(Video courtesy of TheScore)
Strikeforce play-by-play commentator and MMA reporter Mauro Ranallo caught up with Dana White following yesterday’s UFC on FOX 1 press conference in Los Angeles and as usual, the always outspoken UFC president had a lot to say.
Check out the brass tacks of the interview below.
• White says he’s always been the promoter who wanted to bring big fights like Velasquez-dos Santos to free television
• He’s nervous about Saturday and says he just wants to get the show behind him
• He isn’t worried about Velasquez’s injury hindering his performance
• Believes Cain is the best heavyweight in the world
• Assures fans that they will still be entertained by the broadcast if the fight only lasts a few seconds because they have “plenty of stuff” planned for the event
• Says that although there won’t be a “UFC 101″ primer for new fans like Strikeforce does with those creepy skinless 3-D models, there will be plenty of storytelling and explaining during the show
• Says that the broadcast will look different then the pay-per-views and it will have a FOX feel
• Although it was FOX’s idea to only have one fight on the broadcast, Dana says he agreed with the decision
• This show isn’t even a part of the FOX deal, which goes into effect in January
• The winner of Satuday night’s main event will fight the winner of Lesnar-Overeem
• Brock will be one of the analysts on the broadcast Saturday night
• Instead of a Q&A tomorrow prior to the weigh-ins, the UFC will instead do a press conference announcing Overeem vs. Lesnar
• Silva will be facing Sonnen next since it’s the fight that makes the most sense and the one that everyone wants to see
• Says he isn’t sure if the winner of Guida-Henderson will be next in line for a shot at Edgar
• Explains that Griffin’s comments about rape being “the new missionary” were not meant as a joke, but instead as a comment on the state of the world that rape has become such commonplace in the news that it’s becoming the norm
• Says Forrest chose the wrong platform and the wrong words and that he’s “busted up” over the misunderstanding
• Fox has never asked the UFC to censor itself or tone down some of its behavior
• Says that they just need to make some smarter decisions
• Expects a decision on the future of Strikeforce in the next week, but doesn’t know what will happen