins, cements himself as the real Belator Lightway champion. A bizarre ending. Were you okay with the finish? Yeah, I mean, that was bizarre, like you said. I don't know when you got a chance to actually look at it. But plan out live, it was almost, it was one of those moments you're like, well, what's happening? What happened there?

You're not even sure what you're looking at. but he basically turned around and was like, I'm done, which is, to me, a tap. I mean, that's the same thing. It's just saying, you know, it's a different form of tapping out. Obviously, it seemed to me like he got hit or something and was a little bit lost his bearings or it didn't see, you know, watching Chandler for so long, that seemed so out of the ordinary to see him do something like that. But ultimately, you got to give it to Brooks, man.

And not only did he wreck the trilogy that was sort of the hinge of everything went on with Bellator during that time by taking out Chandler the first time, now he backs it up. I mean, it's like, wow, this guy just inserted himself into the conversation. Not only did that, but just sort of took over the division just like that. And it shows you what a guy can do with an opportunity. But ultimately, I mean, you know, he did a good job in that fight. You know, he looked great in that fight. I had no problem with the stoppage. To me, it came right after the big punch.

it seemed like he was all out of sorts, and Brooks did what he had to do. Very different, it reminded me a little bit of Mayweather Ortiz, when Ortiz just stopped fighting in their boxing match. But this came right after a big punch, and it just felt like he had completely lost his equilibrium or just lost where he was, and Brooks pounced on him, and all of a sudden Michael Chandler has lost three fights in a row, how the mighty have fallen, and it's going to be interesting to see how far Will Brooks can go.

Tito Ortiz, go ahead. Go ahead. that was that was something about this weekend you know just with the rapifier all these events going on you lose track of all the guys that were sort of contenders at some point that sort of now went away all in one night yushan o'cami being a guy like that he was a contender and he loses david branch suddenly he's it just seems like he's done you know in terms of ever competing for a belt and then you got like melvin guard who was so close to getting a title shot in the ufc and then he insisted on fighting that houston got got caught up with the joelozon thing um etc and then that sort of snowballed into a downfall for him.

You felt like you were sort of seeing him. Now he's just relegated to a certain space in that, you know, in that lightweight world. But, and there was, you know, and Michael Chandler being another one, a guy who was on the rise and suddenly here he is sort of botted him out. And how about Dennis Bermuda's and Jake Ellenberger? These are guys who are very close. In particular, Ellenberger. I mean, shocking now, you know, where he is. He's in a very tough spot and the Bermuda's result as well.

Half he beat Jake Shields, man. Yeah. I was convinced he was going to be the guy who was. I thought he was going to get a title shot. It's going to be very interesting. That's where he was at. You know, the Martin Kampman, he lost to Martin Kampman in that comeback fight. I think he got a couple of wins after that, but it's just, I don't feel like he's been the same fighter since then.

I know it's hip to hate on Titor-O-Tees, but I think we need to give him some credit. He's now one two in a row, and yes, they were, you know, there were kind of weird fights, one against a middle-weight, the other against Stefan Bonner, who did not look good in that fight. But look, a win is a win, and early, early indications are that, you know, he drew well, as far as the crowd is concerned, and on TV, we'll see what the final numbers are. But what do you do with Tito Ortiz at this point? Because it's clear to me that in a day and age

where a lot of guys are retiring, the stars of yesterday are no more. He is still a draw at the end of the day. People still remember this guy. He is. It's really strange because when he beat Ryan Bader at UFC 132, I think it was. When he beat him,

I remember I wrote some kind of column, basically saying he should fight Rashad Evans. He turned the fight down, and then he ended up taking it anyway. And it was crazy how many fans came out of the woodwork to basically crucify me on that piece. I remember this. I remember that.

They're like these dormant, you know, like these fans that just sort of sit and wait for the moment that they can get behind him again. And here he is. I mean, like you said, they're sort of strange matchups, these last couple, but they do have like legitimate, you know,

some legitimate fights. They could give him King Moe. They were having some heat in the post-fight presser. To me, That's an interesting fight. And of course, you've got Quentin Rampage Jackson out there. So they can do the exact same thing. But I actually, you know, to me, Bonner was not really that intriguing.

It gets a little more intriguing when you talk about King Moe versus him or Quinn or Quentin Rampage Jackson. Yeah. And in this new Bellator, we can put together those fights. You don't have to worry about the tournament and whatnot. So certainly a fun, you know, I got to say, I think every promotion that had a show on Saturday, the best results happened for them. You know, Gachi and Branch winning for World Series and Aguilar winning, that's what needed to happen. Ortiz winning, that's what needed to happen. Brooks Chandler is sort of a toss-up, but King Mo, shilling even, because he's kind of fresh and has that kickboxing background.

Those are the results that needed to happen. UFC, I think the Verdume-Cain fight is a bigger one, needed to happen. Gaslam, needed to happen. So I think it was actually a great night for all the promotions. And as I mentioned, it continues next Saturday before I let you go. Let's just get your quick pick. Cub Swanson, Frankie Edgar. Now, in my opinion, becomes even more important after Dennis Bermuda's lost on Saturday. Who's your pick?

I've still got to go with Frankie Edgar, man. Oh, wow. Nice. I mean, he had that hiccup of those losses, but they're against the best guys, you know, Jose Aldo and Henderson. But he's looked good. It's funny, man, we fixate on how bad BJ Penn looked in that fight. But the other side of it is how good Frankie Edgar looked, how ready he looked, you know, to put that kind of performance on. I feel that. like he's really chomping at the bit. I can't go against him against Cubs Cwans.

I know Cubs Cwins is the hotter fight. He's won six fights in a row. But I'm going with Frankie. I think he'll be too much in there. All right. It's a great card in Austin. Bobby Green and Itson Barbosa, Brad Pickett, Chico Camus, Jared Rochall. Yeah.

Matt Weiman. Matt Weimann, the return. I've been trying to get on this show for years. I love Matt Wyman. He's one of those great figures in the game. You know, he's taking almost two years off. And he's getting back in there. And he was on a great run until he got

knocked out. DJ Grant, the guy who beat him last, and imagine how long ago that was because TJ Grant has been out. Almost two years it's been. And a very important flight at 125, Joseph Benevita

versus Dustin Ortiz. So a great card on Saturday night in Austin. We'll talk about that a little later on in the show at length. Chuck, pleasure as always. Thank you very much.

And you can leave that black belt at the door. I think there's only room for one. Yeah, exactly. Only room for one black belt on this show. There he is. Chuck Minenhall of M.M.A. Fighting.com joining us great insight from his home in Connecticut. As I mentioned, a great card.

And on Saturday for the UFC, but when you look at what happened, it was so fascinating to be in that arena in Mexico on Saturday because I would guess that, and I said it on Twitter 95%, it might even be more, that at least 95% of our audience had no idea who most of those guys were leading up to the main card. And even in the main car, I mean, Dodger, I mean, how many people knew who he was. And they were a huge stuff. I mean, that show, what it told me was that show, well, not, you know, it wasn't made for, for the audience back home. It was, it was strictly for the Latin American audience. That show was the success. I mean, the ratings say one thing, but, and they were good, but the people who came to

that arena on Saturday knew who those people were. Yaira Rodriguez is a star. Dodger is a star. He wasn't on the show, but still, you know, Mowgli's star, Benitez. I mean, those guys were big deals. And it was just so fascinating to be at a UFC event where the casual North American fan has no idea who these people are, has probably never seen them fight, and yet somewhere in this world, they're big deals, just showed how far the UFC has come and the international expansion and how things are changing very rapidly. I mean, who would have ever thought that something like that would transpire this soon in the game, where you go to a UFC event and there are guys who huge draws, huge fan favorites, there are villains' heels, they know what's going on, they know

the stories, and yet back home, people don't know who they are. I thought that was fascinating. And that arena was gigantic. One of the biggest arenas I've ever seen for a UFC event. Outside, of course, of Toronto, just a straight arena, huge, really, really impressive turnout, especially without cane. I thought it was going to be a disaster without cane, and the impression I got was the fans were not that upset about No Kane because they were like, okay, we don't need to move for this guy. I mean, he's not 100 percent, you know, he's not born in Mexico. Of course, he's Mexican-American, and they love him. Don't get me wrong.

But it didn't feel like they were heartbroken because the novelty of the UFC coming to Mexico for the first time was enough for them. It didn't ruin everything. There were enough guys that they cared to see, wanted to see, and that was important enough for them. The first time is always special enough, even without the big draw and the heavyweight champion. All right, let's move along. I said earlier, it's a busy weekend in the world of combat sports. UFC, Pachialt fighting against Long Island Zone, Chris Algeri, and Meta Morris is back. Their fifth event, it's a fascinating one.

We've been talking about it for the last few weeks or so. We had Roy McDonnell-Macon who's competing against J.T. Torres. We had Henzo Graysian, who's competing against Kazushi Sakuraba in a fun rematch. So we wanted to have Meta-Morce founder, Halic Gracie on the show to talk about the card and a whole lot more. He joins us now via the magic of Skype. There he is. Halik, how are you? I'm great. Thanks for having me on. How you doing, Ariel?

I'm doing great. Thank you very much for joining us. By the way, before we get into the nitty-gritty, how do you feel about going up against some stiff competition? Great UFC card, Pac-Yau. I mean, would you prefer to be on, you know, alone your own night, or do you enjoy this kind of competition? Man, I think we would prefer to be on alone. We, it was just kind of happenstance. And with putting together the negotiation to secure both Hanzu and Sakuraba, It ended up being kind of the only weekend that we could do. But we were starting our show earlier. So Pacific Time, it starts at 2 p.m., which I feel like you can get both.

If you wanted to check out Metamoros, you could start at 2. You can even go and get some dinner and then come back in time for the Pac-Yahu or UFC event, or at least the main event of the UFC or the main card. but yeah we're excited you know nonetheless and you know we have our core audience and people who are who are interested and who wouldn't miss it for the world so we're kind of above all we're doing it for them but yeah we you know we encourage people to kind of you know get as much as they can and for the weekend have you noticed a growth in your audience since the first show are you getting the impression that more people outside of the jiu jihitsu world are tuning in oh absolutely

You know, there's a, we've, we've been increasing tremendously with our, you know, our viewership and just overall, like, the piracy and like the, the, the intensity around just, you know, seeing the matches and seeing, you know, really what goes down. And obviously there was a lot of attention for the whole Chal Sonan kind of fiasco. But it ended up being something that I think, you know, was really cool and really respectful. And people really enjoyed seeing Chale in there when it came down to it. And yeah, I mean, that, that all just, you know, I think. I think attracts more tension. But no, I think ultimately, you know, you kind of have to have some kind of appreciation for grappling and for the nuances of what's going down. And, you know, you can have that from just a history of wrestling or you can have that from an understanding of judo if you've done judo as a kid. You know, so there's a lot of ways to access that. It's not just somebody who's an avid BJJ practitioner that we would expect to enjoy the show or that would enjoy the show. I understand you have some breaking news regarding Saturday night's show. Hit us with it. Man, that was just out of nowhere.

That's how we do. We have some unfortunate news and some pretty positive news. And the bad news is Kevin Casey is injured. And, you know, he had to get emergency surgery on a blood clot in his calf over the weekend. So which was news for us. And, you know, he had to take care of that and is going to be out for at least a few weeks because of that. And what we were thinking was normally we would just replace Kevin with another person and say, okay, you know, and make the announcement and say, hey, this person has been replaced.

but what we want to do is we want to invite the entire community of martial artists and practitioners and grapplers to engage kind of in a you know we're basically creating an open opportunity for any athlete to come in you you basically have to have a black belt in jiu-jitsu and if you don't have a black belt in jujitsu but you're like a really solid judo guy or you know sambo or something like that and you have a black belt in that art that works but we're open to you're open to you're opening it up to anybody. And if you can beat Vinnie Magalais, we're putting $10,000 on the line. Wow. So we're basically making it available to anyone. And the whole idea is that, you know, we're always looking for the top guys. And it's not often, you know, it's not, it's not always the case that the best submission fighters are winning the best Brazilian jiu-jitsu events. You know, oftentimes the really core guys who are going only for. for submissions, they can't really survive in the point system-based, you know, jiu-jitsu circuits.

So we wanted to kind of make it very accessible. And all you have to do is email us at info at metamorse.com and send in the necessary information. And basically, you have to send in a picture. You have to send in your age. You have to send in your weight, where you train, what academy you're from. And that could be any kind of academy, but you have to be a black belt. And you have to talk about where you got your black belt.

You have to talk about how many years you've been training and give us a good reason why you should be able to go up against Vinny. And Vinny is willing to fight anybody at any weight. Wow. So we've affirmed that with him that, you know, he'll go against anyone at any weight. So it's pretty exciting, you know, and I would like it for it to be somebody that is not just, you know, in the top, you know, kind of expected category of, you know, Brazilian jihitsu fighters today. I would like it to be somebody kind of, you know, out of nowhere, you know, kind of that underdog story, I think, is kind of what I'm looking for. But really, it can be anyone and, you know, anyone who's willing to step up and anyone who thinks they're prepared, you know, with less than a week notice, which is also a reason why the prize money is what it is, which we think is very reasonable. I love this idea. Is this your idea?

Actually, it is. I don't know if we have any idea. I don't know if people. really come up with ideas anymore. I don't, I think there's, you know, I collaborate a lot with a lot of people. So, you know, but yeah, it's a tremendous idea. I love it because it, it's kind of like that secret match idea that you had. It keeps people on their toes. I think it gives that you, you have enough established guys on the card to where you can have, you know, something fun like this and credit to Vinny for stepping up and agreeing to it as well. I just want to be clear about something. If you, you know, get picked to do this match, but lose, do you get paid anything?

No. Okay. So you got to go in there and take that gamble that if you actually lose, you'll walk away with nothing except for some exposure. And, you know, I'm sure some attention as well. Yeah, that's the whole point. I mean, you know, it could get more attention than, you know, every other match on the card. Who knows? You know, I think that and that's the future potential is, I think, what you gain.

And even if you just draw, even if you come in and just tie against Vinny and you look good in the process, people are going to want you back, you know, and we're going to want you back. So it's basically an automatic invitation to come back. So you don't have to submit somebody to show that you're dominant or to show that you have the, you have what it takes to be on the metamorphous mat. You just, you have to go in there and be tight and know what you're doing and put pressure on someone and be aggressive. And, you know, ultimately you have to go the whole distance.

And yeah, you know, it's excited. Do you have to live in North America? Not necessarily. And, you know, we'll work with people if, you know, if they're out of the country. But it's at this point, given the amount of time that we have, it's probably, it's easier for sure if they live in North America or even California. So that probably will increase your chances if you're from Southern California. but if you have the right story and the right credentials and you have the desire, it could be you. So I have a black belt right here.

I won't say who gave it to me. Am I allowed to enter? Wouldn't that be something? Yeah, the fact that there's... It says my name on it too. Do you want the true answer or do you want the funny answer? The true answer. It's not open to people like me, right?

Unless I have a secret belt, black belt or a red belt. Man. You know, if you wanted to do a match area, we could be. probably make that happen. There were probably enough people that want to see that. Yeah, I want to kick my ass. I don't know, man. Who knows?

Do you train it all? Well, not to the point where I would feel comfortable competing at one of your events. It's the best of the best over there. That was just a joke. But I wanted to know, is there a deadline? I mean, do you have to get your application in and will you decide by a certain point? Of course, time is ticking, so there has to be some kind of deadline, right? Yeah, we're deciding by tomorrow night.

Oh, wow. By tomorrow night at 10 p.m. So you literally have like just over 24 hours. 10 Pacific? Correct. Wow. Do you have an inkling? Do you have a wish list?

I hope this guy comes in or you're completely open. There's no bias involved. I'm completely open. And if anything, I want somebody that no one's ever heard of. That's great. Yeah. And it doesn't matter if he's like a, you know, a 300-pounder. No, it doesn't.

That's the thing. And is there still, is there a secret match? on this card as well? There is. Would you like to know who it is? I would love to know. That was my next question. But you don't want me to really tell you because then you would ruin the secret for

everyone. Do you know who it is? I do. Is it good? Is it someone, both people, are they people that will get us excited? Yes. And I think, and not only that, this time around, the uniform is their choice and is a secret. it's a secret.

So it could be half gie, half no ghee. Wow. That's all I'm going to tell you, though. That's all I'm going to tell you. And is it hard to get these guys to agree to that? Yes, it is. How do you like being a promoter, by the way? Do you enjoy this?

You know, I think like everything, it has ups and downs. You know, like everything, there's benefits and there's, you know, issues that you come across. And I think, man, yeah, I think, yeah, I think, ultimately. Ultimately, I'm built for this. You know, I think it is a warrior kind of mentality position, you know, that just, no matter what, you just keep going. And you push hard and, you know, the ups and downs are just part of the game and like everything. But, yeah, I think you do feel it a little more as a promoter, especially when, you know, you're on the way up and you're building something. So, but hey, you know, there's a, if it was easy, everybody would be doing it.

Does Halleck Gracie have a dream match? There's a fight on your whiteboard and your mind. If I could put this together, that would just be the ultimate. Do you have that match? So the main event of Metamor's Five was a dream match for me. What a great promoter you are. That's the perfect answer. It really is, actually.

And, man, people like, that match, man, that has potential to be better than Hoyler and Eddie Bravo. You know, like, it just, for me, it just has. much culture. It just, you know, and being that Saku has a whole different style and that, you know, it's just a whole other. And being that there's, you know, Hanswood, he has the, the demons in his closet, you know, his arm has been broken by this person. You know, that's just, it's, it's so rich, you know. Yeah, I absolutely think that's going to be an incredible match. But, yeah, I'm looking forward. I would love to do something with BJ Penn. I love to have him in the event. Just, you know, I think just him coming back to his roots as a grass.

would just be incredible. You know, I think people would really get to see something, you know, like a whole another side to him and kind of embracing that side of his culture, which I think is, you know, really important to him. And that was kind of, you know, a big part of his introduction into MMA. So I'm definitely interested in doing something with BJ. Have you reached out to him? We have.

We have. It's like on many occasions. And we've heard back and it's just timing wise, it just hasn't really worked. I think it just really is going to come down. down to the right time and, you know, the right opponent and doing something that really makes sense, that's something that gets him excited to do it, you know, because I understand, like, you know, there's not, and even like for someone like Hansu, there is very few people that will make Hansu want to get on the mat in Metamoris. There's not a lot of people. So, and he's

a warrior and he'll fight anybody, but really, you know, when I said Sakuraba, he was like, I'm in, you know, sign me. up. Like there's no, and Saku had a similar response. So that kind of, that kind of polarity, you know, and that kind of energy in between the athletes, you know, that's kind of my guide from the beginning. So I want to do that with BJ. I want to get somebody that he feels is it brings that level of polarity.

Do you have a dream opponent in mind for him? I see how you're trying to stay with my dreams. Yes, I like you. Dreams are fun. What? Because you know my dreams become reality. Sure. You're trying to get that.

I'm trying to enter your mind. Yeah. Man. You know, I haven't, we have some ideas, but it's not even, you know, yeah. You don't want to say. It's okay. I understand. Him versus like how would be nuts.

Oh, yes, of course. Or like something like that. That's just, but that's kind of the drama. You know, I don't really need that either. but that would be none. That's true. You have a lot of drama in your life. Yeah, so we're working it out, man.

We'll come up with something good. What's the expectation for Roy McDonald? Because he isn't known in our world as, you know, our world being the MMA world as, you know, a traditional grappler. He doesn't come from that background. Of course, he is very good on the ground. But against someone like J.T. Torres, who my audience here may not know,

he's not a household name in the MMA world, but all indications are he is very accomplished. He is very strong on the ground. What is your expectation for Rory then? You know, man, I really, man, no ghee, it's a different game. You know, for people who don't know, the difference between- This match is no-gee? This is no-gee.

Okay. So the difference between ghee and no-gee, it makes a huge difference, you know. And really, it's unfair to assume that if somebody can't fight in a ghee, that they're not a better grappler. Because ghee is like its own. game. It's like tennis, you have a tennis racket. In a ghee game, you have your ghee, and you have certain tricks that you train and you spend time training that make you more successful with the ghee. And that's it. And so if Rory is not training with a ghee as much as who his opponent is, then he's at a complete disadvantage. But training no ghee is what you do

for an MMA fight. You know, you do your jiu-jitsu and you're wrestling the same way you would, but you include, you know, you include your striking on top of that as an MMA fighter. I think Rory is one of the guys, one of the few guys that is a black belt that's an MMA fighter that has the ability to go in there and be, you know, just keep it even, you know, and if he can't keep it even, I think it's going to either go one way or the other. And I think it's, yeah, it's, of course, statistically, it's less likely that he should be able to go in there and just get a decisive submission against JT, but he has a 20-pound weight advantage, you know, and that, you know, that means something. I think my brothers just released a video

about how every, I think every 10 pounds is, like, contributes to a certain part of a belt, you know, or something like that. So, and they have this like way of kind of quantifying the weight and what it does for you and you're grappling. So, you know, being a black belt, being that it's slippery and that it's no ghee and being that he has a weight advantage, you know, and being that I don't see him going in there and being shy or scared or kind of getting caught in the hype of, oh, man, I'm out of my element and this guy is better than me, I don't think mentally he's that weak. So if he comes in strong mentally and he shows up with, you know, with his best and he's in the moment, man, that can, that can go either way, you know, and it's the same where J.T. doesn't have the ability to, to prepare

for him. He doesn't have, like, a real solid grounds for knowing what are his submissions, what are, what is his approach? And, you know, it's, you know, but yeah, I think ultimately, um, he's going up against a lot with JT. And JT does nothing but train submissions. And he doesn't think about punches ever. So that means something, you know. What do you think? What I think is going to happen in the match? Yeah. Like, what do you think about the matchup? Well, I love, look, I've told you this before. I love when you bring in these UFC names, especially Rory. I mean, Rory is a top contender in the Welterweight division. It draws people like me in who may not be the most, you know, knowledgeable BJJ fan or the biggest BJJ fan.

