Fireworks were to be expected when the UFC announced Miesha Tate as last-second replacement coach opposite Ronda Rousey on The Ultimate Fighter 18. But if Dana White is to be believed, those expectations are already being blown out of the water.
“It’s like, literally, crazy drama every day,” an exasperated White said at Thursday’s pre-fight scrum. “It’s irritating.
“It’s Ken (Shamrock)-Tito (Ortiz) type stuff.”
“I don’t even know if some of that stuff will make TV,” the UFC President continued. “It’s bad. Those two do not like each other, and their camps do not like each other, and it is just pure f–king mayhem everyday.”
Filming for the season, which is the first to feature a co-ed cast in the series’ history, kicked off in late May, and although White was hesitant to discuss particulars, he repeatedly made it clear that this iteration would not be nearly as friendly as TUF 17‘s surprisingly cordial pairing of Jon Jones and Chael Sonnen.
Without frequenting the season’s house, White is unable to say if the co-ed living situation is sparking any budding romances between the bantamweight castmates, although he seemed pleased by the UFC’s casting decisions thus far.
“[It’s] going well,” White finished. “There’s some men and women there that are serious and want to be in the UFC, and want to fight for a living. They’re doing their thing.”
And with that, ladies and gentlemen, let’s plow ahead and get to some headlines.
7 MUST-READ STORIES
CSAC update. It’s official. The California State Athletic Commission “will not be approving any new exemptions for testosterone replacement therapy until its new policy” is enacted into law, which could take anywhere from two months to one year.
Thomson responds. UFC lightweight contender Josh Thomson issued a press release in response to controversial remarks made by him regarding the legalization of gay marriage. Among other things, the release referenced the North American Man/Boy Love Association (NAMBLA). No joke. Meanwhile, Dana White addressed the topic by simply stating, “[Thomson] should probably get a hobby, like fingerpainting or something, and leave talking to smart people.”
WSOF 3 weigh-in results. All 18 fighters met their required weight at Thursday’s official WSOF 3 weigh-ins, including welterweight headliners Jon Fitch and Josh Burkman.
Jones vs. Gustafsson. They asked for it, and they got it. UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones is scheduled to defend his title against lanky Swede Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 165, which takes place September 21, 2013 in Toronto, Canada. If Jones wins, he expects the doors to open “for some exciting, funky things.”
Velasquez vs. JDS 3. More title goodness. UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez and No. 1 contender Junior dos Santos will likely settle their score this October in Houston, TX, according to Dana White.
St-Pierre vs. Hendricks. Eh, one more won’t hurt. UFC welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre is expected to put his belt on the line against bearded slugger Johny Hendricks this November, likely in Las Vegas.
MEDIA STEW
What would a Friday Morning Report be without the customary pre-fight scrum?
Georges St-Pierre should totally listen to this director. Just sayin’.
June 15, 1997: 16 years ago to the day of UFC 161, Dan Henderson competes in his first pro fight. Crazy footage.
Man, this sport is going to get very interesting in the coming years.
(HT: Reddit)
Go behind-the-scenes to check out Dan Henderson and Rashad Evans‘ training camps leading into Saturday’s main event. (Click here for part 2.)
Don’t forget: WSOF 3 takes place tonight, folks.
TITLE TALK
So I’m sure you all heard the news. September 21, 2013 I will make history in Toronto Canada.. This is the most important fight of my career
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) June 13, 2013
Because this lion’s young and hungry I’m sure “@JoMMA83: @JonnyBones why most important?”
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) June 13, 2013
HOW NICE
@MMAWorldSeries @SugarRaySefo are there 4 tickets for the NY Bad Ankle to limp in and watch @jonfitchdotnet smash a bald busta tomorrow ?
— phil baroni (@philbaroni) June 14, 2013
@philbaroni @MMAWorldSeries @jonfitchdotnet I have 2 for you my brother :))
— Ray Sefo (@SugarRaySefo) June 14, 2013
@SugarRaySefo @MMAWorldSeries @jonfitchdotnet Thank you!
— phil baroni (@philbaroni) June 14, 2013
GETTING SOME WORK DONE
Tattoo today! Yeahhhhhh buddy! Getting my brother’s name X’d out and putting my mentor/real brotha @philbaroni above! Haha! #GAMEBRED
— War Machine (@WarMachine170) June 13, 2013
Because being my relative is nothing more than an introduction, you gotta earn your keep. For my mentor and… https://t.co/YpuBJQ8BdY
— War Machine (@WarMachine170) June 13, 2013
O_O
In Toronto with Boss Hogg! Lol pic.twitter.com/EQM1VsxB9O
— Johny Hendricks (@JohnyHendricks) June 14, 2013
TWEET OF THE YEAR
Surreal world type weight cut today. Shared the sauna with Ron Jeremy. He was impressed with my girth.
