Dana “Little White Lie”: Franklin vs. Liddell, No Tito Ortiz
Written By: Dallas Winston (TheGARV.com)
“Oh! Delicious!” comes to mind as a way to describe the canard we’ve been forced to swallow from Dana White. After adamantly dousing the rumors (once, maybe even twice) that Rich Franklin would fight Chuck Liddell at UFC 115 after the former had to step in to assume Tito Ortiz’ coaching position on The Ultimate Fighter–Liddell vs. Franklin has been made official. Why Ortiz ends up departing from the show still remains a mystery.
This little switcheroo hearkens back to Dana White’s insistence to the media that the UFC was not interested in purchasing Pride FC just a few days before they actually did. After something like that happens, especially to oversensitive, die-hard Pride fans like myself, it’s easier to brush-off more insignificant bait-n-switches like the Franklin/Liddell scenario. It’s actually a much more appealing fight than a third iteration of Ortiz/Liddell or a fourth version of Couture/Liddell anyway.
As a wheel on the misdirected hype machine, Ortiz tweeted his take on the bluff, as summarized by 5thRound:
UFC Quick Quote: A little ‘White’ lie is an unfortunate part of ‘reality’ — get over it
Written By: Jesse Holland (MMAmania.com)
“When we have a reality show where everything’s a secret, you’re gonna have to watch it. Guess what? You can’t know and it’s not you’re privilege to know. And if people are upset with that too bad. It’s a reality show. First of all, SPIKE paid for this show. For me to go out and release this information, it’s insane you can’t do it. It would be like finding out what happens on ‘Survivor’ after they film it. The people who feel like they’ve been lied to, too bad. Get over it. It’s a reality show.”
UFC President Dana White (via Yahoo Sports) makes no apologies for his misdirection in the cast changes that were reported for this season of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) Season 11. When news broke that Coach Tito Ortiz was replaced by Rich Franklin midway through the season, White refuted the story and said “Ace” was being paired up with Randy Couture instead. He also told the Canadian press that Tito Ortiz and Chuck Liddell were “definitely” main eventing at UFC 115 on June 12 in Vancouver. Anyone think the Octagon boss should have replied with “No comment” or “Watch and find out?” Or was he simply doing what was best for the company? Where do you stand on this Maniacs?
Rematch in the works for B.J. Penn and Frankie Edgar
Written By: ProMMA
HAWAII – According to B.J. Penn, the UFC has contacted him about a rematch against Frankie Edgar for the UFC Lightweight Title. Penn said things are only tentative at this point. However, at least it gives the fans an indication which way the UFC brass is leaning.
Rematches do not generally take place when there is a clear cut winner; case in point: Shogun vs. Machida. Machida defended his title by decision according to the judges, but it was so close, they will do it a second time on May 8.
This is something the UFC is doing right. If the judging system can not be restructured right away, at least they can do the fight over until there is a definite winner. That is one way to deal with a currently imperfect judging system.
UFC President Dana White has always said he wants to put on the fights the fans want to see. And if White is anything, he is in tune with his fans. It would not be easy for the UFC to promote Edgar as the new champion without a more decisive victory.
It is doubtful there will be many fans not in support of a rematch. Although Edgar was given the unanimous decision by the judges in Abu Dhabi, much of the well-known and respected MMA media had actually scored the fight as a win for Penn.
Hopefully the fight does not go the distance for a second time. That would be a worst case scenario for sure.
One ProMMAnow.com reader had an idea on how to fix the judging discrepancy that is going on in the MMA world. “David” said,
How about this for a quick fix. No judges and no rounds. Either tap out, get knocked out, verbally quit, or throw in the towel. Then there would be no question.
We all know that is not going to happen, but until the athletic commissions and powers that be put together something other than a bastardized version of a ten-point must system designed for boxing, then rematches for close call title fights will be (and probably should be) a mainstay.
Dana White on Fitch and Koscheck Refusing to Fight: “It’s Over”
Written By: Dallas Winston (TheGARV.com)
The Dana is done placating top AKA welterweights Jon Fitch and Josh Koscheck.
The pair have adamantly shunned the thought of fighting one another despite each maintaining a premiere status in the UFC’s 170 pound division. Dana White has scoffed at teammates precluding themselves from fighting in the past, such as Black House stablemates Anderson Silva and Lyoto Machida, as well as Rashad Evans and Keith Jardine from Greg Jackson’s camp.