I am going to go out of my way to watch this because I know who Rory is. I know who Hanzu is. I think you always have a very nice mix of those guys and the ones that the hardcores will love. Honestly, no ass kissing here. There's very few complaints I can throw out there about your product. I just love the way it looks. And I'm not, I will not watch anything else. I don't watch Abu Dhabi.

I don't watch the trials. I don't watch IBJF. I don't watch any of that stuff. I will go out of my way and pay the money to watch your product. I really love everything from the announcers to the drums and all that stuff. It has a very cool vibe and especially now that you've softened up towards the media, which I give you a thumbs up about. I'm a fan of Meta Morrison.

I can say that because I'm not a BJJ reporter. One last thing, though, before I go as I transition here, is there anything new, any new wrinkles about the product that you're going to introduce? Because it seems like there's always something a little different every time out, anything that we can expect come Saturday. But that, you don't want to be, you don't want it to be a surprise. Well, okay. Tell us, is there going to be new?

You don't have to necessarily tell me what it is, but are there new things planned? There are some slight adjustments, you know, I don't know what you're talking about all the way, but yeah, there's, you know, from just from everything to the production and just, you know, the intermission. And we have definitely some different things planned. We have three commentators this time. Oh, who are they? which this is also an exclusive an exclusive drop for who we're going to have as commentators

but we're going to have Kenny Florian and Jeff Glover and we're also going to add Kit Dale who's the jiu-jitsu practitioner part-time comedian filmmaker and we thought he would be an interesting edition and you know amazing grappler out of Australia he actually competed in our last tournament and fortunately lost together

Gary Tonin. But, you know, it's somebody who in front of the camera is just, is really cool, is really entertaining. So we're excited to get him in there for that. And that's it, man. We have, so three commentators this time, which I'm a little bit concerned about. You know, I don't really, for me, I kind of like the idea of two, but I'm getting told otherwise, so we'll try it out. How do you feel about two versus three? It depends on who it is. Sometimes three can be a little crowded. It could be, it could be, it could be. people, you know, talking over each other. But I like that you don't have, you know, since you don't have a traditional play-by-play guy, so to speak, I think that this could work,

because they'll all be sort of discussing amongst themselves, collaborating, there's no lead guys, so there aren't defined roles. And I think in that kind of setting, it can actually be very beneficial. If it's a traditional guy and then a color guy, I don't think it's necessarily, okay? And by the way, you know, even one guy alone has, you know, has worked in the past. But I think this is good. I like the fact that you keep adapting and evolving and whatnot. I have to let you go Halleck, though, because we have a guest standing by, but continued success. You guys are doing tremendous

work, and we'll be watching on Saturday. And I love the fact also that you're doing it a little earlier so that we can watch, you know, UFC and Pachian and whatnot. One more thing. A reminder, of course, if you want to jump in there and compete against Vinnie Magaliyazh, go to Metamoros.com, or no, actually, it's info at metamoros.com.

You have to email, right? Correct. Info at Metamoros.com. If you miss the requirements, just rewind, Halick laid it out a fascinating thing, and let us know when you find your guy. I'm very curious to see who this lucky man, or could it be a woman, by the way, or it has to be a man? It has to be a man? I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. You know, man, I think it has to be a man at this point.

Okay, fair enough. It doesn't take much to email us in, though. And, you know, no problem. All right. Best of luck to you, Halleck. Thank you for the time. All right. Thanks, Ariel. There he is. Talek Gracie, founder of Meta Morris, some really great stuff that they're doing. I wasn't just saying that because he was on.

I really enjoy their product. And the stream looks nice. The commentators are great. Last time you saw Josh Barnett pick up a huge win against Dean Lister and, you know, Chale lost, but I think he brought a lot to the table as far as promotion is concerned this time. And we'd even get into their production value. I mean, their videos that they put out, as far as combat space, sports are concerned, their videos are, in my opinion, the best right now. I mean, those are

movie trailer quality stuff. And I think he's doing a great job. Hopefully they can stick around. I know it's tough to break through if you're a jujitsu promotion, but I really like that they try to draw in people like us, the MMA fan, who will not go out of his or her way to watch mixed martial arts, excuse me, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or any kind of grappling tournament, they certainly draw me in. And that's tough these days.

With so much UFC and Bellator and World Series of fighting on these days, it's tough to get us to watch another combat sport and the occasional big boxing match, but I'm all in, and I know there was some talk about, and it's tough to get that media attention,

especially with the UFC, and there was just a UFC, and if you're just a casual fan, you're probably going to watch the UFC, but to do it earlier, it makes a lot of sense, in my opinion. If you've never watched a Metamor's show, I highly recommend it. It's a lot of fun. So as I said, the UFC on Saturday is a very good card. A card that is completely flying under the radar, by the way.

I mean, there's not a lot of talk about this card outside of the main event. Bobby Green is back. Coming off a huge win, the biggest win of his career over Josh Thompson, and Bobby Green is back in action, and he's fighting Etz and Barbosa, which I was somewhat surprised by the booking there, because he was supposed to fight, of course, Bobby Green, was supposed to fight Donald Serroney at UFC 178, but then there was that whole shuffle with Eddie Alvarez coming in.

It's a big fight, but I don't know. Maybe I was expecting someone on a little more of a role. Still a great test, still a fun fight on paper, so no real problems with it. Brad Pickett returning against Chico Camus, which I think is a very interesting fight. Jared Rochalt, who's looked very solid, not the flashiest of heavyweights, but you need some prospects there with the big boys.

Benavides Ortiz is an amazing fight at 125. I like it very much, and a big step up for Dustin Ortiz. Isaac Valley Flagg versus Matt Wyman, who, as I mentioned, I've been trying to get on this show for many, many months, maybe even years. He was on the show a long time ago before his last fight, but he's kind of flown on the radar. No Twitter, wife in his corner, no manager. And then one of the fights I'm also looking forward to is longtime veteran Eve Edwards returning, and this is a big one for him

against Akbar Ariola, and we have Eve on the phone right now, joining us from Austin. Eve, are you there? I'm right here. How are you doing, Ariel? I'm doing great. So what happened to the Skype? I don't know. It was a problem connected to Dustin's also. I don't know what's going on over here. It's all good.

Good to hear from you. We appreciate you stopping by. So as I mentioned, this is a pretty important fight for you. You're on that skid, the four-fights skid. Did you feel like it's do or die at this point for you in the UFC if you don't win this fight? Yeah, most definitely. But it's one of those things. You think about that beforehand and think about it right now, but when it's time to fight,

like all of that goes out of the window. It shifts just time to perform at that point. So, you know, I try to live every day like it's a day to fight and just prepare every day as best I can. I've been training. I've been down at ATT and getting in some good works with a really good guy. So I feel good about it, man. I'm not going to worry about the past. Just look forward to the future and see where it goes.

And you live in Austin, right? Yes, I do. So are you expecting a lot of friends and family on Saturday? This is a home game for you. Yeah, it is. and I've gotten a lot of feedback from my friends and some teammates and training partners here. You know, a lot of people are going to be there, and I definitely don't want to disappoint them, you know. I don't want to disappoint myself, so if I let me down, I let them down, so I'm not looking to let that happen.

And so, you know, I know you said you want to, you know, focus on the future and I respect that, but do you have a theory in mind as to why, you know, it's been rough for you as of late? Have you been able to pinpoint the reasons behind the skid? Yeah, I think I have. I think I'm probably putting the word, but I guess the easiest way to say it is I think I wasn't respecting the game the way it should be respected, you know? Taking time away from getting better all the time,

just being a little bit lazy in the quote-unquote off-season, and not constantly improving, not constantly trying to get better, whether it's just getting better at things that I already do or know what's going on or adding something new to the arsenal. I think I just feel like I wasn't respecting the game and treating it right, getting out of shape and coming into camp, just finally being in shape when it's time to fight rather than coming into camp and shape and get prepared for a fight.

You know, I was trying to get in shape and lose weight rather than come in and get better at fighting. So you last fought in June, more to that point. I mean, how long did you actually, quote, go, train for this particular fight? When the fight card in Austin was announced, I asked to get on that card right away, and I got feedback pretty soon. So I don't know the exact date, but I've been training for this particular fight since early September. Oh, wow.

Okay. Yeah, so I've been, I, and I, like, I've been really, really working hard for this one, and I feel like I got in shape before I got to camp. So, so that was, that was better for me, and I think it's one of those things where, when you do the right thing, then you realize what you were doing wrong. So I think that's, that's why I think I know what I've been doing wrong in the past, up into this point for the past year and a half. You've been doing this for almost 20 years now.

It's amazing. You're 38 years old. You've been doing this since 1997. Do you still feel that same fire that you did when you were a youngster? I think that that was a part of the problem in the past, you know. Just kind of being comfortable where I was at and not having that burning desire to get better. I realize now, especially this kind of shape that I'm in, kind of success, I've been having a camp um i realize now when you're when you're at that point you you want those challenges i think i was

trying to avoid challenges you know what i mean um i was it wasn't like i was going to the gym and looking just looking for the guys that i can crush and trying to crush them i think just in the off in the downtime i was i was not doing things that that would help me get better you know um i was content to you know not run when i don't have anything on the table i don't have anything to do i'm not getting ready for a flight there's no reason for me to go out and run in this heat or whatever. There's no reason for me to wake up early and get a run in because it's so hot in the afternoon in Texas. So whatever it was, just those little things. I think, like, when I started to get in shape and getting to a better place,

it was like I wanted those challenges. I wanted those things. And when I was headed back down to Florida to get ready, I was like, you know, Dustin just fought a good South Park. Robbie's getting ready for a South Park. I'm fighting a South Park. I'm going to see what I can do. I'm going to do whatever I can do to get some rounds with those guys, you know? And getting rounding with those guys, it was really good. It was one of those things that was like, this is the kind of thing that makes me want the challenge. It makes me, I want to try and win rounds of Robbie. I want to try and win rounds with Dustin.

And that kind of motivated me more, you know, because you're going in there, and you're without the malice that goes with it. I'm getting in a fight every day, you know what I mean? So it's one of those things that kind of pumped me up, got me a little bit. more motivated, and I realized what was missing from my fight diet, basically. When you first started this almost 20 years ago, this journey, and I know some people don't even look a week ahead, let alone 20 years ahead, did you really think that you'd still be a fighter almost at the age of 40? Was that part of the plan?

I don't think when I started, I made a plan as far as when it was going to be over. I think my plan was to die fighting, you know what I mean? Because it's one of the things. things. I don't, I don't, I don't, I don't, I don't want this to end, ultimately, you know what I mean. But, like, as I get older now, I know there's going to be a point. I look at my dad. I'm like, I still feel like I'm my dad's son. My stepdad is my dad. Now I'm a real dad. I'm a kid, but I, I look at my dad and I'm like, you know, he, to me, he still looks like the same guy he did when I was 15 when I met him. But, um, he's not, you know, he's in his age, what, he's probably 50-something now.

And it's like, I can't, I'm going to be that guy at some point. And I'm going to be watching fights on TV and I'd be like, I remember when I used to do that or I wish I could still do that, you know, and at that point I won't be able to. So it's one of those things. Now I'm looking at it and I'm like, I'm just going to do it as much as I can and do it as well as I can so that when I can't do it anymore, I'm satisfied with what's done, you know, at that point.

But I didn't look forward and think I'll be doing this at 38. But like at 38, I'm looking forward and I'm like, I don't feel like I'm 38. So, you know, things go well. I may stick around for a while. I might be like lightweight Dan Anderson if I do things right. Is it UFC or bust for you? Or, you know, if things don't work out, are you willing to, you know, we've seen guys go, you know, well into their 40s, but outside of the UFC, the regional is seen. and sometimes that's honestly not for the best.

How do you feel about that? I don't think I would want to fight anywhere else. I fought virtually everywhere. There's a lot of newer promotions now that are doing well. You know, World Series is doing well. Bellsena's doing better. You know, there are some good promotions out there. But USC is still a pinnacle of sport.

And at 38, I'm not going to go and rack up some wins somewhere else and come back. you know what I mean I mean I guess it's possible but it's not a very realistic reality so it's one of those things where I think if I'm done with the UFC I'm done you know I if I leave something behind

I'm going to leave I'm going to leave as a UFC fighter and be done because when I started this that you know the reason why I started fighting was I wanted to be in the UFC someday back when I started fighting there were two weight classes heavy weight was above 205, was above 200 and lightweight was under 200, you know.

And that's what I wanted. I wanted to fight in the UFC. And so when I'm done, when I'm going to the UFC, I'm completely done. I don't think I can do this anywhere else. Most databases state that you have 65 fights under your belt. Is that accurate, or are there some that we've missed along the way? Because I feel like with a lot of guys from your era, you had some fights before we were monitoring these. Yeah, that's not accurate.

I don't know how many fights I have, but I put a highlight video on YouTube a couple years ago. The first highlight video I ever made, I made it when I was in college. I think I was like 20, maybe 21, put two VCRs and a tape deck trying to time a video and then the music and everything else. But not a single one of those fights is on my record. Oh, wow. And some of them were in a gym, some of them were amateur, but some of them were pro. and none of the fights that are on that take are on my record.

I have had a bunch of fights around that time that, you know, that were professional that don't show up on any database anywhere or not on my record. So I really don't know. I have somewhere between 75 and 90 fights, but who knows? What was the most fun of your entire career, the pinnacle of it all, in your opinion? Oh, man, I was really hard to say because it's been a journey, man. I like all of my like I people ask me all the time and I don't know anybody that does

that's not that I don't know through fighting all of my best friends of fighters and and I mean I have so many so many different events that that were like really big for me it was big for me one of the big fights or one of the most enjoyable fights was beating Josh Thompson you know but another thing that I enjoyed a lot

was being there when Mike Brown won his world title you know what I mean more another thing was like being in Dallas when Robbie Fajani, you know. He was so close, and, and, and, like, it's like, that's what I want to be there the next time, because, you know, I know that's going to turn out a different way, you know. It's like, it's just being, just, this has been a journey, man. I couldn't tell you any one moment that was the best, but, like, I truly love the guys that I've trained with over these years

and, and, and, and the experiences that we've had, and, and those things are probably the best. Those things are never going to leave me, man. If I lose my mind, those are things that I, that I hope I never forget. I think that says a lot about you that you would think of that first as opposed to your own personal moments and highlights and things like that. What are you expecting to see for Mariola on Saturday? I just expect to see a guy that's not going to quit.

You know what I mean? The guy's tough. I watched a bunch of his fights. The fights where he lost, even if he got dominated with Honey Torres, you know, it was not like he was quitting. He was trying to win the whole time. So that's what I expect from him. I expect to dominate.

I expect to be faster. more sound in every aspect of the fight. But I expect the guy not quit and then try to win whether it goes 15 minutes, and he's been beaten up for 14 and a half. He's still trying to win the last 30. That's what I expect out of him, but I expect out of me to be the guy to push him, and if he's not going to break, he's going to bend a lot.

And will you do the typical fight week stuff, or are you just going to stay at home? I would love to stay at home, but I would love to stay at home, but I was told that I have to stay at the hotel, but I don't live very far, so if nobody's watching, I might sneak out past curfew and come sleep in my bed.

Why do you have to stay there, just so they can keep tabs on you? I'm sure it has to do with the scheduling and the things they have planned. So I'll be back and forth between there and my home, my house, but if I don't have to stay, I'll try not to, but I think it just has to do with scheduling and things they have planned for us to do.

I think that's all it is. By the way, you mentioned the Josh Thompson fight, which is one of the greatest highlights and finishes in UFC history. How often do people talk to you about that? It's one of the things that most people remember, you know. A lot of people still get that fight that finish a lot of props and a lot of love. And that's cool, and it's a lot of fun, you know. it means a lot to me because of what the fight meant at the time,

knowing that Josh and I going into that, I were the best guys at that point, and to have a finish like that over a guy like that, you know? So when people see me a lot of times when I meet someone and they're a fight fan, that's one of the first things they remember. They bring that up, and then the Edson-Burdo thing comes up pretty close behind that, but a lot of people do bring it up, and it's cool that it, you know, it stood the test of time to this point, and hopefully it stays that way.

I haven't seen the Bobo O'Reilly video, which was always featured in. I haven't seen it in a while, believe it or not, even though I'm out all these events. I'm hardly ever in the arena. Have you seen it recently? Is it still in there? Because it was a big part of that video for a long time. Yeah, the last time I saw it was San Antonio Cubs Swanson and Jeremy Stevens. And it was in it on that event.

And then Mike Brown was talking to Dustin a few days ago. And he's telling Dustin that he's in the video. and that the Josh Thompson might knockout of Josh is still in the video so it's hopefully it stays in and hopefully nobody can bring something up

that the top sale are though I guess I guess it won't be up but it'll take a couple of guys because that video's quite a bit but hopefully there's not so much out there that it gets pushed to the bottom of the pile hopefully it stays as one of the greatest knockouts of the game but you know as long as I'm in it I'm going to try to make another one, get on and get more footage of me on that video.

Well, Eve, it's always a pleasure. I thank you for everything that you've done in this board. I'm not saying this is goodbye, but I really wanted to have you on, you know, at this juncture of your career, because I know this is a big fight for you, and you've always been very kind to me and, you know, open and very willing to give your time. So I wish you the best of luck. I know it's a very important one for you on Saturday. We'll be watching You v. Akbar Ayala, and as I mentioned, a great card in Austin.

So I wish you the best of luck. Go out there, do your thing, and appreciate you. you stopping by very much. Anytime, Ariel. I appreciate that, man. Thank you so much for all you've done for the game. And for me and for my friends and teammates, man. Thank you so much. And, you know, pay attention on Saturday.

I don't think you'd be disappointed. And, you know, maybe I'll look like I'm 35 again. Yes, can't wait. All the best. Thank you. Thanks, man. All right, there he is. Eve Edwards stopping by a very big fight for him on Saturday night.

All right, let's move along. You know, this is a big one for us. A lot of you didn't think it was. going to happen, but it is happening. Right now, let's go to the phone line and welcome in the one and only, the man who will be facing Anderson Silva on January 31st in Las Vegas. Our good friend Nick Diaz joins us right now, which seems somewhat surreal to even say. Nick, are you there? Hey, Nick. It's been a while since we've talked and, you know, I've got to say a lot of people, this, you know, we've been doing this show for over four years and you're the number one most requested

guest. You've never been on the show before, so I can't thank you enough for stopping by. I really appreciate it. Oh, no problem. How's everything? How's life? It's, you know, I'm getting through. You're surviving. Oh, yeah.

You're in Las Vegas for this big press conference. All the stars are out. Are you, I know typically this isn't the most fun part of the job for you, but do you recognize what a big deal this is? We're very close to the fight now. Are you happy to be there and take part in something like this? Yeah.

Sure. I don't really know what's going on yet. I mean, as far as today, that's what you mean. But, yeah, I think, yeah, I mean, things seem to be going well. I feel good about everything. Has training camp for, I kind of even regret starting it this way, because I feel like you're always training, but has it officially started for Anderson Silva, even though we're still around three months away?

Sure, yeah. I'm up here in Vegas right now. So, I mean, I knew I was going to be out this way, so I did, you know, I did a, I did a hard couple of, a couple of weeks, pretty much this whole last month here, did it good, you know, just, you know, getting in shape and stuff. And, yeah, now, you know, I got to have a few little small, small injuries, not, no real injuries, but just, like, you know, just a little banged up from training. So, you're having a nice easy week. on timing of being out here and good timing, I think, too. You know, the last time I did an interview with you, you know, on camera or like this, was after the George St. Pierre fight. And, you know, you said you were done.

And you truly stayed true to your word, except you said, if I could get a George fight again or Anderson. And that was almost, you know, two years ago now. Would you have been content just never fighting again if you couldn't get one of those fights where you had peace with that decision? Yeah. Well, you know, the thing. These are big fights.

