MMA Fighting - The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani - Episode 335

Episode Date: June 20, 2016

Ariel Helwani speaks to Will Brooks (00:05:15), Fabricio Werdum (00:27:03), Frankie Perez (00:49:38), Luke Rockhold (01:08:10), Dave Meltzer (01:28:36), Cris Cyborg (01:51:34), NewYorkRic to take your questions (02:19:12), and Georges St-Pierre (03:11:07). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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at O-D-O-D-O-O-com. That's O-D-O-O-O-O-com. It's the Mixed Martial Arts Hour with a mixed martial arts hour back in your life on this Monday, June 20th, 2016. Hello again, everyone. I'm Mario Hawani inside our New York City studio. Beautiful day here in New York, a beautiful weekend. Happy Father's Day to all the great fathers out there who watch or listen to this show on a weekly basis. What a great day I had yesterday with my kids, my wonderful sons, Oliver and Walter. beautiful Father's Day and of course congratulations to the great fans

in Cleveland and all around Ohio for their Cleveland Cavaliers finally winning the NBA Championship the suffering is over yay the whining is over yeah no I'm just kidding I'm very happy for you guys it was a great moment one of the greatest sporting events

that I have ever witnessed congratulations to long time Cleveland Cavaliers fan New York Rick who's in the back who's thinking of even changing his name to Cleveland, Rick, after what happened last night. He's on Cloud 9.

We'll be hearing from him later on. I can't wait for that. It should be a lot of fun. But of course, a big weekend in mixed martial arts. The much-anticipated Wonderboy Thompson versus Warren McDonald's fight happened in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. And surprisingly, to me, some people didn't like this fight. I loved it.

I thought it was fascinating. Yeah, it was a little technical, a chess match, if you will. but I cannot look away, even though it was happening at like 2.30 a.m. Eastern time. I'm joking. Around 1.30 a.m. Still an ungodly hour, especially locally. Geez, those poor fans. And I hear there was no air conditioning. What the heck? But ultimately, it was won by Wonderboy Thompson. I had it four rounds to one. He cements his place atop the World War II Division. In my opinion, he has done enough. He should not take any other fight. If it's not for the belt, he should be fighting the winner of Robbie Lawler versus Tyron Woodley.

you beat Rory McDonald, especially like that, that dominantly you deserve a title fight, especially when you consider the fact that he just annihilated Johnny Hendricks. Rory, where does he go from here? We'll discuss that later on in the show as well. He is now a free agent. He bet on himself, did not win, but I still think he is a hot commodity in this sport. Other notable victories on the card, Cowboy Soroni, defeating Patrick Cote at 170 pounds. How about Joanne Calderwood getting back to her old self with a big win over Valerie Latournossum.

Strange refereeing in that fight, though. Talk about that too. And how about Steve Bosse, defeating Sean O'Connell? Almost finished in the first round, comes back and wins an amazing fight. One of the best fights of the year by far. Had a feeling it would be fun. Those two are just a lot of fun to watch. So there were some notable results, some great performances on Saturday.

And of course, I have to mention Friday in St. Petersburg, Russia, we had Fyodor Emilianenko defeating Fabio Maldonado in a controversial fight. Anyone who thinks that Fyodor won that fight hands down, I mean, you're just, you're, you're blinded by your love of him, and I get that, but that was a draw at best for Fiorior. It should have been a 10-8 first round for Fabio, and then the next two I concede can go his way. One judge, a female judge, had it 2828. the others had it for Emilianenko and just can't see that happening, though still very much interested in fighting in seeing him fight in the UFC.

I don't care what happened in that fight. Just the sight of him fighting in the UFC, there are a lot of lesser talented heavyweights right now in the UFC. Anyone who says that they don't want to see him in the UFC, you will all watch. I guarantee if he actually does sign with the promotion. So that happened on Friday, and we will of course talk about that. Bellator had a show World Series. Fighting How to Show Belator is back on Friday.

A lot going on as always. Let me run down today's show and get to our first guest because he was in the news as well this past week. At around 4.10 p.m. We'll be joined by the great George St. Pierre. You may recall that last week on the program, he was in the news. We talked to Michael Bisping about him. And, well, there's a lot to talk to George about.

So I look forward to talking to him about, of course, his three loves. if I remember correctly, it was women, dinosaurs, and the violence of the octagon. So stay tuned for that. At around 305, we'll take your questions and comments. You know how to hit us up. 245 will talk to Chris Cyborg. I haven't talked to Chris since her big win at UFC 198. So looking forward to that very much.

Ask her what's next. 225, our own Dave Meltzer, who's been all over this UFC sales story. We'll talk to him about that. And of course, talk to him about what happened in Ottawa, what's to come, et cetera. 205. We'll talk to Luke Rockhold. about his loss at 199 and where he goes from here. Frankie Perez will stop by.

Remember him? He retired last August out of the blue. Young guy, he has some news to share at 145. 125. Fabrice Overeux. We'll stop by to talk about life after the heavyweight title. But first, let us go to the Skype Machine and welcome in a guy who had a big week last week. Will Brooks is now the newest member of the UFC's lightweight division.

He makes his debut on July 8th against Ross Pearson in Las Vegas. There he is. Very happy man, Will Brooks. joining us on the Skype machine right now. Will, how are you? I'm good, man. I'm amazing, bro. I'm blessed. How are you? I am doing well. A happy Father's Day to you. I know you're a new father, so I'm sure it was a very special day for you and your family in a very special week because you signed with the UFC. Now, I want to go back to Wednesday. You were a free man come June 15th. For some reason,

you had to sit on the sidelines a little bit after you were released or parted ways from Bellator. when did the first call come in on June 15th? Was it like an NBA free agency thing where they called you at midnight? How did this go down? How did it start? It was my, I think my manager reached out to me and told me just be ready. He actually reached out to me at midnight. He was like, be ready for Wednesday.

So I was like, all right, cool. We woke up Wednesday. Me and my fiance woke up Wednesday. It was like, all right, waiting on a phone call. And then my manager texted me. He was like, listen, we're moving. Things are moving in a right direction. So we should be done with this pretty quick.

He didn't really tell me who it was with until maybe later. And I was like, all right, well, what's going on? And he was like, yeah, it looks like we're going to be signing with the UFC. And it was like, wait, I thought he was like, I thought he was just messing around because this is the type of duty is, man. You like to mess with people. But it was a crazy process. Yeah, of course you're talking about Monty Cox, longtime manager in this game.

And OG, I believe I referred to him as the last time you were on. What were the emotions Monday, Tuesday, as you were approaching June 15th? Were you starting to get nervous, anxious, were you worried the offer wouldn't come in? What were you thinking at that point? Yeah, man, it was a lot of touch and go type of feelings, you know, it was like, man, did I do the right things? Did I make the right decision? Did I roll the dice?

Because did I make the right decision taking a risk that I took, you know, and just a lot of different emotions, questioning things, you know, and I have to be honest, it was fear, it was self-doubt, it was confident and being sure that it was going to happen. mixed up but uh you know i just held strong my fiance held strong with me and uh you know we just kind of put it out there we just like whatever happens happens you know can you explain to us why you had to wait until june 15 to talk to people not really i mean it is what it is you know i've moved forward you know i can't really go back and change any of any of that stuff right now i'm just trying to be uh be the best ufc lightweight fighter i can possibly be and move forward you know a new will

Brooks, you know, so the past is a pass, and I'm not worried about any of it. It's still a little surreal for me to hear you say, be the best UFC lightweight fighter because I've associated you in your face for so long with Belator. Does it feel real to you now? Yeah, man, I mean, it felt real the day I signed the contract, you know, just because that's how I am, you know, I like, I can flip the switch pretty quickly, you know, I've always been pretty good with that. So, you know, once the initial news came in and my management reached out to me and let me know that, hey, the contract is coming through.

We got everything put together and it's really going to happen. And that felt surreal. But then once I signed the contract and I realized that I got to get ready to fight Ross Pearson, you know, I switched over to whatever, man. It's time to go to work. So I'm just back to business, you know. Did you or your manager, Moni, did you guys talk to any other promotions out there? I know there was some interest in you from these other promotions. Yeah, honestly, I couldn't tell you.

I think it was more like, I think it was all of him, you know, my management. We had, we had an understanding of what I want to do. You know, I let him know and I let everybody know. I wanted to try to get into the UFC. And if that was going to work, then great. If not, then, you know, I'm open to fighting wherever I go and I'll give them the best Will Brooks that I could possibly give them. But I'm sure he went back and forth with whatever he was doing.

And, you know, just the things worked out to me. put me in with the UFC so we jumped on it you know so it is what it is so in hindsight now and obviously you know the UFC had interest in you because they signed you uh do you think that you could have gotten more money if you didn't tell the world where you wanted to go from a negotiation standpoint uh I guess I mean sure I have to be honest with probably I mean that that's part of the business also is the money the money part of it all you know but I guess it's just something that I never really been too crazy about and I get that we all need money to pay bills and we need money to take care of our lives, you know, but I've said it most of the time, I come from a family of

money was never in abundance for us, you know, we were always struggling, we were always doing whatever we could do to get by, you know, so we had a, me and my siblings and even my parents, we got used to that I did, money wasn't that important, but, you know, I got the money that it feels good to me, you know, and there's always room to build up and guys for get that. You know, you go out there and start winning, you put bodies on the ground and you win, you get the $50,000 bonuses, all these different things, and you fucking, excuse my language, you mess around, and you mess around your waist, and then you're in the money, you know, you start moving, you start moving the numbers in the direction that you want to go in, so it is

what it is. So, okay, so you go from being the Beltor lightweight champion, you have very impressive wins, dominant wins on your resume, and, you know, when we were thinking, okay, if he does get signed by the UFC, where does he come in? You know, does he fight? one of the top three guys, does he fight a Tony Ferguson or a Habib Nirmagamaghamatov or does he work his way up? They offer you Ross Pearson, tough fighter, veteran fighter, gritty fighter, but not in the top 10. Were you okay with this offer right off the bat?

Did you like the idea of fighting him in your UFC debut or did you want a bigger name, a higher rank guy? I definitely wanted a higher rank guy, but, you know, I sat back and I started thinking and just having conversations with my management, we just realized I haven't fallen since November 6th of last year. So it was one of those things where it was like, man, do you want to go out here and try to fight one of these top 10 guys? And, you know, off of seven months being off and really not training and really going through a lot of different things in my life, you know, with the baby and transitioning to a new home, I haven't been able to train the way I wanted to, you know? So we just had to make a decision on what would work best.

And I guess, you know, we decided that this would be the best opportunity to get in there, compete against a veteran in the sport. not have too much pressure on myself, but just ease my way into it. It's something I'm comfortable with. Okay. How about fighting on like two and a half weeks notice or so? Would you have preferred more time? No. I mean, I'm always in shape.

That's the one thing I will always make sure I'm in shape. If I'm not in the gym, I'm at home, I'm working out, I'm doing something, I'm working on my cardio, I'm shadow boxing, doing something active to make sure that when I do get into the gym, I could fight guys on short notice, two weeks, three weeks, four weeks, whatever, days notice, whatever, I'll be ready to go, just got to cut weight and make the weight. So, you know, right now it's just kind of adding up my workload, adding on to my workload.

And the things just worked out. You know, my strength, conditioning coach just came back out here to help Robbie get ready for his training camp. So everything just kind of came together. So we were just like, you know what? This might be the way it's supposed to be. So I just went with it. And aren't you getting married like a week or so after the fight anyway? Yeah, I'm getting married July 16th, but yeah, a week and a half right after.

So, you know, it is what it is, man. It would have either been this or I could have tried to wait until July 23rd to see if somebody, you know, maybe fell off that card or maybe wait to fight in August. But I'm just ready to go, man. I'm ready. I can fill it in my bones. I'm ready to compete. And that's just I got to get back to work, you know.

It kind of feels perfect. I mean, if all goes well for you on the 8th, my birthday, by the way. just, you know, if you care. And then you get to celebrate on your wedding day eight days later. I mean, this is a pretty amazing scenario. Yeah, man, this is how I like it. I like having everything bunched together. It's a little bit of a little bit of chaos for me.

And that's why I've always done my best, you know, under pressure on the chaos. When this and that is going on, when schedules have to be flipped around and changed and all this craziness is taking place. And I have to adapt and change and be able to handle the all. So I actually, I appreciate and I like where I'm at right now. And I look forward to it. I think he's going to bring the best Will Brooks out. Dana White in the past and other people have talked about Octagon jitters,

this thing called Octagon jitters. And we've seen it. We've seen great fighters, have amazing careers, come to the UFC. And especially in their first fight, just sort of freeze. I mean, it kind of happened to Eddie Alvarez against Seroni, although he fought a very game, Seroni. The point is we've seen it before. Have you talked to anyone about this yet?

are you expecting to not be a you know because the bright lights Vegas UFC 200 week that's that's a lot different from some of the events that you're at in bellator how are you going to handle all that as a person how do you think you'll handle it I'm going to handle it just fine man I want to show up and take care of business I love this man I this is one of the reasons why I sacrificed what I did when I turned down a contract that I turned down with my previous employer I want the big lights I want to be in the spotlight I want to be in that that stage where there's so many eyes on you. There's so many media outlets.

There's so much going on. I want to be a part of that. I think I deserve that. I think that my personality and what I bring to the table fits that type of that landscape. So going into this is going to be fine, man. It's just another day at the office for me, man. It's just for me, I'm effing excited.

You know, I want this. I want to be a part of this, and I've made the sacrifices to be here. So there is no time to have jitters and all this different stuff. You got to go in there and compete. I heard the initial plan was for Dana White himself to call you and sort of welcome you to the UFC. Did that happen?

Yeah, I did. What was that like? It was weird, man. It was crazy because I was getting random calls that whole day from the UFC, you know, people organized things and getting paperwork and stuff like that. And so I was just getting random calls. And my management was like, all right, well, the UFC's PR agent is supposed to call you. So I'm waiting around. I was like, all right, because I don't want to miss anything.

I don't want to be a bad employee. I don't want to be a bad employee. So I'm sitting here and this random call comes in. I'm like, all right, cool. I answered it. And he was like, what's up, Will? And I was like, hey, what's going on, man? This is Will Brooks.

And I thought it was a PR agent. I didn't recognize his voice. And he was like, hey, this is Dana. And I was like, wait, what? And I was like, flipped out, man. But I didn't even give him a chance to talk, man. I was losing my mind. You know, I'm like, bro, like, listen, I was just telling him what I want to do, man.

I don't even think he got a chance to talk, but it was just crazy to have him on my phone, you know? Wow. It was crazy, yeah. Do you remember anything that he said to you? Not really, man. I was just tripping. I was so, I was ready to get off the phone with him and call my fiance. And, like, bad, like, I was on the phone with Dan White just night.

Like, I, like, I know, like, I remember parts of it, but, like, not. in great detail that I can share you know but uh it was crazy how did you celebrate that day uh i'll be honest man i um i got home and i broke down in tears man uh it's been a long time coming man i've made a lot of sacrifices and a lot of things i've had to go through my personal life that not a lot of people know about in the media and the fans and things like that so um i came home i saw my fiance She was jumping up and down, laughing and smiling. So excited. And I just grabbed her and started crying, man.

It was just like, man, I'm getting emotional right now. I won't lie. My eyes would get watered up. But it was just, I did that, broke down, and then I flipped the switch and was like, let's go to work. I had to go to the gym and get ready. What sacrifices are you talking about? Can you share some of them with us? Man, I've had so many people.

Sorry, man. No, it's all good. I've had family members give up a lot of their time, a lot of their money. I've had people walk out on me, turn their backs on me, doing the whole process. I've slept in my car for a year and a half for just to turn pro when I first started this, you know. And just a lot of ups and downs, man, and battling with different people, fighting through different things and just all, like, never really thinking that it was ever going to happen, you know. and just important people that I wanted to be here, a woman, Lori Jekylla, that meant a lot to me.

She was like a mother to me for years of my life during the most important parts of my life. Just wish she could be here to, you know, take part in all this. And just crazy, man. I'm so emotional right now. I can't put everything in order. But, man, I just, I tell you this, I shouldn't be here to be honest, I shouldn't be here.

Like I said, I sacrificed a lot, went through a lot of dark times, and I thought about putting myself in the ground a few times, you know what I'm saying? But I'm here, and it's just a crazy thing, and now it's time to go to work. So there is no more time to worry about any of that stuff. It's just time to focus up, you know. If you don't mind me asking, where is Lori now? She passed away. She passed away February of 2011.

away. She's a huge deal of me, man. And that's all I think about all the time. It's like, man, I got this brand new baby. I got a house. I got a kid. I'm getting married. And she was one of the people that I really wanted to have here to be able to witness this,

you know. And just some of the things my biological parents have gone through. You know, my dad has been through prison. He's been through the general system, drugs, alcohol addiction. addiction. My mom has been a drug addict, alcoholic. Like they've been clean for 25 years. My mom, my dad is 30-something years. But, you know, we've been through a lot, man.

My old man, I remember him working three jobs just to keep the lights on in our place, you know. And even still not being able to feed all of us, me and my brother and himself, he would have to sacrifice meals for himself for me and my little brother to eat, you know. And there'd be days where the power went out, the electricity went out, and we still had the flying away. And, you know, it's just a lot of... ups and downs through everybody in my family, man. And to say that I'm one of the people in my family that is battle through some of the ups and

downs and to be here is, I can't put it into words, you know, but just, I don't know, man. That's a beautiful thing. You are a very lucky man, and you have persevered. So much kudos to you. Living in the car, did you ever think about, you know, maybe I shouldn't be chasing this dream? Should I go do something else? Like, did you, do you recall having a moment where you were close to quitting? Yeah, man, I mean, I'll be honest, man, and this is a story of it. I've never told anybody, and I don't know, I might, I'll tell this story because I think somebody, I want

somebody to be able to find something in my story and maybe help them through some hard times. And there was a time where I gave up. I definitely gave up on time. I tried to walk into traffic, trying to walk into one of these busy intersections in Schomburg, Illinois, down I rode from my gym and try to walk into the street, and I try to, you know, in my life. And that was a scary time for me because I've always been a really hardworking guy. I've never ever had any thoughts like that, you know, I never really thought about giving up, but things just got so hard, you know.

And, you know, I got kicked out of my gym because I was standing. sneaking into the gym and I wasn't telling anybody and sleeping there and the owner kicked me on. I was just like, man, this is, this is all I got. This is the only thing I know how to do is compete and endure and just be relentless and everything I do. So when you're built like that, what else do you do? I tried to go to school that didn't work out, tried to work a 9 to 5, didn't work out. It just wasn't for me. And competing and doing this is what felt right to me.

And there's a couple of times where I thought it wasn't going to happen, you know. So I was just like, well, shit, why am I wasting space here? Why am I taking up air? And I flip the switch of my hand. It was like, yep, this is the right decision. Try to end my own life on my own terms. The person that was driving a car actually almost hit me, she swerved, almost hit a pole. And she got out of the car and flipped out.

And I'm standing there and just shocked. Like, couldn't believe what was going on. because I was thinking at that point I'd be done or ran over a hit or whatever in the hospital or something and just one gets out losing their mind, screaming and yelling, and asks me what the fuck am I doing?

Excuse my language and all this. And then it flipped to me. Man, I just tried to kill myself. And I was so embarrassed by it. I was so ashamed of myself that, I don't know, switch flipped in. It was like, how do you go back and tell your family that you try to do this?

How do you go back and say that, you know, you know so I just took it it was like you know what you need to get your shit together and just lock in and man it just it didn't get easier from there but I just stuck man I stuck to it

and everything I went on I just kept going man and I think I think that's why I'm here today you know because I just I just refused to go down you know how long ago was that this was

three or four years ago. Oh, wow. Not even that long ago. Yeah. And it was when I was to turn pro, my very first pro fight, I was scheduled to fight J.R. Hines and I just lost it. I don't know. I lost

Mama J. Laura Jackalut, who was a huge part of my life. I lost her and just felt defeat it and didn't have money, didn't have an idea of what I was going to do. And I just, I just fell apart. And it's just crazy what the mind does in dark places, you know. Sometimes you get to dark places and you think you're just not one of those type of people, you know. And all of a sudden you find yourself making a horrible decision that you should never do. So I don't know.

I'm here now. So it is what you. Thank goodness. It all worked out. And I'm so genuinely happy for you. I remember us talking not that long ago about the old will and trying to be happy and things like that. And I know right now you're emotional, but seeing your Instagram video last week of you just, you know, over the moon about finally realizing your dream of fighting in the UFC. I know that's not enough for you. You want to be the champion. But just getting to that point is a beautiful thing, my man. So really, really happy for you. Thank you for sharing all that. Thank you for. for opening up and congratulations to you and your family. I can't wait. July 8th, it's going to be a great day. You versus Ross Pearson. Finally, Will Brooks makes it to the UFC a beautiful story, a beautiful man. I appreciate it very much. Will, thank you for the time here today. And again, congrats. Thanks, man. I wish I could have gave you a better interview, man. I got a little emotional. It's a very crazy time of my life right now. And it's a lot of blessings that it just are piling up. And it's just, I don't know what to do with them. So, yeah.

It's good to see things going back in your direction. Again, thank you for the time. appreciate you squeezing us in and good luck in the next couple weeks and we'll see you out there in Vegas. I can't wait for it, my man. Thanks, man. I appreciate it. All right, there he is. Will Brooke stopping by. Wow, amazing stuff from him. Very emotional stuff. Perhaps now we get a better perspective as to why it means so much to him to be in the UFC and get a better perspective as to, you know, why he turned down that big contract from Bellator, why it was just important for him to be there, to be fighting in the UFC, to be, you know, on the grandest stage, so to speak. That was, that was, I had no idea that he had, he had been through that. So much credit to Will

for changing his life, getting back on the right track, and for now realizing his dream. And again, I know it's not just being in the UFC, but to get here when, for a long time, it didn't look like he was going to get here is a pretty amazing thing. Congratulations to him. Okay, let us transition now to our next guest. But before we move along, let me quickly tell you about our good friends over at audible.com. Do you love books, but find that you never have the time to read them? Well, audible.com has the perfect solution for you. Get audiobooks and listen to those books you've been meaning to read while on the go.

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They do believe he is joining us via the Magical Skype. There he is in his usual spot, joining us from his car. It's Vycavalo himself, Fabriceo Verduim. How are you, Fabricio? Hey, how are you, man? Everything's great, man. It's good to have you on the show. Thank you very much.

Thank you. Just start like a little bit of merchandise, you know? It's very important merchandise. HMP, what is that? The best, the best, the best, the best taste ever. What is that? Is that protein?

Yes, yes, yes, yes. Okay, hey. You guys away from me like seven years, yeah. Wow. And they still stuck with you and Reebok, all this stuff. They're still supporting you. No, no, just MHP. I know, I don't understand you like a Reebok.

