Tag: Dana White

‘Left Hook’ Lacy Half Amused, Half Insulted that Nick Diaz Wants to Box Him

(Compared to some of the things he’s experienced in boxing, Jeff Lacy (right) is excited to work with a serious, sober professional like Nick Diaz.)

Credit Jeff “Left Hook” Lacy, his camp and promoter for continuing to act like this proposed boxing match with Nick Diaz is a done deal, even though our suspicion is that Diaz and Cesar Gracie are just using Lacy and Co. to turn up the heat on Zuffa, LLC. Don’t get us wrong, we totally believe that Diaz is down to fight the former super middleweight champion … but likely only if the UFC can’t or won’t make a bout with Georges St. Pierre happen in the near future. Whatever the case, Lacy and his people are getting a nice publicity rub off this.

Case-in-point, Lacy got himself invited on ESPN 1100 in Las Vegas with Steve Cofield this week, where he sounded pretty dumbfounded that Diaz would want to “step into his ring,” but said he was totally willing to take advantage of the situation. In fairness, Lacy was actually somewhat complementary of MMA, saying he’s become a big fan, but then went on to compare the striking in our sport to glorified Toughman competitions. Lacy’s quotes are after the jump.

(Compared to some of the things he’s experienced in boxing, Jeff Lacy (right) is excited to work with a serious, sober professional like Nick Diaz.)

Credit Jeff “Left Hook” Lacy, his camp and promoter for continuing to act like this proposed boxing match with Nick Diaz is a done deal, even though our suspicion is that Diaz and Cesar Gracie are just using Lacy and Co. to turn up the heat on Zuffa, LLC. Don’t get us wrong, we totally believe that Diaz is down to fight the former super middleweight champion … but likely only if the UFC can’t or won’t make a bout with Georges St. Pierre happen in the near future. Whatever the case, Lacy and his people are getting a nice publicity rub off this.

Case-in-point, Lacy got himself invited on ESPN 1100 in Las Vegas with Steve Cofield this week, where he sounded pretty dumbfounded that Diaz would want to “step into his ring,” but said he was totally willing to take advantage of the situation. In fairness, Lacy was actually somewhat complementary of MMA, saying he’s become a big fan, but then went on to compare the striking in our sport to glorified Toughman competitions. Lacy’s quotes are after the jump.

“I really don’t understand what was going through his mind,” Lacy says of Diaz. “I understand he may love a challenge (but) I’m up for this more than you would ever know. I don’t want to down talk the sport, I love MMA, but when you have people talking about it’s taking away from boxing, no … For me not to take this fight, it would make me a scaredycat. I don’t think I’ve ever been scared of anybody I’ve ever stepped in the ring with.”

Props to Lacy for not being afraid to use the term “scaredycat” in adult conversation, by the way. The boxer got a little testy when the radio hosts implied that if a punching-only fight with Diaz ever did go down, the pressure would be on Lacy to prove his point about MMA strikers being akin to amateurish brawlers.

“How would you figure the pressure’s on me when this is something I’ve been doing all my life?” Lacy responded. “It’s something I can close my eyes and do There pressure’s on him to step over, just like the pressure was on James (Toney) to step over to something he’s never done before … This is something I love to do, and I’ve dealt with way better technical fighters than this guy Diaz, is gonna present to me. I’ve dealt with a lot of different styles. He’s stepping into my ring, but it’s gonna be tougher for me? I don’t think so.”

Over the weekend, news broke that Diaz had signed some sort of contractual agreement with Lacy and promoter Don Chargin, but there seemed to be some confusion (or disagreement) about what that meant. In conversation with MMA Fighting, Chargin acted like Diaz-Lacy was a go (“We’re going to a lot of trouble if we don’t have it signed,” he said), while Cesar Gracie said his fighter would wait to see if the UFC is “serious” about giving Diaz a fight with GSP.

Meanwhile, we’re still under the impression Dana White will fly out to Stockton – staying in San Francisco, we assume, since we just can’t see Dana putting himself up at the Stockton Super 8 – and meet with Diaz to see if there’s anything the promotion can do to make Diaz happy … er, happier … er, at least happy enough not to up and quit the sport.

UFC Breaking News: Zuffa Is Set to Offer Insurance to Fighters

According to a recent report from Yahoo.ca, UFC is set to offer a $100,000 insurance policy to each fighter to cover any injuries they sustain in their bouts. It has become a common occurrence for fighters to suffer injuries during their training …

According to a recent report from Yahoo.ca, UFC is set to offer a $100,000 insurance policy to each fighter to cover any injuries they sustain in their bouts. 

It has become a common occurrence for fighters to suffer injuries during their training camp, forcing them to withdraw from their bouts and ultimately receive no income. It is pretty simple—if you compete, you will earn a paycheck. 

However, UFC vice-president Lorenzo Fertitta is planning to change that. 

“We looked at this as a necessity for the sport and something that needed to happen,” Fertitta said. 

Fertitta commented on the fact that he and UFC president Dana White have explored this issue awhile ago, and acknowledged the fact that injured fighters were not receiving many benefits. Fertitta said the company will pay approximately 350 athletes who suffer out-of competition injuries, effective on June 1. 