And, you know, it's hard to look back and think, oh, wow, because on this part of that fight, I just do it. I look back and think about why did I take one of these, you know, mediocre level opponents or fights or something like that, and I can see myself going, you know, why, you know, I didn't need to do that. I didn't need to go there. You know, I'm not, I'm not fanatical or in love with being an MMA fighter. Sure. I just, you know, I'm the right guy after the job nowadays.

You know, pretty much after my first couple of pro fights, I wound up being the right guy for the job, so that's why I'm still here. And, you know, I'll fight the right fights. to have the right opportunity. I've heard you say countless times that you don't get excited about fighting. This is not something that you truly, you know, you wake up and say,

ooh, I get to be in a cage fight. But is there anything about MMA fighting that you missed in your time off? Anything at all? Yeah, no, I get excited about a lot of things, you know, sitting in good shape. And for the most part, I'm excited to, you know, be done and go back and sign to my chest.

heck. Really, but that's exciting to me. But as far as getting out there and fighting, there's a few things that, you know, not so much now, but coming closer to the fight, I usually you get down to this, you get down to this, like, level of curiosity

where you're wondering what the, you know, what did I, what did I, you know, what did I not cover, what I're not due? you figure it out or something, so you're just, you know, you're like, what is, you know, what, I pretty much go through every scenario in my head, so I'm going like, what is it exactly that is going to happen out there? So now I feel like, you know, I want to know, but I don't really call that an exciting thing.

I don't know. I like that. Exciting is more, for me, I'm more like, okay, you know, tomorrow's Christmas, what's, you know, what am I getting for Christmas in the morning? Right. So, that's, that's an exciting. into the next fight, you know, it's kind of a happy thing. I'm not, it's more of like, okay, we're going to see what's what.

And, you know, speaking of being happy, are you happy with the deal that you got from the UFC to take this fight? Yes, I mean, sure. You know, I was, that's why I found the deal. I mean, I wasn't going to walk out of there, you know, with something I wasn't happy with, so I just, you know, It just, you know, pretty much, I was able to score a deal. I can't refuse.

It's just, we'll get it. Anderson hasn't fought for a while coming off a devastating injury. Do you think he will look the same, or do you think this will change him as a fighter? Are you expecting someone different than the one we've seen so many times before? I don't know. I always expect the worst. The worst, meaning the best, Anderson? Worst for me and the best for him.

Right. So, yeah. or best for my opponent. You know, she's pretty much really, uh, estimistic, I guess. Say, like, some to my outlook on how things are going to go. I don't like to, I don't like surprises and, um, I don't like to, um, yeah, I just, I just don't like to be, uh, I don't, you know,

it's not my thing to let myself down, so I don't really work myself up too much, you know. I just do it after do to win, and I'll not try to pull myself into believing and I'm something that I'm not out there. So, you know, just a hard feel, I guess. I don't know if you heard this recently. George St. Pierre told Chale Sondon in his podcast that he was surprised you took the fight at 185, that that might be a disadvantage.

You know what? The thing is about old George, he's not doing the fight, okay? So he didn't take the fight. He said two things, and he'd get the fight, just like that. But he doesn't want to. fight.

He's scared to do the fight, and he's scared to do the fight at 185 pounds, and he thinks we have so much of gone in that. Maybe I don't want to do the fight 100. How does he knows? Who knows? Maybe I have a hard time to make a wake than all George does. I come in there skinny and shit. George packs on, like, you know, extra 20 pounds of muscle.

I'm like, that's why I have to do the fight at 185 pounds. So you can look at it, like, however you want. But the thing is, is the fact is, I'm like, you didn't really take into consideration what's what, when it comes to what's really going to. You know, not that he's not going to, but he don't have to show up on weight. It doesn't mean that I'm not in a fight. But the fact is the Wimble is going to walk out there, and I would be a lot smaller if I try to make the catch weight, and my opponent decides he just doesn't want to make weight.

Now, then I actually have a real issue to deal with, and that's, That's, you know, that's a real physical possibility. That's what, you know, I'm not concerned about who gets fine, a little small little 10% or whatever, oh, because you didn't make weight or something. You know, as far as I know, Amazon's and stuff, but he's always made weight. What's one time you don't make weight?

You know, it's just the fact there is that, you know, you don't know what the fuck you're talking about until you're actually the guy in the driver's suit. So, you know, you can, you can fucking run your mouth or, you know, you can beat the ball and, you know, and do what you got to do. So that's me. That's why I'm not. But I don't know. I think, you know, I don't go ahead and get my opinion on what I think fighters should have done or would have done.

I'm like, because I'm not them. I don't know. You don't know what's what. You don't know all the details of what's what. but, you know, he's going to have things to say. He can say what he wants to sit. Did you ask for it to be closer to 170 or did you not care at all? Nope.

I didn't say a word. I said, hey, look, you know, it's not like I'm not going to have to lose weight to make 185 down. It's not, you know, it's not going to be, it's not something I'm overly concerned about, especially in this fight, I think, because, you know, my opponent is not, you know, one of these, big strong guys who like to you know

get through a fight by being strong you know so it's not that really doesn't really come into play um you know

is it reach you could say okay reach may come into play but neither of us are getting any taller or shorter or fight

so it's kind of there's nothing I can really do about uh size when it comes as fire

other than you know just come in strong and healthy um as I can't So, you know, I mean, I feel good, though. You know, speaking of GSP, a lot has happened since both of you last fought, as far as drug testing is concerned. You've been one of those guys who's talked about this at length.

Are you happy... Did they finally get him for steroids? No, no. He actually... He's actually... He said that he wouldn't return unless there were changes in the steroid policy, the drug testing policy. So I'll ask you a two-parter. Are you surprised, considering what you've said about him in the past?

Are you surprised that he has taken that stance? and are you happy with some of the changing, the changes? Yeah, I was like, old Lance Armstrong. So, I don't know. I don't really put too much thought into it. I don't even, I didn't really understand your question. Well, are you happy with some of the changes? They're doing a lot more random drug testing these days.

A lot has changed since you fought, do you? Yeah, no, I like that. That's good. I think, you know, maybe we should be doing some drug testing like that. That's good. You know, I can just point a lot of people who like to armies. Most fighters, for the most part that I like to do sterile.

But, you know, so that's too bad for them. But, you know, either way, it's fun. I look at it like there's ups and downs for for a part of so doing about sterile. You know, I think it's a, I think in my career, like a long-term, a long-term sort of, well, you know, I just, martial arts, why I do martial arts. It's more of, you know, it's more of,

you know, life type of training, you know, martialists. I do that for myself in general, so I'm not, you know, I'm not trying to go there with the, need an extra help and doing all that. You know, I just, I just try to be healthy as I can. You know, and this is not my thing really to be on steroids.

So you have different types of fighters, I guess you say. As I said at the top, go ahead. You know, different types of athletes. beat. I think, realistically, though, you know,

these guys, they just throw a different crew for, you know, a lot of time. You know, Nick,

as I said at the top, you were the most requested guests by far we've ever had in the show. And when I announced that you were coming on the show,

people lost their minds. And I, and I'm wondering, I wanted to ask you about this because following you on Instagram, for example,

you get to see a much different side of you, your sense of humor, you know, things that you post. It's a lot different than the Nick Diaz that we may

know from promotional videos or pre-fight interviews and whatnot. At this stage in your career, and you've been fighting for so long and been in the limelight for so long, do you still feel like people don't really know who Nick Diaz is, that they don't really understand what you're all about and, you know, your mindset and just the kind of person that you are? Do you still get that impression? Well, yeah, sure. I mean, for the most part, I was going to sit down and watch every time.

I'm looking at every interview. And they do, you know, a majority of my stuff is pretty pretty much, you know, a lot of steps from a long time ago. There's a dip in a lot of look on a lot of things. So, you know, people are going to make their, make their case or whatever, you know, this scumbag. But just the way it is, it's something I have to deal with nowadays. is, but I think that, you know, real fans, they're pretty, they're pretty down to earth, you know, so a lot of these guys, that's why a lot of anime fans are pretty down to earth and open-minded, that's, you know, how they got into the sport in the first post. So, you know, things work

themselves out. Why do you think they like you so much? Why do you, why do you feel like you're still one of the most popular guys in the UFC? And a lot of us in the media said the UFC almost needed you more than you needed them at this point because some of those stars were moving on and you're still one of those big draws even now in your career. I think a lot of times stylistically, you know, when it comes to like maybe, when it comes to like boxing and jihitsu, I'm a black throat and jitzy and I have been before a lot of American, before a lot of Americans in general, and then a lot of American, um, in the MAA fighters as well.

And I think I got my black belt from a pretty legitimate source. So I just think like silasically that people can relate to what they see out there. And initially I started finding like way back 2002s and threes and so I'm still because I've had to work to evolve and make changes and get better. And a lot of people don't have the time in life to put themselves through that. So, you know, I just end up, I mean, you just, we just, we get what we get now. after 15, 16 years of fighting

It's just People like what they see And Yeah, I mean, I've never had a year off I've got a year off now So been a good learning experience But ever since then You know, it is a learn

It's just like you know When you've never had a year off of fighting Somebody every three months Then you don't really know what that's like So it's You know, it's been a good experience but I think that you know

after that many fights and then you know I thought all the best guys I was supposed to lose every fight that I fought so um

what do you mean by that well I mean for the most part except for maybe some of the time I was in elite ski fighting

um maybe one or two funnics here in Abbick they had me favor to win but for the most part um

I walked out is like an under an underdog or, you know, oh, I'm not a kickboxer, so I'm a loser kickboxer, I'm not a wrestler, I'm a wrestling sucks, I'm a loser wrestler, or I'm a lot of, you know, so I always have a, or, you know, I'm fighting somebody twice my age a long time ago,

so, you know, I've always been kind of, but I'm not favored to win. But, you know, I wound up with a good, I mean, a decent performance out there or, you know, pulled it off, or, you know, so people like, you like to see real, real, real, real fight, you know,

a little tight to win. You know, Nick, I believe, and correct me from wrong, this is one of your first interviews in a while, and I can't thank you enough for coming on, and we'll let you go in just a couple minutes,

but I was wondering if you can comment at all on the DUI stuff that happened, you know, just a few weeks back. Is there anything that you can share, shed some light on it at all? No, you know,

it's pretty much, there's really a lot to me, so I really not. I really don't talk about it, I know. Okay, but it won't stop you from fighting on January 31st, right? Oh, no, no, yeah. It's honestly really not, you know, it's just really not something that I feel like it's important to talk about. Fair enough.

What about your boy, Joe Schilling on Saturday? Did you see that? Yeah, I sure did. You look great. Yeah, those really good. You know, we work with him a little bit. when he's in the next stuff but we've been

I've been doing a lot of sparring with that guy for a few years now for my last couple fights um had him out doing a lot of a lot of hard sparring with that guy so um

he's a good friend of mine you know it's great to uh be able to you know um trying to help him out a little bit he uh he ran in some

you know he was out for training and he was going to spend a lot of time training out with me before this fight and then um you know, he went on a with a few family issues he had to take care of. So I was a little worried,

but he went out there real good, so I was happy for him. Some might say, Nick, and we'll end on this, some might say that the Anderson Silva fight is one of the biggest

in your career, which obviously says a lot. Would you consider a win over him considering his resume? Would you consider that the greatest moment of your fighting career? I'm sorry,

Tim again? Would you consider beating Anderson Silva the greatest moment of your fighting career? No, maybe if I someone I get back signed for the biggest check I would sign for, that's maybe that would be a great thing, you know? You know, too bad for him, too bad for me if we don't do well.

But, yeah, I'll be happy to it. I'll be happy to part of what pays off in whatever way, in whatever way it does. Well, it's great to have you back, Nick. Did you miss me? Oh, you know it I was like I thought we're going to get a glide this morning Yeah, why don't

You know, that way I was going to get any crazy questions for me out of left field But It was okay, right? It was going to glide for you this morning What do you mean? You didn't glide me?

I've been Not working, yes I did Check your glide, check your glide Check your glide I got nothing You've I glide you last night Really?

Because we had a good thing going With the glides And then I felt like you kind of You kind of left me hanging there for a second like you avoided my glide this morning. No. I'm sorry. I'm sorry.

That was the, it must be the new phone that I got. Was it anything? Should I play right now? Or should I leave it alone? No, it's fine. It's, you know, it's over. It's fine.

If you got to see it already, then. Right, no, we're good. It's fine. I understand. If you're not going to check my glides. No, I said, look, when I see that, that notification that Nick Diaz has glided me, it's like Christmas.

You talk about getting excited. It's like Christmas. And then when your brother comes in, I mean, it's this. These are exciting things, right. These are exciting things. Yeah, this is where these become exciting for me. Don't be a stranger, you know.

You could come back. Did you enjoy the experience on the show? Will you come back? Right. Okay. You will come back. Thanks for having me on. Okay.

Nick, appreciate it. All the best. Okay, there he is. Nick Diaz stopping by. I didn't get his glide. I'll have to check. Is it there? I'll see anything.

Interesting. Maybe I'm not looking at it correctly. In any event. Thank you very much to him. He'll be at the press conference later today. It's UFC 183, January 31st, Las Vegas, Nevada, Anderson, Silver v. Nick Diaz. One of the biggest fights in UFC history. That is not an overstatement, in my opinion. Another man who will be at the press conference later this afternoon. This fight was just announced. Alexander Gustafsson versus Anthony Rumble Johnson, main event on Fox in Sweden,

30,000 seat arena, and that is January 24th. And right now, one of the top contenders in the light heavyweight division, Anthony Johnson joins us on the phone from Las Vegas. Anthony, are you there? What up, man? How are you? I'm doing great. Do you use Glyde, by the way?

No. Oh, man, you're missing out. You're missing out. It's a great little lap. Anyhow, congratulations on getting the fight. And you're in Las Vegas now for the press conference, right? Yes, I am. Is this, you know, I know it hasn't happened yet, and it's fairly new, but is this bigger than anything you've done in your career?

Do you sense that already? I mean, this is the second biggest show in UFC history, numbers-wise, but how about for you? Does it feel like bigger than anything you've ever been a part of? Um, I'm not sure. I guess I have to wait until that moment comes, you know what I mean? So far, you know, the biggest moment has been when I came back until the UFC and defeated a deal. So hopefully I get that same feeling I'll fight gas.

What happened to your voice? Are you sick? Yeah, man, I got a little cold. This weather keeps changing around here. And they made you fly out to Vegas with a cold? Yeah, one day it's high in Florida, and the next day it's cold. The weather's crazy right now. Well, okay, so I appreciate you stopping by even more so now.

You know, we have to be open. It was a point where we didn't think that you might get this fight. They were talking to your teammate, Rashad. Were you ever nervous because of the suspension that you might not actually get the fight that you wanted? You wanted this fight for a while. No, I wasn't nervous. I was just going to let everything, you know, run his course, really.

I was at the point where, you know, I was at whatever happens, happens. And, you know, if Rashad would get the fight, I was going to be there to help him train and get ready for Gus and support him. So obviously you're clear and everything's good, but to even be associated with something like that, how difficult was this period for you? Because you had that suspended indefinitely label on you and all that stuff. You had to go through a process personally.

How difficult was it? It was depressing, really, you know. It made me learn who to trust and who my real friends were. You know what I mean? you know, it's overweight and life goes on and I still have a strong support system. The fans have been great. My family is stuck beside me. My teammates didn't turn that back on me.

You know, I'm blessed and I'm happy that I'm still here. You know, to me, just reading it, the thing was like, wow, you feel like a different person even talking to you and knowing you from just a media standpoint. I mean, you seem like in such a great place you were always a pleasure to deal with. on your return to the UFC and whatnot. Did it feel like, well, I finally got to this point. I worked my way all the way back, and for whatever reason it's being taken away from me. Was that the hardest part to stomach in all of this?

Yeah, it really was. You know, working so hard, like you said, and getting back to where I needed to be with my career and in life, and then something like this happened, you know, it takes you for a spin, you know what I mean? but I didn't give up on myself, and I just kept the positive attitude and kept moving forward.

Last thing on this topic, is there anything you can, you know, say, shed some light on this, just give us your side of the story because we obviously haven't heard from you since this all came out. No, I mean, there's nothing really just saying. You know, it's been dismissed,

and that's all that matters, you know what I mean? Both parties went their own way. That's just ending the story. you know, I don't have any, any, uh, hard feelings towards her. And, and, uh, like I said, man, I'm just, I'm just, I stay positive no matter what. So, uh, it was really nothing to say. What was your reaction when you got the call that it was behind you and you're getting this fight on this stage, Fox, 30,000 seats, all that stuff?

How did you, how did you react to it? Um, I, I didn't find out until, you know, after, you know, I had to try. training. And Ryan Locke had told me, he was like, hey, you got to fight. Like, what are you talking about? He was like, Gus. I was like, for real? And he was like, yeah. So, I mean, it was, it was exciting. And then whenever I got home, I actually, I cried. Wow. Wow. Yeah, I cried just because, you know, with so much going on and me not giving up

and still having faith and believing in myself and stuff like that. You know, it was just, I was emotional, man. You know, going through so much in somebody's career, and then, you know, you get one of the biggest opportunities of a lifetime, right? It comes right to you. You know what I mean? I don't know. I didn't know what to do.

I couldn't do anything but cry. Is that rare for you? Are you the crying type? You don't strike me as the crying type. So is this unique? I'm not the crying type. I mean, I'm not afraid to cry, but, you know, it's, I barely cry. I've got to be something that really hits my heart.

You know what I mean? So, yeah, man, that was one of those moments where I was like, you know, everything is going back to his plan. I'd imagine it must have felt like a weight lifted off your shoulder as well. Not only did you get the fight, but you can also kind of move on with your life. Because it came hand in hand, right? That's what I think. That's why I was really started crying. You know what I mean?

I was just like, just felt like a huge, you know, amount of weight lifted off of me. So I got emotional. I mean, nobody saw it. So, you know what I mean? don't even think somebody saw it. I had to do a behind closed doors. Why? Why not?

You can cry in front of others. Yeah, man. Maybe if I, you know, reach my ultimate goal of winning a title or something, then I'll cry in front of everybody. But right now, I've got to make sure I stay strong. You also strike me as the kind of guy who appreciates this challenge. You know, you're not just fighting him in Las Vegas, whatever. You're going his territory. I mean, you're not going to be the most well-like guy.

That's obvious. He's from Sweden. And that's the reason why this fight is happening there. Does that kind of thing amp you up a little bit? Does that give you a little more motivation going into enemy territory? Of course, of course. Gus is a hell of a fighter. I have the most respect for him.

You know, he's a beast. You know, we're going into his hometown, you know, his country. I really have to be on my A game and stay focused because, you know, right now I'm probably enemy number one over there. Are they making you go there for any media stuff as well? Yeah, we go there I think the end of the month Okay, wow, that's gonna be interesting

Yeah I know you were asking for him for a while And, you know, he finally accepted And then you had to deal with the suspension stuff And now the fight is obviously on But was it something about Gus That you, you know, were really intrigued by Or was it just the place that he holds

He's obviously number one contender You beat him, you become the number one contender To me it wasn't about being number one contender I just wanted to see Test myself and see how good I really have you know, I fault Phil, I fault no girl, and I think

at the time, it was still Comier and Jones and then and then I think Phil and Glover had already signed. And Rashad was injured, you know, so obviously I'm not ever going to fight him.

So to me, only person left that was in, you know, top five to fight was Gus. So to me, it made sense to see if we can fight and just see who's the better fighter. You know what I mean? I just want to, like I said, I want to test myself and see how good I really am. Everybody else thinks I'm tough and good and stuff like that, but this is for me, not for

anybody else. I want to see how tough I really am. Considering where he's at right now, would you say he's the toughest guy you will have ever fought in your career? Of course. Of course. No question about even tougher than Vitor back in the day, all those guys. Tougher.

Wow. And what concerns you most about it? I think of me talk about it because both of us have evolved. Yeah. But we were. Whenever I first saw him, you know, fighting the UFC to the person he is now, he is a totally, a totally different fighter. What concerns you most about him?

And, huh? What concerns you most about him? Nothing concerns me. Nothing concerns me. You know, and from who, the fighter that I was. two years ago when, whenever I fall at, you know, 1-7 or whatnot, and, you know, I'm not the same guy that I was then either.

I'm a different fighter, too. So to me, it's just, I think it's just a battle of, of course, it was the better fighter, and who wants it the most, you know what I mean, and who's improved the most. So I think it's going to be fun, you know. I'm sure we're going to make history. We're going to give the fans what they want to see.

You know, I'm ready to have a, I have a lot of fun with this. This might sound like a silly question, but I feel like I have to ask. Have they told you outright that if you win this fight, you're the next in line for the title? They haven't told me anything. If they have, I didn't pay attention to it. That doesn't matter at this point? No, not really.

I'm just, like I said, I'm taking this fight just because I want to trust myself. But that, I mean, that's the ultimate goal, right? That's what you want. The ultimate goal, of course, is the fight for the title, but that's not on my mind right now. You know, I just have to focus on Gus. To me, this is going to fight for No More Contentant. This is a fight for me to see how good I am. That's it.