No, no, I said it's nice to see, you know, some sponsors, they left when Reebok came, but they're still supporting you. They're still on your team. Team Viacabato. Yes, for sure, yes. Okay, so the last time we saw you was UFC198. Obviously not a great night for you.

What has life been like the last month since the fight since you lost the belt? Yes, man. I'm very sad for sure. And now I'm good again, you know. But the first week is very hard for me. I lost the belt, you know, in Brazil. 45,000 people there. It's like an amazing event.

But he got me, you know, man. He had a nice punch. He hit me, very nice punch. But it's happening, you know, is a heavy weight, man. And a lot of guys say different things. You know, the guys say, ah, you lose the fight, you lost the fight because you make a lot of happy face.

I said, what? What do you say, damn, man? It's different. You know, I did the campaign. The campaign, a happy face campaign. It's like, but it's different thing. When I mean, in the fight, it's, I mean, I mean, I'm.

I'm a complete focus, you know. But it's happy, man. He got me. That's it. I don't have a, I don't like a excuse, you know, excuse. When the guys, I know training, I have an injury. No, no, I don't have nothing. I mean, 100%.

But he got me. That's it, man. I don't say nothing about this, you know? Did the moment get to you, you know, 45,000 people in Brazil, first title defense. Was there maybe too much pressure that you put on yourself? No, I don't have a depression. Believe me, I don't have a pressure, zero pressure. I just attack him.

And when you have an attack, I attack him, and you open yourself. You know, it's so hard you attack and defend the same time. It's so hard. I just, I try to attack him, that's it. He goes back and he got me in the chin, you know. It's so hard because I don't saw the punch. When you saw the punch, maybe knock down, you come back again. But it's so hard because I don't see the punch.

I saw the video after the end. I saw the video. He got very good here, man. Yeah, you know, I just saw on the light, black light. That's it. I don't see more, nothing more. I don't have a, hey, the other day or after then, I don't have a pen. No, no my head.

Nothing, man. Nothing. He got a very nice punch. That's it, man. It's good for him. He got the belt. But now, after then, I have a lot of things. You know, I go to Tachania.

I make a movie with, you know, Mike Tyson. Yeah. You know, the kickboxing movie. Yeah. I make this. I make a lot of different things, you know. How many times have you watched it? A lot, a lot.

Is it hard? Sometimes I look. Yeah, sometimes I just look again just for, you know. I think, I win the fight, this fight. Very nice kick, good attack. I start very well. You know, I start very good attention. But he got me.

That's it. This is why have weight is very spectacular, you know? It's very nice fight. Why everybody want to watch? Because it's like this, you know? One punch, that's it. He got me. That's it.

I don't say nothing like excuses, you know. Why did you attack him like that? Why did you go so, with so much force towards him, which led to the knockout? Why did you do that? Because I think this moment is my moment. You know, I saw this moment for, because I saw this, you know? I just, I don't want to stay there. Like, I just defend, defend, defend.

No, no, I want to attack you. You know, I don't know, for sure I want to finish the fight very well, very, very fast. But it's so hard because he got me, you know, that's it. But it's so hard, I want to the guys say different things. You know, you're doing, you have a, you make a lot of happy face. You don't have a, no, I'm good, man. I don't have nothing about the no injuries. I mean, 100%.

I want to show, I want to show I'm very good. You know, my stand-up, my jiu-jit stew, my wrestling. But I don't have a time for show this, you know? So did you receive a lot of criticism? Did it bother you that people were saying, oh, you were not serious enough? Or you did this mistake? Yes, yes, a lot, a lot.

When the guys say, you say your opinion about the fight, it's okay. But when the guys send them on the Instagram or different things, the guys say bad things, I just block the guys that's it. I just block, you know. I feel bad. I block the guys that's it. I can't imagine. Sometimes I see the fighters.

You have a fight. You get knocked out whatever. And then people go on your Twitter, Instagram, and they speak badly towards you. And I don't understand how people can act that way. Making fun. I don't tell you. When I have a fan, all the guys with you. And when you lose, the fight, nobody, man.

You look at what? You know my friend before? Ah, but it's different now. You know, everything's changed. When you do, the champion, is one thing. You have a lot of friends. I like a fake friend. Of course.

Of course. But when you lose, you see like a real friend you have it. Wow. So you've noticed that? Yes. You've noticed that in the last month? Yes, I saw this like I mean, one of the champion. Yeah.

There's a lot of friends, but fake friends. Now I see, you know, my real friends, just my family, my team, you know, that's it. But it's like so hard, man. This is part, this part is so hard. Yeah, yeah. You know, this was your first title defense. Does it, obviously you didn't want to lose the belt. For my opinion, area, my opinion, is the second one, because I win the belt versus Mark Hunt.

I know it's no efficient. This is my idea, when I got the belt versus Mark Hunt, you know, my force defense versus King Velasquez. Fair enough. And then this is the second one. This is my, you know, it's no official, but it's okay. I think I like that. Okay, well, because I was going to ask you, did maybe defending the title, you know, make it feel like it was a bigger fight? But in your mind, this was the second time defending the title.

So it just felt like any other fight, I'm guessing, at this point, right? Obviously, in front of a lot of people, though, this time, 45,000. Yes, man, this is a huge event, you know, in Brazil, 45,000. Yeah, and I have a lot of different things that happen before the fight, you know? A lot of media. Yeah, yeah. I go two weeks before, two weeks before the fight, I mean, in Brazil. And the first week, I don't have nothing.

Just me, Raphael, my brother, Babalu, all the things, just go train. come back to your hotel, but the fight week is so hard for me, man. This fight week is so hard, man. There's a lot of different things, you know, different things. Like a lot of media, it's no excuse, but, you know, the next one, next time, just like the fight week is very important. You stay just you and your team, you know? Yeah, yeah, yeah.

I go different places, different plays there. A lot of people there is different energy. The energy is very important, the energy. You're coming back relatively soon. you're fighting in September. Did you want to come back quickly? Yes, yes. I wanted this.

You know why? Because I don't have a time. Just a two minutes to fight. I don't have a time for show. He said, Diciferent fight, maybe Stimio-teach hit me a lot. You know, five rounds.

He killed me. It's different, you know? Yeah. But this fight I need, I want to show many. I say I call OFCH. I call Ali. Ali, I want to fight soon.

and he said when do you want to fight i said the same day the same day the meo teach versus over and this is my my idea you know this is my idea because i want to show the same day yeah when the guys fight i fight i fight you know i have a fight coming up september 10 versus uh ben otter yeah and this is my idea because i want to show man i i'm very good you know i just start my train again i you know for the the next one man i want to show again i think the next next next next next one and then the next one is the title again the title shot again so went over Rothwell and then you fight for the belt that's what you're hoping yes I this is my idea you know I know I know the UFC have a different ideas I don't know

but my idea is the next time now the next step is a band hot work yeah and the next one for the title shot yes because I have a lot different ideas after this fight you know I have a with my mind a lot of different ideas what kind of the next one. Tell us. No, this is a secret, you know. Oh, come on. A hint.

What do you got? What are you thinking? No, man, I just think a lot of things, Rafael. Rafael Cordero go to my home yesterday. Yeah. I make a barbecue with him, me, Raphael, my brother, and I talk a lot about this, you know, the next step. Okay. But the next one now, just to focus the next step, the next fight.

This is very important. Yes. I don't want to think different things about this fight. The first one, the next one. Sure. This is very important, you know. And I have my mind, but I just have a band hot water in my mind now. Yeah, the next one is September 10th, UFC 203, Cleveland, Ohio, you versus Ben Rothwell,

same card as Alster Overeign versus Steepin-Myotchich for the heavyweight title. What did you think of Rothwell when they offered you him? Were you happy with that matchup? Do you look forward to fighting him? Do you like this fight for you? Yes, yes, for sure. There's a matter my opponent. This is a matter for me.

I never got you. I want to this, this. No, no, no, no. This is okay. No problem. I just, you know, I just, I want to fight. I want to fight. That's it.

There's a matter who. But I want to fight. That's it. This time is good for me. September 10 is good time for me. Okay. I cover everything. You know, I, I cover my mind.

This is very important. My body, too. I eat a lot, too. I got it maybe five or ten pounds more. Because I eat a lot after then, you know? Of course. Of course. But I mean, I'm happy.

I'm very happy now again for sure. For sure, I'm sad. The first week, I'm very sad, man. I lose my belt and a fight, you know. But I don't want my mind to all the time. I have my belt. I lose my belt. I lose my belt.

This is not good, you know. Now, I recover everything again. Start the training. I mean, here, very close to King's M.A. I'm just stopped with you. And I go there. I started training 11th. And Tuesday, Thursday with Cobrina,

conditional training, everything again. You know, everything starts again. How did you get out of it? Like, you were very sad for that first week, and how did you start to get back to your old self, go to the gym? Did you have a talk with someone? Like, how do you switch so quickly

to being the old Vaikavalo again? Yes, yes. It's very important. You know, the more important, the friends, like my family, I stay with my family, a lot of time for my daughters. Yeah. This is very, when you have a support,

like our family support, This is amazing, man. This is a complete different one you recover again very fast. What did your daughter say to you when you came home after the fight? No, she just hug me and I say, I love you. But she's saying in Spanish. She said, Tequiro, Papai. Ah, she speaks Spanish, not Portuguese.

No, no, she, the little one, the Joanna. Yeah? The little bit, she speaks a little bit. I just show a little bit things like in Spanish for her. Oh, that's nice. She's speaking English and Portuguese, too. But she's very small. She's just two years old.

Yes, of course. I remember when she first started to walk, right? It was the Mark Hunt fight. Yes, yes, yes. You got a video. The same day, the same day, the fight today, yes. So you have a history with Miochich and Overeem. Who do you think wins that fight? I think, I think, man, is Overeign go like a very smart, like when he fought versus Cigano. Yeah, versus, you know, Dos Santos. I think he's going like a smart. I think Overin the win. He beat

a... Wow. I think so, you know, but... How? I think a knockdown, you know? I think over in this

take down stimulus, he's staying in the top, punch a lot, you know, a lot of punch, and the referee stopped the fight. I think so,

like this, you know? Wow. The first punch, like a, the first punch, knockdown him, and the one in the ground,

he punched a lot, and the referee stopped the fight. Or, or over in the goal, like a, smart fight, stimulus teacher knocked down

him too. So you're saying first punch of the fight? You're saying first round he's going to knock him down? No, I don't say the first round.

The first round. Okay, okay. Yes, I think over and the goal is smart. Like the same thing

when he beat Cigano. Yeah, okay, in December, yes, I understand. Yeah,

very smart. Waiting, waiting, waiting, just a patient, patient, patient, and I think he,

I think he down stimuli teach. Wow. Yes. Is that what you're hoping for as well because you have a history with the with the overreem you fought him twice you know one one you are you want to fight him a third time or are you hoping i love i love the

the rematch with stevievin i teach for short 100% i love too and but my focus for short is the belt man i know there's a matter for me who is the the champion you know i want on the belt i want my belt again you know sure sure i want to yes man i'm 38 years old now you know next month i'm 309 Wow. Happy birthday. Yes, man. And I think maybe four or five fight more in that scene, you know? Wow, okay. So early 40s you're done. I think maybe two or three years more, man.

I don't know, because sometimes you say about this. Yeah, yeah. But after the end, you know, because this is my life, man. I love this, you know. Sure. This is my job, but I love it when I fight, man. When I go there, I'm very happy. You know, I train for this.

This is my life. That's it. I said two more years or three more years, but after then again, you know. Does it feel worse to lose the belt than it did when you won? Does it feel worse than it did feel good when you won the belt the first time? You know what I'm saying? Like is the low, worse than the high of winning the title? Say again, please.

Did the feeling that you had after the Miochich fight, that feeling you felt very bad, right? Because you lost the belt. Yes. Was that a greater feeling than the excitement that you felt when you became champion? You know what I mean? Yeah. Now, my feeling now, I feel like I have more motivation. I have a motivation for the guy in my belt again.

Okay. Before I have a motivation for what? I'm the champion. I say, I'm the champion. I want to the best have weight in the history. This is my focus. Yeah. Before.

But now I don't want a more this. I want to now. My focus now, my motivation now is like the belt again. I got it. I got it one time. Yeah. 100% I got again. Okay.

For sure. Yeah, this is my mind now. Did you watch Rothwell fight Josh Barnett and he choked him with the go-go choke? Did you see that? Yeah, for sure. You know, I mean, I'm a commentary, man. UFC, UFC network for all Latin America and the Fox deported. That's right.

I mean, I'm dead all the time, you know. And just for sure I see. I see it's very dangerous for sure, man. But I don't give the opportunity for him, you know. I don't give me my neck for him, you know. I just make a good strategy. with Rafael and that's it you know I don't give him my neck for him I know he's very strong you know I know he's like a heavy heavy guy he all the time is in limit you know it's like

two six to five yep yeah I know he dropped a little bit to eight for but I know he's strong I know but I believe myself you know man I just want to show again this next victory is very very important for me in his next fight against Sigano he looked completely different He was a lot more tentative. Cigano really dominated him. Did you see that fight as well? The next fight in April? Yes, yes, yes.

Why do you think he looked like that? You know, because I know it's like Ben Houghtwell is very dangerous. He's not a technical guy. He's not very high. He's very technical guy. No. But he's strong. You know, he's very dangerous for sure.

He has a weight too, you know. But Cigano did very well. He's very smart. Cigano very smart. Just like a technical and very strong. strategy fight. Yeah. You know?

Yeah. You want I say, yeah, when I say to the Cigano, one, he know, fight versus the title shot, the next one. Because he go like this fight for the, the next fight is very important, good spectacular, you know. Like a big show. Yeah. You want to be a big show like the guys, wow, very nice fight or good knockout, good submission. Maybe you have an opportunity for the next one, the title shot. Yeah.

When you did a fight, like a Cigano with a very nice fight. versus Ben Hot War, this is a smart fight, you know. The guys like the fight for sure is the victory. That's it. It's a nice victory. But not for the next step, the title shot, you understand me? Yeah, yeah. The difference, when you did the fight, I like a spectacular fight, you know?

Yeah. For sure, you have an opportunity for the next one. This is why I say the next fight is very important. Like a big win. Win, for sure, when you, you know, say my mom, say all the time, you lift your arm, that's it. Yeah. This is very important. But the difference when you build like a very nice fight, like a, you know, spectacular fight.

Big knockout. Because, wow, it's good fight. For sure, they're doing again for the title shot. You know, this is the difference. Two last quick questions for you. Kane Velasquez, Travis Brown. You fought them both. Who do you think wins at 200?

Yes, man. I think King Velaski's comeback again, like a very strong, you know, his fight very hard again, you know, because. he has an injury, he has a lot of different things. I understand this. Traving's bra is very dangerous too, but I think the Cane Velasca heart, you know, it's like a big heart about Straving's brow. Traving's brow, when he hit the guy, he's like a big guy. When the guys hit him, he's like a chicken guy.

So you think Kane wins? I think, yeah, I think King Velasks is taking down hand, he stays in the top all the time. Like a King Velax game, you know? I know his game. Yep. Yes, I think like this, and he win. Depends his win, I don't know he goes to the title shot too.

Right. You know, depend like he'll win. He went like a decision. I think not. He has a big win. Maybe the UFC has a, okay, again, do the next one. You understand me? The difference.

Yeah, it's a big, spectacular win or over just a regular win. Yes. And your old friend, Fado Ormellianenko fought on Friday. Did you see that against Fabio Madanado? Yeah, for sure. I saw, man. I saw, yeah. What do you think?

Do you think he should come in the UFC or he's finished? What do you think? No, I think he has a more, I think, man, Fedor is a special fighter. Yeah. He's like, you saw, he almost Maldonado knocked down here. Yeah. And he come back, I don't believe he came back very, you know, he wins his fight. Everybody says he no win, but I think he wins this fight.

Wow, okay. You know, he lost the first round and the second one and the third one. Okay. But I think it's very good. idea the feather of a sign with uh you know because my idea and the maybe one year in one year or maybe more me versus feather the big fight is the rematch in chichena you know that's what you want this is my idea that you know after then like uh you one year maybe i don't know when he signed with the i see yeah yeah yeah me versus uh feather in chichena ufc chichena wow because uh the

the president you know cadrov yeah ramzan his name is ramzan kadroro of. He's the president. You know? I just come back there, man. I just last week I'm there in Chechnya. Yeah. And he have a huge event there, you know, and I have good fights. I think the UFC there, he support the UFC there 100%.

Like in the stadium, maybe, with the big stadium. You know, I think it's a full house, 100%. And this is my idea. I don't know when, but when UFC, Federal Signed with the UFC. All right. Well, first things first. It's UFC 203, Fabriceo Verdum against Ben Rothwell in Cleveland, Ohio. Fabrice, thank you so much.

Thank you for taking some time out. I appreciate it, and I'm looking forward to the fight. Thank you for talking about UFC198. It means a lot. Thank you. Thank you. Thank for you. And thank you for everything.

You know, I know you're like a long time. You're a very nice guy. Thank you. And your show is amazing. Thank you, my friend. Hey. Hey. Hey.

Hey. Hey. Hey. Hey. Hey. Thank you. We'll talk to you soon, Fabricio. There he is. Vaikavalo, Fabrice Orodoom, of course, the former UFC heavyweight champion.

He is back in action in a little less than three months time. Big fight against Ben Rothwell. Nice that Ben Rothwell gets that fight against Redoom, which he wanted. And that's a big card, of course, for the heavyweights with the heavyweight title fight. Sipamiochich. Coming back home to the land. Hashtag the land. on September 10th.

Okay, let us move along. Excited for our next guest, it was a little less than a year ago that Frankie Perez was fighting in Saskatchewan. He finished Sam Stout, and it was a fantastic win, and then he went on the mic and said that he was done, that he was going to retire from the sport of mixed martial arts.

And this was a very surprising announcement for a young fighter, just 10 and 2. You know, a young guy, not even 30 years old yet at the time, late 20s. rolling and then out of the blue, Frankie Perez announced his retirement. Well, he's joining us right now with some news. There he is via the magic of Skype. Frankie Perez is in the house here. Frankie, how are you? I'm good, Ariel. How are you, buddy? I am doing great. I appreciate you joining us here on the show today. So you have some news. You've been hinting that you have some news.

You have stuff to get off your chest. The floor is yours, my friend. What's up? Yeah, man. Well, I made you a promise that, you know, if I ever made the decision on getting active again and coming back to join the UFC, you'd be the first call. Last year was a tremendous year up and down for me. You know, to get things off my chest, the whole, you know, starting the year off was rough for me, you know, with the whole Johnny Case fight. But leading up to that, a lot of people didn't know. And I never made any excuses or told anybody that what was going on. But leading up to that fight, I lost my grandfather, who was, you know,

very, very close to me. He was my best friend. And I got the call. He passed away on a Wednesday. I got the call on a Saturday to go fight Johnny Case on four weeks. So I said, absolutely. I thought it was like a sign, you know. And two weeks into camp, I popped my MCL.

So, you know, everybody was telling me to pull out, pull out. And I said, absolutely not. You know what I mean? I'm here, you know, right after that, before I even left the boss in, my grandmother that gets rushed to the hospital and dealing with all that. So it was just a lot on somebody's head, you know. And I've been dying to get that off my chest because a lot of people always ask me, you know, what happened there? You know, what was going on?

And to be honest, and frankly, I was lying to myself that whole week, you know, that I was ready that, you know, I should have just manned up and fought. But, you know, I was just in a different mindset that I couldn't get my grandparents out of my head, you know, and warming up in the back. It was right there and then that I knew I was just brought in here as an opponent, you know, and I was going to lose, you know what I mean? And I've never had that feeling in my life ever. Wow. And I just went out there and it was a heavy bag for this kid. Even though, you know, I look back at the fight and it wasn't a terrible fight, but it definitely wasn't Frankie Perez. You know what I mean? And right after that fight, my grandmother ended up passing away, maybe a week later. So it was a lot. You know, it was a lot. I didn't even want to

want to even think about MMA, let alone, you know, go train or anything like that. So I want to say maybe like four months later, I finally like regrouped and got my, got my feedback under me and started training again, you know, but it definitely wasn't the same. You know, I really was doing it to do it, not because I loved it, you know, I was just kind of just rolling with the punches and doing what I'm used to be doing, you know? And so when they called up for the Saskatoon fight and they gave me two opponents the first time, once I heard Sam Stout, I knew what they were trying to do, but I didn't even jump. I didn't even hesitate.

I just said, let's do it. I didn't even want to hear the second guy's name, and I just knew that it was my time, you know? So when I went into that, that whole camp was flawless, but I was miserable. You know what I mean? I didn't want to train. I was really, you know, coming home. pissed off. I couldn't stand my family. I couldn't stand my coaches. I was just not me. I was hated the sport and I had the best fight of my life. You know what I mean? I went in there with

probably the second biggest name to ever come out of Canada, you know, and I stopped them in less than a minute, you know, but maybe it was a little dramatic on the retirement because at the time that I was at, my mindset was, I'm done. I don't ever want to lace up another pair of gloves. I don't want to train anymore. I just kind of want to enjoy my life and and just enjoy the life that was given to me. You know what I mean? It was nine years. I've never taken a break ever from this sport, you know? And it wasn't fair to my family. It wasn't fair, you know, to all my friends around me. It wasn't fair to myself, you know, to be living a life that, you know, I'm kind of forced to live just because I'm good at it, you know? And so that's

when I called it quits and I said I'm done and honestly man up to about two months ago three months ago I was really done with the sport I really I've been catching myself around it even though I've been gone you know I've been to three or four fights since then I've seen you at the fights you know and you know helping out all my teammates and I realized man that you know this is really what I'm about this is this is me you know and I was getting ready for a charity fight and I really had a lot of fun. You know, I found my passion for the sport again. You know, I found my love.

I really enjoyed waking up early and going for a run and, you know, training with Coach Mark and, you know, being around the boys and Frankie and Eddie and Edson and Marlin, everybody getting ready through her fights and, you know, training with Corey Anderson every Tuesday. You know what I mean? It was just I was having fun again. I wasn't, you know, forced to go in there and, you know, wake up in the morning. Oh, man, I got to go spar. Oh, man, I don't want to do this shit, you know?

