The main-card fighters participating in the big UFC on FOX 3 card on May 5th gathered in New York City today for a pre-fight press conference.
Dana White, Nate Diaz, Jim Miller, Johny Koscheck, Johny Hendricks, Pat Barry, Lavar Johnson and Alan Belcher took questions from the fans and media in attendance.
Let’s check out a few quotes from the personalities involved.
Dana White on whether the winner of Nate Diaz vs. Jim Miller or Anthony Pettis will get the next shot at Benson Henderson’s lightweight title:
“We said that the winner of this fight (Diaz vs. Miller) would get the next shot.”
Koscheck on the feeling that he may be a gatekeeper for the welterweight division:
“I’m not a stepping stone, kid. Johny Hendricks is not winning this fight.”
Dana comments on getting mixed martial arts legalized in New York City:
“I’ve been saying that for four years. We’re going to keep grinding and grinding until we get it done. We should be in New York and it’s ridiculous that we’re not.”
Koscheck on Johny Hendricks’ win over Jon Fitch:
“The fight didn’t last very long. I really couldn’t judge how good he is. I watched the fight and it looked like he threw a bunch of punches without looking.”
Hendricks responds:
“If you looked at that punch and watch where my eyes were, you could see that it was a pretty good punch. I’ll take it any day.”
Hendricks’ feelings after beating Jon Fitch:
“I just couldn’t wait to be on the card. I got to fight Jon Fitch, the number two guy in the entire world. And now I’ve got Josh Koscheck, another great fighter. It’s exciting for me. I can’t wait to put on a good show.”
Miller on fighting in his home state:
“It’s an honor to be on such a big card on FOX right here in my area. I’m excited about it. I’m excited to fight in front of my home state fans and put on a show. Nate and I match up very well together and it should be an exciting fight. I’m pretty amped up already, so I need to calm down. I’ve got another two months.”
Does Diaz think he’s deserving of main event status:
“I don’t know. I think it comes and goes depending on how your fights go. I’m glad to be on the card. It’s cool to be headlining and stuff.”
Dana’s thoughts on Ronda Rousey’s win over Miesha Tate:
“I’ve been saying for a long time about the women’s division. There aren’t enough women to create a division. But every once in awhile you’re going to have the fighters to create these one-off fights. That happened last Saturday night. Ronda Rousey is going to be a big star.”
Pat’s thoughts on Lavar Johnson’s punching power:
“You and I are no longer friends. Lavar Johnson has beyond heavy hands. I say that because he was able to knock out Joey Beltran.
I kicked Joey in the head five times and he shook it off. I’ve never wondered, in my entire career, whether or not I hit hard. So I guarantee you that he hits hard. I was there in Chicago, and he had the fight as soon as he walked out.
I looked at him and said ‘that looks like somebody they’re going to put me with.’ Everyone turned and looked at me. His fists are the size of my head. We’re going to punch each other a lot of times on May 5th. I hope not, but we probably are.”
Will Barry submit Lavar Johnson?
“I’m going to submit somebody, someday. Lavar? No. We’re both allergic to jiu-jitsu. We’re also both allergic to rounds two and three. You’re not going to see beginner-level grappling with the two of us.”
Did Dana put this card together to try and make exciting fights after the criticism of the first two shows?
“So the first fight went too quick and the second fight went too long? Oh well. We always try to put the best fighters in the world together. There’s nothing I can say if you think one was too short and one was too long.
These guys always deliver every time they go in there. I don’t know what to expect with this card. Hopefully, we get the right mixture of quick and long so that everybody is happy. I don’t know what else to say to that.”
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