That's all it is for me. Who do you think wins, D.C. or Jones? And who do you want to win? I don't care who wins. You know, both of them are great athletes. I want D.C. to win. You know, he's come a long way to get where he is. And, you know, I think if D.C.

and it would definitely shake things up. I appreciate you saying that, because I feel like most people would say they want Jones to win just because he's the dominant champ, and they want to beat the guy who was there for so long. You know what I mean? Yeah, I never really go against the champ. And I'm not really going against Joan.

It's just, you know, I think D.C. has the potential to beat John. And, of course, like I said, if he wins, he definitely will shake up the division. I remember when we had you on the show just, what was it, like six or so weeks ago, and you said that you wanted to fight. You didn't, like, if they didn't give you Gus, that's okay. You want to fight in December.

You want to be as active as possible. Have you, even though that you were on the sidelines, have you still remained active? Like, if you were fighting in December, would you have been ready to fight? No. Why? Did you just take some time off? Yeah, I took time off. Just to...

I said, I was depressed, man. I wasn't really doing too much. I was still positive, but I still had my moments. You know what I mean? Up and downs with this whole situation I was dealing with. But overall, I'm done good. You will be ready for the 24th of January. Of course.

I wasn't ready. Well, I appreciate the time, Anthony. Thank you so much. It was really great to talk to you, and congratulations on the fight. Enjoy the press conference today. And, of course, good luck on January 24th in Sweden. We'll see you out there. Thank you so much.

All right, there he is. Anthony Rumble Johnson stopping by. You know, give him props, honest with everything that's been going on and depressed and said he had to battle some emotions. but at the end of the day, as far as his civil hearing was concerned, he was cleared of all charges, and now his suspension is no more. He will be fighting Alexander Gustafs, and that is the fight that they wanted, and this is the stage that they wanted.

It's going to be taking place in an arena for MMA. It seats 30,000 people, which the show in Toronto, UFC 129, did approximately 55,000 people. This will be 30, so obviously a little smaller, but nothing else in between. I mean, nothing's been bigger other than 129 than 30,000 seats. So that's a big deal. Also interesting is that, you know, and I'm assuming the fighters will get used to it. So it's more, in my opinion, it's more of a big deal for the viewers and the media.

But because this is a Fox show, and that will take place between 8 and 10 p.m. Eastern Time, and it's going to be live on Fox. It's actually going to take place. I think they are six hours ahead. So that's going to be around, you know, 3.30 a.m. by the time, you know, by the time this main event had, maybe even a little earlier, give or take a few minutes, that's pretty intense stuff. Now, we saw that very recently. We saw that, you know, less than two weeks ago, OSP and Shogun, they walked in at around 3.45 a.m. local time in Brazil, but that's a big deal. I mean,

you got to pay attention to that stuff. It's happened before Buster Douglas and Mike Tyson in Japan, when that big upset happened. That happened at a very weird time. I think it was early in the morning, Japan time so that again, you know, air in prime time on a Saturday night here in the United States way back when. But that's pretty interesting stuff for a Fox show to come there. Obviously, it's a big deal. And also announced in case you missed it, Dan Henderson versus Gagar Musassi is the co-mate event. Tariq Safedin versus Matt Brown has been discussed for that card, but thus far not made officials. So we shall wait and see. All right, let's move along. Let's go back to this Saturday. UFC Fight Night 57, Austin, Texas.

As I mentioned, a great card on paper, top to bottom, even the prelims. But it is highlighted by a fight that we've been discussing for a long time, that has been rumored for a long time, and it's a huge one at 145 pounds. It pits Cub Swanson versus the former lightweight champion Frankie Edgar, who joins us right now on the phone. Frankie, how are you? I'm good, Ariel. How are you doing? I'm doing great.

Thank you for stopping by. We are rapidly approaching this big fight. By the way, when do you go out to Texas? I had out tomorrow morning. All right, and you were there not too long ago. What was that like being around Cubs for all that media stuff? Cove was a respectful guy, man. It was just business as usual.

You know, no love loss. Because there have been some jabs thrown between you two and maybe even your manager getting involved, Ali. So no bad blood there at all? No, not from my end. You know what I mean? We're going to fight Saturday. So that's all matters, really.

You know, I'm sure if the fight gets closer to be more things shed, just to get the feathers ruffled. Has, in your mind, or I should say have, have the stakes changed at all for this fight? I mean, a fight is a fight, and it's important you want to win all of them. But I feel like after Bermuda's lost on Saturday, this fight is way more important,

and it was important to begin with. This was two versus three, but it feels like things are a little more wide open these days at 145. Do you get that impression as well? I mean, you just never know the landscape and what things are going to happen, and who's going to say what? to create some attention and what Dan is thinking,

and Lorenzo's thinking. So I just go out there and do my job and win fights. And if I win impressively, you know, it has a way of taking care of things. And, you know, if I go out there and perform like I want to, you know, everything will go my way. You say, yeah, you don't know who's going to say what. Is that a knock on our Irish friend, Connor McGregor? Yeah, I mean, not really. You know, everybody's talking, man.

Yeah. All these guys are talking because, I mean, you know, he's kind of set in the pace for everybody. I mean, you know, Chale definitely did. but, you know, Chale's kind of been in the sport for a while, and he did it. Connor kind of came out of nowhere and did it. People are, I think people are taking notice and seeing, and saying, wow, this gets, this gets me some attention.

This gets me in the forefront. So I think people are taking notice, and people are starting open their mouths more, you know, and that's just what it is. I'm happy you said that because I feel like he has raised everyone's game at 145 in and out of the cage. Like Mendezaldo, and who knows if this will actually, you know, this is true. But I feel like they had the fight that they had because of his president. and sluming because everyone has stepped up a little bit.

Do you get what I'm saying? Yeah, I mean, you know, I just think people want to, you know, prove themselves to be the man and, you know, kind of kind of debunked everything he's saying, you know. But, you know, I don't really get caught with stuff like that, you know. I kind of sit back. I take a look at it and see how it plays out. You know, me, I'm not going to pay to talk, man.

If it's not in the case, I'd have your job, man. I'd be a bit bad. You got two mouths of feet, you know what I'm saying? Yes. I go in there a fight. Hey, there wasn't all that long ago that you were doing Fox Fight Game. You were trying to steal my territory. I saw my eye on you.

If it was going to get a little too personal or a little too competitive, I was going to take you out. Make no mistake about it. I tell you, I tell you. I did it. I stuck to the fight game. I don't know if I could win that battle with you, man. So you're saying when it's all said and done,

you're not interested in the broadcasting stuff? No, no, I'm not saying that. I'm just keeping my focus where it needs to be right now. One more thing on Connor. Do you find it a little weird? Like, do you think he gets a little too much preferential treatment from the UFC brass? No, you know what? He's doing well.

You know, they like him, dude. He sells, you know, numbers sell, controversy cells. I mean, you know, that's just, I'm not a jealous guy. I'm not going to hate on the kid or anything. You know, he's doing right by these guys. Listen, people are talking about our division because of this guy. Yeah, be real. Yep.

You nailed it. That's 100% right. You know, I haven't talked to you since your win over BJ Penn in the summertime. What was going through your mind in the midst of that fight? I mean, because from our perspective, watching it, that did not look like BJ Penn. And, of course, you fought him twice before, and you pretty much had his number. But just his body language, his demeanor, his stance, it looked like a completely different person. Did you notice that while the fight was going on or only afterwards? I didn't notice it while it's gone on, definitely afterwards.

I, you know, when we did our standoffs or, you know, a square off, she kind of was on his toes and stuff. I did talk about that. I'm like, is he going to come out there like this? You know, I talked about that. I think one of my coaches and stuff. And, but when he did, I didn't notice. I was, you know, I kind of always focused on what I'm doing and trying to hear my corner. I did even notice until after the fact.

You know, I think he did it first, second round, third round. I think it's hard to stay your toes that long. He started coming down normal. But, you know, when I thought BJ at first time, he was moving around, jumping around, you know, warm it up like normal. And then the second fight, he was standing up. and still, so I didn't know what to expect. But BJ, you're always going to get something different, I feel like.

Did you get the satisfaction that you usually get out of any kind of win when you beat him? Because the feeling in that arena and at the press conference, I felt like it was less about you. The mood was very somber. It was like, wow, and not only is it over, but he went out like that, and no one wanted to see him go out like that. I think even you didn't really want to see him go out. You wanted to see, you know, a tough fight and you win and you go out on top. Did you get that vibe as well? It felt more like, you know, this, this, you know, this kind of down mood as opposed to the celebration of your big win.

No, I definitely felt the same. You know, it was his retirement kind of party at the press conference and everything. And I'm cool with them. I mean, he definitely deserved it and yard it. I'm not one to be a gloater anyway, and I don't want to get too high on any wins, too low any losses. I mean, that's kind of tough to do. but, you know, that's kind of what to be even-kill, you know, and look at the endgame. And, you know, so it didn't really affect me too much.

So you didn't, it never crossed your mind in the middle of the fight, like, I'm about to finish this guy. You were very, you know, you had your moments and then, of course, you did finish him. This is kind of, you know, this is kind of a sad moment. That didn't go through your mind at all. That's more stuff that we think about. Yeah, and I think more stuff that you guys think about. I mean, you know, I did kind of, I guess, I think I said it once, and I kind of felt bad the way it happened. You know, it was, it was, it was, it was, it was, it was, it was,

kind of like a brutal ending, you know. I mean, I'm definitely a fan of BJ too, but it was either him or me type of thing. And so you, you know, you had to take that time off in the, in the midst of your, you know, career, you're at your peak and whatnot. Did you want to come back earlier, or was this okay with you? It was November enough time. It was four months later. Did you ever consider coming back even sooner to make up for lost time? You know, no.

I was a little banged up before the BJ fight. Oh. So someone had to take care of. you know, nothing really crazy, but I just needed to rehab a little bit. So this was actually perfect on me. Have you pinpointed why Cub has looked so good as of late? He has really turned his career around. I mean, he was solid in WEC and whatnot, but never quite like this.

He wasn't, I think, fighting at the level that he's fighting now. Do you have any theory as to why that is? You know, I mean, I think it's hot. Some people get on the street, you know, it's like a team. If you get on the street, they're hot. That's what he's at right now. I think his confidence is really high. And, you know, when you have a lot of confidence behind you,

the ball keeps rolling. I think the guys he fought, too, are perfect for him as well. What do you think of his boxing? I think it's good. It's solid. I mean, I think of the fact, what makes it really good is his unpredictableness. You know, obviously, he's a hard puncher. So being unpredictable and being able to hit hard, that's tricky because you don't want to, you know, you might see an opening, but that might be what he wants.

Where do you think he's better on his feet or on the ground? I think he's better on his feet. And would you prefer to take this fight on the ground? I'm going to take it everywhere. You know, I never say, I never go into a place there. I'm going to stand this guy or I'm going to take it on the ground. You never know what's going to be presented to you and what's going to happen. But, you know, I'm going to make sports largest.

I can think I can, any fighter in the featherweight division I can go anywhere with, and I'm confident. Have they told you what's at stake in this fight? I know you're tight with Lorenzo and those guys. Have they said, okay, you win this fight, this happens? They haven't. They haven't told me. You know, I just, I got to not give them a choice, you know, and that's the best way to do it, not give them a choice. And what do you mean by that? You have to do something emphatic? Yeah, I mean, you know, I got to like there and perform and make it the best fight ever.

You know what I'm saying? That's, you know, I mean, how easier said than done, and that always doesn't work out like that. But if I do that, it's the most exciting, most emphatic, like you said, they can't deny me, right? It's very rare for a number two versus number three fight to kind of be sort of hanging in the air and not really know what's at stake. Do you feel like if you do that, what you're saying, that you should be the number one contender? I should be. I should be. But I always get what we deserve. You know what I'm saying? So we'll see. Like I said, I can't focus past this fight. If I do that, I mean, I lose and just all this conversation means nothing. How has it been with the new edition? It's good, man.

She's great. She's the easiest one at all three. Really? I think she's moving. She is. It's only what I like right now. How old are your other two? Five and four.

Oh, my. And they're causing a ruckus? They're just nuts. The boys, they feel you have two boys. They want to get older, man. They feed off each other. You know, alone, they're cool. Together, they're animals.

Man, I got to tell you, the two-year-old is, is starting to cause a ruckus himself, so I can't wait for four and five. Speaking of your kids, you know, over the summer, the ice bucket challenge, that was the cool thing to do, right?

ALS the ice bucket challenge. You had the best one by far. You won that. If there was a competition, you won that. If anyone missed it, your kids, they didn't necessarily throw the ice on you

or dump it on you. They actually dumped the, the, the, what is it, the jug or whatever. It was like a gatorial, a little mini gatorie bucket dropped it on my head.

They dropped it on your head. and your reaction was just amazing. Did that hurt? I mean, how pissed off were you? Because you held it in, but the video ended shortly thereafter, so we couldn't see if they got timeout or anything like that.

How much did it hurt? No, time out, man. No, it was all fun. You know, I laughed it off. And I've definitely, I've taken worse blows than that, so I should be okay. That is true.

That's actually a very good point because it looked like it hurt a lot. So you didn't even get mad at them at all, huh? No, no. I think I might have planned it, man. That's some little bastards, you know? How many? Did that get on Instagram?

Do you know? Because I feel like that thing went viral as far as the... Yeah, you know what? It was... I can't say like 6,000 or something. I had over 1,000 comments. You know? It was funny.

That's great. Great kids. Will they be there? Are they going to the fight? Are they at that age where they understand? They won't, but this is actually the first time where they're really asking to go. So, you know, next time they might have to come out. Yeah.

So they finally get what you do for a living? Yeah, they do. They do. You know, I don't think they have 100% grasp on it, but they're starting to. starting to come around. Do they watch your fights live? Not live. They haven't watched it live.

They watch the recaps, you know, or like next day or so. Do you do that on purpose just in case you don't want them to see anything, or is it just because they're too young? Just because they're in bed, usually. Oh, yeah. My mother-in-law, watch. They're usually in bed. What if the little one, the girl, says to you,

I want to be an MMA fighter one day. Would you be okay with that? Oh, man, I don't know. I don't know. You know, um, You know, you see what these girls are doing now, and obviously they're athletes just like any other type of athletes. So I like to say yes, but it is my little girl, you know.

And when you have boys, you kind of look at them for that, for that role, if that's what they want to do. My girl, I'm trying to, you know, it's my little baby right now. So that's the top answer, a question to answer. Yeah, good luck with that. How about this? The answer can't answer your question. Hey, look at that.

This is what happens when you're on the air with Ariel 1. That is a first for everything. What about the boys? Would you be okay with them if they fall on your footsteps, wrestling, all that stuff? I would. I would. Only if they did it, you know, 100%

and took themselves seriously, you know. This is, and they have to want to do it. Not for me, for themselves. This isn't a sport along with wrestling, and even jih jit through that. You can't do this sport, you know, competitively unless you want to do it. I feel like maybe your wife would say something different.

Yes, she might be sick of coming to these fights, you know, and having her stress levels through the roof. I love Frankie fights because you always travel like 50 deep. Is it the same this time around? Always, yeah. I got the crew. The Jersey crew will be there, man, screaming, and it's fun, man. It became kind of a tradition.

Yeah, a good family bonding outing. Okay, so tell us, how do you envision? Are you the kind of guy that sleeps and thinks about how the fight will play out? And if so, what are you seeing right now? Yeah, I'm not that type of guy. You know, I'm ready for everything. You know, like we don't really have game plans. You know, it's kind of like if game plan A doesn't work out,

don't worry or how many of them. letters in the alphabet for the next. So I'm just, you know, I know my, I know I'm ready. That's it. I've never not been ready for a fight and no difference going for this one. And do you like the fact that it's five rounds as opposed to three, a co-main event, whatever? Yeah, I like fighting main events.

You know, I mean, I want to be a champion. And, you know, when you're the champion, you're always going to fight five-round fights and main events. So this is what I want to do. I don't want to get you to anything else. You miss that gold? Do you miss having it around? I do.

And just for the fact of, you know, I want to be the best. I mean, I'm not really a guy that wants attention and stuff like that. But, you know, the perks that come with the belt are nice. But just the fact that I can say I'm the best in the world is worth everything. Okay. Before I let you go, Frankie, we do this segment on our show every week called Inside the Vault, where we look back at an old interview, an old interview that I've done throughout, you know, my short career here. And usually, or at least lately, it's been a timely interview.

so if someone's fighting, we'll play something. This week's interview is UFC 112. Abu Dhabi, April of 2010, when I did a post-fight interview with you in Abu Dhabi in your little trailer there after you beat BJ Penn and shocked the world. And I remember walking into that trailer and your team was jumping around in the circle. Even good old Mike Strachow was there dancing with you guys. It was quite the party over there. Do you remember that?

I mean, is this something when I start talking about it? Do you remember what it was like, the atmosphere, the air, the open air stadium, Abu Dhabi? Do you remember it like it was yesterday? Absolutely, man. That's the fight I got my belt, man. How can I forget that? But it wasn't a great, I mean, it was a great time, but shortly thereafter you went to the hospital.

You were in rough shape, right? Yeah, I actually had, I fall with staff. You know, I probably was getting it that day before. I fought with staff flew home. That flight home definitely didn't help it, you know, 15-hour flight. I came home. I got it drained or lanced, and it just didn't take. My leg blew up, so I went up.

I spent my four days in the hospital that week. Where was it? On my leg, on my thigh. And did you feel it in the fight? Not at all. Not at all. You didn't? No, no.

I mean, I felt it beforehand was getting a little tender. Kind of early, you know. They had the Abu Dhabi trials or detourns that week. There's so many teachers you guys train on the match we were training on. I think that's how I got it that week. Oh, were you actually rolling? Well, you know, just doing. my run-through. I always work out pretty, pretty hard, you know, the week of a fight, you know,

not, not like live training, but definitely a run-through, get the heart rate up, and I was on the match that they provide for us, and guys were coming in and out that whole week, because I believe they had an Obadi-Dobie, you know, tournament after that, and so there was a bunch of you two guys in and out that room. Is it true that they had some sort of parade for you, and then you couldn't attend because of the staff? No, I did. They did have a parade for me, and I came with a parade. They just got a bunch of fire truck when I came home from the airport on the way home.

And they kind of took me around town a little bit. And then you went to the hospital. And then actually the next day, the next day. I tried, you know, it was the next day. Well, that's good insight. All right, well, we'll let you go. Thank you very much, Frankie. And best of luck on Saturday.

Can't wait for this fight. You versus Cups Wanted. And by the way, keep up the social media stuff. I notice you're a lot more active these days on Twitter, Q&As and whatnot. I don't know where this is coming from, but I like it. I'm trying to get to do what they want, you know? It's good, it's good. Keep it up.

You even get the president and the CEO, Lorenzo's replying to you and all this stuff. This is big stuff what you're doing over there. So follow him on Twitter. It's at Frankie Edgar, and, of course, check him out this Saturday against Cubs Swanson. Main event on Fox Sports One. All the best, Frankie. Thanks for stopping by. I appreciate it.

All right, thanks so much, man. Take care. All right, there he is. The answer. Former lightweight champion, a huge fight at 145 pounds. And as I mentioned, I think that the stakes have been raised in this one, especially coming off Lomas's win over Dennis Bermudas. We could talk about what's next for Lomas as well later on.

But let's go inside the vault right now. Let's go to April of 2010, April 10th of 2010 to be exact. Remember when we first started this whole Inside the Vault thing, we showed the post-fight interview with Dana White from this event where Anderson Silva was acting all crazy against Damien Mayan. Dana really put his heart on his sleeve on that one. I mean, that was one of my most memorable interviews, and that's why I wanted to start the whole thing with this one,

the first one to get over a million views and whatnot. And by the way, I see the guy on Twitter who keeps saying that I say what not too much and adding it to the drinking game. And you can add it, that's fine, but I'm working on it. It's one of those, I guess it's one of those crutches. I shouldn't say it, but I'd rather say what not than a. You know, I'm trying to, these are things that I work through on a weekly basis in front of you people. I recognize that I am very much a work in progress, so I need to work on these things.

perhaps what not has become a crutch. So I'm trying to eliminate it, even though I just said it. I apologize, and I thank the annoying guy on Twitter for continuing to bring it up. Anyhow, April 10, 2010, Frankie Edgar shocks the world. He crushes New York Rick's dreams. He beats BJ Penn.