And I really found my passionate and drive and realized why I'm here, why I'm – I was meant to be in Canada, you know, against Sam's Dow, and why I'm meant to be in the UFC. And, you know, everybody has their calling, you know what I mean? LeBron plays basketball. Tiger Woods plays golf, you know, and I really believe that, you know, I'm meant to be here and meant to be one of the best. So today is, you know, the first day to the rest of my life here, you know what I mean? And I don't know how it's going to go. I mean, I could go back and, you know, B3 fights in and B3 fights out, you know. But I am definitely ready to make that next move and coming out of retirement, I guess,

and getting ready to be active again. And the call is being made to UFC today. And we'll see how everything goes and see how Joe and Dana and Lorenzo feel. Well, first off, welcome back. And thank you for coming on this program to announce. this to the world. Do you recall the moment where you decided, okay, no more retirement, I'm coming back to fighting. Was there a specific moment a day, a conversation where it was actually cemented in your mind that you were going to do this? Yeah, you know, I was getting ready to do a

charity fight to raise money for multiple sclerosis because my sister's has it, you know, and I did about an eight-week camp for it. It was a charity fight, but I was, you know, taking it serious. I was a little heavy, so I was, you know, trying to lose some weight, you know, put on a good show for for the fans, you know. It was for a great cause. And the day my manager came up to my apartment and told me the entire event was canceled. I honestly, I broke down in tears. Not even so much for me fighting, but for my sister because I wanted to raise some money

for this charity and it was great. But right there, I realized, like, I just stopped crying. And I was like, man, like, I'm really passionate about this damn sport, you know? even though I hated it so much last year. And it was just remarkable on how much of an impact something like that could have on you. You know what I mean? And it was a fun eight-week camp. It wasn't anything serious.

You know, I was training my butt off. But right there and then I was like, man, I'm meant to do this. You know what I mean? Like this is what I was put on this earth to do. And honestly, I feel like I have like a whole new life. Like I'm just ready. There's so much weight. and everything's off my shoulders.

There's no really light on me right now. You know, I just show up to the gym. I train. I have fun and I come back home. You know, I'm not putting that much pressure on me anymore. You know, I'm just taking it every day as the next. And I'm just ready. You know, I'm just ready for whatever they're ready to throw at me.

What did you do the last 10 months or so when you weren't fighting? I know, like you said, I've seen you at events. You're still part of the team. You're still helping guys train, cornering, et cetera. but like how are you making a living? Well, I have an entertainment company. I do like high-end weddings and mitzvahs and stuff on the weekend. Okay.

But honestly, since I fought in Canada, I've been traveling. You know, I've been going to Miami. I was in Brazil twice. I was down in Florida, seeing family. I've just been all over to places, just honestly enjoying my friends and my family as much as possible. You know, I started bowling. I started playing softball. all my buddies, you know what I mean?

Like stuff that I generally wouldn't do because, you know, God forbid I get hurt or whatever it is. You know, I've just been enjoying it, you know, I just, every minute I can with my friends and my family, I've just been taking full, full advantage of. You had the perfect final fight in the sense that you knocked out a guy who had been known to have this amazing chin. You didn't on his home turf. You announced your retirement in the cage. I mean, I remember that next day it was a Sunday night fight. I think it was August 23rd, if my memory serves me correct.

and the next day on this show and all over the place, you were the talk of the town. It wasn't even the main event that people were talking about because they were like, wow, look at this guy, not even 30 yet, knocks a great fighter out and then announces retirement. I mean, you received a lot of praise for knowing when to say when. No one criticized you for this decision. Was it hard to say, okay, I'm going to come back and now that is no longer your last fight? You know, you had the storybook ending to a fight career. Yes, you didn't win a title or anything like that, but, I mean,

was pretty damn good and you're leaving in perfect health. Was it hard to say, okay, that's no longer going to be my last fight and now I'm going to keep writing this story? You know, a little bit, you know, because I'm a man of my word. Yeah. You know, and the biggest thing was, you know, when I got, the first phone call I made it was to Frankie. And I kind of told him, I was like, this is what I'm thinking, you know, I'm not thinking it anymore. I want to do it. You know, I just don't know how to go about it. And I just don't want to get criticized. You know,

oh, this kid was trying to, you know, get publicized, doing this crazy thing. We all knew he was going to come back. Beggy, beji, begie, bejee, you know how the media is. And honestly, quote on quote, Frankie was like, forget all that, man. This is your life. You have one life to live, live it. You know, if this is what's going to make you happy, do it.

You know, he's like, you know, we all got your back. So just do it. And then, which felt better, you know. But then I called Ricardo, then I called Mark Henry. You know, I told my parents, and I told two of my buddies, and they were all very supportive. They were like, man, if this was just going to make you happy, this is what you want to do, do it. You know, you only got one shot at fighting, you know what I mean? The window is very small.

So once I heard all that, it wasn't difficult anymore. I knew I was ready to go. understanding that you will be welcome back to the UFC and your next fight is going to be in the UFC? I'm not too sure with that. I believe I'm still under contract with them. Okay. But my managers are all calling today. So hopefully by the end of the week we'll know what the deal is.

And if they're not welcoming, you know, hey, I'll go back to rank in combat or whoever wants to sign me and work back up there. You know, I wouldn't see why not. you know um you want to be in the ufc oh absolutely okay i've thought about other organizations but man the ufc is the ufc you know it's got its good it's got it's good it's got as bad but every organization or every organization does you know but um that's what the best fighters are man the best fighters are at the ufc and that's where i want to be and i know i can compete with them i know for sure i can be in the top uh of the division no problem at all i know that um now i'm just here on my second life to prove it.

Have you started thinking about a perfect return, a time frame, an event, an opponent? Have you thought about that at all? I mean, an opponent, I mean, that's kind of cliche, but I'm ready for whoever. You know, I was kind of looking at, the thing is, but me, man, the bigger the name, the better I fight. And I think that's what happened to when I fought Case, I kind of didn't know anything about him, and he was just kind of, you know, four weeks, just whatever. ever just go in there and do what i do you know but when i fought sam i was a different animal you know

in training camp outside you know i was just mean i just showed up that day like the better and it goes to when i fought used to fight for rear in combat the better my opponent it's crazy the quicker i would get them out of the way but the the guys that weren't that tough or didn't have a great record i'd go three rounds with them and they'd be the one of the toughest fights in my life you know what i mean so I think realistically I mean I'll be ready to fight whenever I'm in fight shape right now but I mean Madison Square Garden would be nice against the big name yeah yes garden nice you know a kid from Jersey you know I'd bring some fans out there for sure you know what I mean but I don't know big name big name doesn't matter me you know

Chris Wade wouldn't be a bad idea or I was even thinking about Ross Pearson you know It's big names, you know what I mean? Uh-huh. You know, it has been said in the fight game, once you start thinking about retirement, even if you don't go through with it, once you start thinking about it and maybe your foot is going through that door one foot, then it's time to really, you know, start reconsidering things. And that's usually said of older fighters after a few knockouts and whatnot. This wasn't the case with you, but are you worried that after one bad fight or bad day

or, you know, one little setback that you'll start thinking about that again? or are you confident that all that retirement stuff is gone? No, man, you know, the biggest thing with me and all my training partners and my parents, my coaches know, I'm a head case, you know. I'm the type of person that I don't care what sport we're playing I'm competitive in, you know, and I'm very hard on myself, you know. I just feel like the way we fighters dedicate our lives to this, everything needs to be perfect all the time, you know?

and I believe that I'm over that hunt mentally. You know, if I had one bad round, the rest of my sparring's done. You know, now I have one bad round. It's like, oh, it's a new day. You know what I mean? Next round's all good. And I'm just having fun again. Like, even the coaches see it.

You know, I was, I took the last three weeks off because the fight got canceled and I was busy at work. But, you know, this whole camp getting ready, you know, getting Edson ready, getting Eddie ready for their fights coming up. It was probably my best sparring I've ever had just because I was going to in there, you know, just having fun and just being Frankie, you know, being fun, being energetic, being, you know, tricky, and just having a good old time with the fellows, you know what I mean? And I think that's how I'm going to treat this, you know, next step in my life is just take all the

weight off your shoulders and go have fun, you know what I mean? And that's the biggest thing, man. That's the biggest thing. If you're not having fun, it's no point of doing it, you know, and that's why I got into the sport. And you're surrounded by a tremendous support system. You mentioned some of those coaches and fighters. Pretty lucky to have those guys in your corner.

You know, when I would see you at the events, when you see you at the workout, you were still in tremendous shape. You didn't get fat. You were still around. So I was always kind of wondering in the back of my mind if you'd get that itch again. And I'm not surprised being around those guys. They are inspirations in their own right. You see them having success getting prepared for title fights. That there's a part of you that says, I want that as well, right?

That you want to be in those positions too. You kind of envy that. You're happy for them, but you want to be experiencing that as well, I would imagine. Oh, absolutely. You know, I remember when I was in Roaring Combat, man, and I was taking dudes out, and I'm, like, waiting for my call, waiting for my call, and I'm seeing all my teammates crushing it in the UFC, man. I felt like I was, I got signed to the Yankees, but I'm still playing AAA ball.

You know what I mean? I'm like, I know I can compete with my teammates, you know, so let me get my hack, you know? But now that I see everybody, you know, Corey Anderson's top 15, you know, Eddie, Edson, Frankie, like, UFC 200s, my team. Yeah, that's right. So it's like, it blows my mind, you know, and the thing about our team, man, we are probably the smallest team out there. But I'll put our record up and our heart up against any other team that has 60 or plus.

You know what I mean? It's crazy. You know, I was looking at the gym today, man, and I'm like, we're honestly built like a Frankie Edgar, which is kind of crazy. We're very small. But we don't quit and we're tough. Well, you know, anybody that fights us is going to remember us for the rest of their life. You know what I mean?

Yeah. And that's what I love, man. I love where I'm at. I love my coaches, my teammates, everybody around us, man. It's just we have something very, very special that no other team has. Well, again, Frankie, welcome back, my man. Thank you again for coming on the show. And I hope that the UFC does welcome you back with open arms.

You certainly deserve to be there. And I hope that your next fight is in the UFC. What a story this is. I'm looking forward to, I guess, I don't even know if it's chapter two. It's probably in your life. life story, it's probably chapter 9 or 10 as far as all the things that you've been through. But I'm looking forward to chapter 2 of your UFC run. Appreciate the time and good luck to you, my man.

I really am looking forward to it. And I'm happy for you that you found the passion again. Ariel, thanks so much, man. You always been very supportive of my team and myself. So, man, I really, really appreciate it. And I told you, man, I'm a man of my word. I told you I keep that deal. That's right.

That's great. Thank you, Frankie. We'll talk to you soon. All right, buddy. Take care. Frankie Perez returning to the UFC announcing it on this program, looking forward to seeing his next fight in that organization. And I mean, I would imagine they would welcome him back. They were happy with them.

He was coming off a very big win over Sam Stout less than a year ago. So now here he is looking to regain that footing and continue his MMA run. Remember when he announced that retirement in the cage? That was big news. A lot of people gave him props. Now here he is back. the mix. All right, great stuff there. Let us move along. Let's welcome in our next guest, joining us this time via the phone. He is the former UFC middleweight champion, Luke Rockhold.

He's online number one right now. Luke, how are you? I'm doing all right, you know. I could always be doing better. I would imagine. And, you know, first off, before we talk about all the fighting stuff, the career stuff, my sincere condolences, I know, I reached out to you, but I just wanted to say because I know it was an emotional weekend for you. My condolences on the long. loss of your father. How are you handling all of that? How are you doing? How are you and your family doing? We're doing all right. You know, I mean, everyone's kind of coming through. It's been a, we had a little celebration on his life this weekend. And, you know, it's, you know, you got to move on. You got to

move forward. You got to learn. You got to grow. That's what life's all about. You know, I think everything's, everything happened. And we're all going to fade away at some point, you know, I'm just going to enjoy the ride. So it was probably tough as week of my life. You know, I'm not going to lie. Losing that and then my dad, it was a dark moment. You know, I beat myself up about it. But, you know, you got to face the music and you've got to learn.

You got to grow. And I'm coming out and I'm ready to do that. If you don't want me asking, was your dad sick for a while? Like, were you dealing with that? My dad, you know, was, I don't think he'd never prepare yourself for that moment, but, you know, he was not in a great place, you know, and there's something I was aware of. Okay.

His breathing was slowing down, you know, the week previous, and so I had, I was aware of the situation and that, you know, I think it's for the better. It put a lot of strain on our family and him, and I didn't want to see him suffered, and so, you know, it's hard to say, you know, you're glad that situation happened, but it's still, it's very hard to see, you know, your father take his last breath and it's not, it doesn't really feel real, man. It's, uh, but you, you got to move on. So, of course, dealing with that emotional pain and, and, and, and that, you know, the, I can't

imagine, um, what you and your family are going through several days after losing your belt in dramatic fashion like that. Can you take us into your mind now? Like, how are you handling the last month? Not even a month. Two weeks of your life. what is going through your mind? You just try to accept it.

You try to accept it and move forward and grow from it, you know. It's crazy how everything kind of just mounts on you when it rains it pours like they say. Yeah. That's as, it's hard to believe. It's hard to take it in, you know, but life is a crazy thing. So, you know, I live in the crazy world. Everything is, I wouldn't change it, you know. I don't know.

It's just you've got to move forward. Everything happens for a reason. We're all going to die. You know, just got to do what we can in the meantime and try to live it the best we can. What can you say about that fight against Michael? It was shocking to many. You were a huge favorite. You were obviously very confident.

What went wrong? Do you have any idea how that happened? You know, I definitely, I got caught. And I think a lot went into that fight with the last minute. change to Michael Bisbing and the pressure of the moment. You know, I feel like I didn't have much to gain without going out there and putting on, you know, a show-stopping performance, something different. You know, the way I dominated him the first time around and given the two weeks notice, the moment, the build-up, and everyone kind of wrote him off like he had no chance and got into my head and told me these things. And I didn't go in there with the same feel and the same.

head spaces I do with every other fight. You know, I go in there, relax, compose, and I try to be calculated with my fights. And with that one, I tried to push the pace, tried to, you know, I forced the issue with everything. And I put myself in a dangerous position. I just didn't think he had, you know, couldn't catch me. I've never been put away.

You know, with anybody hitting me, and I've been hit by the hardest guys. And it just, you know, anybody can get caught. in his game, you just got to hit him perfectly. And I put myself there and he capitalized. You know, I'm not going to lie, he's a tough guy. I lost fair and square, but I just don't see that. The odds of that happening are pretty fairly low, you know, but he caught me on the tip

of the chin on my way out in a perfect moment and then followed it up. I mean, you have that one small moment where you hurt somebody and if you can capitalize and catch him again in close proximity, it's going to you know, the brain's going to keep rattling, and that second punch landed perfectly for him. So, um, congrats to him. You won. I think the guy's a true piece of shit. And, uh, you know, I, I think he's classless.

You know, I, uh, like I said, and I love the opportunity to get that back. I think the odds are the odds. And, and I'd love to, you know, to write that wrong and to fix this for everybody because I don't think he deserves it. I don't think he's, uh, I don't think he knew he was going to do it. obviously his reaction tells that. And, you know, it's not going to last long. So, you know, I want that back.

I want to settle the score. It's 1-1. I believe I was winning both those fights handily, and he had his moment. And that's going to be it. And we'll get to the next step in a second, but I just want to ask, is it fair to say that you may have underestimated him

in the sense of like you got a little too cocky? you thought that it was going to go the same way, and you kind of let your guard down, hands down. You know, do you feel like you sort of opened the door for him to do that in hindsight? 100%. You know, I didn't, that was the one fight I went into with zero nerves. You know, I think that you need those nerves. They keep you honest.

They keep you precise. They heighten your senses. And, you know, I went in there with no nerves. and just thinking I had to go out there and to do something, you know, put on the performance that nobody had. You know, I just go out there and show something different and not, you know, I'm, as good as I am everywhere, that's how I've always fought. I'm going to make you think about my kicks. I'm going to make you think about my grappling. I'm going to make you think about those things, and that's going to open up everything I have.

That's right. I didn't present any of those problems. I didn't just went in there. you know every exchange of the hands was very tight um i was in close proximity of getting hit which i usually am not i'm usually out with my kicks and i'm picking them off with my hands you know at distance when they come in so it wasn't it wasn't like me and i definitely opened the door um i got caught fair and square but you know life is a learning experience and uh i'll let that moment get to me everything kind of worked out perfectly for me yeah and i thought you handled it very

well on social media right after you alluded to that. Much was made of your knee leading up to the fight, especially at the press conference a couple days before. And I don't want, you know, I know people get all riled up with excuses and all that, but is it seriously injured? Do you need surgery? How much should that affect your performance? You know, I do have a, I have an MCO. I had a grade two sprain, which is a small tear in the MCL, and I didn't grapple most of any of the camp. I was just kind of, fight through it. You know, I knew when it came time, I could push myself through it. So that was the idea I didn't really kick with my left leg,

the whipping outward torque of the knee. So those are the things I dealt with in the camp. It didn't change the outcome of the fight because my mindset was different. My mindset wasn't to go in there and fight. Like I usually fight. Once it came to Bisming, it was like, I need to, you know, go out there and out box and I need to knock them out, and I need to do this.

And, you know, my mindset wasn't to grab up. My mindset wasn't really to show all those things that I could have. So it didn't play a role in the fight, no doubt. But, you know, it's something I need to deal with and heal from and come back with the right mindset and the right skill set of fighting and using all that. You know, I believe I've got more skills than anybody. I just got to go out there and be smart and use those. So I need to heal his knee.

I've been taking time off and trying to – trying to let this thing heal. You know, it feels good in some areas, but then I'll do something. I'll strain it. And so that's the hardest time right now. It's because all I want to do is push through this and train and get better. And I have to sit on the sidelines and suck this one up for a second, you know, until I can get back in the gym. So I'm getting closer.

You know, I think a few more weeks and I could potentially start grinding away. Have you reached out to the UFC to tell them that this is what you want? You want the rematch? and if so, what are they saying to you now? You know, I think I screwed up the whole middleweight division. I think I put him in a tough spot. I think visiting is obviously doing more of that. You know, him being the ballsy guy he is

and claiming how tough he is and he'll do this and he'll do that. He's being very picky about who he's fighting next. It seems like he's running from quite a few people. So, you know, he's, you know, we see the true colors come out in Bisman. It's all coming out now. I've voiced my opinion. I told him I want that rematch. I think it's, I think it makes the most sense of anything out there.

I've already beat Wyman. He can't jump me for that. I've already beat Jokoree. You know, I'm the number one contender. I've already beat Biddingings. You know, so I think the rubber match is there, and I think this is the fight to make. I want this.

that's the opportunity. I think they're aware of it, and they're, you know, weighing their options. So we'll see. You know, nothing would please me more than go into Manchester and beating him down on his home turf.

Huh. And he needs to legitimize himself. Obviously, you know, there's a lot of illegitency about this for him. And let's see him own up to it and try to make himself a real champion. Let's see what you can do.

He's talking Dan Henderson. Dan Henderson obviously wants that fight. Why wouldn't he? He's not even in the top 10, Dan Henderson. What's Luke Rockhold's reaction when he starts to see this thing gain some momentum that Dan Henderson could be fighting for the belt next? How do you react to that? You know, Bisbing was calling me a sore loser.

I think him coming out with the statements he's making about Dan, that speaks volumes, obviously, about his situation, and how sore he is about that situation. situation, you know, telling him he wants to kill Henderson before he dies. He really come out and say something like that. He's reaching and he's trying to create any interest he can. You know, I love Dan and he's the greatest fighter of all time, you know, one of us, if not B.

So he's a great guy, but I think there's a, I think there's a few top dogs in this division. And Dan, credit to him for everything he's done, you know, but he's, he did beat Hector Lombard, which was an unranked middleweight. So, I mean, it doesn't necessarily put him in that area code. But, you know, we'll see. We'll see what happens. You know, he's a, they obviously have history. And this is the fight business.

You've got to make a fight. But I think there's more interest in our fight than any other fight out there. People think Biznian's got a chance. You know, he might even think he has a chance. But that's not the case this time around. He had his one opportunity and that's going to be it. How much did the aftermath stuff in the cage at the press conference piss you off even more? I mean, obviously you were mad that you lost, but, you know, the back and forth, whatever was said between you guys, sometimes on the mic, I'm sure a lot was said off the mic.

I mean, how much are you thinking about that and how much does that fuel you as well? You know, I'm not thinking about too much anymore. I've sucked it up and, you know, I face the music. But, you know, just the fact that I showed him respect after the fight, and then realizing what happened, you know, taking that in and then him coming to me and trying to mock me, you know, post-fight in the cage at that moment. And, you know, just watching his reaction when I go back and watch the fight

and how he dealt with that, you know. And so those things he said started coming back to me, you know, backstage and really kind of firing me up and feel. feeling me and pissing me off. And then he walked into the press conference and, you know, and busy in fashion, taking top and a beer and just laughing and just being classless the way he is. You know, he lit my fire and I overreacted at the press conference. It was something I couldn't contain myself, and I'm, you know, I'm regretful of going to that extent.

But, you know, I don't like that guy. I think he's a complete classless piece of shit. And it all came out after that fight. You have that moment. We all build fights. We all talk it up and we all try to sell a fight the best we can. But I've never disrespected somebody after a fight. I don't care who has been in there with me.

In that moment in that cage, I've shaken their hand. I've given them credit. We go to war in there and we do our thing, you know. And I think everyone, no matter who they are, deserves their respect after a fight. And that's been my outlook, and that's my take on the sport. That's how I do it. That's who I am. But obviously, you see things differently.

And so the next time around, when I get this fight, when this happens, there'll be nothing said. There'll be no handshakes. There'll be no nothing. I'm just going to go out there and finish this. So stuff was said between you two in the locker room with no cameras around. around after the fight? No.

No, no, no, just... Just the press conference stuff. In the cage, a little bit backstage, of course, with that, you know, after the press conference and what's what, but... Okay. That was it. So when you reach out to the UFC and obviously your goal is very clear, what you want is very clear, are you getting the sense that there's a chance here that you're, that, you

got a good shot? How are you feeling right now as far as your chances of getting this rematch right away? I think my odds are high. Okay. The opportunity is there. Yeah. We'll see. I've talked to them and I've, you know, I think, I think I fucked up.

I fucked up the whole division. You know, I put Busby in a place where he thinks he feels empowered and he's trying to pick and choose his fight. I think it's put strain on everything on all the matches that need to happen. So, you know, my bad. I fucked up. I'm sorry. I'm sorry to the fighters.

I'm sorry to the fans. They have to deal with this fucking piece of shit. You feel personally responsible for bringing this upon people? That's my fault. I did it. How many times have you watched it? Not too many. Not too many. I'd say three or four times. I checked it out, and it's pretty obvious what happened,

and I can read the situation and see exactly what I did wrong, and I know my mindset going into it. Can you say, I mean, you've been called cocky and all these things by him and others leading up to this. Has this changed you? Do you feel like a different man? Do you feel like you've been humbled? Are you looking at things differently as far as your career is concerned now?

I'm going to be myself. You know, I speak to who I am. You know, I might come off cocky. I believe I'm better than everybody technically. Yes, of course. And I'm going to try to, you know, usually the things I say, they happen. You know, at this time, it didn't work out that way. I definitely ate my words.

And, you know, I'm taking a lot of shit for it. So, you know, most things, most things I say I do, you know, and every once in a while, something like this can happen. So this is a crazy sport. We live in, and, you know, anything can happen. If you don't go in there with the right mindset and, you know, this can, you know, it can come back in your face very quickly, you know, but the highs wouldn't be the highs without the lows. Sure.

