Check out the fifth episode of Embedded for UFC 261.
UFC 261 is almost here, and as usual, Embedded is here as well. The show that gives you an inside look at the marquee contestants on PPVs has issued the fifth episode for this weekend’s big show in Jacksonville, and it serves as a brief introduction to the fighters at the top of the card.
We start off with Chris Weidman, showing off his juggling. He does a light weight-cutting workout in his room. Anthony Smith comes by to check it out. Weidman is just enjoying it and loving life.
Rose Namajunas is in the fighter hotel lobby playing the piano, but she can’t remember the whole song. She has a nice chat with the Shevchenko sisters.
Jorge Masvidal walks in to his photoshoot and says hi to Weidman and Ray Longo as the overlay some media talk of his. He says he’s much closer to weight at this point due to having a full camp, and it will make a huge difference. He wants more action, not Usman holding him against the fence. He wants to take advantage of Usman’s patterns.
Up in Usman’s room, he’s getting ready for media day. Back downstairs, Dana White is with Florida governor Ron DeSantis, who asks Masvidal a dumb question about cutting weight. Masvidal answers respectfully.
Press conference time. The Jacksonville mayor talks up the full crowd that will be in the arena tomorrow. DeSantis does the same. The fighters like the feel of the crowd that’s there. Masvidal plays to the crowd. Usman interrupts and points out all of Masvidal’s losses and his recent 3-3 record. He tells Masvidal he’s only sitting there because Usman chose him to be there. Masvidal says the BMF belt isn’t up for grabs because Usman isn’t a BMF. Andrade isn’t going to have too much respect for Shevchenko in there. Weili says her fight with Rose will be a battle of MMA masters.
Face-offs time. Both women’s staredowns are respectful and they shake hands. Usman and Masvidal are chill, but there’s no exchange of pleasantries.
And that’s it! UFC 261 goes down tomorrow night in Jacksonville.