He becomes the champion of the world at 155 pounds, and then we go to the trailer to interview him, and as I said earlier, his team just jumping up and down in a circle, Mike Straca in the mix. I don't know if he was actually in the circle, but he was very close to it. And also what was interesting was Frankie's coach

and longtime mentor, Henzo Gracie, was in the same trailer because in Abu Dhabi, they had trailers. There wasn't a locker room because it was an outdoor stadium. So they had these trailers where, you know, maybe four or five guys were in each one. Hensow was in his trailer in Frankie's trailer, but he couldn't stand because you remember he had just fought Matt Hughes and his leg was messed up. He was sitting in a chair, and the great thing about Henzo was, even though he suffered this defeat and he was in pain, and obviously heartbroken, he was still very happy. He still had a huge smile on his face, and he was still very, very pleased for Frankie. So it was kind of an interesting juxtaposition there in the locker room, or in the trailer, but Frankie

Edgar celebrating, and we had a chance to speak to him just moments after that big celebration. Here it is, inside the vault, April 10, 2010. Frankie Edgar discusses his historic win over BJ Penn. Ariel Hawani and Abu Dhabi with the new UFC lightweight champion. Frankie, I'll ask it again, how does that sound? Like I said before, it's just the best thing I've heard at anybody's mouth, you know? I mean, it's unbelievable. I've been at it for a long time.

You know, I've only been fighting four years, but I've been wrestling my whole life. So it feels good. Let's be honest, a lot of people doubted you. How did you stay focused? How did you believe in yourself and go out there and execute the game plan? You know, every fight I go into, I think I can win. I've been that way forever and that's just the best way to do it

don't doubt yourself I understood I mean he was a great champion he reigned this he's the best lightweight ever hands down but you know I was just focused and I knew I could beat him

talk about the way you executed your game plan what did you see out there that you knew obviously your wrestling game is so great you didn't need it your stand-up continues to look amazing yeah you know Beach is really hard to take down so you gotta have a good stand-up

you know I think the two take downs that I did you know win me, you know, maybe he was close round and it won me those rounds. The stand-up, you know, I know BJ is very fast. I think I was just a little bit quicker tonight. How about fighting outdoors? Did that affect you in any way? Ah, it felt great, man.

Really did. I didn't really have to warm up much, you know? I was sweating when I walked in here, so it was easy. I'm guessing you just want to fight outdoors for the rest of your career now. I love it. I love it. All right, so what are you going to do? How are you going to party with us tonight?

I don't know, man. I'm going to go, you know, hang out with my family. Definitely, my teammates, you know. Who are? But who is my teammates is my family, so it's easy. I'll be hanging out with my family tonight. Tom's River is a, you're partying tonight in Tom's River. Absolutely.

Absolutely. Absolute party right now. I'll tell you that. I'll tell you that. All right, Frankie, well, congratulations. Amazing performance. Thank you so much. There's actually a great video online of his friends watching the win and reacting to it when they announced that he had won. Fantastic stuff.

They were going crazy, obviously, and it's cool to hear his thoughts on that victory now. What is it? over four years later. So appreciate Frankie stopping by and looking forward to seeing if he can make another run, this time at 145 pounds. So that was a short Inside the Vault. How about this? We'll give you another Inside the Vault. We had Nick Diaz on the show this week, and that was a very big deal. I honestly never thought that we'd get Nick Diaz on.

Next up, we're going to go to Stockton, California, and hang with him. But for now, we had Nick Diaz on the show, and I got to give a special thank you to the UFCPR team and a fighter relation team for helping us get Nick and Anthony Johnson, who are there in Las Vegas for the press conference, really appreciated and can't thank them enough for their hard work and helping us get Nick on the show. So, because it was such a big deal to have Nick on the show, I wanted to go inside the vault and go back to my very first interview with Nick Diaz. Very first, April of 2009. Now, at this point of my career, MMA rated was no more. And MMA Rade was, and MMA Rade was, and, MMA Rade. had essentially been closed as of November of 2008. It was a short run, but a very memorable one, at least for me. I couldn't find a job back in MMA media for quite some time.

In fact, in January of 2009, I took a job in the production world working on GSP versus BJ Penn, primetime number one. And this was a fascinating experience and one that I'd never like to experience again because it was intense. It was the toughest thing I've ever done. We were working essentially from like 8 to 2 a.m. Every single day, no break, no time off, Saturday, Sunday for a month. And my job was to watch all the BJ Penn footage.

And quite honestly, that's when I noticed that he was not going to win the fight because he just wasn't training all that much. If you remember, Dana White came on the first episode. The only time I think Dana White has ever appeared in a speaking role on prime time, the very first episode where he called him and laid out that ultimatum, In fact, people don't know this. BJ Penn refused to do any more episodes, but the deal was that he would open the second episode.

Remember that was that whole thing where he talked about, you know, he didn't tap from strikes? I mean, that was maybe the best prime time ever, the first one. So he had to open in, he got to say his piece and address the production team. He was very unhappy with the way he was portrayed in the first episode. So anyhow, I was working on that. I could talk about that whole experience for hours,

but I was working on that, and then it was over, I couldn't find anything else to do. So I decided that I was actually going to go back to jerrypark.com, which was the original website that I started. And I gave myself from October 2008 to April of 2007 to April of 2008 to get a job. You know the story. I've said it many times before. But I revived it in April of 2009. Why?

Because I really wanted to cover Nick Diaz versus Frank Shamrock. Really wanted that fight. I wanted to be there. San Jose. It was a big deal. It was sort of a rebirth for Strike Force, which is fitting these days because Saturday felt like a rebirth for Bellator. Of course, both of them led by Scott Coker. And this was the first one on Showtime after they purchased those ElitexC assets.

So this was a very big deal. And it was a very big deal locally because both Frank Shamrock and Nick Diaz were local draws from the Bay Area. Of course, you remember the press conference, Nick Diaz flips them off. I mean, it was great stuff. It was a big fight in the San Jose area. I wanted to be there, but I couldn't find an outlet that I could work for, that I could get credentials. So I revived jaripark.com, and I applied and credit to Strikeforce and Michael Framowitz, their PR

guy, they accepted my credential, even on short notice. And you'll notice in this video, there's even an Echo logo on the video because Echo sponsored my trip. However, I actually never built them for it. I thought it would make me a little more official, but when I got back, I was like, I don't really feel like going through all this and asking them for the money. so I actually never got paid by Echo, but there are logos on the video,

and I got some great videos that week, and we spoke to Alster Overeem when he was coming to America, and there was just some great stuff. We got Nick Diaz after, and his first answer is classic. I mean, it's one of the best answers he's ever given me, and that's saying a lot.

Right after the fight, he spoke to us after he defeated Frank Shamrock. You recall, we were talking about this fight. Last week, he picked him up off the ground. A great moment between the two of them. Actually, it was Frank Shamrock's last. last fight. And I think that was the fight that really propelled Nick Diaz into the star that he is today. That was a passing of the torch fight. Catchweight, 179 pounds. Nick Diaz defeated Frank

Shamrock, April 11, 2009, 357 of the second round at the Shark Tank in San Jose. A great atmosphere. And I spoke to him right after for the late great jerrypark.com. Here's that interview, part two this week, two-parter, inside the vault. Nick Diaz, my very first interview with him. Ariel Hawani for Jerrypark.com being joined by the victorious Nick Diaz and Nick first off, congratulations on a very impressive victory. Were you expecting the fight to go that easily for you tonight? Who said it was easy, you know? It took a lot of, well, easier said than done.

But it took a lot of training, you know, a lot of sparring goes down. You know, I like to think about gives me a lot of confidence to know that I put in a lot of rounds, you know. I spored, you know, a lot of important people since I started boxing, you know, I started out this pro boxer, Kristen Cruz, started sparring him. And, you know, Caesar put me in there, sparring, you know, these guys that were fighting for money, pro and boxing, you know, they were knocking people out and stuff. And then, you know, one after another, this R.J. Carson guy. All these, I can name names forever.

All these different pro boxes are sparring, but I just know, I just know the other MMA fighters aren't in there. putting in at work and I know when they start they're going to be really discouraged and that discourages them so they don't you know that's why they're in and then they're out and then I'm like oh yeah I did that one time but I'm I'm in there every day and then I got to go and I train my jihitsu with the ghee and no gear put the gear on I take the damn gey off you know I train with my brother you know I take ass open I don't come in feeling good so I got to feel good we know how disappointing the KJ Noon's loss was to you do you feel as though you

finally put that past you and have now kind of re-establish yourself in MMA? I didn't feel like that was a loss, you know? That's the doctor's fault. You know what I mean? They never would have stopped that fight in Vegas, so whatever, you know what I mean? And that guy is trying to turn a box or whatever he can, and he's not doing a good job. I fight the guy in a pro boxing match. Of course, I don't think they're paying me enough money versus these MMA fights that they're paying right now a little more money, I think, for me to be fighting. So I don't think that's going to happen. So I'm going to have to say farewell to that, I suppose. But whatever, you know, no hard feelings.

I didn't, I don't feel like you want, I never did. People try to talk like, oh, you know, I did this. And then I'm like, what the fuck do you know? You're a fighter, you know? So a lot of people that like to talk, I don't hit hard or something, you know. I think that's ridiculous too. I think a lot of people don't want to get hit by me, so they don't get hit. And then, you know, when you see good punches land, you know, it doesn't look like you're hitting hard.

You know what I mean? Look at it. You know, just watch a boxing fight. A lot of punches are thrown and land it. You're going to say they don't hit hard. It's just ridiculous. You know, you only throw a punch once in a while. And when it lands, they say, oh, that was a hard punch

because it only damn punch it through, you know. But, you know, this fight, though, you know, I feel like, you know, I could have finished this fight on the ground with the submission, but sometimes it's a little bit easier, you know, just to throw punches. And it's more of a sure thing. If you do the damage in the rounds, you know, you don't get that submission.

gets up, at least you put it in that damage for the next round. So sometimes it's a little smarter way to go. But my coach fought him before, Caesar Gracie fought him before. And, you know, the fight had I gotten to the ground, which could have happened very easily. You know, Frank never would have won that fight. And I don't think I ever would have ended up with this fight. So I'm very grateful for my coach. I know it was kind of effortless, the buildup to this fight. You did a great job hyping it. And it was all kind of highlighted by the interview in the LA Times this week. Is there anything that you regret saying or doing leading up to this fight? No, you know, I just got to, I'm just trying to do what I got to do, you know.

I don't put too much thought into it, you know. I just put more into my training, and then, you know, most people are doing a lot of interviews and build up and stuff, and also that's how I know that's how I know that I'm not training for me, because I know that I wouldn't have time to do that. It's, you know, too much stress involved and trying to make it to your next chance. You got to make sleep. You gotta make training three times a day. You can't be missing one or two days.

I'm gonna have that up on you, and you can't do that. Every day is gonna count. So I put a lot of hard work in. People don't understand that. All right, well, it's a big night for Nick Diaz. A very impressive performance against Frank Shamrock tonight. Great stuff, and congratulations on the victory. I just opened a school in Lodi on 2.30 School Street,

right on the corner of Lodi Avenue and School Street, across from Lyons Restaurant. So if you want to come in training, Jiu-Shi with me, I'm going to see his great jiu-jitsu and martial arts training there. Thanks, Nick. Thank you. Classic.

I mean, there'll never be another Nick Diaz. The genuine article, there will never be him, and that's a sad thing, because I miss Nick Diaz. I miss having him around. I miss just his presence. He brings something very special to the table, and it's going to be sad when he doesn't fight anymore,

but we don't have to worry about that right now because he is fighting on January 31st against Anderson Silva. We are less than two hours away now from the big UFC press conference. If you missed it, it's going to be airing live at 5 p.m. Eastern Time to Pacific.

It will air on MMAfighting.com. We'll have it up there for you, so you don't have to worry about finding it. If you're watching this live right now, don't go anywhere. Don't touch that dial, as they say. Old school. Nick Diaz, Anderson Silva,

Rondorowski, Katzengano, Vitor Belfort, Chris Wydman, Connor, Denisiever, Anthony Johnson, Alexander Gustafson, CB Dahlowe, Leon McChad. I'm doing this all off top of my head, by the way. Anyone else? Anyone else? Oh, D.C. Jones, of course. Back at another press conference. And they'll be announcing their entire 2015 schedule. And they'll be making a very special announcement. A lot of people ask me what this announcement will be. I have no idea. I know there was some talk about Brian Stan being involved.

I confirmed that that is not the case. I know there's been some talk about some uniforms involved. I don't know if that's the case. I haven't been able to confirm anything. They are keeping it very close to their vest. But we were told it's a very special announcement. So less than two hours away, we're all going to find out. And I look forward to that very much.

Mr. New York, Rick, are you there? I am here. Mr. Newark, you didn't really believe Nick Diaz would show up. Of course I do. were a doubter. No, I was not. All of you were a doubter. I was not because of the circumstances. If it was, you know, Nick Diaz was saying, I'm going to call in, then maybe I'd be a little more shaky. But no doubt in my mind, you know, the surrounding the circumstances. It was great. What a moment. What a moment in time, huh? How about you answer his glides?

Look, I just, I actually just glided him. I mean, I thanked him personally with a glide, and I just checked into my glide, and there's, I I think he's, dare I say, as the kids say these days, I think he's trolling me. And let me tell you something. You have not lived until you've glided with Nick Diaz. I've never used glide, but I mean, this show, I mean, how about they sponsor the show after today? Honestly, they should sponsor Nick Diaz. Nick Diaz is the biggest supporter of Glide that I've ever met. The guy loves it.

His brother, too, but not as much as Nick. By the way, how about these new additions to the MMA hour set? Got this guy over here? We have a question about that later, so let's hold off. Okay, okay, okay. Do they ask me about my time in Mexico, Lucillebra and all? I think they just ask about that. Okay, so I can get into it there.

Yeah. One other thing I was going to say, that Volt segment heard a little bit, obviously. The first one? Yeah. Was it one of the lowest moments of your MMA fan? I was just, I didn't know what to do. I was shocked. I feel like it was like when GSP lost to Matt Sarah for me.

Well, no, because I think. I thought BJ won. Oh, okay, yeah, yeah. Matt Serra, that was very decisive. I feel like, and I think most people, I looked back at this quite a few times, most people did score that fight for BJPen as far as, like, media outlets and things like that.

B.S. What, really? Who scored it for BJ? I think almost all the media outlets. Let's check MMA decisions. The best side. Did they go back that far? Oh, yeah.

I don't know about that. Come on, bro. They do? As far as media results? Come on, bro. No, I don't believe you. There was, like, Twitter. I remember sitting...

They go all the way back to 1995. What? Yes, sir. How? With the media scorecards? Well, actually, let's see. So, no, not with media score cards. How are we supposed to...

But they, I know for a fact that they do have the media scorecards for Penn versus, is Edgar. So let's go. They do? Back to it. Yes, sir. I remember sitting Cateside for that event, sitting next to Kevin Ioli, and he had something like 7,000 followers, and I had like 4,000. So I know that Twitter wasn't... Wow.

What? That's crazy. I know, right? Are you making fun of me? No, I'm serious. That's insane. Why? What's insane about it?

The number has, like, risen astronomically. Well, I think Twitter wasn't... Well... Twitter wasn't that popular back then. what was it 2010 right yeah 2010 i'm looking at it now invincible okay so let's see what number was that one i don't know where we're going to see if there are no media scores no there are media scores i'm sure i'm looking at it crosby 5045 domato now ariel i'll teach you how to use the computer now when you click on the actual fight you'll see that there's a thing that comes up a page here with media scores

There's, there's, the words media scores here. And one site, MMA junkies scored it for Edgar. The rest scored it for BJ Penn. Where's MMA fighting? I guess they were not in the battle. Where's AOL? Clearly they didn't go to the big sites. What was your score?

I don't remember. Of course you don't, because as I was saying, most people scored that fight for Penn. Yeah, you're right. But it was close. No, it was no doubt about it. It came down to a single round. I thought it was two to two. Some people even scored it 49-46.

I don't think that was the case. I thought it was two to two in rounds one and two, and then four and five where Frank Yeager, one and two was Penn. And I thought three was the decisive round, and I thought that BJ won that round. But that was tough. I mean, I just did not expect that to happen. BJ looked like an unstoppable killer at that point.

I think the odds were very high. I think he was greater than five to one. Have you ever been to Mexico? No. Will? Yep. Have you been? Yeah.

Mexico City? No. You're more of a Tijuana guy, aren't you? I don't even know what that means, but I find that hilarious. Where? Where exactly? Cancun. Oh, right, right, right.

What about you, Alex? Mexico City? Oh, there he is. Mr. T. You know, I got to tell you, I'm feeling the effects. Now, what do you mean by that? What I mean is, thankfully, this show has kind of calmed me down a little bit, but before it was a little dicey if I'd make it. That's all I'm going to say. What sort of pills did you buy?

I didn't buy any pills, but this coming from a guy who was brushing his teeth with bottled water. I even showered with bottled water. I was that concerned. I'd even drink coffee. Oh, I don't really. drink coffee all that much, but it was tempting because I was falling asleep on Saturday before the fights. I was very tired. All that to say that I just wanted to know if it takes usually 24 hours or does something slip through the cracks? I don't know. You guys ever...

I got a real sick down in Mexico, but it happened. Yeah, it happened immediately. Okay. It didn't take 24 hours. I got sick and it took like a week. You're kidding. You'll never know. This is going to be a problem. Well, hopefully that's not the case. At least it's probably not Ebola. Yeah, probably. I don't think it made it to Mexico. But it was a great time there. You said we're going to address it, so let us address it,

and let me forget about my troubles. Yeah, let's answer some questions. Bear with me. Computer is being a little slow. I know about it. Computer problems. Oh, yeah. Minds staring me right in the face.

Killing me. It's so annoying. Why do these things happen? happen. I guess it could be worse. I feel like we should try to stretch the show all the way to 6 p.m. just to counter-program their big press conference. I don't know if that would be prudent. Oh, I'm getting some advice from my good pal, Jimmy Stewart, on how to battle my stomach problems. Uh-oh. Perhaps a little TMI for the viewers back home. One guy is just going nuts about Chuck Ladell's head. It's been fixed.

it. Relax, Stephen A.2121. It's fixed. It's right here. For the love of God. Chuck is okay, everybody. He's okay. I was just so excited that Nick showed up. On time. Oh, well, we can't see Chuck. He's behind him. I know. Well, there's a reason for that. Because this

lovely painting needs something to be a... To prop it. Yes, to prop it. Where are these questions that you promised me? This, uh, this computer's not cooperating. Just, uh, up. And we got them. Are there a lot after a very busy...

There are quite a few. Did you watch all of them? I saw all of the UFC fights. I saw all of the Bellator fights, and I saw the two title, well, the one title fight and the second fight between Melvin and Justin from WSOF. No love for Jessica Aguilar. I did not see that fight yet, but I plan to watch it. Why? It was a one-sided beatdown.

Because I want to see it. You're not going to watch it. This is like when you said you were going to watch Battlegrounds from your honeymoon vacay and you never did it. Battlegrounds is still on the... Yeah, right. It's still on the horizon. I really am.

I am going to go... No, you're not. I am going to go back. I'm going to watch it. And Jessica Aguilar's fight as well. First question. Sit down with Mark Hunt. Hey, Ariel, can you walk us through your feelings

during the sit-down interview with Mark Hunt, posted last Wednesday. what were your impressions throughout as well as the ending of the interview. I'm curious of the thoughts in your head as Mark was talking. Great question. Good one to start with. So a little background. I flew to Mexico at 12.15 a.m. Tuesday evening or I guess Wednesday morning technically.

Aeromexico. By the way, two thumbs up. Or two thumbs up, Aero Mexico. Really nice airplane. And so I landed at around 4 a.m. Wednesday morning. And if you ever arrive somewhere at around 4 a.m., I suggest actually booking the hotel room the night before because then you're stuck in this weird limbo where it's too early to check in. You're in a foreign country. You're sitting in the lobby.

Half asleep. Nothing's open. You can't eat anything. It's a very weird time. Anyhow, we got through all that. And then we're supposed to interview Mark Hunt at what time was it? It was supposed to be at 1130 local time, right? So at around 1045, I get a call from UFCPR saying Mark Hunt wants to do the interview right now.

Thankfully, I was ready. I was all dressed. We had our equipment. All good. He's not in the best mood they tell me. Uh-oh. Because, you know, sometimes Mark Hunt, you never know. Typically these days, he's been in a good mood.