You got to build yourself up. You know, I've lost two other times in my career, and, you know, I've found my way. back to a world title both times. This isn't going to be any different. I will rebuild myself. I will better myself and I will do what I need to do. I believe I'm the best guy in this division. I just got to go out there and I've got to fight my fight.

And I've got to be smart. You're known for getting right back in the gym. And of course, two of your best friends, Daniel Cormey and Kane Velasquez are fighting on July 9th. Are you going to help them prepare for that? Daniel always talks to me about how you're the best team in the world. You'll fly anywhere. you'll be there all week, or do you need the time off your knee mentally, you know, health-wise,

what are you planning to do for the next couple weeks? I got a heal, you know, I got some bumps and bruises. Of course, my knee, I can't do too much and getting in there and helping them. They got, we got a great gym full of a lot of tough guys. And, you know, I'd love to be there and I'd love to help them. But, you know, I can't hurt myself right now. I have a couple issues, you know, so obviously I got hit. I can't get into too much contact.

I got to be smart with that too. So my knee and a couple bumps and bruises on my body. But I want to get back in there as soon as I can. And so I got to look after myself and stay healthy. And then I'll be out there supporting them and trying to help them and give them some strategy on the side. Understandable. You've got to look out for yourself.

So Michael watches this show, loves this show. It's his favorite show. you know as as we say goodbye what's the what's the message to him if you can speak to him what's the message to michael now as as you try to you know rebound and get this rematch or this third fight the message is plain and simple you this guy can you know he knows what what happened and uh you know he knows that's his only opportunity you can run and run from the situation as much as you can you know and try to avoid all the fights and hold on to this but it's not going to last you know face the music, try to be a real champion.

If you want to be a real champion, go out there and let's fight, fight me. Fight one of the top guys, you know, but, you know, I'm your route to being that true champion that you always wish you could be. You know, you can try to avoid this and, you know, stack a paycheck or fight around the situation the best you can. But, you know, I'm coming and we're all coming for you. You better face the music. Well said. Luke, I appreciate it. Thank you for coming on. Thank you for speaking about all of this. I know it's not the easiest time in your life. So I appreciate it greatly. Get well soon. And good luck getting the fight. Looking forward to your return. Historically, you have come back very well from defeat. So I'm looking forward to seeing how you rebound from this. Yeah. Thank you. I'll see you guys soon. Okay, there he is. Luke Rockhold stopping by. I appreciate his time very much. And again, good luck to him getting.

that title fight, that third fight against Michael Bisping. Okay, let's transition now. A lot going on, as I said, in the world of mixed martial arts. Let's bring in our very own Dave Meltzer to make sense of all this madness. He is joining us now via the magic of Skype. Dave, how are you? I'm doing pretty good. You know, with Luke on it just really reminded me of what a bad couple of weeks it's been.

You were actually the one who brought it up first. I saw on Twitter, you know, about your eye at favor, Luke Rockhold, the sharks and the warriors, all could be champions, and look what happened. Yes, you are in San Jose right now. That's Bay Area Country. What's the mood the day after the Warriors lost Game 7? Is everyone depressed? Oh, it's so disappointing, I mean, in the sense.

I mean, I'm not like a giant basketball fan or anything. Plus, I actually didn't even watch the game. I wish I could, but I had professional wrestling duties last night. But, yeah, it's, you know, you go in there, and it's, you know, the most amazing season in basketball history and then it ends without a championship. So it's kind of like, I mean, it's a great sports story, though. It's incredible sports story if you really look at it. The whole playoffs, it almost looks to me like, you know, if you could script an NBA season, this would be the season you would script. It was amazing. And to steal a page from, you know,

the sport that we love, combat sports, that trilogy, if they can do that trilogy next year, you know, they're now one-one. I mean, how massive from a rating standpoint. I'm seeing some of the numbers now. I'm sure you saw them as well what that what that game did yesterday on ABC. So obviously from from a fight standpoint, the third fight could be bigger than them all. Let's talk some fighting. You have been all over this UFC sales story on this Monday morning on the West Coast. What can you tell us about where we stand right now? Well, they had bidding and I guess there's two major bidders, which is the IMG William Morris Endeavor Group and the China Media Capital Group and both put in bids that were sealed and opened on Thursday.

And from what I understand, they were told that a decision will be made in the next couple of days. So, I mean, it could be, like, literally at any time, we're going to, you know, the decision will be made. Now, as far as being announced publicly, my gut tells me that they wouldn't want to announce before UFC 200 because it would take so much emphasis away from UFC 200. You know, it's not like 100% they're going to be sold, but, I mean, everything indicates they're going to be sold for $4 billion. dollars. And I mean, the key to that number, it's such an incredible number, that the largest sports franchise sale in history, which was the Dodgers a couple years, it was $2 billion. This is double the largest sports sale in history. Yeah, it's unbelievable. The Dodgers and also the Clippers were sold around that. I think Dodgers was 2.1. Clippers was $2 billion. And as you said,

this would be double. So from what you're hearing, your understanding, it's a 100% sale, the full company. It is definitely 100% sale. That much is for. sure. Now, will they roll some stock back to Dana White, or will there be certain provisions that would make it, say, like, 95%? Yeah. But the number that's being bid is a number for 100%. Okay. Are we losing Dave here? Let me see if we can fight through this. It's frozen on his face. Maybe we'll have to reconnect with him because it seems like we did lose him. So in case you missed that, he's, okay, we're going to call back, Dave. It seemed like he said that it was a 100% sale. and the reports that I'm going to ask him about largely coming from him, other people

have been doing a great job, Jeremy Bauter and a few others as well, reports indicating that Dana would stay on, but Lorenzo and Frank Fortita would leave. I mean, there's a lot. It's funny how many people are willing to offer up this information these days, especially about this particular subject. And it's important for me as a journalist to weed through the the truth and, you know, the fiction and the nonfiction. But as I did, I believe, tweet on Tuesday, the sale was progressing. And as I said, when Dana White was doing those media rounds around a month or so ago, that to me was very reminiscent of 2011 when the report came out in the Wall Street Journal

that the UFC was close to a broadcasting deal with NBC. and then Dana did a bunch of scrums saying that that was not true. And then lo and behold, that alerted Fox that they were close to signing a deal with NBC. And then Fox came in, swooped in and signed the UFC to their new broadcast deal. When that report came out on ESPN.com and then Dana went on all these big radio shows the next day to say, wink, wink, nudge, we are not for sale. That, that to me felt like they were on the goal line and they wanted everyone to get their last bids in. They wanted everyone to start thinking about this seriously because I don't think it was a good job of telling the world that they are not for sale. It was in many ways telling the world that they are for sale.

That's the way I took it. And now here we are. You know, it's coming to fruition and it could be coming to an end rather soon. What this will mean for the UFC, what this will mean for the future of the company is impossible to determine because we don't know who's sticking around, who's coming, who's going. what's happening, you know, it's, it's, it's, it's, it's, it's, it's, it's, it's, it's, it's, it's, it's, it's, it's, it's, it's, it's, it's, it's, we don't know. It's impossible to know. It's too early to tell. I mean, this is all very much new territory. As Dave mentioned, four billion dollars, if it's four billion dollars, double the amount of the highest sale of any sports franchise here in North America. I mean, that's just, that's an amazing amount of

money, especially when you consider the fact that they sold the company, they bought the company, I should say, for $2 million. Think about that return on investment. Dave, I think, is on the phone. Dave, are you there? I am here. Okay. No problem.

I don't know what happened. Maybe it was someone out of Las Vegas that cut your internet. I'm just kidding. I'm just kidding. So are you hearing that if it's sold 100%, Dana White will stay? because that's what the reports indicated last week. I only know that both companies that have bid want him to stay. I think it's very important for them that he stays.

So I expect it's a question of making a deal, and I think he knows they want him, so he may be able to cut like a hell of a deal. But yeah, I mean, I expect Dana. I expect when all of a sudden done that Dana White will stay unless he's just decided on his own that he just wants to cash out and get out of the business completely. But, you know, it's not one of those things where,

They don't want him. I know that for sure. But Lorenzo for Tita, who obviously is involved in the day-to-day, he would be leaving, right? That's what you're hearing? He would be leaving, yeah. Wow. Just like an absolute stunner. Sure.

But I mean, I guess, you know, when you talk about that level of money, I mean, I guess I understand it. And he may have like another business, whether it's something to do with the NFL or building the stadium there or something like that that he wants to get involved in and move on to. But it feels so weird because to me like Dana White and Lorenzo, Fertita built this business for 15 years there, and they're kind of like, to me, inseparable. So it's kind of weird that, like, one of them will stay and one of them be gone. Okay, I know I'm putting you on the spot here, but do you believe the UFC is worth $4 billion? You know what? I mean, it's a really weird question, but when I really look at everything, I say no.

I mean, it's like it just seems like such a gigantic number, but, you know, I think people are buying based on potential and based on, you know, opening up in China and what kind of money that can be generated there and sports rights fees continuing to spiral. So I mean, the ideas in like in 10 years, you know, would this be worth so much more? I mean, yeah, it could be. I mean, I look at the numbers and I look at, you know, they make over $100 million profit a year, you know, or in a good year anyway. Last year they did. But $4 billion is so much money. Yes. I mean, so, so, I mean, if you compare like, like, again, I could compare to WWE, which is worth on the stock market about 1.4 billion, and they're similar-sized companies. UFSI is a little bit more profitable,

but WWE is actually, when it comes to business revenue, they're actually more stable than UFC because UFC has major swings because so much of the business comes from pay-per-view. UFSI is coming off their best year financially. When you consider this momentum that the Ali Act is having, when you consider USADA and injuries, and just the way the sport is evolving, in many ways, is this the best time to sell? Like they say in real estate, you got to sell high. Is this the perfect time to get out if you're the Fertitas?

Yes. If you want to get out, if you want to get out like imminently, you know, like in the next couple, I mean, who knows about a couple of years from now, but as far as like right now today, this kind of timing, yeah, because the last year looked so good and it was so much of it was built on Connor McGregor and Ronda Rousey, and both of them are question marks right now. I mean, as far as can Connor rebound and win?

and draw at the level that he did before we don't know. And Ronda Rousey, I mean, she's just a giant question mark. Sure. You know, the other big question mark would be the value of the television rights, which is the key thing, and that'll come up in a couple of years. And, you know, that depends on the sports marketplace. It changes all the time. U.S. is a really valuable television commodity,

and I would think that a lot of the sports networks would want to bid on it, but does that mean that they'll be able to get $200 million a year for that? I mean, yeah, maybe that's what they're kind of telling, the prospective buyers that, hey, you know, we're getting like whatever it is 110 million a year from Fox, but we can get 200 million on the next deal, so this thing's on its way up. And maybe that's the case. We don't know. Why do you think a company based in China? I mean, obviously there's a big market there that's untapped, but do you think they will run it the same way, Vegas-based, a lot of the shows being in Vegas here in North America, the headquarters, which are under construction, the new ones, in Las Vegas? Do you think it will run the same way just with, you know,

different owners backing it, or do you think it may drastically change as well? The fingerprints are always going to change. I mean, it depends on what kind of power Dana White has and who's with him. But the people who are running the company, I mean, if it's the same people running the company, yeah, it'll go on in a similar way. But even then there's going to be, you know, influences. Will they do more international stuff probably? Will they get into China, which is, you know, again, I think that's a lot of this, too,

is the fact that we've got huge Chinese companies that are going after this for the idea that we can make tons, we can import this into our country. We own it because it's so hard for Americans to go into China and make money in China, but Chinese can do that. And so that's another level of revenue that would be new coming in. But again, I'm not sure how that necessarily works because they really don't have pay-per-view there. They do have television. I don't know what the television rights situation is, um, other than nobody's gotten giant money from Chinese television rights, but that's in China, you know, if a Chinese ownership, that may be different. And live events, um, you know, I don't see them doing the kind of business at a live show in

China that, that they can do in this country unless, um, they develop, like, if there's a, Chinese guy who can win a world championship, who has charisma, I mean, my God, that, that would be gigantic, you know, the Yao Ming thing. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. You know, like type of a thing. So there is that potential, but we don't have that guy right now. Yeah. Um, and I, um, and I, um, and I, I know WWE just signed a Chinese wrestler, and that was news he was actually posing with Yao Ming. And I'm curious if you think that their free spending was a sign that they were selling. I mean, all indications are they're paying Brock Lesnar a lot of money.

Connor McGregor makes a lot of money. Nate Diaz is going to make a lot of money. Do you think that they're trying to go out sort of guns blazing to raise the value of the company on their way out? Do you think there's any correlation there? Well, no, because the Lesnar stuff really took place after all these bids were put in for the most part. I don't think that they... But they knew it was coming.

But the bids were already pretty much done. I mean, as far as raising the money. But I mean, as far as wanting to go out with this giant UFC 200 card as their last hurrah, yeah, I think so. I think that there's that feeling. But that may have been there anyway because the whole idea of UFC 200 was like, you have, you know, to recreate UFC 100. And, you know, because Connor and Ronda were off the show, you needed...

You needed something else. I mean, no offense to John Jones in D.C., because that's actually the biggest fight other than a Ronda or Connor fight that I could come up with. Yeah. But it needed that one hook, and Brock's that hook. Okay, so speaking of Brock, what are the chances he fights past 200 in the UFC? I think that really depends on how he looks. I think if he goes in there and he blitzes Mark Hunt, I can't imagine him.

I can't imagine number one UFC not wanting to get him again and put him in another high-profile fight. And I can't imagine him not wanting to do it for that same reason. If any of the stuff he says about feeling that he missed out on his prime because of his illness during the period he was there and his unfinished business, if any of that is true, if he can still compete at a high level, he's going to want to compete at a high level. But if he doesn't do well, I would seriously doubt he'll ever fight again. Would Vince let him keep fighting, though? Would Vince? That becomes a real tricky game, really tricky because let's just say,

Let's say Brock actually is phenomenal at this. I mean, it's hard to believe at 39, four and a half years off. All logic tells you that what I'm about to say is not going to happen. But Brock does have a lot of charisma. If Brock goes in there and let's say he ground and pounds Mark Hunt runs through him, maybe runs through one more guy and then goes for a championship. You know, what's Vince going to do? I think that Vince in that situation is going to love the idea that he has someone like that on his roster.

Plus, I think that Vince is probably getting a percentage of all this because Brock is his contracted guy. So I do think it benefits Vince greatly. I mean, but I think the risk is, you know, the risk is pretty high, though, because, again, I think it's really, it's a lot to ask for Brock to beat a guy like Mark Hunt under these circumstances. It's, I was absolutely stunned that that was the opponent that they're named. Yeah, yeah, definitely the toughest guy out there for him right now.

Do you think, given his inclusion on the card, that 200 beats 100 as far as pay-per-view buys are concerned? The record is 1.7, correct? I think it's a little less than that, but, you know, you hear anywhere from, like, 1.3 to 1.6. Okay. But, you know, it really depends on the last week, and we don't have a Connor McGregor. We don't have a Nick Diaz, you know, someone who just captivates people in the last couple of days. Brock could be that guy maybe if, you know, like everyone goes.

And, of course, Jones and Cormier is a strong main event. And the thing is, okay, we already saw Jones and Cormier once, and they have, you know, one of the greatest buildups to me in the history of UFC, and it got to a certain level, but it wasn't at that level. Now, again, the other thing is, what does UFC 200 mean? Because I can tell you, like, just from, again, from a wrestling standpoint, when you have WrestleMania, equivalent to that, sometimes people will just buy it just because,

see, this is the big show. I don't want to miss the big show. Yeah. So, you know, if you're going to ask me right now, I think it's going to be in the same ballpark, but, you know, everything in UFC when it comes to these shows, it's impossible to really predict. Where do you fall in the,

the Fedor Milianenko discussion. After seeing him compete on Friday, almost losing, almost getting knocked out by Fabio Maldonado and having tremendous heart in coming back whether or not you thought he won, whether or not the fight should have been stopped, he kept fighting for two more rounds. Do you still want to see him fight in the UFC? He said last week on this show he's closer than ever. Are you one of those who doesn't care to see him ever fight in the octagon at this point? Or are you sort of, you know, like me, maybe a romantic. You want us to just see it once, you know, before his career's over, a la a sting coming to WWE if you will.

Yeah, but that's a different thing because again, it's scripted and you can protect. I'm not, it's not that, like again, a couple years ago, I would have loved it,

even two weeks ago I would have, but I don't have a great feeling of seeing Fador, you know, against the top heavyweight after watching what happened with Maldonado. I'm not really a fan of seeing,

you know, legends that I really admire, be humbled at the end of their career. just the fact that he's never been in UFC it's just done enough if it was a different situation and I didn't have that knowledge that I have now I might give a different answer

but no I really I really don't want to see it honestly Wow would you like to see him retire at this point to stop fighting altogether Yeah I really would Because it's almost like He went in there with a hand-picked opponent and really should have lost the fight

at best got in a draw Sure So I don't like to You know again And, you know, it's a weird thing because people need to make money, and that's just the reality of the world is that you have to, and he's a good fighter who can, he's a fighter who can make money, and he's a national hero and everything.

But this is a tough business when you're old and you're not as good as he used to be. And I really enjoy seeing guys get out early rather than late. I don't like to watch guys get knocked out by guys who, you know, you watch and go, you know what, if he was in his prime, he would have thrashed this guy. And that's when I'm watching Fadorn and Maldonado. I mean, I'm watching when he's down there and just getting beaten on it, I'm going like, you know, Fador in his prime, this guy wouldn't even be competition to him, and so it's kind of sad. So, yeah, I would like to see him retire.

Yeah. What do you think about this Roy McDonald's situation? He rolls the dice on himself. He plays out his contract, loses to Wonderboy. Do you think he resigns with the UFC probably doesn't have as much leverage, or do you foresee a Scott Coker trying to sign him? I don't know, because I have to figure out what Scott Coker wants and everything. I mean, if they're looking at another name, he is a name. was just in a main event.

He could be their champion. But, yeah, he rolled a dice and lost on this one. He could have really, you know, if he had won the fight, he'd had the world at his feet because UFC wouldn't want to lose him coming off a winning being the absolute number one contender. And, you know, a guy nearly, you know, who could be champion, good enough to be champion. But now, I mean, if UFC doesn't need him, you know what I mean?

I mean, it's like they can use him. But he's young. and there is the Canadian market and he is the big Canadian star. He is still valuable, but his value definitely went down because of the fight Saturday. Do you agree with me that Wonderboy should 100% get the next title shot after that win? Absolutely. Absolutely, without a doubt. Just his last couple of forms. I mean, it wasn't the dominating performance to Hendricks fight was.

I mean, the Hendricks fight when I watched that, it's like, this guy's scary good. But still, it wasn't a great fight, but he did beat Roy McDonald's, and he may have won all five rounds over Roy. Roy McDonald, who's a great, I mean, you know, Roy McDonald gave Robbie Lawler fits. He lost him twice, but he, you know, he was very competitive with him. So, yeah, I absolutely think he deserves the next championship fight. I never do this.

I feel comfortable going out on a limb and saying that at some point in his career, barring any crazy injury, Wonderboy Thompson is going to be a champion. He just has that. And if he does become a champion, this guy, I could foresee him being like a Nickelodeon show. Like, this is the kind of guy that I want to introduce my kids to. He looks like a Power Ranger, he talks like one, and it's all very genuine.

He is just the perfect representative for the sport, and not only that, he's a tremendous fighter. No one talks anymore about his takedown defense. How he has evolved into a complete mixed martial artist is nothing short of amazing. I mean, he really truly does have the entire package, in my opinion. Are you that high on him? I would favor him over Robbie Lawler. Yep.

But, you know, that way... As what I. You know, Robbie Lawler is a different fighter than McDonald. But I would favor him over everyone in the division right now, just because, Again, the keys to take down defense, because what he did to Hendricks, in theory would be similar to what he might do with Woodley. You know, I mean, I look at that fight and I go, you know, it's probably kind of similar. I mean, Lawler's a different fight.

But, you know, it's weird because, you know, we used to think the same thing about Machita when he was on his way up about how, you know, oh, my God, when he beat Rashad Evans, it was going to be like, oh, my, this guy's going to have, you know, he's going to be the next Anderson-Silva. So you just never know. but yeah, I think he's going to be the champion by the end of the year. Michael Bisping, who should fight him in his first head of defense? That's a really good one.

You know what? I mean, it's from a sports standpoint, Jacaree Sousa, I mean, no, Sosa. I mean, it's just like, it's the only name. I mean, I know people talking about Henderson, and, like, there's an emotional part of me that actually wants that fight just because there's a great story there in the sense that Dan's at a certain age. It's a rematch of a really famous fight. as like a person who watches the sport

I kind of like that fight that people are talking about and it is marketable you know I there's a part of me that wants if it's going to be November and Mass and Square Garden for that very reason, Widenman you know Dan I don't think Dan is worthy of a championship fight

but I think the stories there of a championship fight So really any of those three I can justify, depending on whatever. I think a lot depends on timing. But yeah, I mean, if I'm Michael Bisping, I want Henderson because I think Henderson is, it would mean the most for him. And then, you know, you've still got, you know, like say, Wyden and Rockwell to go against each other in the winter of that, and then you still got so. So there's plenty of matches for the next, you know, year and a half plus down the line

without even, you know, other guys coming up. By the way, did you see LeBron James wearing a Ultimate Warrior T-shirt upon landing in Cleveland today? Did you see that? I did not see that, but I know that he'd worn an Undertaker shirt, and I know somebody on the team had worn a stone-cold shirt, I think, too. So, I mean, LeBron's a huge wrestling fan. That is crazy. Yeah, Kevin Love wore an Austin 316 t-shirt right after the game, and there's pictures all over online. You can see them.

They got off the plane, and he's wearing an Ultimate Warrior T-shirt. Probably a knock at the Warriors itself, but I thought you would appreciate that given, you know, It's unbelievable. Wrestling is everywhere. Everything is wrestling, as the New York Times said. Yeah, I know. I know the presidential campaign. Isn't that scary?

That is 100% pro wrestling. Dave, a pleasure is always. Always great to get your insight. Thank you very much for the time. We'll talk to you soon. Okay. Thanks, Ariel. All right, there he is.

Dave Meltzer stopping by a wealth of information and knowledge. Always great to get his two cents on everything going on in the world of combat sports. Okay, let us move along. Very excited to be talking to our next guest. She was successful in her oxenance. debut back at UFC 198. What a performance it was against Leslie Smith. She was the talk of the town, talk

of the sport. One of the great performances that night in Kirichiba. She is the one and only Chris Cyborg Dean, Victa FC Featherway Champion. She joins us on the phone right now. Chris, how are you? I'm great. Thank you. Great to have this opportunity. Always great to have you on the show. Let me ask

you right off the top. How are you feeling because I read that you were bitten by a black widow spider? Are you okay? No, I feel better, but last week was the worst time. And now I started training again. I feel a little better. Wow.

