UFC president Dana White’s disdain for former light heavyweight champion Tito Ortiz is no secret, but now White admits digging into his own pockets to help settle the score.
Speaking with Los Angeles radio personality Big Boy, White says he awarded Lyoto Machida an undisclosed bonus after defeating Tito Ortiz following their bout at UFC 84 in May 2008. Asked if he ever became personally interested in seeing a certain fighter lose in the UFC, White explained the situation with Ortiz.
“There’s no doubt about it,” said White. “Absolutely. I can tell you this. Tito Ortiz is that guy [I wanted to see] get his ass whooped. The only time in 13 years, all the fights we’ve ever done, Lyoto Machida beat Tito Ortiz, I actually wrote him a personal check.
“I literally bonused [sic] him myself.”
While I guess it’s encouraging the instance is more the exception than the rule, it’s a bit odd to hear White talk about rewarding a fighter after beating another he has history with. On the other hand, it proves White’s ability to put personal issues aside, as Ortiz went on to compete in the UFC six more times, scoring just a single win. So, fair or foul?
5 MUST-READ STORIES
Bonuses. The UFC has altered their policy on fight night bonuses, doing away with ‘Submission’ and ‘Knockout of the Night.’
Off week. Chuck Mindenhall explains why this week has been an absolute nightmare for the UFC.
Drug use. Thiago Silva’s ex-wife says the fighter’s drug use is to blame for him becoming increasingly violent and unstable. “The problem was cocaine. He always thinks he’s above the law.”
Shogun on TRT? Mauricio Rua says it will be up to his team to decide whether or not he pursues testosterone replacement therapy.
Cracking down. As the UFC takes down another streaming service, it seems the promotion has already successfully sued at least one viewer.
MEDIA STEW
UFC 169 phantom cam highlights.
Media scrum with Ronda Rousey’s coach Edmond Tarverdyan.
Mike Dolce on UFC: Beyond the Octagon.
BJJ Scout’s second Ronda Rousey vs. Sara Mcmann breakdown: Takedowns.
Chris Weidman says he’d be willing to fight Anderson Silva a third time to prove he’s the better fighter.
The MMA Awards air Sunday on Fox Sports, if interested.
TWEETS
Encouraging?
I will be back …. Overcome time !!! http://t.co/zPdwbmuVxC
— Anderson Silva (@SpiderAnderson) February 11, 2014
Putting Phil Davis on notice?
Hey Phil we all know you’re not quite on my level but I do appreciate that shout out lol
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) February 12, 2014
Mixed reactions.
“@danawhite: New fight bonus structure http://t.co/TaQ9dJcP1g“noooooooooooooooooo!
— Cowboy Cerrone (@Cowboycerrone) February 12, 2014
“@danawhite: New fight bonus structure http://t.co/wcHsNp9he5” NICE!
— Cung Le (@CungLe185) February 11, 2014
This is getting ridiculous.
@KhabilovMMA @ufc @danawhite seems like no 1 wants to play with u buddy (mysteriously), well I’ll be ur huckleberry…I’ll be ready by June
— Benson Henderson (@BensonHenderson) February 11, 2014
Playing a blonde, I see.
Just finished sparring and saw vindieseloff released another #fast7 pic today 🙂 http://t.co/J8RrkVhPEi
— Ronda Rousey (@RondaRousey) February 11, 2014
Send footage.
With my coach @katelkubis and my friend Robbie Lawler ready for sparring session… Com meu treinador… http://t.co/1JpwEkjNDO
— Antonio Pezao Silva (@BigfootSilva) February 11, 2014
GSP’s dark place was Bacardi ads all along.
Very excited to get in the ring with the @BacardiCanada #BacardiMMA contest winner @MattDunbar. You ready, Matt? http://t.co/p0EIa0c5xg
— Georges St-Pierre (@GeorgesStPierre) February 11, 2014
Good question.
Uhhhhh, where am I going to pull 11 more pounds before weigh-ins on Friday? Hahaha. Thanks for helping… http://t.co/M1DPiWbLpl
— Zoila Frausto (@ZoilaFrausto) February 12, 2014
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Announced yesterday (Feb. 11 2014)
Derrick Lewis vs. Jack May at UFC on FOX 11
Zhang Lipeng vs. Wang Sai at TUF China Finale
Ning Guangyou vs. Yang Jianping at TUF China Finale
Lucas Martins out, Cody Gibson vs. Aljamain Sterling at UFC 170
FANPOST OF THE DAY
Today’s Fanpost of the Day comes via T.P. Grant.
Condolences to Marcelo Garcia and family
As some of you in BJJ community may have heard, Marcelo and Tati Garcia’s infant son Joey passed away today.
Official word came Josh Waitzkin, co-founder of the MG in Action website
“Dear MGA Family, I am heartbroken to say that Marcelo and Tati’s beautiful little boy, Joey, passed away today. As you all know, Joey and his sister Olivia were born dangerously premature, after just under 24 weeks of pregnancy. They both endured unbelievable hardships, more than most of us will know in our lives, in their first four months on this earth. Such strong spirits. Heart surgeries, lung surgeries, intestinal surgeries, eye surgeries, infections, and they fought on. Thankfully Olivia is doing well, growing, almost 5 pounds now, and will hopefully be able to come home in weeks. Her resilience has been incredible. Poor Joey’s heart gave out after a very complicated lung surgery. He died in peace, surrounded by love in Tati’s arms, his dad right there beside him.
…
Check out the rest of the post here.
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