And on the embedded shows and all that, he's been, he was in a great mood. So I get down there and I see Mark and he's okay. no problems, but I could tell something's bothering him. I could tell that there's an issue. And the guy that he was with, I guess sort of his manager, this guy named Zen, who was a very nice guy. I mean, real pleasure to work with. He actually asked me, he's like, what is this going to be five, 10 minutes? And I got to be honest, my original plan was to do a walk and talk around Mexico with him, but I quickly aborted that plan. So we go, we sit down and ask him, you know, does this need to be five, 10 minutes or could we do it a little longer? He's like, yeah, take your time. And I gotta give him

a lot of credit for that. He was very open with his time. He didn't rush me anything like that. But we sit down and it's very clear at the top after my first couple questions that he's not in the best of moods. And he was open about it. He didn't exactly tell us what was bothering him, but he was open with the fact that something was, something was bothering him not related to the fight, right? He wasn't 100% there. So we kind of had to battle through that. And the interview is going along and he kind of have to dodge certain things. And there are, there, some troubled waters here and there. You got to, you got to roll with the punches, as they say. Until the very end, when I asked him, really, when he said the thing about these aren't good times

for Mark Hunt, the father, and then when I asked him, you know, how do you envision the fight playing out? And he said, I don't care. And the look on his face, which I watched a thousand times, because it just, he just seemed like a kid. I mean, he just seemed like such a vulnerable guy. It really hit me. And I thought then and there, okay, it's time to end this interview. I mean, when he said the father part, that's when it hit me. Because I thought he was dealing with the weight cut. I thought he was dealing with, you know, the elements, the elevation. I didn't realize. I didn't put two and two together. No one told me before what the problem was. When he said the father part, I just said, okay, it's time to end this. I can sympathize with that. And then he

walked off and you saw the whole thing play out. And I got to admit, I've never felt this way about an interview before. I really was conflicted whether or not we should post this. I'm being 100% honest here. You know, a lot of people may think that media and maybe me in particular, like we have no heart, we have no soul. We just want to go out there and expose guys and say, gotcha and put it out there and just revel in the clicks. They always talk about the clicks. Like, I make money off these clicks or these views. I don't. And I was really conflicted about it. I even went back. I spoke to his manager, spoke to some of the people in the UFC, just to try to get an impression of where he was at and if this was the right thing to do. You know, Mark has been very good to us.

You know, on this show, he woke up at like 4 a.m. one time with his wife and his kid. Skype. You know, I just didn't want to put him in that spot, and I didn't want him to have to deal with questions afterwards. So after talking to them, and, you know, his guy was pretty much listening to the whole thing. He gave us the okay, and he said he didn't feel like anything really bad happened. And I felt at least comfortable enough posting it, even though it really, when he said the father thing, it really kind of, it hurt my heart, and I really feel weird about it. But we posted, and, you know, if you notice, I didn't put any sort of salacious headline or quail or things like that, I just wanted to let it be and kind of leave it at that. And I didn't,

bother him for an interview leading up to that point. And I just, I kind of, or after that point, I just, I just wanted to leave it alone. Sent him a message thanking him, wishing him well, all that stuff. It was, it was, it was, it was, you know, these people are real people and we're real people too, and I felt really bad. But I see him Friday at the Wayans, and I go up to him, and I can tell he's in a bit of a better mood. I go up to him and I say, you know, Mark, I just wanted to thank you for the time.

You probably weren't in the best of moods. really meant a lot. And I won't tell you everything that was said between us. But I will share this and I feel like he'd be okay with it. He told me that other people saw the interview and that actually helped resolve a situation. And, you know, that made me feel great. Because I felt so bad about the whole thing. It really made me feel great that, you know, he would, he would say that and that in some way, the interview helped them out. And, you know, he said that he was in a better place. And, you know, He mentioned, he alluded to something in the Post-Five Press conference. We don't need to get into it.

You need to go home and whatnot. But the fact that he was not upset about the interview and that, in fact, he said that it may have actually helped him in the end really made me feel a lot better. And I felt a lot of relief and joy. I almost got emotional when he said that to me. So that's kind of the story behind the whole interview. And, again, he didn't have to do the interview, but I really thank him.

I mean, I have to admit, when I saw that interview, I thought it was a rap. I thought it was a rap. I was like, I think I have a better chance at winning this fight than him. I thought he was going to, A, miss weight.

I thought, you know. He has Dana for extra pounds. He asked for extra pounds and his head wasn't in it. I thought, you know, surely he's just not going to, he's not going to try as hard as he possibly can to make weight.

Verdum's going to take him down and sub them in, you know, a minute, whatever. But over the course of the week, it seemed like he just completely flipped around. He was having fun. He was singing with Verdume. Yeah.

They were doing the... He just looked like a completely different person. Yeah. And he almost got it done. He almost got it done. He really did. He looked great. And by the way, I mean, you know, he did everything.

I mean, we kind of like, oh, okay, you know, he made the way. Man, what that guy had to go through to make that way, it is nothing short of remarkable. For a big guy like that to do away from home, over there with the bad air, I was there. I felt it. That's really a victory in itself. Our next question. What did you think of Hunt and Verdume not manufacturing heat before their fight? They seemed genuine, professional, and like they were doing what they loved without having to make up a beef with one another.

To me, it was sort of infectious atmosphere brought on by both fighters' personalities. Not saying it works all the time, but I preferred it to trying to sell some silly feud. I loved it. I loved the dynamic between them. You know, Verdume is really coming into his own as a personality. He is so entertaining. he's fun-loving. He does those funny faces. Like I said earlier, he deserved the bonus

just for his PR work leading up to the fight. And it was interesting that he wasn't necessarily the fan favorite come fight time, but he was singing to the crowd, some stuff that you didn't even see that we didn't post. He was fantastic. He has such a great personality. He's joking all the time. He's playing, you know,

pranks on his teammates. I saw it with my own eyes. And even though Mark Hunt may have not been in the best of places, because even on Thursday, he wasn't, like he wasn't necessarily in the clear. I'm not saying he's in the clear right now with whatever's troubling him, but it was still essentially 24 hours later, he was dancing with him. They were playing. I almost feel like Verdue made him feel a little better. It kind of relaxed him a little bit. And I think some people misunderstand when we talk about calling people out or saying what you want, taking the microphone, taking matters into your own hands. I'm not saying that

you have to manufacture feuds. I don't want to see that. Just, you know, if being yourself, means being a certain way, that's fine. But if you can pull out something like this, that's great. I love this as much as I love the other stuff. And it's good because you don't always see this and you don't always see that. But this was a lot of fun because this is a sport

where guys are going to punch each other and you're used to people hating each other, me mugging and whatnot. And to see how fun loving they were and how they had this mutual respect was really cool. Though, at the Wayans, when Verdume gave him the mask,

you could tell at that point Hutton was done with the jokes. He just wanted to beat him. And he told me right afterwards, I asked him if you thought Verdum had a questionable chin. He said, when these hit him,

then you'll have a questionable chin. And he almost did it. It was amazing. I do agree with Chuck, though. I felt, even when he dropped him early on, I felt like he was kind of playing possum. I felt like it was the Fador fight all over again. Oh, God.

Every time Verduem gets dropped now, it's playing possum? You didn't think? No, he got hit by one of the hardest hitters in the heavyweight division. But when it happened, I thought that. Yeah.

Look, he got him in his guard shortly thereafter. Hunt chose to go into his guard. I loved it. Gosh, I don't wish it went a little longer. He got rocked. Once I saw the replay, but that's what I was thinking at the time. Because look at the Travis Brown fight. He was doing all these things.

He was playing tricks on him, so. Yeah, but those were offensive things. Like, I mean, he did the kip up. Sure, sure. That was funny. But he's done this before. Like, the Fador fight, he didn't get dropped. He fell on his own.

Yeah, but the Fador fight is the one fight. Every time Verdume gets dropped or rocked or whatever from now on, it's not going to be because he chose to. Well, that's good for him. Our next question. What should be next for Marc Hunt? He took the fight on three weeks' notice and looked good up until the flying knee. How many wins do you think it will take him before he's back in the title conversation?

Like I said earlier, I don't feel like he lost a lot in this fight. I don't feel like his stock went down. I'd really love to see that Josh Barnett fight. Remember when he was on this show after the, the Roy Nelson fight. He wanted that one. And it seemed like Barnett was into it as well, a rematch, right? They were on Twitter, too, going back and forth. They were on Twitter. Barnett has been a little weird about his return. I feel like this is the fight, especially after he fought for the belt. This could be the fight that brings him back. I wanted to see Barnett Bigfoot,

but they just announced Bigfoot versus Frank Meir. Does anyone ask about that? No. I don't know if I love that fight. But anyway. Let's also remember that this wasn't Mark Hunt's title shot. Sure. He jumped in on this. I love the way he spun that afterwards. This was always a verdued shot. Well, I mean, that's the truth of the situation. He only had, didn't he only have one win after losing to Junior over Roy Nelson? Yeah, well, he had the draw. Okay, so he had the draw and the one win to get himself back in position.

But this wasn't really his title shot. I think, you know, he can get right back up there with a few more solid wins. And that's the beauty of the heavyweight division. If you're a guy like Mark Hunt, if you're a draw, people like you, there aren't that many contenders there. So he was able to step in. It's the way Roy Nelson keeps coming up in the conversation. He'll win a few.

He'll lose that one, but he's right back in it every time. And I think Hunt and Nelson will continue to be in that conversation as long as they keep knocking off contenders. I feel like Roy Nelson was thinking about this. I feel like he's the heavyweight version of Michael Bisping. He's had so many fights, like so close. Look, if he wins that fight, he may have gone the title shot. Yeah.

Bissing the same way. Yeah. I can see the comparison. Anyhow, I think he's still in the mix. I think people would still love to see him fight, you know, top guys. Clearly, he can hang. I like the Barnett fight. I think that's the fight that really makes sense for them next. Kelvin Gastilum, where would you rank him at 170?

Who would you like to see him get next? Pretty obvious at this point, the kid is a stud. I'd love to see him welcome Condit back. You know, I got to say, I wasn't a believer in Gaslim. until Saturday. Like, I wasn't quite sure what to make of him. I mean, was he good?

Yes. But was he a contender? I didn't know. I consider him a contender right now. Does that mean he should fight for the beltnecks? No. But I don't think he's that far off. I mean, that was impressive stuff.

Here's the thing. I mean, I always thought he was a high-level prospect. Let me backtrack on that a little bit. I don't know about always, but since seeing him after the ultimate fighter, I thought that he was a high-level prospect. I'm not sure that this win is the one that you say, Really?

Ellenberger? I don't know. To finish Ellenberger like that, that early? But Jake's stock is down right now. I don't think that this is the one where you go, oh my God, where did this guy come from? Because I feel like he's had fights where he's faced competition at a similar level or right below and look just as good.

And I think, I don't know. I guess it's just, you know, nitpig. but I think that Gaslam, this fight, I don't think, was like, him putting the flag down and saying I'm here. I feel like he's either always been here or, you know, you were kind of overlooking him. I mean, I think that this definitely was an important fight for him, but I don't know. The biggest one of his career by far. I guess? I mean, Jake's lost three in a row now.

It's not, I know, but look who he lost to. Rory, who's about to talk to the belt. Robbie, who's fighting for the belt. I mean, these aren't scrubs that he's losing, too. They're not bums and they're not guys off the street, but at a certain point, you have to fade him at a certain point. It came quick for Jake. Yeah.

Because even the Rory fight, I mean, it was kind of, you know, Rory won that fight, but nothing spectacular happened. Robbie, great fight. I think what is so devastating here for Jake is, forget about the fact that it's three in a row. Early on, he looked good. It was a short fight, but, you know, very early on, look good and then bang gasolm comes in and i love that i love that you know that seroni thing where

you drop the guy and you go for the sub yeah his his transition was incredible it was so quick um so i love the woodley fight for him i like that too i don't want to have been talking about that i think that's a great fight con did i mean it's hard to really say who knows when he'll be back but to me woodley doesn't have a fight you know gaslam needs that next step i i feel like woodley's the perfect next step from ellenberger it's a great fight who do you favor oh I think I'm going to have to go with Kelvin. Really? I don't know, man. I don't see Woodley being able to grapple with Kelvin

the way he does a lot of the other guys in the division. I think that Kelvin's counter-wrestling is really, really high level, and I think he'll be able to at least if he doesn't dictate where the fight goes, I think he'll be able to prevent the fight from going exactly where Woodley wants it to go. that said, if Woodley lands his paws on you, you're probably going to sleep. I don't know. I think that Kelvin,

man, that's a tough fight. I really don't know. My gut says Kelvin right now, but Woodley could easily take that fight. Our next question, what's next for Jake Ellenberger? After three straight losses, what do you think is likely next for Jake Ellenberger? Do you expect he will be cut from the UFC? No. I was surprised that after so much criticism in his last two fights, he still looked so hesitant

against Kelvin. I really expected to see a more aggressive performance from him. Cut? What are you talking about? I'm going to get cut. That's crazy. You know what could be a fun one?

Ellenberger, Gunner, Nelson. What do you think? I like that. That would be a good test for Gunner. Ellenberger. So the ones that come to mind, he never fought Maya, right? I don't think so.

Maya is kind of a wildcar right now He's still battling those Those issues in his arm But Maya or Gunner See I still I mean obviously he's not a top contender anymore But he's still I mean I still feel like Those are losses to

The problem is we don't know Because he's only faced these top guys Well that's why I feel like if you go a little below now Yeah I mean Gasolam wasn't a top guy Let's not forget we view him that way now But yeah that's a top Yeah what about Gunner

I think Gunner would be fun That's a good fight Yeah. Both coming off losses around the same time. I'll go with Gunner versus Jake Ellenberger. I mean, guys have been cut for less. I don't think it's completely out of the question, but I don't think they would cut them just.

Not in this day and age, right? Not in this day and age with Belator doing the big shows and all that. It's going to be different, I think. Yeah. But I think what contributes to it is that Dena White has been so vocal about the not pulling the trigger thing in the past with Jake Ellenberger, which I think is completely ridiculous. Our next question.

great call by the doctor when I ripped the ear. What do you think? And props to Leslie Smith for wanting to battle on. Hey. I think he meant A. I think he meant A. It's our buddy James. James Glory.

I know he's been battling some stuff, but he is so positive, and I always appreciate when he weighs in. So I love seeing James throwing a question. Also, he called her Smithy. Like their pals. We interviewed her afterwards, and, man, I got a lot of respect for Leslie Smith. By the way, I interviewed her for the first time before on Thursday. What a pleasant human being. She's so smiley, happy, you know, articulate, just a real pleasure

to interview. So I enjoyed that very much. It didn't go her way. I obviously, in my opinion, was on her way to winning, and then they made the right call. I mean, 100%. I saw her coach showed me a picture of the year right before they stitched it up. And it was legit. Like, I know I tweeted, First I tweeted it was falling off. Then one of her coaches said it was just the cauliflower of the year that bursted. And there's a picture from Ed Mulholland who's a great photographer where there's actual blood flying out of the year. But then he showed me the year and it's legit ripped. I mean, it was coming off.

And tweet of the night goes to Mick Foley for reaching out to her. That was great stuff. So that being said, I definitely think it was the right call. And props to her, of course, for wanting to continue to fight, and you expect nothing less from someone like her, but that was the right call. Now, what do you think of the celebration afterwards? Well, before I go on to that,

the face she made when the woman came in to put the gauze on her ear, let me know that that was the right call. Because she cringed like I have never seen before. And that she clearly, I mean, she's just too tough is what it comes down to. So there was absolutely nothing in that fight that would make me think that that should have continued. Herb Dean, it was Herb Dean, right? I mean, there's so much MMA this weekend. I think so, yeah.

Herb Dean. Did Will just confirm that? Yep. I think he just watched it. Oh, you did? I watched it earlier today. Oh, okay. Wow, I like that.

Keeping up. Herb Dean made the right call having the doctors come in. The doctor made the right call calling it off. I mean, it was picture perfect. And then, in your interview with her after, she said, after, you know, seeing what my ear actually looked like, I think it was the right call. There's no debate anymore. It was clearly the right call. And now the celebration, she just got a huge win in the UFC.

I have no problem with her celebrating. She did five backflips. It would have been fine. She needed the win. I mean, sometimes when you win like that, you know, you want to be. Well, it's not like she was running over to Leslie and, like, run. rubbing it in her face. She was celebrating a win. I know, I know. People get a little... There was a celebration on Saturday night that involved, you know, middle fingers and things like that.

There was? Oh, Tito? Yeah. Yeah, when he threw the water at him? Yeah. I mean, that's, you know, that now you could ask, is that appropriate? But, you know, celebrating your win and enjoying it, I have no problem with that, no matter what she did. As long as it doesn't cross over into disrespecting the opponent, which you didn't, then more power. to you. And I'm cool with it as well because she's been through a lot. And how good did she look in that first round? She looked great. She looked great. I will admit though, when it first happened, I was like, hmm, because when you win by doctor stoppage,

it's not like she didn't, she punched her in the ear. Yeah, she was on her way. Take nothing away. It's like the Woodley fight against Condit. People wanted to discredit him. Yeah. When you win via injury or cut or something, that is a win. There's no doubt about it. It's not like a fluke. You're like, oh, you know, no. You caused it. Yeah, you caused it. Yeah, you caused it. Yeah, you caused it. Especially that one. Next question. Do you think Bellator needs to have more respect for themselves

and put their champions build over fights like Bonner and Ortiz? Giving UFC fighters top billing just because they're UFC fighters or former UFC fighters would be more accurate. Makes this company look bad, in my opinion. Yeah, you might get a lower payday, but Saturday would have been better if the amazing fight between Brooks and Chandler... Brooks and Chandler closed the show. See, I don't understand this line of thinking.

Bonner Ortiz were the biggest draws. This is not the UFC. This is what's going to make Belator a little different. This is what made Strike Force a little different. They don't have to go by the same rules. Chandler Brooks got their fight. They got the five rounds, title fight, co-main event.

Chandler Brooks got the rub from Bonner Ortiz. As crazy, as silly as the fight was, that was the draw. That got the people into that arena. And again, preliminary rating. from what I'm hearing, it did pretty darn well. And it was because of Bonner Ortiz. Now, does this mean they'll continue doing that stuff? I think what it means is Ortiz is still a draw, and people are okay with an alternative. We were talking about this last week. Everyone loves to say, oh, it's so

you all watched it. You all wanted to know, even the people in the UFC, they wanted to know who won the fight. There's this, there's this intrigue about those two. Their names. They're the draws. And I'm okay with it in Bellator putting those guys on top and then getting, you know, other people to watch the stars of the future, the up-and-comers. That's what you do. That's the formula. But if they would have built it, you know, look, you have the cage thing and I saw it all over the place leading up to the fight. It said Bonner Ortiz, Bonner Ortiz, Bonner. If it would have said Brooks Chandler, it doesn't have the same effect. Belator needs reasons to get people to watch. They need to draw you in. So they're going to use these guys. It's about,

using them correctly, and I feel like this time they used them correctly. So I have no problem with it whatsoever. Chandler Brooks happened. If you didn't want to watch Bonn Ortiz, okay, great, your night ended early. So why do people care so much about all that? I don't get it. Yeah, I don't know. It wasn't a five-round fight. Like, they don't have the same rules as the UFC, right? So by putting it in the main event, it doesn't change the fight. You don't have to see more of it. Even if the UFC did it, is it that big a deal? Well, I mean, the UFC has this, this rule that they typically stick with, that the title fight is always last and the higher weight is always last.

They didn't do that for 169, but that was a special case. I like the fact that the UFC sticks by that rule that, you know, it feels, I don't want to use the word legitimate, but it's just, it's about the sport. The championship should always be last. I like the fact that they do that.

But, I mean, look at DJ versus Carrioso. I think they were heard a little bit by the fact that it was called 178 Johnson v. Carioso, as opposed to Stack or McGregor Porreier or whatever. And this would have been the same thing. Ortiz Bonner are draws and people know them, especially the Spike TV audience. Why would you move away from that? The reason they're on the card is to draw eyeballs, eyeballs. So why not maximize that as much as possible? I completely agree with you and I wouldn't have a problem if the UFC adopted it as well. Yeah, I guess. But in the UFC,

like, do you really want to see Ortiz Bonner for five rounds? We would have seen... Well, that's... In the UFC, you wouldn't see Ortiz Bonner for five rounds. is the thing. But you might see... Why not? If this was a UFC event and Ortiz Bonner was the main event. But that wouldn't happen in the UFC. What I'm saying is I wouldn't have a problem if, let's say, what's a great... Anderson Silva versus Nick Diaz... Oh, that's what you mean. ...was the headline event over, you know, a title fight.

Okay, I get it. I wouldn't have a problem. It's not a big deal. But you would not see... I mean, you just wouldn't see Ortiz Bonner in the UFC like that. Yes, yes, yes. Okay, I understand. Yeah, I have no problem. I don't get why people get so upset about these things. It's weird. Next question. Will Brooks, where do you see him?

Of course, after the loss of Eddie Alvarez and the UFC, maybe you don't rank the Bellator guys that high, but he is the only man who ever finished Michael Chandler. If he could become a UFC fighter, who do you think he should fight first? Honestly, I want to disregard the last part of the question because I don't like doing that. I feel like that's, you know, we talk about that,

and that's obviously the elephant in the room when you talk to these guys, but Belter's not getting rid of Will Brooks, especially after losing Eddie Alvarez, so why even entertain that idea? Super impressive. Hopefully now he feels like he gets the respect that he deserves. A great finish, especially against someone

like Michael Chandler. Again, I had no problem with the finish whatsoever. I thought he did everything right, and I think he caused it to be that weird. I mean, it looked weird initially, but that was because of him. He did that. So he deserves all the credit. He's the real champion. Kudos to him. I was looking at

the division because right now things are kind of all in, you know, in flux right now with Belator. But I would love to see him fight Dave Jansen next. You know, you look at Dave Jansen, he never got that title shot. He's looked very good in Bellator. He's coming off a win. There's Janssen, there's Marcyne held. I think one of those guys, but Jansen has a win overheld. I think that's a fight that makes a lot of sense.