Yeah, it's scary. Did you have to go to the hospital? Yeah, I was in the hospital three times. Whoa. What happens? How did your body react to that? No, you know, really problem because I don't have fever, but my legs, when you look, you look worse.

But, you know, me and my family, my mom don't have fever. Anything you have, we don't have fever. Wow. And here, when you don't have fever, it's no emerging. And, you know, I get a medicine, I take shot. But now it's getting better, you know. You don't know really it's a spider widow or other spider brown spider. But the first beginner, the doctor said the bite, he thinks it's the spider reason.

Wow. Okay. but good to hear that you are okay. Also came out last week. Have you signed a new three-fight contract with the UFC? Do you know, I still have three fights because I signed before seven fights. Ah.

My division. Okay. Yeah, it's 145. Yeah. And now I want to return 145. You know, it's make 140s is easy. It's not easy for me, you know. I needed to see how.

I feel after every day's presentation and my last fight I feel good but I know really fast despite me in the Leslie and I'd like make like a two fights three rounds or you know two rounds per see how they'll feel

140 and I know I have more couple of fights in 145 okay so so clear something up for us because after the fight at 198 the UFC came out and said that you were going to fight at UFSI C-201 in Atlanta against Jermaine Derandami, and then you came out and said that's not true.

Is that fight happening or not? No, I think this is too close, this fight. I really need time for make 140. You know, I want to turn 145, you know, but I think Invicta needs time for develop more contenders. And, you know, I'm open for, I want to make the biggest fight, you know, in my career. and if you have to be 140, I accept, but I need time for making weight, you know, because, you know, I was two years training for making 140.

Now I think it's getting better, you know, but I was two years because my 10 years ago, I made 140 against Shannon Beezer. And if I make one 40, you know, in my last camp, I had to run 50 miles every week. Every week, 50 miles. I had my ankle, my right ankle now. I had 10 the night You know

And it hurts bad You know Getting better But because I have to run so much For making more 40 And But I can make more 40 for me It's the biggest fight for all my fans

You know And I'm open for this And I really don't know Who next to be But I'm already dying I'm already And who will be ready for me I'm ready

Do you think your next fight Will be for Invicta or the UFC? You know I want I want to make the biggest fight. Okay. I would like to turn in 1-45, you know, soon, and, but I really don't know what's going on. You know, I think my manager would talk to FC and then talk, and I'm starting out already,

and I have to just be ready. When people come, I need some 1-14-m-m-0-8 or need some 1-14-Ami-Ei. You know, it was amazing to see the reaction that you got before 198 from a media perspective. You got more attention than any other fighter on that card. and when you won, everyone was talking about you, and it led me to start thinking, why don't they just make a 145 division? Why force you to cut five more pounds,

a division that doesn't exist, just to prove some kind of point? Have you asked them this question? Make a 145 division. I'm a big star. People care about me, and I'll fight whoever you want. People can come up.

Let's just do this. Why can we continue this way? Have you had that, or you and your manager had that discussion with the UFC that you could just fight at your natural weight class of 145? You know, I think a lot of years, I'm asking for this, you know, from a division 145. And then say, don't have a lot of girls, 145.

I really think you have a lot of girls, you know. But then say, it's a hard make-one division 14 for now. And then open for me, 140, you know. Before it's, before they didn't say impossible for my FC. And I don't have any dream my heart anymore about this. and I make this fight on 40. And I think then I'll add it a little bit because, you know, then make a more super fight for me.

And I feel very blessed about this because, you know, my city, I was not fighting my city almost 10 years. And I think it was very blessed. And when I fought Juno Karan, you know, that was the biggest fight, you know, crowd in North America. Yeah. Watch this fight.

And the lead to Cesar, strike force, you know, it was a big event. But nothing like what I see, you know, did in Brazil for me. I think it's really nice. And my social media is really big. Before I would be UFC, but I think UFC helped a lot of grown. My name is Evan Bigger.

And, you know, I'm open for a big fight. And I would be my dream, make my division 145 in UFC. Yeah. And, you know, this is my work. You know, I have to be ready, you know, make me sad, don't have my division. But then open for me can possible make more points. and they can make a big fight, you know, for all my fans. And, you know, SPN, you say I'm number one pound for the pound of women's M&A.

And I think if UFC, you know, once you invest in women's MMA, I think, you know, I think I have to be UFC because it's a, it's a, it's a, it's a for growing women's MMA. And they're doing this by myself for almost 10 years. And, yeah, but, you know, I have just to wait. in training and and see what my manager felt out to me later I don't know cutting to 140 was it harder than you thought like do you even do you really want to do this again you know when you when you think about the same I don't want you know if you really think yeah I don't want and because it's really hard really stressful

you know having your life you know you yeah you know I love training I train a lot but from on 40 it's worse because it's a little bit and they have to run every day man I run very day six miles in the morning six miles six miles six miles six six mile in the night time and they train MMA training other other arts too and man it's a lot of work you know it's a lot of work and that I very happy I make the first time on 40 I really scared don't make weight and I really don't want to embarrass my my family

my name and my team and and my city, and it's a lot of pressure with my last fight. And, man, it's no easy, you know, it's really hard. And George Laca Hart will work very good with me. It's two years for doing this. And, you know, I think we need time, you know, some time for between this fight, between on 40 all the time. I think it's no very good for my body.

But, you know, I have time for, you know, he lacks a little bit and he can start again. After experiencing the cut to 140, do you think there's any way that you can make 135? No, I already take out this in the table, you know. I always take out to 135 for me. And I want to be in my division, 145 and make Super 5 more 40. And for now, in my mind, I don't have 135 in my mind, you know. Everybody watch my wands and see how it looks like 140. Yeah.

And everybody, ah, you look nice. Yeah, man, I didn't make up. I make my hair. Of course, it looks nice. But, you know, it's no easy. It's really stressful. And, man, I stress, no, just my life, but everybody around me, you know. Sure.

You're bad move all day. And, man, you know, it's my life. Everybody know, you know what I'm doing. And, yeah, but let's see. Let's see. If you have the biggest fight, you know, more 40, I want to do a big fight in my career. You know, I don't want to kick up. And I want, of course, grow in my 145, my decision.

And because this I make my event, I will have my UMMA for shipping ship July 2 in Orange County. Oh, yeah. And, you know, and you have all the girls, all the visions. And if it'll be amateur fight, I think, yeah, because I want to help grow in UMMA, you know, 10 years I'm doing this. You know, 10 years. Everybody said, Ronda Rose and start with a MMA. No, I'm starting before Ronda Roles, you know. She just starts fighting in biggest events.

You know, the people more look, a lot of people do watch it. But, man, I started a long time ago. And I wanted to open the door for other girls and have an opportunity for a fight and to see what division they want to be. And because this will be all divisions. And it'll be July 2. Everybody wants any information watching my Twitter. Yeah, yeah.

I've seen this on your Instagram, July 2nd at the Yost Theater. in Santa Ana, California, you're putting on an event for amateur women's MMA, correct? Yes, yes. Okay. Well, yeah, very nice. Get down fights 22. You talk about big fights, Chris. You know, obviously I saw on your Instagram as well, you did the Running Man Challenge

with the Ronda Rousey face. Is that the perfect scenario? Like, do you think that this is a possibility now? The next fight is you versus Ronda, maybe Madison Square Garme? Like, can this actually finally happen? What do you think? You know, I think this fight has to happen, you know, I think Rwanda always speak a lot of things about me, a lot of bad things, you know, and everybody,

you know, a lot of fans forget about, you know, I never forget about, you know, but, you know, I don't like fighting between medias, anything, but, you know, I would like to fight her, you know, in the cage. I think we have, you know, a lot of things for talking to the cage, you know, outside the cage. and you know I hope she's back you know I hope she's coming back and I don't know we match Holly Home

I don't know make a biggest fight again yeah and they want to fight you know I don't know man if I lose someone I want to fight soon you know I know you don't have time for for weight because you know the girl's career we at least it's no long time you know a long time you can be a

fighter in the athlete you have to to get the opportunity and fight I think it would be an amazing fighting all the cans and sea, I think it'll be the biggest fight ever. You know, me and Rada Rousa, everybody wanted to watch. How come in the cage you didn't call

out Ronda Rousey after your fight? Why didn't you do that? No, because in the beginning, my manager told me the just the opportunity I had, this fight 140, it's just one time. And,

and, you know, and I was, but we miss understood, you know, the right, but to we begin to think this opportunity I had

make one pot in Brazil Okay And because this I mean I back my division you know And

and you know I really just training and I know it's the first step is defense my belt Because as I said You know

And because Ronald Rogers She even Don't fight You know I think almost two years She She

She Out the case And I don't know I don't know I don't ask for fight I think I think

The people and my fans and matchmaker and Shenzhoubi and Shana can make my fight fight for me. Okay, so you haven't asked the UFC, I want Ronda Rousey, let's do this. I will make 140 if you get me, Ronda Rousey.

You guys haven't made that offer? You know, this is something you don't need to ask. I think, you know, I didn't know. This is the biggest fight with women's main A fight, you know. I think, you know, I don't have to ask this. I think, I don't know. I'm not choose opponent, you know, then they know this.

And there's no have to ask it, then I already know. But just so I understand you, you would be interested in making or you would be willing to make 140 if it's a big fight like a Ronda or a Hollyholm. But some of these other fights, you don't want to go through the trouble if it's not a big fight. Is that fair? I know. I think it because, you know, it's really hard to make 140. Yeah.

I would like make super fights, you know. And, you know, I won't keep my decision, but if it happens super fight for me and in my sense, would like watch this fight, and why not? You know, I'm not scared for good. You know, I'm doing my job, you know. I always have to be ready for the battle, and it doesn't matter, make on 40 on 45. And now I did the first time on 40, but it's really hard, yeah, but it has to be big fights. You have to be something special, you know, in Brazil, really special, because,

because in my city, you know, 10 years I don't fight in my city. And because I accept the challenge, you know, I'm very thankful for less, to accept this fight for this dream come true. But I just really accept this fight and make a lot of sacrifice, make more 40, because it's in Brazil for Tichiba. And do you feel like that moment in Curitiba was one of the greatest moments, if not the greatest moment of your life, like just being home, UFC finally winning that way?

Is it fair to call it that? You know, really special. I think it did all the fans in Brazil is to my heart. You know, when I go inside the semi-normal, you know, I walk in the street. Seminolema, I walk in all my fights. But I feel really different, you know,

all the fans and the crowds are crazy and say my name and my mom over there, my dad over there, my brother, my family, my friends, You're all people when I started playing and watch my first punch over there. Wow. It's really special. Yeah, really special.

And, of course, it'll be my heart in the heart to all my fans over there. I think you'd be really special. And I think all the people share you with me, you know, be UFC. Because everybody will look for me in my career. And you know how much it, I sacrificed my life and my training is everything. And overcome about adopting. And it'll be UFC. And, you know, in Brazil, it's my career.

amazing. It's amazing. Two last quick questions. First, why do you think they put it out there that you were fighting DeRandumee on 201? Do you think that they were trying to put pressure on you to accept the fight? Why do you think that came out?

You know, I really don't know. This time I was I think they didn't say they want to do it. Yeah. Because they should do the strike girl. I don't say this fight will happen, but I think you then

want to do the fight because there is two strikers to be thinking, then think it'll be an army a fight, but I don't think no sure, then you know, something then want to do, I think. Okay, and if you could predict for us, when and against who do you think your next fight will be? Do you have any kind of

prediction? You know, the biggest fight will happen now, this two months, holiday home, Michigan, and I think he'll probably fight after this fight. Okay. And let's see what's happen, you know, I'll see who wants

I mean, Misha said she can fight me 140. Yeah. Let's see, you know, a lot of people like to stay, but no one signed the counter, nobody signing anything. But, you know, I'm waiting, you know, and see who next 140 and 145, I don't know, doesn't matter. I just start training, you know. Spider bike makes me stronger than before.

And, yeah, I was like to end, you know, be ready and dying too. And let's see what's next. Not only are you... my fans want to watch. Yeah. Who my fans want to watch my next fight, you know? Put Twitter, ask for the night, Shannon, and put for me who you guys want next. I'm ready.

I'm pretty sure I know who they want you to fight. We'll see if it happens. Not only are you a cyborg, now you're a spider woman as well, which is a scary thought for your opponents. Chris, congratulations on the big win. It was great to see all the love and attention that you were getting from the media, from the fans and everything very much deserved. Thank you for coming on the show.

Thank you for clearing the air, and I'm happy to hear that you're okay after the spider bite. Obrugado, thank you very much, and we'll talk to you soon. Good luck. Okay, thank you, Ariel. Thank you for opportunity. We know a long time ago. I know you interviewed me a long time, and God bless you. You've been an opportunity. Thank you for all my chance.

Always. Thank you so much. There she is. Chris Seiberg stopping by. Great stuff from her. As always, great to get her perspective on where she is or when she is going to fight, what weight class against two, a lot up in the air. It doesn't appear right now that she'll be fighting at 2-1 against.

Jermaine Derandami. And who can blame her? Getting down to 140 is just, it's a nightmare. It's really tough. You need big fights to get that, that motivation to go down. I just think they should make the 145 pound division. Have a dominant champ. Have her kick some butt. You know, have people come up if they want a fighter, get that attention, get that money. And if they can't, now you got someone kicking ass at 145 and establishing that division. The problem isn't the dominant champion. in my opinion, and especially one who can draw, clearly she can draw. The problem is if you don't have a dominant champion, they have the dominant champion. And they have enough people who are comfortable fighting at 145, in my opinion, who can sustain that division. We thought that 135 had no

future with Rhonda. You know, she was just too dominant. And look what's happened now. It will happen at 125. It happened at 185. These things go up and down. Cyclical. And to me, it would be a shame from a UFC perspective, from a business perspective, to miss out on having her on the roster, having her on your cards. Considering how big of a draw she is, she's a draw. People care about her. So we'll see. Okay. Let's do y'all must have forgot. Take a quick break. And then we'll regroup, talk to New York, Rick, answer some questions. And then in around 60 minutes from now, we're still going to be joined by George St. Pierre. So don't go anywhere. We got plenty of show left. This week, of course, we're thinking about a big card this weekend. June 24th, Mama knows his birthday. Belator is celebrating my mom's birthday by putting on Belator Dynamite 2. And of course, it is headline by Rampage Jackson versus Satoshi Ishii. Rampage was on the show last week.

We are good. I'm working on getting him the million bucks and the girlfriend back. Also notable on that card, it's the Bellator debut of Matt Mat Matrione. Matt Matrione fighting on that card. How about that? So I wanted to look back at it. his UFC 119 win. Our post-fight interview, September of 2010, he wins in his home state of Indianapolis, or I should say Indiana. The fight was in Indianapolis at the Conceco Fieldhouse. And if you recall, on national television, he fired his manager, Malki Kawa.

And this got him a lot of attention. It got Malki a lot of attention as well. I caught up with Matt after the fight. Talked him about that. Talked him about the win over Joey Beltran. And you can kind of see, you know, he was still working out of the show. shadows of the persona that had been built on Tough 10. On Tough 10, he was known as the crazy meathead guy who heard voices. People weren't really quite sure. He was kind of known as a meathead,

like a jock, if you will. He wasn't the lovable Matt Matreone that we know now. And he was still working to shed that label. And we addressed that. We address his year post-Tuff. We addressed the win. We addressed firing his manager. I thought it would be fun to look back at this interview just a few days before his Bell Tour debut. So here it is, UFC 119, September of 2010. Y'all must have forgot my post-fight interview with Matt Matrione. Ariel Halwani post-fighted at UFC 119 with Matt Matrione, who defeated Joey Beltran tonight.

How are you feeling, Matt? You know, I'll be honest with you. I feel really damn good. That was exactly how I thought it was going to play out to a certain extent. Like if we sat on our feet, I knew we were going to trade him up. I really thought I was going to knock him out. It's a whole lot better than I gave him credit for. and, you know, he didn't, he barely tried to wrestle.

He didn't take shots. He didn't do what I think he was going to do. So, you know, good for him. He had a good game plan. It kept me from kicking him. Well, it's amazing just to watch you out there after what we saw in tough. I mean, the way you were so active on your feet, switching stances, throwing some kicks as well. I mean, really, really, you've progressed in front of our eyes.

Do you feel as though you sort of lived up your expectations in this fight? You know, I don't know. I can't give you a good answer for that yet. I can tell you that I felt like I was more mobile. I definitely listened to my corner a whole lot more. I heard him, get back to the middle, get back to the middle, keep your back off the fence, bounce. You know, we have certain keywords that I listen for.

And, you know, it was good, man. I felt good. I really thought I was going to put him to sleep. I'm just one of them myself. But you know what? I went three rounds and actually had gas for, you know, two more. I felt great. So we'll see what happens, you know.

He took some big shots. Were you surprised that he was able to withstand those? Yeah, I was. I had him on the ropes a couple times. I'm positive I did. And he ate him, man. I mean, Joey's a tough dude. His chance to hold out better than to give him credit for.

You know, and there were times, like, The guy stuck him. I hit him with a right hook one time, man. I saw a little trail of blood fly out. And I was like, oh, he's out. He's out. I'm going to get him. And he has a way just to cover up just enough where nothing lands. You know, it's like you clip his elbow or you do this and it takes away, like, what you're looking for. I mean, so I was frustrated, to be honest with you. But, you know, it was good. I'm glad I won, that's for sure.

Of course. You get really pumped up out there. I mean, I saw you walk into the cage. I don't know if you noticed, but you jumped onto the cage. You swung the door open. You actually nailed the photographer so hard. You were that into it. How do you use that energy to not, you know, overthink things, but actually use it in a positive fashion and still stay calm out there? You know, I'm actually, like, I'm actually relatively calm for the most part.

And I know how to get my body going, but I know how to keep, say, mentally, like, where I need to be. And I'm a little more intelligent in touch with more people than think I am. Shocking. Yeah, I know. Go figure. I play such a dumb ass, you know. I'm a meathead. You know?

How about that? The crowd was chanting meathead. Did you hear that? Yeah, I did, brother. Isn't that awesome, man? You know, it's funny. Like, a home kind of bandage is really. I mean, that was phenomenal.

Like, just hearing them all. They were so excited, dude. And like, every time I'd land something really nice, they would chant so loud. And every time he'd land something, they'd be like, you know? And I guarantee that I'd have to harden him a little bit. More to that point, I mean, a year ago, you were just starting out on the show. Now, a year later, you're 3 in the UFC. You just won in Indianapolis.

You went to Purdue. You had the home crowd in front of you. Are you able to take a step back and go, wow, I can't believe what has happened to me in the last year? You know, actually, a little bit ago, probably like a month ago. I actually, yeah, I thought to myself, like, geez. Actually, we read the show called Magic in Vegas, and Roy Nelson was out there, and so was Brendan's job. And we're actually talking, like, I can't believe it's been a year. And our lives have changed.

Well, Brendan's and mine have changed. So, Roy's is it pretty much the same. I was like, it's so wild to me, you know. Like, I mean, everybody who's associated with their lives of change, I brought him with me. And it's a trip, man. It's a real trip. You said to Joe Rogan that someone was fired. I couldn't catch it.

His name's Malki Kawa with first-all management. He did the worst job ever with sponsorships for a televised. fight, he got me $5,000. $5,000 for televised fight. That is highly unacceptable. So, yeah, Malky, you're fired. Is this true? This is a shoot? Yeah, I'm for real. Yeah, Malki did, you know, he may be, he may have done, you know, whatever. He told me that, we were asking him, how much, you know, who do I want to get in my shorts? And to get my shorts and get my shorts, you know, so I can try them on. I had to get these things, hemmed, blah, blah, blah. And the answers I get is, you know, hey, your wife's bothered me about stuff that's not her business. For real, dude,

my wife's, it's not her business about my money. That's a true. trip. Okay, my wife's aggressive, brother. You know, so like, you know, it was just the trip. You know, he was out of line in a lot of ways and, you know, I think that's really appropriate for me to fire you on national TV. You're fired. Okay, finally, you know, we were talking to Sean McCorkel after he said he wants you next. For some reason, he's got a beef with you. A, I'd like you to respond to that and B, if you're not interested in fighting him next, who would you like to fight next? Who do I want to fight next? How about Sean, first and foremost?

Sean McCorgo will get his face smashed. Shoe McCorky and our good friends. We're just jumping gums. I don't want to fight cork. He's my buddy. He don't want to fight him. He may kick my ass. You know, honestly, man, I don't know who I want to fight.

You know, I'm 3-0. I'm really happy about that. And Joey is a tough guy. He had, I think, 15 fights because of the 16th. So I think, you know, I'm developing, you know, and hopefully, you know, another person that's tougher than Joey and just kind of let me see where I am. You know, I'm not trying to be a world champion yet,

but I want to get that piece of gold eventually. but whatever it is, I'm going to do it, brother. All right, congratulations. Enjoy those checks, my friend. Thank you very much. I really appreciate it, man. Hey, thanks, everybody. Y'all's have been so supportive. Thank you so much, man. A great look back at our post-fight interview. Y'all must have forgot me and Matt Matrione at UFC 119.

You know what's interesting about that interview? He said he was 3-0 in the UFC after that win. And if that's 2016, 3-0 in the UFC, as far as sponsorship, Reebok money is concerned, gets you $2,500. He fired his manager on national television back in 2010 for only getting him $5,000 in sponsorship money. And that fight was televised on Spike TV. It was on the Spike TV prelims. Think about that.

He was so upset that his manager at the time only got him $5,000 in sponsorship money in his third pro-UFC fight. And this is a guy who came into the UFC oh-and-oh because his... His tough fights aren't considered pro fights. They don't go on his record. Remember, UFC 113, he beat Kimbo Slice. So in his third pro fight, he fires his manager on national TV afterwards because he only got $5,000 in sponsorship money. Same guy, same record, same amount of fights this year gets $2,500.

That's how we've gone. Isn't that crazy? That's an amazing thing to think about. So, you know, for anyone who's telling you that the Reebok deal is great for fighters, what does that tell you? Anyhow, Matt Matrione fighting this Friday on Spike. It's 9 p.m. Eastern on Spike TV, Beltor Dynamite 2, Satoshi Ishi versus Quentin Rampage Jackson is the main event.

Okay. Mr. New York Rick, are you there? There he is. Wow. Look at that smile. You know, anyone ever tell you you you look like Frankie Perez? You kind of look like him. You got that?

In the back that just said that when we had Frankie on. It just occurred to me. I could see it. You know who Frankie actually made me think of? Jesse. Jesse from our basketball team? Yeah. Wow, that is a very inside.

I mean, no one knows who the heck Jesse is. But you know who Jesse is. It's very inside baseball. Guy on our basketball. Should I tell the story? Maybe not. No, no. Okay, fine.

Let's leave that one inside baseball. So, how are you feeling? A lifelong Cleveland Cavaliers fan. I wouldn't say that, but. Really? Well, no, I wasn't. Omed. No, because, you know, I didn't have a team until I was maybe, how old was I?

