After the UFC on Fox 3 pre-fight presser, Dana White dropped a very interesting nugget to the media in attendance about UFC 146.
He was asked who in his opinion had the most to lose at UFC 146 and his answer may surprise you. It’s an interesting question as there are several fighters on the main card who may be on their last legs in the promotion. Even more interesting is his response.
“I’d probably have to say (Frank) Mir. Mir’s been in so many title fights and held it twice. Losing wouldn’t be too great for Big Country either. I think he’s 1-4 in his last five fights. So he needs a win too.”
Roy Nelson is probably expendable. He’s a former Ultimate Fighter but has failed to exceed any expectations. He’s continued to be unwilling to drop to light heavyweight.
Instead, he’s made jokes about his weight and continues to fight at heavyweight (h/t mmajunkie.com), even though Dana has stated in interviews he thinks that “Big Country” would be better suited at 205. The only thing that may keep Nelson on the roster is that he’s a fan favorite and always brings the fight.
I am surprised that White said that Mir has the most to lose at 146.
Mir is one of the UFC’s best known fighters and one of the few guys that is legitimately “home grown.” He’s been willing to step up in many situations and his stint on The Ultimate Fighter endeared him to fans. There’s also the fact that he’s the only fighter in MMA history to stop Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira twice.
In my mind, a loss to Junior Dos Santos wouldn’t end his career, as he’s still relatively young and has plenty more to offer the heavyweight division. He still has time to go on another run, and he’s always dangerous both standing and on the feet. I guess this is just a time when myself and the UFC president disagree.
Matthew Roth is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all quotes were obtained first-hand.
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