Although White’s contempt for such reistance seems to be growing, push has never come to shove. The issue flared up again at the post-UFC 111 press conference when White adumbrated a potential alignment of Koscheck versus Fitch for the next title shot, and Jon Fitch held his ground, to which White quipped to the crowd, “He doesn’t want a title shot that bad then.”
Check out the video of the incident below from Cagewriter.
Dana White UFC 111 video blog – 3-27-10
Written By: ProMMANow Staff
7 things you can learn from this video:
If you work around Dana White you better have thick skin, cause you will get your balls busted.
Dana is a fan of the Dead Kennedys.
Dana loves Nate Diaz.
Wilmer Valderama goes to UFC events even when Arianny isn’t working.
Shaq wants to watch Lesnar vs. Carwin.
UFC 111 was “beamed out” to 175 countries.
Dana thinks Hardy will be a force at 170 once he tightens up “a couple of holes.”
If you missed the first few UFC 111 video blogs, you can check out ProMMAnow.com’s Dana White UFC 111 video blog archives: 3-22-10, 3-23-10, 3-24-10, 3-25-10, 3-26-10
Dana White talks UFC in Canada, Fedor, Rampage and more at Toronto autograph signing (Video)
Written By: Jesse Holland (MMAmania.com)
(Thanks to MMACanada.net for the tip)
UFC President Dana White won’t submit to Ontario Premiere on MMA sanctioning
Written By: Jesse Holland (MMAmania.com)
The name … is Dalton.
UFC President Dana White joined Sam Stout and Krzysztof Soszynski yesterday (March 23) for an autograph signing at the Toronto Eaton Centre to help rally the troops for mixed martial arts sanctioning to one day happen in Ontario.
White expects MMA to eventually become the world’s largest and most popular sport. Unfortunately that vision of global domination won’t start in Ontario, Canada, as Premier Dalton McGuinty has indicated that MMA regulation was “not a priority.”
Last year White was hoping to secure a show in Ontario at some point in 2010, setting his sights on Toronto’s Rogers Centre in front of as many as 50,000 fans. Considering that one of the world’s most popular fighters is a Canadian named Georges St. Pierre, that wasn’t such an unrealistic goal.
Then again, nothing is possible unless the Ontario Athletic Commission lifts its ban on cagefighting, that while not a priority, could help generate millions of dollars for the local economy. Unfortunately McGuinty’s vision of the future does not include the UFC.
More from the Premiere (via The Canadian Press):
Dana White: UFC 111 Video Blogs
Written By: TheGARV
Dana White’s video blogs are back and we’ve got them right here. Funny stuff.
Part 1 here, part 2 after the jump.
BJ Penn wants to return to welterweight. How about a rematch with Matt Serra to get him started?
Written By: Jesse Holland (MMAmania.com)
Current UFC Lightweight Champion BJ Penn is set to defend his 155-pound title for the fourth time against a deserving but perhaps outmatched Frankie Edgar at UFC 112 on April 10 in Abu Dhabi.
If Penn manages to outlast “The Answer,” which isn’t a knock on Edgar to suggest that he will, “The Prodigy” has already vocalized his intentions of eventually returning to the UFC’s 170-pound division.
Perhaps sooner rather than later.
While the prospect of “Penn vs. St. Pierre 3″ elicits a collective groan from much of the mixed martial arts fan base, keep in mind that this is the same promotion that had no problem booking a third dance between Chuck Liddell and Tito Ortiz.
Dana White is open to the idea of the Hawaiian getting another crack at welterweight success, but even he acknowledges that Penn is going to have to work his way back into the upper echelon of 170-pound fighters to even be considered for a title shot.
To do that, he’s got to win — and win big. There are a couple of exciting match-ups that come to mind, including a brouhaha with Thiago Alves, but what about a rematch with Matt Serra?
Following “The Terror’s” UFC 109 win over Frank Trigg, Serra striking guru Ray Longo tells Fight Magazine that it’s practically a no-brainer.
Dana White introduces UFC Undisputed 2010 video game
Written By: ProMMA
UFC President Dana White talks about the vision behind the UFC Undisputed video game and discusses the newest version which will be released on May 25, 2010. White also explains the significance of having heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar on the cover. For more information about UFC Undisputed 2010, check out the website www.ufcundisputed.com.