Eight, nine? So how old are you now? I'm 28, 29. So 20 years ago? 20 years ago was 1996. You claim that you've been following the Cavaliers since they acquired Sean Kemp in that Blockbuster deal. Not LeBron James in 2003.

No. You're going back to the black jerseys with. the blue thingy. Yeah, black jerseys, Terrell, Brandon, and the, and the, you're not, you're not going crazy and saying you were there when Jordan hit the shot over Elo. You know Craig Elo's, right? Stop it. Okay.

You're not claiming that, but you are claiming that you were there pre, what we're trying to establish here is that you're not a bandwagoner. Hey, you know, you can. No, no, no. I'm not being a dick here. No, no. I'm establishing this for your own, you know, for your own. But for some people, that, even that won't be enough.

Whatever. Screw those people. You have to be, you know, born. So you've seen the ups and the ups and. downs. What was it like? Take us inside the, you know, I've never experienced a championship. I don't know what it feels like. I'm envious. Now, I'm not speaking from the perspective of somebody who lives in Cleveland. Sure, but you're a fan. No, but I think it's important to frame it because I don't follow the Indians. I don't follow the Browns. I don't have any other sports teams. I literally have the

cavaliers and fighting. That's all I have. I don't follow the Yankees or any of the local teams. I don't follow the Cleveland teams. None. So for a Clevelander who's, you know, dealing with with the Indians, would they lose a World Series in like 97? 97, yes, Jose Mesa. And the Brown sucking every year. They've probably gone through it a little worse than I have. That said, LeBron has taken this team to the precipice many times and not been able to get over the hump.

And there was no moment where I expected them to win. I kept feeling like something Terra was going to happen. Last night or the entire series? for every part of every minute of every season. I feel like something is going to happen and they're not going to win. And I imagine that feeling is amplified in the city of Cleveland and they got it done. And I was pacing around my house and it was, what was it 11 at night when the game was really in crunch time. And I was worried about waking up my neighbors, but I just couldn't stop pacing.

I've never been that nervous in my life. One of the greatest sporting events I've ever witnessed. I was actually saying to my wife, saying to myself beforehand, she joined in progress. I was sweating like, I mean, I was sweating like crazy. I had to take a shower after. I just, I take a shower before the game. I had to take one after. I was sweating so much.

And I really didn't have, you know, a horse in the race. If my favorite team was in game seven and it came down to that, of course, the Knicks were in game seven in 1994, but it wasn't as close of a game. I think I may have had a heart attack. I mean, I was so nervous and, you know, and I have to say, and I know you think that I'm a hate or whatever, I am in awe of what LeBron James did. That block will be replayed forever. That's one of the greatest examples of athleticism I've ever seen in my life for him to jump from where he jumped. His head almost hit the rim. I mean, it was truly, it was unfathomable what he did.

And it almost feels like the state propelled him to block that. Andre Goodala shot. Kary Irving is an unbelievable athlete. He doesn't get enough credit, especially for hitting that shot and how he outplayed Stephen Curry. I think, if I'm being honest, I think the Warriors blew it.

I'm not going to use the C word, but they really blew it, not scoring the last five minutes, trying to go for the knockout blow. Even as a coaching staff, starting the fourth quarter with Stefan Curry on the bench, what the heck are you doing?

So I really truly think they blew it. Jarmon Green kind of blew it with the nut shot, even though they had two more opportunities. I mean, that was pretty much an epic meltdown. And I'm happy for the people of Cleveland. I'm happy for you.

I'm happy for all the fans. Yeah. The, you know what I'm happy about? I don't have to hear any more about the whining. Oh, woe is us. Woe is us. You guys deserve it. You want it.

I do, I maintain that as a 265 pound man, LeBron flops a lot, but I also maintain that this is the, that's true. You have to admit it. But let me finish. This is one of the greatest performance. by any athlete in our entire generation, like for him to take that particular team, which I don't think is a great team. I think there may be a four-seat at best without him

or with him in the West. You know what I'm saying? For him to propel them to that is nothing short of amazing. Anyone who wants to hate him and make a career out of hating him and throwing shade as the kids say is absolutely ridiculous. That propels him, in my opinion, to maybe like top three ever. What he did is just amazing. Really is amazing. There's no word to describe it. So, kudos to him. He does flop. There's no doubt about it.

And at times I don't feel like, but that emotion, seeing that emotion after, it was a beautiful moment. And I'd love to, you know, I ask some of my friends who are Warriors fans this, like, you have to admit, it doesn't, like, this meant a lot more to the Cavaliers fans. They got their championship last year. You can never say that number two feels the same as number one or even greater. You got it. You got over the hump.

You were the Cavaliers last year. This meant more. So I'm happy for them. happy that they got their championship. But there were a lot of questions about their legitimacy. No, who thinks that?

Oh, there were plenty. When Kyrie and Kevin Love were not in, it was, and LeBron essentially won two games on his own. It was, well, they beat LeBron and a bunch of nobodies. And now come next year, Kevin Love and Kyrie are healthy,

and they did get it done. So there is, I think that there are legitimate questions about... That all fuels for next year, right? I mean, I can almost guarantee that Christmas Day, that game is going to be Warriors at Cavs. This is the greatest thing. No one wants a rivalry that's, you know, 2-0 for one side.

Now it's 1-1. This is tremendous. This is our rock-old Bisbing right here. This is great. Yeah, I mean, sort of. Definitely bigger. But, yeah, you bring up a great point, but, you know, you can also bring up the Dramon-Green stuff.

You can bring up Andrew Bogot getting injured, which doesn't get talked about a lot. So there's a lot of factors on both sides. They were up 3-1. It's never been done before. LeBron to win a championship in Cleveland is a greater feat than what he did in Miami. I don't think he leaves. I think he celebrates this for a year. I think he tries to go for two.

It's all gravy now for him. But to do that with this squad and to come back from that deficit and then poking the bear and calling him a baby and all this stuff, I mean, wow, what drama. It was unbelievable. It was really something else. I think you're owed some congratulations here. Because my Cavs won. Wow.

You're no Daniel Cormier, but your Toronto Raptors lost to a champion. Oh, that's right. That's good enough. Stop it with this. Why do you perpetuate this myth that I'm some bandwagoner? The former Knicks, J.R. Smith, Amon Shumper, and Timofe Mazzgov are now NBA champions. That's right. That's a feather in your cap.

When Imon Shumper hit that four-point play, I know it was early, but I said to myself, wow, this is going their way. Eamon Shumper doesn't make those kind of shots. J.R. is a love-hate relationship. He was responsible for our best year in 15 seasons. He was very emotional afterwards. His heart is in the right place. Just somewhat, you know, of an erratic, unreliable player. And he clanked a big one towards the end. But I don't have hate in my heart. I will say this. I do believe, and they'll never probably admit it. And a lot of class shown by Steph Curry afterwards, I thought, even Dremont going up to them. But I will say this. I do believe that going for 73 wins was a big mistake.

Of course, you want to try to win them all, but every game towards the end was game seven in the NBA finals. They really put it all in the line. I think they ran out of steam and witnessed the fact that they went nine and nine in the playoffs. They lost three in a row for the first time since November of 2013. Lost three in a row for the first time since Steve Kerr joined the team as coach. I just think they ran out of gas. And other things and other things came into play, there's no doubt about that. but I think that pushing too hard in the regular season,

if they would have settled for 62 to 65 wins, I personally think they win the series. I think they just ran out of gas. They pushed themselves too much. They didn't go on vacation in January for two weeks with... Dwayne Wade. Yeah. You know what I'm saying?

Maybe they should have. They should have. I think it was a mistake. You're making this very hard to enjoy because you're giving too much credit to the Cavaliers. It's the truth. I love basketball. And pretending that you don't hate LeBron James deep down in your soul. I've never hated him.

I've always had respect. I don't like when he flops. And of course, he beat my Knicks twice in the playoffs. I mean, you have to understand when I'm coming from. I mean, that's no, you know, that's not really. It was very one-sided. Yeah. So, of course, we had this bet.

And now, here's the truth. And I told you this last night. Sure. After the whole thing happened a couple weeks ago, I meant to tell you, I was confident the Warriors was going to win. You're damn right, you were. Of course. And by the way, I never make bets.

I don't bet ever. I've never bet on the Knicks. I've never bet on anything. but I got sucked into this game for some stupid reason and I meant to tell you afterwards that you know I don't and I think they were I think they were actually up 3-1 at the point or maybe 2-1 yeah no they're up to nothing

they'd want two games yeah because they won Thursday before 199 and then the Sunday after I didn't watch I think I started watching you know I started game 6 I watched game 1 but then and everything happened my life turned upside down anyway I meant to tell you that the deal was off because I just didn't have the heart. I didn't have the appetite for you changing your Twitter and all that. I just didn't feel right.

And I didn't do it. And then it was too late and now here we are. So what are you going to do? What's the repercussions here? I think the fairest thing. Yes. And I respect and understand where you're coming from there in what you're saying. It's just not a time for silly games.

It's, you know. And I will also say, God is my witness. but this is going to come across as the weakest SHIT ever. If they want, I was going to come on and say, I'm not going to make you do anything. I'm just saying that. I'm just telling you that. Well, then I think the fairest thing to do is.

I'm here to take it like a man, whatever it is. I think the fairest thing to do would be to let the people decide. Oh, here we go. That is not the fairest thing to do. They're going to come kicking me in the butt, in the balls. The people will turn on me. The people showed you overwhelming support. Okay.

Previous to this. And now we'll see if the people... Haven't I been through enough? It's been a very stressful month. Look, we can make this easy on you because... Can I get a Mark Price jersey? You're showing so much love for LeBron James right now. I think it would be wonderful for you to really express that and wear a LeBron James jersey.

Now, this is what I wanted to do. I wanted to order a custom five Cavaliers jersey and put pipe for J.R. Smith. on the back. But I think that you would enjoy that too much. So that's why I'm leaning. No, I actually would be embarrassed by that. Are you kidding? I'm a father.

I'm leaning toward the LeBron route. But I think, you know, maybe there's time to change my mind or let the people know. But let's leave this on the hook for a little bit. Okay. All right. Okay. Well, anything else you want to say about this game before we get back to the real stuff? Go Cavs.

Okay. We did it. You did it. Mazel Tov. Congratulations. You know, this guy, this guy here, Chris Manning of your website. Oh yeah. For the sword.

Shout out to the shirt. I'll wear a Cavs jersey on the pre-fight show in Cleveland, you know? I mean, the people are speaking. The people are speaking. They're putting the ideas out there. That Nike commercial, by the way, where they, that was great stuff. It's a beautiful thing. I am envious.

I am jealous. I want to experience this. There's no hate here. I just don't like the flopping. That's all. That's true. It gets under my skin. But look, if I'm being honest, another ring for the Warriors they had one last year, big whoop.

These guys, they deserved it. Sure. And I don't think it's going to happen again. I think above all else. And what about Kevin Love wearing the Stone Cold shirt? Amazing. And the Ultimate Warrior shirt, I don't know how I feel about it. I like it.

It's a bit of a shot. Take the shot. All right, fair enough. Steph Curry. Yeah, you're right. We give him this pass that he's some kind of angel. He talks more stuff than anything. Anybody talking about the locker room at the queue still smells like champagne.

Well, now they're celebrating on their floor. It was nice. It was nice. We'll do a Kevin Love for Carmelo trade and you'll win a championship. You want that? Oh, I want Carmelo. What does Carmelo Anthony think about all this? I know we have to wrap, but come on.

I mean, he sees his boys winning. I mean, Mosgov, not his boy, but J.R. Enemot, I mean, and you know what? I love Mello. By the way, I had a dream last night. I forgot to tell you this. I had a dream that I had dinner. I went to a Chicago Steakhouse. I don't know why we were in Chicago and why we went to a steakhouse.

I don't really like steak with Chris Stap's Porzingis, and he assured me that we will get it done. He predicted it. And then we started talking about UFC 200. It was nuts. I was wearing Prozingis socks. His brother came up to me and he said, I hear you're a big fan.

I'd like you to meet someone and was him. And we sat down and we had a whole meal and he promised me. It was amazing. All kinds of emotions going on. Very, I mean, this could happen. This could happen. It's coming November and then...

What's November? Do you have seen in New York? Oh, you think he's going to be there? I mean, Chris Stapp's front row. Maybe not front row because people can't see. He's a big fan. But yeah, maybe back row for old Christaps. Back row at MSG.

Are you nuts? You can't see over... The point that I was trying to make was... Or as Rapaport would say Lativian. Yeah, the point I was trying to make was... Like, I go on Twitter and I see Mello just... tweeting this stuff, like, set your goals high and don't stop until you get there. And I'm like, aren't you a little bit embarrassed to be putting this out there today? You know? I mean,

and look at the comments. Just like, let's do something. Jeez. Takes Phil Jackson two tweets to get his congratulatory tweet outright and he even types, he puts a typo in the second one. Maybe it's another commercial where he's wearing his rings and typing it wrong. Should Steepame Meochich be involved in the parade? A hundred percent. Not even, he should be the, what did they call that? The, the, like the master of ceremonies? Yeah. Yes. Not only should he be involved Okay, he should be involved We have established that

Obviously we agree on that He won't be involved You don't think so I don't feel like they're gonna give him the credit Also a big wrestling fan You throw him, you know Oh, be incredible He could be the hype man

He could be the one like Getting everyone excited and everything And clearly they got love for wrestling And fighting and all that stuff I mean James has been to They need steep That would be something Wow UFC 203

And good on the UFC Their tickets are going on So everyone's in a great mood this week This could not work out better for them. How about that? All right. To be continued, but let's talk some MMA. Okay, what do we got? Fador versus Maldonado.

Yes. What are your thoughts on the fight between Fador and Fabio Maldonado and the controversial decision made by the judges? First of all, do you think it was controversial? Yes, it should have been a draw. Do you agree? Absolutely, it was a draw. Clearly, 108, 109 for Fador, 109 for Fador.

Do you think the way this fight went will have any impact on potential of us seeing Fader in the UFC? No. because I still believe that everyone who's saying they don't want to see him in the UFC will watch him in the UFC. I believe that a lot of people didn't watch that fight on Friday. One thing you have to remember is that Fador isn't as big of a draw here in the United States as we may think he is. Historically, he was not a draw on pay-per-view. And yes, I know those pride fights were on in the middle of the night.

But, you know, he's never been a tremendous draw stateside. That being said, I think that they will try to sign him. I don't know if they'll actually happen. I don't know if they're playing footsie or whatever but I think they will try and I don't necessarily think that this hurts him very much it might hurt his leverage but I don't think it hurts his chances of fighting the UFC

it should have been a draw it was very close to being stopped but I don't think it should have been stopped it should have been a draw though there's no doubt about that it should have been 28 28 that was a 10-8 round if I've ever seen one you don't think it should have been stopped

I thought he was pretty much out it was close but he fought through it you know I think it's I'll say this though. I hate when people say, well, he came back. That's not a justification for, you know, the idea that that fight shouldn't have been stopped. The idea isn't to knock somebody completely unconscious, and then if they can fight the next two rounds, they were okay. That's not how that works.

I thought it should have been stopped. That said, as it continued, the score was clearly a draw. No doubt about it. He still has that something that people are attracted to, and in this day and age of trying to put together, their fun fights. I mean, he was actually fighting pretty darn well early on. I think he got super sloppy. Josh Gross mentioned something on Twitter that I thought was very much on point.

And by the way, check out his new book, Ali versus Inoki. He was on the beat last week. It's a great book. I started reading it this weekend. It's really super interesting. Once he started to become this headhunter where he was swinging for the fences and it really started to happen post-pride, everything started changing for Mileneko. and that's what happened in this fight. He started swinging for the fences, leaving himself open,

and Maldonado caught him. And then he, you know, then he was on wobbly legs. It was surreal to watch. Surreal. Still in this, you know, after all these fights and those losses a few years back. So by the way, that show was the most bizarre show. It lasted like 3,000 hours. The announcing was comical. It was like, it was horrible, but in a somewhat entertaining way, the production was outside. The production was outstanding. I mean, they had a live orchestra playing the walkout music. They had people flying around as like Cirque de Soleil. It actually really looked like Cirque de Soleil. Wow, I can't imagine how much money they pumped into that thing. So EFN is trying to come to the United States. To be honest, I wouldn't be surprised if they try to do a deal with Mikhail Prokrov and do a show here

at the Barclay Center and try to put Fedor on that show if he doesn't sign with the UFC. I think that would do well, given the Russian population here in New York. Think about how well he did. in East Rutherford a couple of years back. But man, I don't know how they How can they afford all that? Geez, what a show. And more importantly, who are they going to give them to fight? There's always going to be someone.

I mean, this one was a risky one. It ended up not going so well. You have Fador fighting in New York for the first time you could put him in there against Jai Deep Singh again. So we'll see. He says he's closer than ever. Okay, this event was on Fight Pass. So let's look at Fight Pass overview.

two years into it now. Yeah. What do you think about the product, you know, versus how you thought it was going to be initially? Essentially, give us your thoughts on Fight Pass where it stands now versus your expectations initially. I think it's an amazing product. They actually redesigned the app and the website this past weekend, which was very smart to line up with the Fador fight and the Ottawa card on Saturday. The app is a million times better than it once was. The website is better as well.

I think it's moving further along quicker than I thought it was when they announced it. Famously, as Aunt Evans like to say, I scored it a 10-7 for WW because they both announced their new VOD services around the same time. I thought the UFC announcement was clunky. It felt thrown together. The cards were underwhelming. It just wasn't, the product wasn't great. There wasn't the library, the search function. We could go on and on.

They've cleaned it up. They've hired a brilliant mind in Eric Winter. You know I'm a huge fan of his. Just go look at his Twitter. The guy's answering everyone personally, even people who aren't writing to him. He goes in there and spends all his time answering the customers. They've purchased all of these organizations to air them live, whether it's Cage Warriors or Invicta or EBI or Glory or, you know, EFN.

They've put almost, there's a live show almost every weekend, Combache, all that stuff. The library is great now. The prelims are way better. Sometimes the prelim fights are better than the FS1 fights. There's really not a lot to complain. I really think that you're getting a lot for your money for $10. To appease our friend, Ann Evans, score it. Oh, score it now?

I mean, look, I was scoring it UFC to WW, and I don't watch the WWI network. Okay, that's fair enough. So do you watch it? You used to have it. I used to have it. I don't have it. I don't have it. I don't know, I mean, based on what they have now versus what I saw when I did use it,

I'd say it's at least as good, if not better. And because I like the content more, obviously, that gives it a bit of a boost. But they've truly put in a lot of time and work, and this new update is incredible. One of the main problems people had was the search function, and they completely revamped that. I don't see that being a problem anymore. And as you said, the actual content that they're producing for it, whether it be outside

organizations or even the UFC fights is top-notch. They're getting big fights as the headline events of FightPass and delivering every time. Yeah, and they also have a lot of, original programming, you know, like the, the documentaries and things like that. On July 7th, Hafeldo Sanjos is going to defend his title against Eddie Alvres on FightPass exclusively on Fight Pass. That's nuts. Roy Nelson versus Derek Lewis, also on that card, Joe Duffy on that card. Remember, Duffy versus Porier, the Page card against Rose.

I mean, how can you, it's going to be very interesting to see how Fight Pass plays into the negotiations when their TV deals up in a couple of years. Do they try to do less fights on TV and more on fight pass because they can make a lot more money off of it? They don't have to, you know, they cut out the middleman. You know, no secret. If you're Fox, you're like, well, why are they getting all these great fights? You know what I mean? Why are they getting Bisping versus Silva?

So it's going to be very interesting to see how this plays out. It's a force. And in two years, two plus years, they've done a tremendous job with it. There's no doubt about it. All right. There's the commercial, but they're doing. Now you could put me on your ad for it. They are doing big things.

Okay. Big fangs. Seroni had comments about his pay after the fight. Yeah, how about that? Seems like an amount of fighters, you know, speaking up about that has been increasing. I think, wow, I'm blanking right now. Jojo Calderwood posted something on Instagram. Broke as hell.

Wearing a hat that said broke his hell on it. Do you think that the rumors of the sale and all that stuff is going to increase this, have no effect on it? Or what do you think the symptom? or the impact of this is going to be. You know, it's funny. My son, who's for Oliver, I was changing a light bulb where we live, and this kind of blew me away. I put the light bulb on the table, and he said,

you're not going to find this as amazing as I did, but it was very amazing. He's like, Dad, I have an idea, and he put the light bulb over his head. I was like, wow, that was the greatest thing. That's pretty cute. He was amazing. I don't know where he found that. And so why am I telling you this story?

because it feels like the light bulb just went off in Donald Seroni's head. You know what? Maybe being the guy who's going to step up and take whatever offer you give him and sometimes put yourself in tough positions where, you know, you're preparing for a fight on two weeks notice and getting paid the same and there's no extra incentive to do this, maybe that's not the best way to play out your career. Maybe doing it the way Nate Diaz has done it and actually playing hardball at times

and leveraging and negotiating is the smart a way. And I hope more people start to have this light bulb go off, you know, on top of their head. The days of just being like, yes, sir, I'll do whatever you want. I think those days are slowly, I'm not saying they're starting to end tomorrow, but people are starting to figure things out. The fighters are starting to become a lot more educated on the business of this sport. There's one thing that I keep talking about with a lot of fighters and managers this keeps coming up, this TV negotiation.

In other sports, in the NBA and the NFL Major League Baseball, when they sign TV deals with the big networks, I mean, we're talking billions of dollars, There's a trickle-down effect there, whether it comes down to revenue sharing, salary caps, the owners, the players all start to make a lot more money as a result of these TV deals. You know how much money the fighters made as a result of the last Fox deal? Do you know much money what percentage of that contract went to the fighters? Do you know much money the fighters made as a result of the Combache deal in Brazil or the deals in Europe, BT Sport? How much do you think? What percentage?

I'm sure you're going to tell me, but I'm going to guess. Zero. Zero. How is that possible? literally how is that possible? Answer me that question. Explain it to me. How is it possible? So if you're a fighter now and you start learning about the business of sport and you're being told that look, come July, we're going to start drug testing you whether you like it or not. And come July, your sponsors are gone and come July. There's a lot changing here. There's a lot

being moved around. And so collective bargaining, revenue sharing, all this stuff. This is important stuff. And this is why I keep saying the sport is evolving and it's going to look drastically different in 20 years. The fighters are starting to get smarter. They're starting to get smarter managers, smarter coaches. They're starting to realize that just saying that you fight for the UFC isn't enough. That's not going to pay for your kids' meals. That's not going to pay for your kids' schools. That's not going to put clothes on their backs.

It doesn't matter anymore who you fight for. It's about how much you make. And quite frankly, I love this sport. I love this sport more than anything. Any other sport. I love watching and covering it. Sometimes I wonder, why do these fighters do it? For what? For the money that they're making, why are they putting themselves through this?