Jansson's a very good fighter. He has a loss to Ricardo Lamas and I think Kamal Shalarous and W.C., and that's it. And he's gone on a great streak, so I'd like to see that fight. And as for Chandler, I don't know if that's asked, It is. It is. Okay, it is. Yeah.

So I'm really impressed with Will Brooks, and I think what they're doing, you know, spacing it out and not going with the tournament all that, it's going to benefit someone like Will Brooks because it will make his fight seem bigger as opposed to just fighting a tournament guy. And for Michael Chandler, I mean, the good thing about being in Bellator these days, it's still young. The divisions are shallow. I don't think he's going anywhere, but it's a tough time for him. It definitely is. Your overall thoughts on the Bellator show, I thought it was a great show. The production was amazing. It reminded me of pride.

but the show was a little drawn out. What was your opinion on it if you guys got to watch it? I did watch it. I watched it after the fact. I thought it was an entertaining show. I mean, like I said, they got the results that they needed for the most part. Mike Richmond looked tremendous. NAM fan did not.

And I think it's time to really wonder where he goes from here. Especially after those comments on the show last week were bizarre, where it really felt like he was doubting himself. So Mike Richmond looked great. Annie Misway, yeah. I mean, after all that talk. So, Richmond looked great. King Moe looked great.

Of course, he was fighting someone who doesn't typically fight at 205. But I'm curious to see what they do with Mo. Did they put him down at 185? Does he get the Ortiz fight? Nevertheless, good for the promotion for King Moe to win. The Joe Schilling fight was everything we thought and we're hoping it was going to be

Schilling even coming back at one point. It looked like almost he was going to lose the fight. Mannhoff had him in a tough spot on the ground. And Manhoff, the thing I love most about that fight was I truly felt, and I feel like this is used often. I truly felt like I couldn't look away. Like, and even if I blinked, literally, I was going to miss something because they were just throwing with such bad intentions. It was so much fun. I think Schilling could be a very intriguing character in the sport if, of course,

he can become a, you know, a well-rounded fighter. So that was great. Brooks Chandler was entertaining. You have a new star. Not a bad thing for the promotion to have a new champion. And then Ortiz Bonner was what it was. I think it was disappointing to see Bonner's condition. Ortiz wins the fight, still keeps it going. I don't think he should have brought up the rematch stuff, but whatever. Entrances were great. I like them a lot better than the Strike Force ones. I've said on this show, I don't like the ramp.

But like this, it's great. I love the screens and how it opened. It looked different. You can't tell me that those Strike Force ramps were good. They looked so corny. They look so crappy. The ramp is the best. No, not the best.

No way. I need the ramp. It's not better than going through the crowd. No way. Someone was telling me that the UFC should adopt that for big shows. No way. I don't think the UFC should adopt it, but I love the ramp. There's nothing better than the guy coming out from the locker room into the crowd,

going through the crowd, old school Mike Tyson. There's nothing better than that. But Belator should not be the UFC. They should be different. And clearly, Viacom is spending a lot on the product, and it shows. So I think it's great that they're going to do this for the big events, the tent pole events, as they say. And that British invasion card is so much fun.

They need to do these gimmicks. People will respond to that. The spike audience will respond to that. respond to it, they need to do the gimmicks. It's amazing how much has changed in just a few months. Even if you noticed outside the cage, it looked very much like a Strike Force event with the VIP sitting there. They brought in all the fighters. They had the announcement on the broadcast. They didn't put it out there with a press release and ignore it. They made it seem like, wow, big things are happening. The British invasion card, did you see that? Paul Daly and Lima,

McGeery and Newton, James Thompson and Bobby Lashley, Michael Page was on the, was on the that, well, that's the rumor that he's going to be on it. There's one more that I'm missing. Yeah, there is, and I'm forgetting which one it is. Anyway, I think that all things considered it was a good night for them and felt more and more like what Scott Coker wanted to do, and, you know, I'm curious to see what happens next year. It's going to be fun. It felt big. It felt like a big show. It felt like a big deal.

Now, were you watching it live? Yeah. Had UFC on one TV, and I had... Oh, you had two TVs going? Yeah. Was it fun? Did you enjoy that or did you wish that they were separate? Like Friday, Friday, Saturday? No, it was, I mean, I wouldn't want to do it every week, but it was fun. It was fun for that night, but I would not want to do that every week.

It was just, it was good to see. I mean, if one fight wasn't going great, you could tune them to the other one and probably something's happening. And it happened to be that most of the more interesting fights of the night between those two cards kind of lined up to work. out that you could see everything. And then I tuned in for Justin Gachi and Melvin Geyard and Okami and Dave Branch.

And who would have thought that the UFC event would finish before... I know. It almost worked out perfectly if you wanted to watch the Bell Tour main event, but the UFC... I love the fact that they just ran through that show. I hated when they would put a prelim fight, especially after watching all of them, and they're all available, in the middle of a

pay-per-view. What are you waiting for? Just get through it. And then load the rest. on the back end with the prelims. So all in all, it felt like just a great night for MMA. Like, there was no real controversy, right, that I can think of. All good results. All fun fights. The UFC card, even though, you know, some of those guys at the beginning

weren't UFC pay-per-view caliber, that was a really fun show. And same with Bell Tour for the most part. Now, the main event wasn't the most exciting thing, but what did you expect? It was what it was. It got you to watch. It was kind of the signal of a new era. So that was a good night. Nothing to complain about.

Our next question, is it safe to say? We're going to see Justin Gachey in the UFC sometime soon. Not sure about his contract status or anything with WSOF. Just pretty clear he has the skill to be fighting the best in the world. Yeah, it's unfortunate because right now it doesn't feel like there are a lot of options for him. And I feel like he's ready for that. That was a big fight. He stepped up.

It wasn't a title fight. That was unfortunate, especially after everything Gilar had said. It's his title anyway. So it's not like he just had a non-title fight. Sure. but it would be interesting to see could he have finished him in the fourth or fifth. You know, you want to see the champion defend the belt. It's not good.

It's not a good look for the promotion. Yeah. When the title challenger misses Wade and has to be a non-title fight. You bill it as a three title fight card. Again, to my point, no more three title fight cards. I feel like they're just a curse. Nothing good ever happens. Either during the card or before the cards, something bad is bound to happen if you promote a three title fight card.

Stop it, no more. Especially the smaller promotion. Something always happens. It's crazy. Anyway, I think he's ready. But, you know, it's one of those weird things. Like, I'd love to see Jessica Aguilar fight in the UFC. I'd love to see her fight, you know, Esparza again or whatever.

I'd love to see her fight whoever wins the show or Claudia Agadell. I want to see that. But I don't want to disrespect the promotions as well. It's a weird thing. Why would World Series of fighting give Justin Gaci or Jessica Aguilar away? There's no one for them to really fight, but how are they going to survive if they build up these talents and then just give them away? You can't be in that kind of business. So it's weird.

I'm torn about it. The fan in me, the journalist, I guess, for storyline purposes, I'd love to see those fights. That's where the best fight. But if I'm World Tories of Fighting, I'm not just saying, hey, UFC, here you go. We want to see them too. No, we want to make money.

You know what I mean? So I don't know who they're going to get for him to fight. It's tough these days, especially with Beltor changing up their whole thing and the UFC not really getting rid of a lot of guys, but they got to find some. someone. If I'm World Series Fighting, I don't give him away, unless he's a

free agent, of course, and I don't give away Jessica Aguilar, but it's going to be a challenge to get him legit competition without I'm getting bored. Yeah, he's a hell of a fighter. He's so much fun. He's great. And again, kudos to them. They made him. We didn't know Justin Gachie was beforehand. They made Marlon

Maris. They didn't necessarily make Jessica Aguilar, but I feel like she's getting the rub. On the conference call last week, she was getting a ton of questions. People like her. She's marketable. she's pleasant to talk to. She's a great fighter, although I do agree. I saw Robert Sargent tweet an article,

and I apologize that I don't remember the author's name, but it was a Bleacher Report article. I do agree that come the end of the Ultimate Fighter, season 20, once the belt is defended, it's going to be tough to keep claiming yourself the number one fighter at 115 if you're not fighting the best. She's not fighting top 10 fighters. She's not fighting top 15 fighters.

So right now she's maybe that number one fighter, but if I were her, I'd want to go to the UFC because there's just no division there. I mean, they literally don't have a division. They don't have any other 115-pound fights, essentially. They just have her title fights, and that's going to be hard to keep going. Performance of the weekend in a weekend full of great fights.

Who did you think had the performance of the weekend? I was impressed by branches, Llamas, and Gastilum's performances. It's hard to pick one, but if I had to, I would pick branches. Wow. The guy looks so good against a very tough fighter in Okami, and what a great finish. I always watch your show. I'm a huge fan of you.

Best regards from Brazil. Before I weigh in, I remember I asked you, end of the show last week, what's the story we'll be talking about today? You said Will Brooks Chandler. Did you pick a winner? No, maybe. I don't know.

But do you feel the same way? I mean, there's so many stories. I really didn't expect all the cards to just play out like that. Everything played out in a storybook way. I mean, there's so many. storylines. I think Will Brooks kind of got a little bit buried with the Tito Ortiz Bonner thing, with Verdooms' miraculous, like, flying knee. My, I was most impressed with Will Brooks.

That was, that, I, my stance hasn't changed. I thought that that was the, that was the fight with the most on the line, with the two highest-level guys that I thought needed to prove something to the other. And in this one, I felt like Will Brooks proved, he can be a champion in Bellator for a long, long time. And he has all the tools to do it. So I was most impressed by Brooks, but Branch had a fantastic performance. Llamas in a fight that many people were counting him out for some reason.

I favored... Who was the favorite? Bermudas was the favorite by about 2 to 1 by the time the books closed. Which, that was a little high in my opinion. But I think that he was rightfully the favorite. But Lomas, I mean, he just had a fantastic performance. Yeah.

There's no right answer here. There are so many good performances. There were so many individual standouts. It's hard to really choose one. And even though he lost the first round and was losing the second round, I mean, props to Verdome for A, just, you know, his career comeback. I mean, really, who would have thought? That's how I started my interview with Dana White post-fight. Who would have ever thought after getting released from the UFC after the loss to JDS?

that he'd be back in this point. I mean, this is really a remarkable turnaround, and evolve as a fighter, become a better fighter, all that stuff. He deserves some credit for starting off slow and then knocking out Mark Hunt, which is a tough thing to do at this stage in the game. I know in the past he's been knocked out, but especially that way, flying knee. I got to agree with our friend here from Brazil. I mean, when I saw in the moment that Okami lost to branch,

especially via TKO, I know that it's easy to, you know, to hate on Okami these days, and he's maybe not as tough as he once was, but that's a big win for a guy that was just considered a UFC cast off and didn't really fare all that well in the UFC. I mean, now it makes me start to think that David Branch really got into the UFC and maybe a little too soon. You know, maybe he really wasn't ready to fight in the UFC because he's looked great, finishing Jesse Taylor

and, you know, now finishing Yushinokami in that fashion. I mean, it wasn't controversial. He did what he had to do. He looked very impressive, and he was confident that he was going to win. That one really, sticks out. It's that or Kelvin Gasolm, in my opinion, to finish Ellenberger in that fashion? And I mean, how about the story he came on and told on our show about, you know, his life leading up to MMA? And then also, I could be wrong, but I feel like Branch was one of those guys where he was cut a

a little sooner. Yeah. He was only two and two. He was two and two, and he got cut and people, you know, were a little confused about it. So maybe it wasn't that he got into the USC too soon, but he got in when the environment was a little different. The, the, the, culture was a little different. He would absolutely still be around in today's UFC because he has a name and he's definitely good enough to be on, you know, whatever prelims or, you know, the start of a paper view at this point. So I think the timing was just wrong, but now he's a champion in World Series of Fighting and

he's looked great doing it. Let's be honest, though. I mean, he wasn't the most exciting fighter back in the UFC. And even early on in World Series of Fighting. But, I mean, just in terms of skills and ability to win, I don't think, I think he got, you know, he didn't get a fair shake. And that much is clear at this point that he definitely belongs. That's why I'm happy there are, you know, I know a lot of people just want to see everyone under one roof,

and that would make things easier for everyone. But sometimes it's good for these promotions to be around the same way Strike Force was around and allowed Verdume to rebuild himself. The same is happening here with David Brown. branch. So it can be a place where, you know, the former contenders die off. And it could be a place where guys who maybe tasted the limelight a little too early truly develop and they don't have to do it under the bright lights of the UFC. Before we move on, I'm changing my answer. The answer is Fabrice Overdome because he made MMA fun again. That's just what he does. Single-handedly?

He makes M.M.A. fun. His fight with Travis Brown was just fun. Yeah. And then this weekend he turned, or this week, rather, he just turned the entire event into a celebration, and it was a lot of fun. And then he landed a flying knee as a heavyweight. I mean, he just makes MMA fun. So Fabricio Verduem is my answer, but I thought Will Brooks looked absolutely fantastic. That's my second answer. What is the people's main event in Austin? Also, how do you see the winner of Barbosa Green fitting into the lightweight title picture?

Wow, people's main event. You know, I haven't thought of it yet. Let's see. Let's see. It might be the one you mentioned. I know, I know. That is a great fight. People's main event in Austin.

Looking at a... I'm really excited about Matt Wynman, but that won't be it. Yeah. You know, it's one of those where I think all eyes are on Frankie Cubb. I hate to say it, but it really has to be Frankie Cub, right? For me, it's this one. This is a fun fight. Okay, fine.

Frankie Cub becomes the people. Comane. Bobby Green, Edson Barbosa is a lot of fun. Were you also surprised that he got Edson? No. Coming off that big of a win

over Josh Thompson? I mean, so what other options were out there, though? Well, there was Soroni. Wasn't the timing not right for that one? Also, Mazvedal. I feel like Mazvedal can't get that big fight.

Who does Mazvedal have next? Because you remember, he was supposed to fight Mazvedal. Yeah. Masvidal, he just got someone. Oh, Norman Park, January. Yeah, maybe he's not ready. It's too soon.

Anyhow, I love that fight. That's a fun fight. I don't think there were many options, and I think that this is a very good one. It's a great fight. I'm not going to complain. Just, you know, oh, you go from beating Josh Thompson. I mean, he's really up there. But yes.

Green needs fights, though. He's had a few, you know, canceled, and I really want to see him in there. I hope he's in the right mental state and, you know, everything's okay, outside the cage. I love that fight. What does it mean for the division? Hmm, let's see. what's this Dun dun dun

Dunn Um Hmm Bobby Green right now is 7 Who's above him That's about him? That's about it was 13

Who's above him? Okay Thompson What the hell What? These rankings Thompson is 6 Bobby Green 7

What the heck Benson Seroni Dosangos Jabe Gilbert I think Off the top of my head

here. Perhaps the winner of Benson versus Eddie Avres? I like that. Because Miles Jerry's fighting Soroni. It's time. It's all the time is now hashtag. What's time? It's time for Green to get that next step up if he wins. Yeah. So yeah, I love that fight. This card is really great. I can't say it enough. I feel like it's completely flown under the radar. Some of those fight night cards aren't that gray and they're just one or two fights on them that are really interesting. This is not the case. I feel like the entire thing. Even, I'm even looking forward to, I, I just close the card. The Kylene Curran versus Page Van Sandfight, 115.

We had Page on the show, not that long ago. Can Eve Edwards rebound? Luke Barnat. Can he rebound? And the main card is really good. Our next question is about the Sweden event. What are your thoughts about placing the event in such a huge arrangement? 30,000 plus seats, and having it in the middle of the night local time.

As a Swede, I'm concerned, it's going to be a catastrophe. MMA is becoming, quote, unquote, hip in Sweden, but the hardcore fan base is still very small. The 10K seat arena was only half full at the last event. Placing it in the middle of the night in dark and cold January will likely scare off most of the casual fans. We'll see. Tickets are on sale soon. I feel like the UFC has done enough research where they feel pretty. pretty confident that they're going to, they're not going to go to 30,000-seat arena, when another

arena, small arena is available. Let's not forget, the last event in Sweden did not feature Alexander Gustafson. That's a pretty big deal. The event prior to that also didn't feature him because he got injured. Yeah, also a big deal. This is a big deal. This is Gustafson at the height of his popularity in a number one contender fight. And, you know, you got Henderson, Musassi, Musassi, from that neck of the woods he's fought there before against Latifi I feel like they could do it

I feel like it will be sold just just it's one of those things where just going to that arena I feel like tells the fans that this is a big deal now the 3 a.m. thing I mean I would be concerned as well because if that's my local time

I'd probably be falling asleep at that time that is something I mean you know younger people might not want to go older people might not want to go that is definitely a concern but I feel like they are smart enough about this kind of thing to know that they're going to sell those tickets beforehand.

They've done their research. I think it's huge. I mean, if you're a Swedish fan, would you prefer this fight happen in Las Vegas or Florida or something like that? This is your boy fighting for the number one contender spot to regain that spot. Just two weeks, is it two weeks? Yeah, three, three weeks after Cormier Jones. The timing couldn't be better. It's a big fight. It's the two top guys. very little to complain about, except for the fact, of course, the time. I don't think it's going to be counterproductive, though. Now, this is the second week in a row, though,

that we've had somebody from the local area complaining about the time. What happened last time? Oh, Brazil? The Brazilian fan wrote in about, you know, they can't keep doing this. It's true. They made a habit out of not doing it,

especially with Fight Pass these days when they go to these, you know, these international markets. But doing a Fox Show in SW, Sweden in front of all those people is big for the American audience too. And I feel like just having gusts him back, we forget how big he is there. And I think he's come a long way since that first fight against Chicago Silver. Remember, he's only fought there once in the UFC. So I think this is a big enough deal for that. And I think they'll be okay.

Our next question, Rufus Sport reputation. After the tragic handling of Dennis Munson Jr. and the revelations from Rose of the training at Rufus Sport, do you think it will damage the reputation of the gym? Okay, so this is a very heavy topic. Earlier today, I tweeted out this video that was put together by a group of reporters in Milwaukee, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Tremendous journalism. They really broke it down. If you don't know the story, I suggest going back into my Twitter feed, checking out that video. In short, and I don't want to make it a short story because it deserves a whole lot more time. But in short, Dennis Munson Jr. was a kickboxer, fairly young in his, career. Sadly, after a kickboxing match earlier this year, he passed away. And it appears, based on the video package put together, there were a ton of errors that led to this tragic turn of events. I mean, from the referee to the cage side or the rinkside physician, to the corners, I mean, there was a lot on paper that seemed very troubling and very hard to watch, to be quite honest.

Since that story came out on November 15th, Rose Nama Yunus, of course, of the Ultimate Fighter, has gone on Twitter and voiced some concerns that she had about training at that gym, Rufus Sport in Milwaukee, a gym that has produced champions like Anthony Pettis and great fighters like Ben Ascran. And, you know, other people have come out. Eric Schaefer, former UFC fighter who's been a coach at that gym, have come out and voiced the same kind of issues and complaints about

the tough environment there and just stuff that they went through while training there and even some names that we don't even, you know, that aren't, you know, public names, big names, etc. I always feel like in these cases, when things come out like this, it's best to hear both sides of the story. It's best to get both sides. That's the fair thing to do. In fact, I reached out to Duke Rufus to come on this show, but he said he had practice during the available time. So he couldn't come on the show, but I do believe that we will have his say and things a little later on. So I think that's very important. Curious to hear what he says about this, about these accusations, about everything that transpired, and then we'll be able to decide. I mean,

there's always two sides to the story, so it's hard to really, you know, determine who's in the right, who's in the wrong. But these are, these are very, very serious accusations. And these are things that, you know, sometimes are thrown around in the world of combat sports, but after something like that, especially after, you know, the accusations of the cornerman, the coach, not taking care of his fighter. I mean, it was just so hard to watch. Even the referee, I mean, there was clear signs. And yes, hindsight is 2020, but there were some clear signs that this guy was in a lot of trouble.

This young man, Dennis Munson, and it's just a real tragedy. And you hate to see that in any kind of sport, especially in one like this that's so brutal. But I'd like to hear from Duke first. I'd like to hear what he has to say about it. This is his gym, his reputation. And let's be honest, prior to this point, at least publicly, these accusations weren't thrown around. It wasn't really, you know, a big label put on Rufus Sport. These are things that have been said about other people, but I haven't really heard it about Rufus Sport.

So I'd really love to hear from him first before weighing in, pointing the finger. But I have to say that the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel put together a great piece, hearing from people like Nick Lembo and other respected officials, just looking at the video and telling you everything that went on that was wrong, because it's pretty amazing and pretty unbelievable to watch. I mean, the lack of care for this person's safety and health was appalling, and I feel like all the people involved should really face some kind of consequence for it. And that's it.