MAMMA Online News- What Does Alvarez vs Huerta in Philly Mean to Philly? (Part 2) September 1, 2010Yesterday I talked about why this October’s Bellator is different from other shows going on down here in Philly. Today I’m going to talk about the challenge in promoting this show. As we mentioned yesterday, Eddie Alvarez will fight in Philly for the first time in October against Roger Huerta. This fight could mark the [...] No related posts. […]Paul Miles
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- Its Official: Alvarez vs Huerta Goes Down in Philly August 30, 2010After weeks of speculation, MMA Junkie has confirmed that Bellator 33 will happen in Philadelphia. The hot mustard on that awesome sandwich is the main event: Philadelphia’s own Eddie Alvarez faces internet sensation, and notorious football hater Roger Huerta in a three round non-title fight. Expect some familiar faces on the undercard. Bellator has traditio […]Paul Miles
- “Rematch” is the Word of the Day for December Locked in the Cage August 28, 2010I spoke with Fran Evans of Locked in the Cage, and he confirmed for me that Bo Coleman and Brian Jackson will get a do-over from their aborted main event from August 21st. This time the dance is at the National Guard Armory in Philadelphia on December 3rd for Locked in the Cage 6. Fran [...] Related posts:Unusual End to Good Night of Fights for Locked in t […]Paul Miles
- Brendan Barrett & Randy Smith Cold War About to Go Nuclear August 28, 2010For months the war of words between IFL and ROC veteran Brendan Barrett and Randy Smith finally has a venue to be turned physical. Lou Neglia and Brendan both confirmed yesterday that Barrett/Smith will finally go down at Ring of Combat 32 at the Taj Mahal in Atlantic City. The first volley of this battle [...] Related posts:Another Interview with Brendan […]Paul Miles
- What Does Alvarez vs Huerta in Philly Mean to Philly? (Part 2) September 1, 2010
- ESPN News
- Search for Bob Arum's son continues September 1, 2010Nearly two dozen mountaineers and park rangers are searching for the son of Hall of Fame boxing promoter Bob Arum, who's been missing since a weekend camping trip in the Cascade Mountains of Washington state. […]Associated Press
- Manny Pacquiao on a Floyd Mayweather Jr. bout: 'He needs me' September 1, 2010Manny Pacquiao and his trainer Freddie Roach said Wednesday that they agreed to every demand put forward by Floyd Mayweather for what could have been the richest fight in boxing history. […]Associated Press
- Juan Manuel Marquez has deal to fight Michael Katsidis September 1, 2010Lightweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez has agreed to fight Michael Katsidis at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas on Nov. 27. […]Associated Press
- Fana regains IBF junior lightweight title September 1, 2010Mzonke Fana has earned an impressive unanimous decision over Cassius Baloyi to win the vacant IBF junior lightweight title in a matchup of South Africans. […]Associated Press
- Bernard Hopkins to fight light heavyweight champ Jean Pascal on Dec. 18 September 1, 2010Bernard Hopkins is slated to meet newly crowned light heavyweight champion Jean Pascal Dec. 18 in Quebec City, both sides told ESPN.com on Tuesday. […]Dan Rafael
- Manny Pacquiao: Antonio Margarito knew what was in hand wraps August 31, 2010Manny Pacquiao says he wants a representative observing Antonio Margarito's hand wraps before their meeting in Texas. […]Associated Press
- Antonio Tarver ready for heavyweight debut against Nagy Aguilera August 30, 2010Antonio Tarver will make his heavyweight debut Oct. 15 against Nagy Aguilera in a scheduled 10-rounder either in Memphis or Southern California. […]Dan Rafael
- Fight between Juan Manuel Lopez and Rafael Marquez rescheduled for Nov. 6 August 30, 2010The postponed fight between featherweight titlist Juan Manuel Lopez and former two-division champion Rafael Marquez has been rescheduled. […]Dan Rafael
- Vyacheslav Senchenko beats Charlie Jose Navarro to retain WBA belt August 30, 2010Vyacheslav Senchenko retained his welterweight title with a unanimous decision over Charlie Jose Navarro on Monday night, though the unbeaten Ukrainian needed to work a bit harder than most people expected. […]Associated Press
- Shannon Briggs says he'll knock out Vitali Klitschko in first round August 30, 2010Former heavyweight champion Shannon Briggs said Monday he would make current WBC titleholder Vitali Klitschko his "30-second, first-round victim" when they meet later this fall. […]Associated Press
- Search for Bob Arum's son continues September 1, 2010