What percentage of them are making Connor McGregor, Nate Diaz, Ronda Rousey money? You know what I mean? And if you're Donald Seroni, everything that you've given to this sport and you start thinking like that at the end of the road, he's not retiring. But, you know, he's been doing this a long time. He almost has as many wins as anyone in the UFC. I think he has 16 now. He's been doing this for a heck of a lot of time. That's a scary thing.

You know what I mean? Like you don't hear, for example, a Richard Jefferson say, you know, I'm going to stick around. for two more years because I just didn't make enough in the NBA. You know, you never hear that from anyone else. It's scary. It's upsetting to hear that from a Donald Seroni for him to come to that realization. So then the question becomes, do you think that the new ownership, let's assume a sale happens and the U.C. is sold.

Does the new ownership have a responsibility to institute that? Do you think they would? Essentially, look, it's going to be interesting to see if there are new owners, how the managers react to this. and they say, look, I want to renegotiate my deal. You know, that's the question I asked, Dave. Is the UFC truly worth $4.2 billion? Yeah.

Is it worth two times the amount that the Dodgers were sold for? I don't know. What do you think? Do you think it's worth that much? I think potentially, yeah. Man, that's a lot of money. That is a lot of freaking money. How much would the Yankees sell for?

How much would the Knicks sell for? How much would the Lakers sell for? They have, they have their prestige, but they don't have nearly the number of... How much would Man United sell for? Yeah. You know what I mean? So it's, it's, I would say now, to be fair, that comparison is not 100% apt. It's not 100% apt.

It's not 100% but just because even though they are, you know, represented the same way and that they, you know, they aren't part of a group. They aren't part of a league. We can compare them closely and more closely in structure to a league than we can in terms of how it operates. To me, it's just a big team. It really is. I don't see it that way because... It's one team led by one group of owners, no different than the owners who own the Golden State Warriors.

They're just a lot more guys on this team. To me, MMA is structured a lot more like pro wrestling than anything else. Sure, that's fair. That's fair. They have an ownership. You know, WWE is obviously public, but for the longest time it was owned by the Mnance. And then there's TNA and there's Ring of Honor

if we're going to compare it to today's pro wrestling scene. So that to me is a lot more like pro wrestling than it is in, you know, if you compare it to boxing or the NBA, the NFL, 100%. But if we're going to compare it to other sports, the UFC is closer to the Cowboys than they are to the NFL, right? I disagree. How? I think they're closer to the Cowboys. The NFL can't be sold.

In terms of, yes, I think they're closer to the Cowboys in terms of how the finances are structured and how that works. But in terms of practical analysis of how they operate, I don't think that that's true. I don't think that they're close to a team. I just don't see it that way. Financially, that may be the closest fit, but I don't think that that makes sense as it goes. I think it is much closer to a league. It's just that they are the game in town

and they don't have competitors and they don't have a cooperative relationship with their competitors where they have to advance a greater goal, like the teams that are represented in the NBA do. It just doesn't exist yet, but I don't think that they're more related to a team. We can sort of argue that. Sure.

You just, I mean, that number, you're going to see a lot of... Well, that, I mean, I don't know. That's not my expertise. Dave can definitely speak better on that, but that is a large number. It's gigantic. And, you know, double what some of these sports franchises are worth is startling. It's a startling number. So Jeremy Botter of Flow Combat is tweeting.

He tweeted this 13 minutes ago that he was told the winning bit of 4.2. billion was accepted by Zufa. The lead group was WME, William Morris Endeavor, who coincidentally represents the UFC, Ari Emanuel, who is the character that Ari Gold from Entourage was based off. And they also rep Ronda Rousey and John Jones and Chris Wydenman. So WME slash IMG, Daly and Wanda, which is the group out in China, the richest man in China is a part of that group, Kraft Group, Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots and Tenson Holdings, that's the winning bid. I was told before the Darren Ravelle news came out in May that Daly and Wanda was always

the frontrunner, but I didn't know, you know, Bader is reporting right now that this bid has been accepted by the UFC. I was told that they were hoping to announce this by 201 in Atlanta. I haven't gotten an update on that, but this can move very quick. quickly. And it's a fascinating story to cover, man. It is. Wow. Now, do you think there's going to be a monumental impact of this, or do you think they're going to try and operate business as close to what the UFC was already doing and then kind of make changes from there? I wouldn't change things too quickly. I mean, you can't get rid of Joe Silva and Sean Shelby. Who knows how to put together fights better than those two, especially given the UFC contracts and, you know, finding

et cetera. So, you know, you're buying the UFC for that much. You're not going to try to rewrite this whole thing. You know what I mean? Slowly, but surely you're going to put in your own people. And, you know, one name to look out for is Gary Cook, who's their, I think, global brand ambassador. I don't know what kind of title he has. He was the guy who was brought in from Man City. He was working sporting apparel and was brought in to run the European division. And now he lives in Las Vegas and does a very good job and seems to be very well liked by a lot of people there. So that's a name to look out for. So I don't know.

There's so many questions up in the air. How does this impact the fighters? What kind of deals do these people do? Who knows? And then the Ali Act. I don't know if this comes up. Does the Ali Act come up? The Ali Act is a fascinating thing.

I mean, when you look at the Muhammad Ali Act and as it pertains to boxing and what promoters can and can't do and the finances being made possible. public to the fighters before the fights. The fact that managers can also act as promoters, the fact that, you know, the rankings have to be done by an independent body, and that's how title shots are determined. Now, I think, as I said on the MMA beat, the Muhammad Aliq coming over to MMA can ultimately be a good thing, but it's not apples to apples. You can't just take this act over to MMA and say it's going to work here. Again, boxing is structured a lot differently than mixed martial arts. But if they do an Aliyahe Act extension, which is called the Randy

Kattour Act, just throwing out a name, this will be a good thing for the fighters to know how much is being made. How much are the promoters making? What percentage are the promoters making vis-a-vis what the fighters are making? This is all very important stuff. The ranking stuff, I don't know if that can really work. I do think it's bad that some managers act as promoters. We saw that, you know, the Ali-Abd-Z situation in World Series of fighting, and thankfully for him, he has removed himself from that conflict of interest. But there's a lot that's going on there and that momentum, and how does that affect the UFC in the future? And is that one of the reasons why the UFC is willing to sell now. The fataters are willing to sell now. Is the class action lawsuit one of the

reasons why? Is Lorenzo's interest in the NFL a reason why? He's been open about that as well, as has Dana White. So, I mean, there's just so many questions out there that I can't wait to be answered, but I do feel like if there was ever a time to sell, this is a great time. Fight pass is doing well. They have a lot of chips in their favor, and I would say the brand has never been hotter. One thing to remember, Joe Rogan said on this very show that he'd be out if they sold Yeah, and a lot of people told me on Saturday when he did his fight companion that he sort of muttered that, you know, his time was coming to an end as well. However, you know, consider if Dana White stays, as has been reported, he's very good friends, if not best friends with Dana White. Sure.

Does that convince him to say? So who knows? And again, I do believe that the new owners would want to keep this looking relatively similar to what it has looked like. And he's a very big part of that machine. people would be devastated if you left. I know we're not doing our year-end awards, but is this the story of... Jesus. Well, the story thus far has been, you know, free agency and all those changes, but if the

UFC is sold, man, what a year. Yeah. I mean, mind-blowing. Okay. Rory McDonald. Yes. Speaking of free agency. Well, I mean, this is the question.

How does this impact this free agency? That's a good question. You know, I don't know if these things will happen, you know, that quickly. And who knows if Rory needs to take a lot of time off, he broke his nose again. I don't think Rory fought a bad fight at all. I thought he came out in the first round, showing some different things, went for the MNari roll a couple times,

which was like, whoa, wow, well done. You know, just trying to throw the different things at Wonderboy. This was a super tough fight, and there was no doubt as to why they put this fight together. Rory says, I'm going to test the market, let's give you the toughest fight. I mean, that makes sense from the UFC's perspective. I thought he fought a good fight.

He went for the takedown a few times, was stuffed. Wonderboy fought an amazing fight. Wonderboy was just a better fighter that day. There's no doubt about that. Wonderboy is the number one contender in that division. And I would pick him against anyone in that division right now. I think he's going to be champion. So obviously he loses leverage. Do I still think that he is a draw in Canada, especially yes. It's a shame they're going to Vancouver and he probably isn't going to be on that card. But I still think he's a draw. I still think he's top five. best welterweight's in the world. I would still want him on my roster. Does, you know,

does Belator value him the same way? I don't know. But again, you also have to remember, this is a guy who's been fighting since he's been, what, 16, broke his nose a few times now. Who knows what, Roy McDonald strikes me as the kind of guy who says, like, you know what, I'm done with this. You know what I mean? And you never hear from him again. Like a Barry Sanders just walks off. He strikes me like that at times, but also he's very much about like, you know, the competition, the sharpening his martial arts. He's very like fundamental in that way that he really sees this as an art that he has to perfect. And his pursuit of that is kind of like a noble thing.

So I could see him walking away, but I don't think that that's how it's going to work. I think I just think he's going to see what he's worth and land in a good spot and do well wherever he goes. I agree with you that he's a top five Walter Waite. complete guess. This is a prediction. There's no insider knowledge here. My guess is that he just resigns with the UFC. I think they make it right. They recognize his, you know, his talents and his drawing power, but we'll see. I think people think that when somebody test free agency, it automatically means that they're disgruntled and they have to run. They're, you know, on their way out the door. And more so than anything, I don't think that's the case. I think it's

But he did say on this show that he was a little frustrated by the lack of, you know. Absolutely. But I don't think that it's as foregone a conclusion as people think when somebody says, I want to see my worth. It's not always a, I'm out the door type of situation. I could see him jumping ship completely. It would make sense. But I don't know if that'll, it'll happen that way. Again, it would have been a fascinating story to cover had he beaten Wonderboy Thompson and

then just been like, show me the money. Exactly. So then if that's what we're saying, then. it may have taken some kind of impact on his, on his free agency. Oh, 100% did. He doesn't command the same amount of money. And, you know, I was thinking about this last night. Again, fighters, another reason why I give them a ton of credit for doing this,

but why I don't understand why some of them do it. Think about the pressure that's on these guys. They signed a four-fight contract, right? That contract could be cut at any point. Yeah. They lose two in a row. What does the four fights really mean? What does the eight fights really mean?

That could be cut at any point. You go into free agency as an NBA, NFL. MLB player. It doesn't all rest on your last at bat or your last game. But these guys were like, okay, Roy McDonnell, you're going to test the market. Okay, go into this fight, beat the best guy in the world, second best guy in the world. If you win, you can ask for more money. If you're not, if you're not going to win, then you're a bum and you, you got to ask for one third of the price. I mean, think about that kind of pressure. You know, it's, look, I understand, like Harrison Barnes had a horrible playoff. Yeah, 100%. But that, that went over like a two-month stretch where he was

just sucking. This guy, Roy McDonald, going into this fight, he wins, he can ask for this much. He loses, he asks for this much. That's a lot of pressure. That's a ton of pressure. But I mean... And we're not even talking about millions upon millions of dollars here, too. The reward is potentially greater as well. The negative, the downside to that is high, but so is the reward. If Rory McDonald comes out there, knocks out Stephen Wonderboy Thompson in the first round, gets himself, you know, a whole lot of shine, he is going to probably be handsomely rewarded. So, I agree with you that that's a lot of pressure for one night, but I think that some guys would want that.

Some guys would want to do that rather than have it play out over, you know, the course of a season or whatever the case may be. Man, I don't envy them. No. Okay. Com before the storm, there's a lot of USC events coming up. 12 events in less than three months. How do you feel about that level of, you know, of saturation?

there's that many UFC cards. And how is the media going to do this? When all you guys have to cover all these events back to back to back? It's a great question. I was thinking about it. July 789 in Vegas, you know, by the way,

this puts me in a tough spot. No one ever wants to hear media complaining. The worst is when media complains about the weather when they're flying from one place to the next. And especially now, like I was complaining about the crazy start times for these fights. Like it was 1.30. I was watching the fights with our mutual pal,

John Beer, and at times it's hard to stay up. And I mean, this is 1.30 local time, 1.30 am. And it drives me nuts when people are like, oh, try watching the fights in Ireland, try watching them in England. No, this is a North American sporting event. You have to concede the fact that if this is happening in North America, it's going to happen at a weird time for you overseas.

I mean, it can't accommodate all the time zones all over the world. But for a North American sporting event to cater to the West Coast is unlike any other sporting event in North America. It's not, none of them catered to the West Coast. No. Nothing ends at 1.30 a.m. Eastern Time. So anyway, um, people don't like to hear that and they're like, oh, you were crying for your credentials.

You know, you should just shut up. Fine, fine, fine. So now you're putting me in this tough spot. But July 7, 8, 9, that's going to be tiring. And then we got 23rd in Chicago. And then we got 30th in Atlanta. And then we got, uh, August 20th, um, in Vegas, 2002. And then we got August 27th, Vancouver.

And then we got September 10th. Those are just the ones that I'm going to, September 10th in Cleveland, not to mention the other ones, South Dakota and Hamburg and all this stuff. I'm enjoying. I'm enjoying the time now, you know, where I don't have to travel. I was bummed that I wasn't in Ottawa, though. Is this too much? I mean, it's no different than it has been in the last few years. I think less is more.

Look, part of the feelings that I feel now, like I'm a big basketball fan, right? I'm like, man, there's no more basketball. I'm going to miss it. I've been watching it every night for the last few months. I'm going to miss this. And then September comes around, training camp, and October comes around preseason. Come November, I'm like, yeah. I can't wait for basketball.

This is the greatest thing ever. I'm so excited. Distance makes the heart grow fonder. You have to miss it. And they don't let us miss them. And I think, look, we've got two weeks off now, 200. That's going to feel like an eternity. They have two weeks now to promote 200, essentially, right?

If you eliminate the two events before it, that's good. Could you imagine what two months would be before 200? Yeah. Sane. What else we got? We're going to be joined by George St. Pierre, by the way, in eight minutes. So stay tuned for that. What's next for Nick D.S?

Suspension ends in just over a month. I'm not sure if that's accurate. Is that accurate? Yes, it ends in mid-July, like around July 23rd. No, it ends. That's Chil Sondens. His ends right after UFC 201, like July 31st or August 1st. And they actually, Nick Diaz is in New Jersey doing a seminar today, by the way.

So if you're in New Jersey, go check out Nick Diaz. He posted it on his Instagram. They're trying to get him into a fight. It's not going to be on 202. He doesn't want to fight on the same card as his brother. His brother does want to fight on the same card as him. He made that very clear on this show a few weeks back. So I suspect that he'll get a big fight sooner rather than later.

But no real word as to what it is. By the way, I reported before the show that Cody Garbrand is going to be fighting to Mizugaki, or at least that's in the works for 202. I'm surprised a little bit that he's not fighting in Ohio. He wanted to fight on the Cleveland Card. He's an Ohio guy. But this is a very big stage. It will be seen by a lot of people.

Almeida's a step up from Mizugaki, in my opinion. But it does make for a fun fight. I'm disappointed. It's not the Carraway fight. I don't know why it's not the Carraway fight. I was told it was discussed, but I don't know why it's not coming to fruition. So I guess this is just a way of keeping him active. and potentially getting a big win over, you know, a pretty big name in that division,

Tchaemuzugaki. I leave you with this, and then I will get our guest in a little bit. Okay. Have you heard any rumblings about the future of Ms. Ronda Rousey? No. The last thing I heard was that it was like around a 60% chance that she was going to fight. And by the way, don't call them just yet. We still have like seven or so minutes.

I got it. All right, all right. The last thing I heard was around 60% that it was no lock that she was going to fight. in New York at MSG in November. It's very interesting to see what's going on. I mean, you don't see her training a lot. You don't hear a lot from her camp. So it's all very much up in the air.

I wouldn't be surprised if she doesn't fight again this year. I wouldn't be surprised if she does fight again this year. But I think right now I would classify it as maybe 50-50. It's one of those things where, you know, she's not doing any interviews about fighting. She's got some other projects. I hope this isn't the end. I hope it's not like, you know, the Gina Carano situation where there's one brutal loss and we don't see her again.

I really do hope that we get to see her fight again and she needs that time. You know, it's not, it's, it's been eight months since the last fight, seven months since the last fight. So it hasn't been, you know, people have been out for much longer. So I think the key is to just give her space and hopefully that, you know, she comes back and gets to get one of those big fights. There's a lot of big fights out there for her, whether it's Misha Tate again, whether it's Holly Holm again, whether it's Chris Cyborg.

I mean, she has a lot of big time fights waiting for her if she wants to come back. But I think right now it's too soon to say whether or not she is going to come back. A few other things I wanted to address from the Ottawa card. Steve Bossei versus Sean O'Connell, that was fantastic. Holy crap. That was amazing. A lot of credit to both of those guys. I mean, Bosse almost came.

What a story C Bosse is. This guy was going to retire from MMA. This guy was done. Gets the call to fight at UFC 186. doesn't actually fight on the card because the rampage thing gets resolved beforehand. Fights in June of last year gets brutally knocked out by Tiago Santos, who, by the way, is in the works to replace Derek Brunson against Gagher Musassi at U.S.C. 200 on Fight Pass.

Comes back as a big knockout against James Tihuna, I believe, and then has this amazing fight in Canada against Sean O'Connell. That was a lot of fun. Soroni versus Matt Brown was a fight that a lot of people were talking about at 170. Hey, maybe even Soroni versus Nick Diaz at 170. Wouldn't that be fun? It was great to see a friend of the program, Joanne Calderwood, look like her old self, fight freely, spinning back fists.

I mean, that was great. The refereeing was a little bit suspect. What I was told was that whole little weird exchange at one point after the front kick to the chest was that Valerie just thought that her top was broken and that she was exposed and it was kind of a confusing thing, but it wasn't that she was necessarily hurt. And hopefully that's addressed, you know, in the future. She did go to the hospital. I was told that there were some preliminary tests and that it all went okay. But I haven't gotten an update on her on her status just yet. Or since then, since Saturday, late, late Saturday, early Sunday morning. A lot of respect for

the UFC though for putting together that Kimbo-Slic tribute. That was great. I really thought it was a beautiful thing that they did. You know, he's a member of Belvoir. This is something that the UFC wouldn't do in the past. And I like that they're starting to do more of that stuff. Really nice. Kudos them.

And they have all that footage. You know, they have the elite X-C footage. They have, you know, the early fights. They have the ultimate fighter. So it was very cool that they put. that together and having Anik and Florey talk about him a little bit. I thought it was a really nice job on their part. If you may have, you may have missed it over the weekend. Rumble Johnson is out of the Glover to Share a fight at UFC on Fox in Chicago. Personal reasons, I'm told,

no controversy, no injury, no drug test, no nothing. Personal reasons ask that the media and fans respect his privacy, but he's not done fighting and he's healthy and he's healthy and he's, He's hoping to return around August, September, if it works out. I checked in before this show on Glover, and I was told that no update on who he might fight. If he's going to remain on the card, are they going to save him for someone else that remains to be seen? So that's a big fight on that card, so we'll see what they come up with. Not a lot of options at 205. One name that has come up is Alexander Gustafson.

It was announced on Friday that he was going to. to, that he has agreed to fight Jan Blockowitz in Hamburg on September 3rd. And I've reached out to see if they've now offered him Glover. I like the Jan Blockowitz fight more. I think for a guy who hasn't won in two years plus, good to get him back on track. No need to have him fight a heavy hitter like Glover Tashara. I mean, Glover Tashara is one of the very best light heavyweights in the world. I think it would behoove them to move him along a little slower.

You know, he fought that Daniel Cormier fight after getting brutally knocked out by Rumble Johnson. I don't love the idea of him fighting Glover. I think he should stay with the Jan Blockwood's fight. So we'll see if they, I don't know, you know, you look at that 205 pound division, there's just not a lot of options there. There really aren't. It's amazing. At one point, that was the most interesting division in the UFC, maybe even in the sport,

and now it's the most shallow by far. It's crazy. And part of that is due to the dominance of John Jones for a long time. A couple other things, in case you missed it, Anthony Pettis officially announced that he is moving down to 145. He's moving down to featherweight. I'm curious to see how that goes. I often feel like sometimes moving down just isn't the answer. But other times it's a fresh coat of paint.

It's a new lease on life, so to speak. two cliches back to back. So he's going to be fighting Charles Olivera. August 27th in Vancouver, British Columbia. That's a Fox show. And the plan right now is to have five Fox shows this year. Historically, it's been four. One in January, one in April, one in July or early August, and then one in December.

Well, they're throwing one August 27th, August 27th in, Vancouver. And the first fight announced for it, Anthony Pettis making his featherweight debut against Charles Dubronk's Olivera. Remember, he was supposed to fight Jose Aldo in that big title fight way back when, but that didn't come to fruition. What a fight that would be now. Maybe not right now for Anthony. Maybe better to get back on track, but we'll see how he looks at 145 pounds. Okay, let us move along to our last guest. So excited about this. Speaking of Canada, let's talk to the man who put Canadian MMA on the map. The one and only George St. Pierre is on the phone right now.

George, how are you? I'm doing fantastic, and you are real? Oh, wow, you're doing fantastic. That is great to hear. I'm doing great myself. Thank you so much for joining us. I know you're very busy. So we really appreciate it, and there's a lot to talk to you about.

First, let me ask you about this. This past weekend, your good friend and teammate Rory McDonald lost to Wonderboy Thompson. What did you think of the fight? Why do you think he didn't win the fight? I think the winner of that fight would have been the one that is able to implement his game plan, and I think Stephen Wonderboy did it better than Rory. He keep the distance, he keep him at his distance where it's comfortable, and that's why he won the fight, you know? A lot of pressure on Rory because he was a free agent after this fight.

There was a lot riding on. Do you think that that, in hindsight, was a little too much that, you know, He was a little too tentative in the fight at all? I don't know about that. You know, I don't want to make excuse for Rory and everything. I knew he had a problem with his nose a little bit before, but because of the Robbie Loller fight, so even in training, his nose was a little bit...

Sometimes when he was getting hit, it was like he was bleeding a little bit, unfortunately. But Rory is a warrior. He doesn't back down from challenges, and he fought the best he could. And I'm sure now he's going to take some time off, cut that problem, get rid of that problem, maybe get surgery or something, and he's going to be finished once for all, and he's going to come back stronger. And I said on this show earlier that I think Wonderboy Thompson is going to be a champion in this division.

I know you've trained with him before a little bit. Do you agree? Do you think that he has what it takes to be a champion? He's very good at what he does. He's a specialist. The sport goes like this to me. Sometimes you have the era, the specialist that makes the sport. Then is the most well-rounded guy. Then it goes back to the specialist. Now we're in an era that seems to me that the specialists are coming back. And when the boy is a specialist of karate, karate fighting.

And if he can keep fighting his... fight and keep people that he's fighting at his... Well, I think he can beat everybody because he's a specialist at the way he does. I agree. I agree 100%. Okay, now let's talk about you. He made a great

switch to Mix Martial Art 2. He adapts his style very well. He's incredible. I'm very happy for him. It cannot happen to a better guy. I'm very happy. I know him. I know his family. There are great, great people. And I'm very happy for him. I wish him the best. Great to hear and I echo those sentiments.