Let's hear what he has to say. I mean, I think it's a little too soon in the game. I know some people asked me to reach out to Rose, but I felt like she had her say and definitely respected. She doesn't strike me as the kind of person, Pat Barry as well, Eric Schaefer as well, to throw out something like that if they didn't feel it. but once that was out there, I really wanted to hear from Duke and hear what he had to say about it.

So hopefully we have that soon, and then we can take it from there. Moving on to Twitter, we put this on pause earlier. What's next for Michael Chandler? Hmm. I think, I mean, look, he's not getting cut, that's for sure. I mean, I think it's a tough time for him. He was the face in many ways of Bellator, and, you know, he's lost three in a row now, but I still think he's a name and he's built himself up enough,

and I think the Eddie Alvarez feud because how great those fights were, the two fights, he typically brings it. He's a fun fighter, people want to see him fight. So I don't think he falls too far down the ladder. But yeah, I mean, that's now two losses to Will Brooks. Although I do believe that he won the first fight. You remember that fight?

I forget. I believe I scored it for Brooks, but I don't remember. I think Chandler wanted, and he was banged up, but still, losses of loss. It was very close. You know, there's Patricky Pitbull out there. There are names. There are guys coming off of losses in Bellator.

I think he'll be used the right way. Again, it's a different time in Beltaire. We don't have to worry about going through the tournament and all that stuff. He's still somewhat of a draw. He's not Ortiz, not Bonner. He's still a big enough draw for them where he can be used the right way. Of course, did he want to be the champion? Yes, but I don't think it's that troubling,

considering the organization that he fights in. But you have stated many times that the two losses to the champion is kind of a death now for your title detention. Yeah, that's tough. And he's got that. Yeah. He's got the two. He's got the two. He's kind of in that weird spot right now. He's not a 170 pounder. He's not a 1-45er. But, you know, is Will Brooks that dominant champion? We'll find out because the second he loses, if he loses, then all of a sudden he gets renewed life. But yes, right now, he's in that tough spot. A really tough spot. Where do you go? Well, again, in Bellator, I feel like the belts aren't established enough to where those things matter as much as if it was Chad Mendez, Joseph Benavitas, you know, those guys in the UFC who are kind of a in limbo right now. I think he'll be okay. I still want to see Mike Chandler fight. I'm still very intrigued by him. I still want to see him develop as a fighter. I still feel like we haven't seen

the best of him. It's okay. Our next question, what's next for Melvin Gallard? After missing weight and losing, what is the next course of action by WSOF? That's, I mean, Melvin Galard is in a, is in a tough spot because not only did he miss weight for the second time in World Series of fighting, by the way. not only did he lose, he kind of crapped all over the promotion on the weight to all of that, right? I mean, the B League and all that stuff, I think he's still a big enough name to where they keep him around if he wants to be cooperative. He was, there was something a little off about that interview last week, but I still think he's a name. And in a division where, especially in World Series of Fighting, where there aren't a lot of big names, you still need him around. Whether or not it's, you know, to prop up some new talent or to go on another.

run again. I think he needs to think twice about crapping on the promotion, especially when there aren't that many options in North America to make money, like the money he's making right now. I'm not saying it's the greatest money, but you're still making a living, doing what you love, fighting on national TV. He fought on big NBC in his debut. You got to make weight. If not, go to 170. You can't do it three times in a row. And it's probably best to not crap all over the promotion. I mean, who does that? Why would you, why would you hate on your bosses? that you work for. Your employers.

It's never good. Fighter, journalist, technician, waiter. It's not good to publicly smash your employer. Just my two cents. Our next question. You've been many places, this is to you, Ariel. You've been many places, Mexico, Canada, Ireland, Sweden, Brazil, and China. Did you go to China?

I have not. The other ones I believe you've gone to, right? Mexico, Canada, Ireland, Sweden, Brazil. Correct. Actually, no, no Sweden. No Sweden. Okay. That looks right.

We did that. The party at Brother Jimmy's. Yeah, the Brother Jimmy's event. Okay. It was fun. Mexico, Canada, Ireland, and Brazil. Who has the most MMA patriotism? I mean, it's hard to...

See, right now, the one that came to mind was Ireland because it's fresh, and that was pretty amazing stuff. Brazil, UFC 134 was pretty incredible. I think it's a toss-up between those. to and obviously Brazil way bigger than Ireland. Man. What was 134? Was that?

That was Anderson Okami, the first one back. That was ridiculous. I mean, them singing, Palo Tiago's song, Nogera coming out of the people crying when he won. It's different. One's more established, one's a little newer. But those are the ones that come to mind. I mean, there was something special about the Ireland card

because when the UFC goes to Brazil, especially early on, all the fights feature Brazilian. Well, you can't fill an entire Irish card with Irish fighters. There aren't enough. So it was kind of like they got excited. They got excited. And then they had a little break. And then they got excited.

So it wasn't continuous as it was that first time, UFC 134. And all the Brazilians were wrecking. They were wrecking cows. As were the Irish fighters. Canada, they're good, but I don't put them up there with those. Damn. I don't. I'm just being honest.

It's not the same. U.S., no way. You're one of us now. Japan, it's not quite the same. They're not the Loud bunch. Where else have we been? Mexico was pretty awesome, but not quite the same. It wasn't the same.

But Loud doesn't necessarily translate to... Well, that's the best way to gauge it. That's the best way. Plus, the Mexican crowd, I mean, honestly, they were cheering for Hunt more than Verdume come fight night. So it's Ireland, Brazil. Right now, I give it to Ireland because I feel like Brazil has gone down a little bit,

and it's not as fresh. So right now I give the title to Ireland. How about Ariel Hawani hating on Canada? Next question. This is the truth, man. I speak the truth. Unbiased. What's the purple thing on the desk?

This guy. This is what we're talking about? I'm colorblind. Seriously? Yeah, what is? It's purple, yeah. Okay, here we go. It's like super purple.

Wait, wait, time, time. What do you see it as? Fuchsia? I'm kidding. It's purple. Are you actually colorblind, though? I am. So, like, what is it?

Like, it's like, it's like, muted? No, no. I don't see black and white, but... I don't know. Like, compare that to the orange, the orange ball on the, on the top of the Anderson Silva box.

By the way, that's auto, the orange, okay? A little respect. Oh, I'm sorry. But he's purple. Is he purple? No, no, no. Compare the navy blue, though,

to the purple. Is that like similar? Yeah. You don't think so? No, it's not even close. I mean, look at that. No. That's weird.

That's interesting. This is a tough one. That would be a tough one. Wow. Okay. So, yes, that is very purple. Okay. What is it?

So on Friday, after the way ends, I attended a CMLL Lucha Libre event in Mexico City. And let me tell you, I've been to a lot of places now, and I've had an opportunity to do some cultural stuff at these places. I don't get to do it a lot because we're working so much. And I always recognize the fact that I'm not there on vacation. I'm there to work. But Lucha Libre, Michael Carroll.

flip the script, offered us the opportunity to attend this event, and it was so much fun. It was such a blast because it felt like, and if you don't know what Lucha Libre is,

it's Mexican pro wrestling. It felt like a throwback. It felt like old days, Memphis wrestling, every Friday night, the people go to the same arena, not a lot of talking, just matches,

and there are women there, there are old ladies there, there are little kids there. The vibe, I mean, it was like what you've seen the movies with the public,

posters and obviously the high flyers and the mask. I got two masks myself. It just felt like we were in the 70s. It was so much fun and the athleticism was great. A couple of known guys were there, Chavo Guerrero, Hernandez from the T&A team. Even Mark Jindrack was there who looks completely different than the natural bone thrillers. It was so much. I couldn't understand a word that was going. I mean like when they made the announcements and all that and even Guerrero came on the mic and I think he was promoting something happening the next night. But it was just it felt like straight out of natural Libre. It was amazing. It was so much fun. So I bought these little guys. I bought this guy. I think this is an actual wrestler, but I forgot to ask who it was. I bought this guy who, as you mentioned earlier, kind of looks like a Power Ranger. Yeah, White Ranger from back in the days. Where his eyes? I guess you can't see them because he's wearing the mask. I bought two masks myself. And I even bought a kind of one that's this big Lucha Libre guy for my son, who he enjoyed it very much and we named him Nacho. And it was. It was a, just, it was, if you're ever in Mexico, it's like a cultural event. Everyone just goes, kids, old ladies, and they watch it for two hours, and then it's over. Perfect time. I think, I think, yes. Don't they have, like, one in Cali now, though? That you don't even need to go to Mexico? It's not the same. I think it's called Lucha Underground or something. It sounds right. CMLL and AAA, that's the real deal. That's what you watch on Univision. This is like longstanding, like, super reputable. Corona, you see the Corona logo. Like, this is what you see on Univision with the guys flying

all over the place. I've never seen it. You've never seen it? No. You've never seen it? No, I would love to. No, you've never seen it like? No, no, no, I've never seen it.

No, you're on TV? Mm-mm. That's weird. I do know, I did know one of the names, Chavo Guerrero from what you said. I didn't know the other two guys, though. Came out to the WWW music too. It was great. It wasn't full, but it was just so much fun because it wasn't the talking.

It wasn't the soap opera stuff. And of course, I didn't know. They had this one character there who was kind of a fancy boy. and his thing was that he was trying to kiss everyone and people were laughing they were just having the time they had this one little midget like literally he was this big

and he was dressed as like a teddy bear a blue teddy bear and he was just great he was wobbling around it was so it was so much fun now that I think about it I saw a jiff online of a guy like a

a little person wrestler like being kicked off to apron or something like that and like flying into the crowd and I think it was from Friday? No I don't know if it was from Friday because I've seen it before that, but I think it was from like a Lucha Libre thing. Maybe it was from one of those organizations. Oh, totally. Was he

wearing a mask? I think he's wearing a teddy bear suit now that I think about it. That's what sparked it in my mind. But yeah, I mean, I'd love to see it. It sounds like fun. Michael reminding me that the fancy boy is called Maximo. That's his name in case you, in case you want to look him up. It was a lot of fun. They put on a great show. And you know it was cool about it? when the event was over. Oh, and they have all these masks outside and t-shirts and things like that. Like the memorabilia is great. Where are your masks now?

You know what? I was going to bring it. But the last time I brought my freaking mask, someone stole it. My Eric Perez-Goyito mask. Where is that? I'm sure it's somewhere. No, it's not. It's somewhere in heaven with my watch, by Anderson's Civil Watch, in memorabilia heaven.

So I'm not bringing any more of my things here, although I did bring this. There's only one entrance and exit. So when we walked out, Chava Guerrero was in his car. car actually being driven by someone else and it just felt like everyone was kind of like hissing or like hey chavo it felt old school like there was no back door that they leave from he was actually just there that seems like a terrible idea it was kind of weird but it was also pretty awesome like that seems like a terrible idea for like if there's a guy who's a character that that you know people hate and then they see him like right next to them when they're leaving that does not and you know you get a few you said it's

sponsored by corona you get a few drinks in you that does not sound um Good. Also, they're relentless with the, the, they're relentless with the memorabilia stuff. Oh, yes. So Sean Sheehan just sent me a video. And it's that guy.

The little man. Oh, my God. flipping around, yes. This is hilarious. It's that guy. The guy, the thing I was talking about? He claims that he knows what you're talking about. And if this is true, it's that guy.

We'll see. Okay. Our next question. Anyway, it was a lot of fun. If you're ever in that area, I suggest you going. Our next question from somebody named Will. Did y'all see that girl's ear get blowed up? Oh, I know this.

I can sense that accent from a mile away. Yes, I did. I saw it. We talked about it. He saw it, too, which is... You got to keep up. Smart. You got to put it pretty smart.

What about the post-fight interview? I really screwed up on that post-fight interview, by the way. how dumb am I to do it when we're like like facing the yes the wrong way yeah the idiot honestly I blame covered though no I blame yeah but I mean for the effect sure do you have your back turn to camera no like this is the this was the bad ear he was on so she's turned like and I'm here let's say I'm standing right here to her right so the good ear is facing the camera if she's turned a little bit you don't get to see the effect of the bandage I was I will admit I was kind of dying to ask her to take it off but I thought that that maybe would be a little bit too much.

Our final thing is not a question. Wow. But it is a picture from our buddy, Chris Rennie. Who tweeted me earlier today saying that he's going to miss the show for the first time. Is it really the first time? I don't know. But this time around, he has a great excuse. A father?

Now, is this a boy or a girl? It's a good question. Either way. I don't think he declared it on social media yet. very secretive. Either way incredibly cute, Mazel Tov all the best. And already a fan. Already fan, he puts a, if you're not watching,

he put a piece of paper next to his newborn child saying Ariel and Rick, the MMR rocks, no mention of Will or Alex, which I think was a little bit of, you know, an oversight. But, I mean, that's, that's, that baby's a dick. That's, that we do not,

we do not condone that language, nor do we share that sentiment. But that is pretty, I mean, to think, think in that moment to do something like that for us that's very touching stuff plus i i recognize that that little swaddle or thing yeah the the the blue line over there i had the the stripe i have the same one i have many of those actually that's great that's great congratulations chris congratulations all the best in in 20 years in 20 years this young lady or boy will look back on this moment i mean how many people are just hours old and make it to the number one, number one mixed martial arts podcast show on SB Nation that airs on a Monday. That's great stuff. Thank you for that. That's very nice.

You spelled your name wrong, but that's okay. He spelled whose name wrong? Well, I mean, it's RICK. No, no, no, it's RIC. There's no K in my name. Come on, bro. That's it? That's it. That's it, but get your applications in to fight at Meta-Metammer. Oh, that's right. Anyone? Oh, we can't see. It'd be cool if we could see them come in and we can pick. Oh, no, you can't see them come in.

They're going to Metamoros. But info at Metamoros. That was cool. Are you going to do it? Yes. I have a black belt. Let's look at the odds before we go. Matt Wyman.

Oh, I thought you were about to say odds for Meta Morris. That'd be cool. Do they do that now that I think about it? Where can I find that? I don't, it wouldn't be up until closer to the event. But I think they do that. Well, here we go. You ready for it?

Yeah. Well, how about this one, just for fun? Nick Diaz, Anderson Silva. Anderson Silva. Yeah. What is it? Minus 350 plus 329. Okay, Saturday.

Matt Wyman, Isaac Valley Flagg. Wyman. Bless you. Minus 230 plus... Oh, sorry. Minus 220 plus 185 for Wyman. By the way, did you notice, after our interview with Mark Hunt, did the line change?

Mm, that's a good question. I didn't look. I didn't actually look at that. I would have to think it did. My feeling coming out of that interview was he's cooked. Yeah. And I wouldn't be surprised if many people thought the same thing. But betting on Hunt by K.O. probably paid a decent amount and you probably could have gotten that. Back to Saturday. Yep. Joseph Benavides, Dustin Ortiz. Benavides. Minus 75 plus 310. Jared Rochalt, Alexei Olinick. Roschalt. Yes. But maybe a little closer than I thought. Minus 220 plus 185. Well, the thing about Rochal does,

he has a great wrestler, but he's shown that sometimes it gets a little sloppy. Yeah. Gets a little tired. But, I mean, there's no reason not to think Rochall would be the favorite there. Okay. Brad Pickett, Chico Kamis. Hmm. It's going to be Pickett, but I, I, I love.

like that fight. I have a feeling it's going to be, the odds are going to be further than I think they should be. I have a feeling picket's going to be at least like a two to one favorite. Is he? Yeah, yeah. Maybe not. No. Well, yes, he is. Minus 250 plus 210. You know what? That's not so far off. I think Chico's a live dog in that situation, but I think Pickett is the rightful favorite. Big fight for Pickett coming off the I. McCall loss. Okay, two more. Bobby Green, it's a Barboso. Ooh, this is a tough one.

See, the other ones were easy so far. I'm going to go, I'm going to go green because Barbosa's coming off a loss and Green is coming off some big wins. I'm going to go green. Yes. Actually, wow, this is interesting. I've never seen this before. Is Barbosa the favorite? Well, you know best fight odds?

They have some outlets. Well, this time they have three. Two of them have Bobby Green as the favorite, slightly. but the lowest one, you know, the one that they highlight, has them as the dog. So it's a close fight. Five dimes minus 120, sport bet minus 114, but bet online plus 115.

And then Barbosa, five dimes also has a 120 minus 120. Wow, look at that. Minus 114. It's same. And then minus 135. Well, a lot of times some of the books get their lines from the other books. Oh, okay. But it's not copied on the other ones.

That doesn't surprise me because, well, not all of them, but it doesn't surprise me because I have a feeling that that line will go up and down in each of their favors as we get closer to the fight. Just because it's such a close fight. My gut says Bobby Green takes this because of his durability and because of his ability to take one and trade the other. Whereas Barbosa is much more of a finisher, but his chin is just suspect at this point. I was reluctant to say that for a while, but when, you know, when Soroni dropped him with the jab, I think his contendership kind of just went out the window because you can't rely on that. His chin is a little bit suspect, and I think that Bobby Green is going to be able to take one and trade one back. Now, if Barbosa catches him with one of those kicks, one of those really good ones, I could see it being a short night, but I think Green is tough and he'll be able to use his boxing over the three rounds to frustrate Barbosa.

We've seen guys frustrate Barbos in the past. Ross Pearson, even Anthony Enjuquani frustrated him a little bit. So I think that this could be Green's fight to lose, but Barbosa's never out of it. Okay. And last but not least, Cub Swanson, Frankie Edgar. Frankie's going to be the favorite. And I don't know. It's a very interesting style fight.

I don't know how to, I don't know how to gauge. Cub Swanson, his complete package against Frankie Edgar, because Frankie's such a good counter-wrestler, and I feel like they're so similar, not in the way they move or anything like that, but just how complete their games are, that they kind of counter each other out. I'm not sure how to gauge this one properly.

I would embed on it. I'd stay away from it, but I think Frankie should be able to edge it out just because Frankie, he's been at the upper echelon of this sport for quite a while now. Frankie minus 240 Cubs plus 205. Yeah. Close.

All right. That does it. Saturday UFC Fox Sports 1. Prelims also on Fox Sports 1. Fight past 7 o'clock. Prelims Fox Sports 1, 8 o'clock. And the main card at 10 o'clock from the Frank Irwin Center in Austin, Texas, also Metamores. And great news that their show starts at 2 p.m. Pacific, which is 5 p.m.

Eastern time. So right before all the UFC action, of course, Mani Paki also fighting Long Island's own Chris Algeri in Macau, China. So a very busy night, once again, on Saturday night. It is 4.39 p.m. Eastern Time in 21 minutes from now, the UFC will be holding a gigantic press conference. Some of the biggest stars, they've been tweeting out pictures are all there. Biggest names, biggest champions in UFC are going to be on the stage alongside Dana White. They'll also be announcing their entire entire 2015 schedule. Also, just announced via my good friends over in Canada. Sorry. Sorry. Yeah, just announced over in Canada, Dave DeBurt of the, was it the post-media?

What's his outlet again? God, I screwed this up. Post-media news. Yeah, just announced that the UFC going to Canada, going to Calgary in 2015. So that's big news for the Calgary fans. I know you've been wanting that for a long time. it will all be answered in a matter of minutes and they'll also be breaking some news there'll be some special announcement made so look forward to that I'll be watching it with all of you and we'll have coverage on MMAFighting.com

as per usual so stick around for that 20 minutes away take a shower, make a sandwich, do what you got to do and then come back at 5 o'clock Eastern 2 Pacific to watch the big press conference right here on your favorite MMAFighting.com You can hit my music

I think I'm actually going to stay in this seat I don't care. I know they do shows when I'm going to stay here and I'm going to force them to work around me and I'm going to watch the press conference. Nope. All right. Fair enough. That's all it took. But I will be watching it somewhere here because at this point, if I try to go back, I will miss it. And I don't want to miss it. I'm very curious about the schedule stuff. Let's see what happens. And the big announcement. Let's see what happens. In any event, I want to thank everyone who stopped by. Thank you very much to, too, Chuck Mendenhall.

Great stuff as always. Thank you very much to Halleck Gracie. Again, info at metamores.com. Do you want to compete against Vinnie Magalyesh? This Saturday. $10,000 on the line if you beat him. Nothing if you sign up. Can you get something?

Not my call. Good luck. Curious who they pick. Good luck also to Eve Edwards. Great talking to him. Big fight for him on Saturday. Hoping to snap that losing skid. Nick Diaz joined us.

All of you thought it wasn't going to happen. I loved it. All the tweets. Didn't believe me. Thought I was ribbing, joking, trolling. It happened. You saw it. Nick Diaz.

Appreciate it very much. Best of luck against Anderson Silva. Thank you very much to Anthony Johnson. Great stuff. Maybe my favorite Anthony Johnson interview. Really appreciate his time and honesty. And thank you very much to Frankie Edgar for stopping by as well. Best of luck to him against Cups Swanson.

The MMA beat is back this Thursday, 1 p.m. Eastern Live right here on MMAfighting.com. So join us then. Until then, if you missed anything, check it out. iTunes, Stitcher, ICloud, ICloud, SoundCloud, Pisa Mario. Ever feel like your work tools are working

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