Fertitta said fighters have been paid in the past for suffering training-related injuries, but in acquiring a carrier, Houston Casualty Insurance Company, now all expenses will be paid for. 

“When you go to an underwriter and say, ‘Hey, we potentially want to insure 400 ultimate fighters,’ they pretty much close the door on you pretty quickly,” he said. 

“We didn’t just give up, given the responses we were getting and the answers we were getting from a lot of these carriers. We continued on and it has been a 24-to-36-month process we have been going through to do it.”

Yahoo.ca also reports the new insurance plan being provided to the fighters will only cover training-related injuries and not their medical insurance, such as hospital visitations and prescription drugs. 

“This will cover accidents that occur while a fighter is under contract with us,” Zuffa general counsel Lawrence Epstein said.

“Training injuries, a guy falls down the stairs, an automobile accident, those would be covered, but it wouldn’t be something like the flu or some disease or illness. It would only cover accident-related injuries.”

The recent news will likely generate a well-recieved approval from several media outlets, and some coverage, too. With recent announcements such as providing monitors for cage side judges, and a launch of their new interactive web page Discover UFC, the UFC is beginning to walk a fine line within the mainstream media and is another step closer to earning recognition and acceptance as a credible sport.

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

Jon Jones Interview Discussing Health Insurance in New Book

Jonny “Bones” Jones: A lot of us fighters just need to get a little better about our professionalism. Like me personally, I don’t have health insurance. And, you know? I should have health insurance, so it’s just… James Ryan: …

Jonny “Bones” Jones: A lot of us fighters just need to get a little better about our professionalism. Like me personally, I don’t have health insurance. And, you know? I should have health insurance, so it’s just…

James Ryan: Are you covered through the UFC?

JJ: No, not at all.

JR: Not at all?

JJ: I mean—if you get hurt during an MMA match, then you’re completely covered.

JR: But if you went outside right now and got hit by a car racing down the street, you’re on your own, right?

JJ: I’m on my own.

[Please note that this complete interview, and many more, are only available in my new book, entitled Desolate Warrior, on sale now at www.lulu.com.]

 

Desolate Warrior specifically deals with the life and struggles of former WEC fighter Will Ribeiro, who was tragically injured in Brazil while riding his motorcycle (he was struck by two racing taxicabs as he was backing out of his friend’s driveway).

At the time, Will had no health coverage that extended beyond the MMA bouts themselves, thus leaving him in a very desperate, life-threatening situation with no obvious resources or support of any kind.

Professional MMA fighters continuously put their livelihoods and futures at risk each and every time they train for an event—or even attempt to cross the street, for that matter.

It’s great that all UFC athletes have been given medical coverage while participating in an actual fight, but many of them barely earn enough money to support themselves or their families, let alone to have the “luxury” of additional health care protection should they need it for any other reasons.

It is a situation that has unfortunately left many warriors without the ability to effectively compete in this sport—or in some cases, to survive.

Well, there definitely seems to be a bit of good news on the horizon regarding this issue.

Today, it has been reported that Zuffa, LLC, owner of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) brand, has announced that the nearly 350 independently contracted athletes (UFC and Strikeforce) will now be eligible for customized accident insurance coverage.

The coverage will be underwritten by Houston Casualty Insurance Company and will complement the existing event coverage that the company already provides its athletes.

This unprecedented policy will cover accidental injuries suffered by athletes while training, as well as non-training incidents such as automobile (or motorcycle) accidents.

UFC Chairman and CEO Lorenzo Fertitta is expected to discuss this topic in further detail today on a media conference call at 3:30 pm ET.

The new policies will add 24-hour worldwide medical life insurance and dental coverage, as well as emergency medical evacuation.

Zuffa apparently plans to pay 100 percent of the premiums for its athletes and will have an employee who is specifically dedicated to the handling and filing of all claims.

“Our athletes are some of the very best in the world and we’ve committed significant financial resources to provide them with insurance that complements the gold standard we have set for event-related coverage. We’re pleased to provide coverage that enables our athletes to seek and receive treatment for injuries sustained while preparing for bouts.”—UFC Chairman and CEO Lorenzo Fertitta

“As this sport continues to grow, we have been working hard to secure additional insurance coverage so that our athletes can perform at the highest levels. We’re proud to give our athletes access to this type of insurance.”—UFC President Dana White

All around, I would have to say that this is great news indeed for all UFC athletes, and in light of my recent findings in Desolate Warrior, this news couldn’t have come at a better time for the UFC and the fighters that they employ.

It’s just too bad that a major problem still exists for all MMA fighters that are not currently affiliated with the UFC.

Let’s also not forget about the possibility of long-term health planning for UFC athletes, even if they are no longer fighting within the company. Post-trauma effects from brain injuries sustained through concussions are still a growing concern for many.

One step at a time, I guess.

 

Jonny “Bones” Jones: Yeah, and I try to do smart things, you know? And not get hurt, but you never know when you’re gonna get hurt, and it’s pretty silly that I don’t have health coverage, especially the way that I train.