So let's talk about you, George. You have been in the news over the past week. Everyone always talks about you. You're one of the top stories of the year. So let me ask you this question right off the bat. Have you made a decision as to whether or not you will fight again this year or beyond? Will you come out of retirement? I know you never used that word, but will your break end?

Are you going to fight again? What I did is I did at training camp to see. where I'm at. Because I've been training, but I was training, being in shape and being in fighting shape is something different. And I did that, I did that training camp to push myself and go back to the same, you know, to the highest level, you know, of competition, you know. I didn't fought, but I put myself like into a training cap and I, and I spar and everything

and I did it successfully. And, yeah, I could fight. Now I know for a fact that I could go back and fight if, you know, my management and the UFC get to an agreement. Wow. Okay. So you are ready and willing to come back to fighting if they can come to an agreement. Is that fair? Yes.

Okay. And you told us not that long ago around two months ago that they were in negotiations, that there was, you know, some talking between your side and the UFC. How are those negotiations going? Yeah, they were talking and now I told them that I had to do a training camp, you know, had a little, not injury, but little things that was bothering me physically. I got over it, then I did my training camp, now I'm back, and we were waiting because, you know, a lot of things was going on. Rory is fighting and there's a rumor that they're going to sell and stuff like that. So we were a little bit waiting a little bit to see what was going on and in the meantime to see before we talk to them again.

So is it fair to also say that you want to come back, that you want them to come to a deal, you want to resume your career? Is that fair to say? Yeah, I always said that I would come back for something big, something that give me the chill, you know what I mean? something that that, that, that, that, that, that, that, that make me excited. You know what I mean?

Mm-hmm. And is there anything out there that excites you right now? A lot of things that excite me. It's, you know, it goes by phase, I mean, you know, sometimes you have guys that are successful. Sometimes you have guys that, it's a hop and down, you know what I mean? And I heard, uh, Michael Bispay, who, I know you, that's where you probably referred. two, he says I contact his camp. I never never contact

his camp. What happened is John Donar one of my trainer who's a big fan of Michael Bisping. And I am a big fan of Michael Bisping, by the way. He made that post on Facebook, praising Michael Bisping. And I think it creates a buzz and

confusion a lot. And I heard Michael says we contact his camp for making a fight with him. but never personally my management contact his camp

for making a fight with him okay so that never happened he has said that in interviews he didn't say that on this show but you're saying that your team has not contacted his team or the UFC to say I want Michael Bisping no no my

team had not we didn't make we didn't we didn't go on the no we did not I didn't none of my agent went and contact Michael Bisping for making a fight, you know?

Okay. Because I haven't talked to UFC about fighting yet. Michael Bisping was on this show last week. I asked him about that John Dan in her post. I asked him about fighting you. And this is what he said. I want to play you the clip

and then get your response, okay? All right, here it is. Here's Michael Bisping last week on the show. I would certainly be open to, you know, sending George St. Pierre back to a movie set because that would be a fact that I would definitely win and if George St. Pierre is listening, but anytime you fancy it, just be a man sign on the dotted line and your return will be short-lived.

So that's what he said. Be a man, sign on the dotted line, your return would be short-lived. Is this the fight that you want, George? Look, Ariel, there's two things that I'm very proud of. Yes. There's my title, my Walterweight title that I won. And there's another record that I hold for the most win in UFC history. And now I have someone who's challenging it, challenging me for it, is Michael Besping.

But I do not believe if I fight him, he would have sent me back to a movie set. Yes, he's bigger than me, but I believe I get more skill, more athleticism, and the higher fighting IQ than he does. And the world doesn't turn around me. But if it's a fight that the fans and the UFC want to make, they got my number. They can call my agent, no problem. Wow.

We can organize to make happen and make an agreement. So let me see if I get this straight. If they put on the line, middleweight title fight against Michael Bisping, and also you're fighting for the record of most wins inside the U.S. UFC Octagon, you both have 19 right now. That interests you. That would get you fighting. You would agree to that fight.

Is that fair? Look, it's something big. You just give me that show, take care about it, because it's not the first time that people have mentioned it. And I'm sure Michael on this side, people have talked to him about it because he creates a lot of buzz. If I come back, I would come back for something very big. This thing is the man to beat right now.

He beat Silva. He knock out Rockhole. Rockall beat Jackar. and white men. He's bigger than me. Before, I was fighting as a Walterweight. So I never really consider going up and going back down after because, you know, I was, I was Walterweight champion. Now I retire. I can make things more experimentally. I could, I could, if I want to, I could, I could fight a lightweight as well. Wow.

Easy. It would be easy for me. I could fight the welterweight, and I can fight also middleweight. I'm not a big, I'm not a big wealth of weight. And even though Michael B. Spring is bigger than me, I believe if I fight him,

I believe I'll beat him. Wow. Wow. So of all the potential options out there, all the potential big names, does this one interest you the most? He's the bigger name now. He's the,

the guy that, he's the man to beat right now. You know, like, like, I always said if I come back my first fight would be something big you know to make that give me the chill

and he's the bigger name right now you know like he is the the bigger name the guy that you know he's the guy that got the spotlight right now you know and I'm sure like I said the world doesn't turn around me there's a lot of guys

hunting him but if it's a fight that UFC want and their fans won't if it creates a buzz and the money is there because we're in a business, I'm down for it. What do you think of this idea of Michael Bisping fighting Dan Henderson in England? He's been sort of talking about this as well. What do you think of that?

For Michael Bisping, I understand also because he's got a loss to Dan Anderson. So he won't revenge his loss before the end of his career. And I understand this point of view because, When I lost to Matt Serra and Matthews, I didn't really care about the title. I wanted to beat the guy that beat me. That's the thing. I don't know. I was more, it was more about pride than the title for me.

That way it was when I lost. That's a feeling that I had. So I could understand from Michael point of view. Okay. On this show, a couple weeks ago, Chale Sunnan threw out an offer saying he wants to fight. you saying that you guys trained together in the past. Does this interest you at all? I understand, like,

Chelsea wants to fight me. But there's a thing to, you know, I want the fight that are the biggest fight, you know what I mean? And I like about this thing that makes him, for me, the best candidate.

He's someone that talk very, he was talking a lot about performance and things drugs. He's big-time. against it. He never got caught using it. And that's one of the reason that he makes, that that is the number one guy, you know, like he's, uh, he's someone I respect a lot, you know, he, he, and, um, that's for this reason that if I go up in a way class, it would be the, it would be my first choice before Charles O'N or Silver or any other guys because of that. Okay. Of course. And he's the man to

beat right now. Um, you appeared at UFC 196. You were there to watch history when, Connor McGregor fought Nate Diaz. If Connor McGregor wins at UFC 202 and this momentum of you fighting him comes up again, would you be interested in that? I don't, I do not, I do not run after these guys. I do not run after him. But if they call me out and if it's what the fans want, I know he's a big draw, huge draw.

I'm an interesting of fighting him, and I think I can beat. I can beat both of these guys too. As a fighter, I'm confident, you know, that I'm the best. But if it's something, like I said, the world doesn't turn around me. You know, it's something that I want, but if something that UFC want to do, they got my number, they know where to reach me. And if something the fans want to do, they can create a buzz, and they make it, if there is a buzz around it, it will happen.

There's more chance likely to make it happen. How close is your management team in the UFC right now? Because in the past, you've talked about the Reebok deal being a stumbling block. Has that stuff been figured out, or are there still some issues as far as the contract, not the fight, the contract is concerned? It's an issue, but I'm trying to not get involved into this. It's a legal language. English is not my first language. And even if you speak English sometime, it's hard to read a contract with the legal language.

legal language. You know what I mean? So it's a very difficult thing. But I'm sure if they won't, they can put their ego aside on both party and make an agreement for the best of both sides. So obviously you're not involved in the negotiations, but from what you're hearing,

are you confident that a contract deal will get done that both sides can figure this out, paving the way for your return? Look, man, I'm going to tell you what happened in my situation. Please. I am involved in negotiation, but it's not my expertise. Sure. And my agent, Rodolf and Philipp, they're guys that, these two guys, they had a great job before they step on board with me.

They were making a big money, and they had a family to feed. And they told me, they make me promise something. And I'm a man of my word. They said to me, George, I never want you to sign anything without our blessing. If we jump on board with you because we're putting our life on the line, you know? We want to make sure everything it's control. And every time you sign something, the three party, the three of us, we agree on it. And I told them, yes.

So I'm never going to make a decision. Even though I'm emotional sometimes I want to do something, I'm not going to make a decision without their blessing. So these guys are the brain in terms of business, I'm the fighter. You know, that's their area of expertise, and I trust them very much. That seems like a very healthy arrangement, a healthy partnership between a client and his manager. So I think the big... That's how it should be done, Ariel. The problem with a lot of guys, they complain, they don't get paid enough,

is because they're ready to sign anything. They got caught with their emotion and they sign anything. They got to fight for peanuts. You don't want to do that. If you do that, you penalize the other guy that want to get paid more. Why they would pay some guys more money if they can get another guy for almost for free? You know what I mean? Sure.

As fighters, I think they should be more aware of this. It's important. Absolutely. So when you walked away, when you gave up your title, you said you didn't know if you'll fight again. You never said the word retirement. But you always were telling us in interviews you haven't decided yet. Is it fair to say that you've decided that you are ready to keep fighting, you want to keep fighting? Now we have to figure out all the other stuff.

Exactly. That's what I'm saying. I'm ready. I'm an emotional guy, you know, like, even my agent, even before I come on the show today, they briefs me. They say, don't say this, don't say, you know, like they briefs me. They say, we're in negotiation, remember, blah, blah, blah. I'm like, yeah, yeah, don't worry, I'm not a kid, but I'm an emotional guy. Sure.

And when I get emotional sometimes I say things that are not necessarily in the best of my interests. And I try to not going on board with that. Yeah, well, I think a lot of people appreciate that emotion and that honesty. Certainly I do. The only thing is I love my sport and I still feel I'm at my best right now. And the clock is running. I'm not getting any younger. I'm in my peak of my career.

and if there is a, there's a shot, there's another go, another run. I better do it and do it quick because it's time to do it now. Wow. Yes, you give me goosebumps just hearing you talk like that after all these years. You give me the goosebumps too, Ariel. We give each other goosebumps. It's a great relationship. That's right.

There's two things that excite me in life, you see. the women and the violence of the octagon. So now you give me the one with the get the octagon. Wait a second. Wait a second. Last time on the show, you said there were three things that excite you. Women, violence of the octagon, and dinosaurs. What happened to the dinosaurs?

Are they extinct? The dinosaurs, you took that line from the YouTube video they did on me. They make fun of me. What you said that? But the dinosaurs excite me, but not at the same level as that. What's first, by the way? Is it the violence of the octagon or the women? What comes first?

It depends on what mood I am. Depending on which mood I am. Now I'm talking to you, I would say the violence first. Oh, wow. That is amazing. Now, are you hoping it's 2016? Are you hoping that it's this year that it goes down, that your return happens? I really do hope so.

But, you know, like I said, there's a lot of, I have a lot to lose in this, because I finish on top. I finish as champion. And that's the way everybody would like to leave the sport on top, healthy, and wealthy. And I did it. Wow. If I go back, you need to be for something big. I think for my first fight, they need to be for something big. And then it's got to give me the swing and the momentum to do it again and again and again, you know, for another run.

You know, so it depends what's going to happen. But I have a lot to lose. But the thing is also the reason why it makes me thinking of coming back, I don't want to end up at 80 years old and telling myself, oh, I should have done this, I should have done that, because all the thing I regret in my life the most, it's not the thing that I have done. It's the thing that I have not done, the thing that I regret the most.

So I don't want to end up when I'm too old and say, oh, I should have done it. I would have, I was in great shape. My timing was impeccable, and I didn't do it. So I will die with regret. And I know we're running out of time, but I just want to ask you, because you have committed to this mentally, will you be genuinely disappointed if this doesn't come together,

if you don't get to fight again? I will be disappointed, but you know what I mean? I made a deal with my agent. I made an agreement with my boat agent, and I'm a man of my word. Life doesn't go the way you want, and you know what I mean? And that's the way it is. You know what I mean? I'm a minute of my word

and I will respect these words And what about the Welterweight title? Do you want to try to get that back Or are you more interested In the middleweight Because it's a new challenge

It's a new chapter, etc. I told you I could I could fight Also at lightweight I'm not a big I'm not a big welterweight I walk around 187

I'm 186 187 when I wake up in the morning and I could easily do make a diet because a lot of light weight are bigger than me. Whilst a weight, I don't even talk about it because most of them are bigger than me. Of course, and middle weight, you know, they're much bigger than me. But it's not really about size, it's about skills. Of course, if two guys the same skill, the same ability, fight. Normally the bigger guy has an advantage.

this is physique. It's a physical problem. It's there. We cannot deny it. But I believe even if I'm smaller than some guy, I can overcome this obstacle because of my skill, my athleticism, and my fighting IQ. That's why I always believe. Wow. Okay. So let us wrap this up. George, thank you so much. This is very exciting. I don't know if you realize this, but around us, the MMA community is going nuts right now because George St. Pierre is ready and willing to return to the UFC if everything could get figured out. this is huge. This is massive. I'm sweating here. I'm exhausted just talking to you because this is so exciting. I don't know if you recognize all of this, but anyway, I felt like I needed to say it. What's the final message to the fans, to the community out there? You're ready. You're back. Let's just get this done. Is that it? I want to say thanks to the fans that kept supporting me during the time off. And I want to say thank you to them and to stick with me and to always believe in me.

I thank them from the bottom of my heart. Wow, beautiful. Thank you, George. I guess I could somewhat say welcome back, but let's see how this turns out. I hope it turns out for the best. I'd love to see you fight again. I'd love to see you fight. Michael Bisping, that is a big deal.

What a scene that would be. I wish you the very best, and thank you so much for coming on our show and talking about this. It really means a lot. Melsi. For making the interview, you don't realize, but you help me a lot, and a lot of other fighters promoting themselves and making things happen. Thank you, my friend.

Thank you so much. There he is, the one and only George St. Pierre on the phone. Wow. Wow. What just happened? Was that the version of, was that our version of Michael Jordan's facts?

Two words. I'm back. What just happened there? That was wild. Thank you very much to George St. Pierre and his team for, making that happen. Wow. Listening to him speak, listening to him lay things out,

can you really seriously tell me you didn't want to see that? You don't want to see that? That was, can you make, what do you think of that in your, Rick? Any thoughts? He's fainted. We're just turning down the speakers. There's a lot to digest there, especially the fact that he does want Michael Bisping, it seems like.

Crazy. Which is incredible. This all escalated very quickly. Yes, it escalated very, very quickly. He's back. Dinosaurs got cut from the rotation. Yeah, what the heck? That was massive.

There was just a lot going on there. By the way, he insinuated that the dinosaurs was something that was like spliced in, but he actually said that. Yeah, he, I mean, it was on this show. It was on this very show. There is something about his delivery and the way he enunciates that I just,

I can't get enough of. But on a serious note, I mean, what more needs to be said. He said it all. Let's get this done and let's see GSP back. Now, he's ready. What do you think of this Bisping idea?

I'm all for it. I think, you know, it doesn't make sense to bring GSP back to just like start chasing the Walter Way title again. Give them a fight that, you know, really has promotion behind it that, that, you know, makes sense. And nobody talks up a fight better than Michael Bisping. They've both been with the UFC so long. I think this could be a perfect fight for him. That said, I obviously wouldn't scoff at an Anderson.

Sova fight. There's a lot of fights that I think are in that territory for GSP, but Michael Bisping is one of them, for sure, now that he has the belt. Yeah, that is big. I mean, look, there is something to be said for skipping the line, for staying your weight class. This is a guy who you can make a very strong case. To me, it's John Jones and it's him.

that's, you know, that's just my opinion as far as the greatest ever. And you can make a strong argument for one over the other. One, two, whatever. And Anderson's in that mix somewhere. He's in that mix. But for me, I'm talking about the top two. That's my top two. Yep, that's fair.

Him coming back is a big deal. Him fighting for, you know, let's not forget, there's only two men in the history of the sport, or at least this organization, who have held belts in two different weight classes. Yeah. You know what I mean? That's a big deal in its own. right. And it hasn't been done in a very long time. Randy Couture and BJ Penn, those are the only ones. And I think it hasn't been done, you know, whether it's fair or unfair, it hasn't been done by

somebody with George's legacy. I love BJ Penn. He's my favorite fighter, but he has losses in his career because of his, you know, willingness to go outside his weight class and fight that way. Same thing with Randy Couture, fought at different weight classes, didn't really have a place where he established himself and stayed in one weight class. GSP is a 170 year. and has been. This would be the first time somebody with this resume is going after a title in that division, or at least if he was able to pull it off successfully doing that. It's a big deal.

It is a very big deal if that's what materializes. Look, with all due respect to Dan Henderson and that fight makes a lot of sense. As a title fight, it just feels a little strange to me. And I know there will be some who say, you know, Jacques-Rae and Luke and Chris, they all deserve it as well. They all have a legitimate... Yo-O Romero, we can't forget about him, he beat Jacques-Rae. But this feels like, this feels very special, you know, this is, just hearing him talk about coming back and maybe they can agree on something else, maybe they could talk about, I don't

know, maybe they talk about the Robbie Winner, you know, Robbie Woodley winner, maybe they talk about Connor McGregor, who knows, but just hearing him sort of put his mind to this now, after everything, after the way he was post-167, 167, we're now about to, approach 200. It's a long time ago. Remember that? You know, he just kind of left, um, somewhat, you know, kind of surreal to hear him speak like this. Do you think that this is the right time? Is now the time? Look, this is a guy who has been very careful about not saying the R word, not using the retirement word, not jumping the gun, taking his time, going through a training camp before the training camp. If he says it's the right time, it's the right time. And have

you seen him, you've seen pictures of him. He looks to be in phenomenal shape. And he's not fat, You know what I mean? Does the landscape need GSP though? Is this now more than ever and he's taking advantage of the perfect opportunity? Well, I don't know if he's doing that, the second part of your statement, but I will say this. When GSP was fighting and dominating, I think he was taken for granted somewhat because his fights were decisions and people want to knock. I think that distance, again, makes the heart grow fonder. People love a comeback.

Certainly my home country, Canada. can use him, there's a direct correlation between the dip in that market and his departure. Him returning, maybe it's not for his first fight, his second fight back to Montreal, that place, that arena, 25,000 people sells out in five minutes. Here's my last question. Let's assume that it's for one fight. Let's say that there's not a long-term implication here. George comes back for one huge fight.

Is this bigger, equal, or less big or smaller than Brock Lesnar's, return. That is a tough question to answer. Wow. Wow. That is a tough question. That is a great question. Brock has the WWE fan base.

Yep. And he's got that fan base coming with him. He's a heavyweight. His fights have always been, you know, madness. People get very excited when he fights and it usually delivers. I mean, he never had a stinker of a fight, whether he was winning or losing. Yeah. So, and Brock being on 200 helps him.

I don't know. I guess I would have to probably side with Brock on that one because he comes with that fan base and he looks like a genetic freak. But GSP's not that far off. Given who he is in the sport, given his legacy, given his resume, given his standing in the sport, I want to see if George St. Pierre can come back and be the best in the game right off the bat. I think that's the big difference there is that it's probably not going to be one

fight for GSP. He probably wants to come back and really make. make a go of it. And, um, but for all the reasons you said, I think Brock's, you know, one event impact is humongous. Um, but George, you know, George coming back is, is going to be a long term, uh, thing. You know, I'm assuming and, and it'll have a big impact. Brock returning is, is, is, is the circus.

You know what I mean? Yeah. GSP returning is like seeing the best ever come back or one of the best ever come back and seeing if he, because part of the story there for Brock, part of the story. It's Jordan. Yeah. For Brock, the story isn't, can he be the best heavyweight ever? It's can he survive Mark Hunt, given this layoff?

With G, with GSP, the story is, can he get back to who he once was? And now try to make history by A, having the most wins, but B, being only the third man to hold a belt in two different weight classes. That's nuts in its own right. And now we're assuming this is the Michael Bismich fight. I mean, he very well may come back and do something else, but that would be... That seems to be what he wants, clearly. I mean, he made that pretty damn clear. freaking wild. I know Michael Bisping is on a media tour right now in England doing his thing,

but... But are we going to get a minimized version because of the fact that they both respect each other? No, you saw Bisping in that interview. You heard him say that he would send him back. And then you see, you see, you see GSP laugh? He's like, oh, no, you didn't. You know what that? I swear to God, I got transported back to, what was it, after game four, they asked about Clay Thompson calling LeBron a soft or something and he just laughed

he just laughed right in their faces it reminded me of the exact same thing but yeah I mean I don't even know what to say I've said enough wow the king is back the king of Canadian MMA one of the greatest of all time says on this program

that he is ready and willing let's figure this out the worst thing that could happen is if some contract negotiation goes awry and they can't figure this out. Like everything else is in place. Everyone's on board and they can't bring him back. I mean, I have a hard time believing that happens because when there's a will, there's a way.

But just the fact that we got over this hurdle of whether or not he will ever fight again, because there was a chance he wasn't going to fight again, is pretty damn massive. And fitting that I'm actually going to Montreal tomorrow. How about that, to visit my family? Wow. All right. I think that's it for today. You can hit my music when I'm not.

a little overtime here. But a very exciting way. It's sometimes fun doing these big interviews at the end of the show because it just leaves me with a nice little boost of adrenaline. This is a pretty massive boost, I must say. Hearing that from George R. St. Pierre, pretty amazing stuff. Well, we'll see how it all plays out. Crazy.

Madness. Thank you very much to everyone who tuned in. Appreciate your support. Appreciate your listener or viewership. Thank you very much to Will Brooks. Wow, if you missed that Will Brooks interview, very, very heavy stuff, emotional stuff. Congratulations to him on signing with the UFC

and good luck against Ross Pearson. That is huge. Great stuff from Will Brooks. Thank you to him. Thank you to Fabrice Burdume. Good luck at UFC 203 against Big Ben Rothwell. What a fun scene that's going to be. Home of the NBA champions.

Who would have thunk it? Thank you very much to Frankie Perez. Let's not forget, another guy announced his return to active fighting on this program. Frankie Perez announcing it on this show. Thank you very much to him and good luck to him. Thank you very much to Luke Rockhold. Best of luck to him. Thank you very much to Dave Meltzer.

Appreciate his time very much as well. Thank you to the great Chris Cyborg. And congrats to her on winning at UFC198 and definitely upping her profile. And of course, thank you very much to the great George Rush St. Pierre for St. dropping by and dropping that bomb on us at the end of the show. If you missed anything, check it out. YouTube, iTunes, Stitcher, SoundCloud, all those places and more. Back next week, same time and place until they say, I'm out of you.

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