— Jon Fitch (@jonfitchdotnet) June 13, 2013
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Announced yesterday (Thursday, June 13, 2013):
- UFC 165: Jon Jones (18-1) vs. Alexander Gustafsson (15-1) booked for main event
- UFC: Cain Velasquez (12-1) vs. Junior dos Santos (16-2) targeted for October in Houston
- UFC: Georges St-Pierre (24-2) vs. Johny Hendricks (15-1) targeted for November
FANPOST OF THE DAY
Today’s Fanpost of the Day sees dpk875 return with the lastest edition of: Prospects to watch this weekend
WSOF 3 – 14 Jun 2013 – Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Las Vegas, NV
WW:
Tyson Steele (10-1) vs. Steve Carl
Steele is another in the long line of talented Canadian Welterweights, who gets an opportunity to make his name on the WSOF stage. Carl is a four time Bellator vet, who went 2-2 in the organization, and has five straight 1st round submissions since leaving Bellator.
LW:
Justin Gaethje (8-0) vs. Brian Cobb
Gaethje went from being a good prospect, to someone everyone wants to see when he blasted GZ Cavalcante at the last WSOF event. The 24 year old trains with Grudge training center in Colorado, and is surrounded by current and former UFC fighters daily. Cobb is a tough veteran, and this will be a good test to see if Gaethje can make another statement, and graduate from prospect to the next level.
FW:
Jerrod Sanders (11-1) vs. Jeff Smith (10-1)
Sanders was an All-American wrestler at Oklahoma St. back in 2003, and was an assistant coach at North Carolina St. before moving over to MMA. Sanders brings a 9 fight winning streak into the cage for this event, but should get a stiff test from Smith. Smith came up short during the fight-in round for TUF 15, losing a very close decision to Jeremy Larsen, but has not lost an official bout since his pro-debut.
MW:
Krasimir Mladenov (9-0) vs. Kendrick Miree (5-0)
Mladenov is nicknamed “The Wrestler” if that helps some. Miree also brings a wrestling base to the cage, but has been working with American Top Team Atlanta to round out his skill set. The winner of this fight will be in a good position at MW to potentially challenge the winner of the upcoming WSOF MW Tourney.
XFC 24 – 14 Jun – USF Sun Dome, Tampa, FL
LW:
Scott Holtzman (4-0) vs. John Mahlow
Holtzman is known as the guy that wasn’t good enough for Nick Newell, and cause Newell to leave XFC. He is a strong LW, with decent striking, but very effective Ground and pound once the fight hits the mat. He usually takes a little time start his GnP, but once he gets going he is good at finishing the fight.
Ring of Combat XLV – 14 Jun – Atlantic City, NJ
LW:
Frankie Perez (5-0) vs. Adam Townsend (4-0)
Two 24 y/o prospects face off in this battle. Townsend was 8-0 as an amateur, uses high paced ground and pound to open up submission opportunities that he is good at capitalizing on. Perez trains with UFC vet Ricardo Almedia and has a slick guillotine, so if this fight goes to the ground it will be interesting to see if Townsend’s GnP or Perez’s subs come into play first.
FW:
Andre Harrison (5-0) vs. Matias Vasquez (10-2)
Harrison steps up in competition, and puts his undefeated record on the line in this one. Harrison was also 5-0 as an amateur before turning pro and winning his first 5, the last 2 by stoppage. Vasquez has won his last 5 fights, all by stoppage, and could take his own step towards one of the bigger promotions.
Deep – 15 Jun – Tokyo, Japan
FW:
Doo Ho Choi (10-1) vs. Shoji Maruyama
Choi is a 22 year old who could be the next Korean fighter we see in the Octagon. He is hittable, but he gives more than he takes, and hits hard and has an aggressive style. If he gets his opponent on their heels, look for a big knee up the middle that he like to use, and has led to a few highlight reel moments. Choi does looks vulnerable to takedowns, but has been able to use his grappling to scramble back to his feet.
Found something you’d like to see in the Morning Report? Just hit me on Twitter @shaunalshatti and we’ll include it in Monday’s column.