James Ryan: Well, you may leave here now and go get health insurance. [Big smile]

JJ: You better watch your mouth! [Laughs]

JR: [Laughs]

JJ: You just might get hit by a car.

JR: I might. [Laughs]

JJ: I’ll go up to Canada and go to the doctor.

JR: That’s what you gotta do, yeah. I’ll adopt you and then you’ll be covered.

JJ: All right, cool.

JR: [Laughs]

JJ: All right, big daddy. [Big hug for James]

 

These are my opinions. If you don’t like them…I have others. Check them out at www.mrjamesryan.com.

Desolate Warrior is only available for purchase at www.lulu.com.

I had to self-publish my book through this particular website because otherwise it would have taken too long to go through a standard publisher (upwards of 12 months) with no guarantee that it would have been made available in Brazil. I couldn’t risk it, so I am doing this myself—which is also a very big risk. Your support is appreciated, as a large portion of proceeds will be going directly to help Will Ribeiro.

Lulu.com is great because it offers print-on-demand services, and buyers have the choice of either purchasing a paperback book (shipped anywhere that FedEx delivers) or, to save time and money, purchasing an eBook.

Thank you.

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

Georges St-Pierre vs. Nick Diaz: 10 Reasons the UFC Needs to Make This Happen

Following his victory over Jake Shields at UFC 129, welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre was asked if MMA fans could expect to see him face off against middleweight champion Anderson Silva in a “superfight.”“We’ll see,” St-Pierre told UF…

Following his victory over Jake Shields at UFC 129, welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre was asked if MMA fans could expect to see him face off against middleweight champion Anderson Silva in a “superfight.”

“We’ll see,” St-Pierre told UFC commentator Joe Rogan. “I just finished my fight. I haven’t considered that yet. Going up in weight class is a lot to consider. Maybe there are other ways. We’ll talk.”

Meanwhile Strikeforce welterweight champion Nick Diaz seemed eager to step into the cage with St-Pierre,

“Yeah, I didn’t know if they’d be talking about [me fighting GSP] or what you know but let me get in there with that guy,” Diaz recently told GnP TV. “They had him in there with my partner and look what happened to him, you know what I mean?

“What do you think is going to happen to him if they put him in there with me? I don’t know, I’d like to start getting paid up here, I’d like to get that fight or I’d like to make something happen here, something different, something big.”

“I feel like I’m ready for that fight, I’ve been ready for that fight. I just feel I’m even more ready for it now. I want to get this show on the road.”

“Like I said, I’m not getting any younger and I don’t think old Georges is getting any younger, and I need some change in lifestyle, you know?”

While Diaz has recently signed to fight former IBF champion Jeff Lacy in a boxing match, his MMA contract would allegedly allow him out of that fight in order to take a boxing bout.

With that in mind, Bleacher Report presents 10 reasons why the UFC needs to make the Georges St-Pierre vs. Nick Diaz fight happen now.

Begin Slideshow

Dream Fight: Anderson Silva vs. Georges St. Pierre Head to Head

It’s been in the minds of every true MMA fan on the planet: the true MMA pound for pound king.Many have Georges St. Pierre listed as 1B and Anderson Silva listed as 1A. It’s been a long time coming, and it’s finally starting to look like we will see th…

It’s been in the minds of every true MMA fan on the planet: the true MMA pound for pound king.

Many have Georges St. Pierre listed as 1B and Anderson Silva listed as 1A. It’s been a long time coming, and it’s finally starting to look like we will see this fight.

I’m going to be breaking down every aspect of the skills of these two fighters: striking, clinch, grappling, conditioning and defense.

Fighter Ready? Let’s get it on.

Begin Slideshow

Nick Diaz: Will His Next Opponent Be Georges St-Pierre or Will It Be Jeff Lacy?

News broke on Friday afternoon that contracts had been signed for a Nick Diaz versus Jeff Lacy boxing match.ESPN.com reported that Lacy, the former IBF super middleweight champion, has specifically signed on to fight Diaz, the current Strikeforce welte…

News broke on Friday afternoon that contracts had been signed for a Nick Diaz versus Jeff Lacy boxing match.

ESPN.com reported that Lacy, the former IBF super middleweight champion, has specifically signed on to fight Diaz, the current Strikeforce welterweight champion.  Diaz’s manager, Cesar Gracie, stated that Diaz’s deal was “tentative.”

Following the official press conference for UFC 129, UFC president Dana White spoke more informally to a smaller group of MMA press.

When asked about Diaz’s contract and the stipulation for a boxing match in 2011, White said, “Listen, for the last 10 years, I’ve dealt with the craziest, coolest, the baddest, the this, the that, and I’ve always tried to make everybody happy. You can’t make them all happy, but you can try, and I’m going to sit down with Nick Diaz, literally after this fight, and try to figure out what’s next for him. It’s in his deal that he can do it (box), absolutely.”

The main event of UFC 129 saw welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre defeat Diaz’s teammate, Jake Shields, by unanimous decision.

Following the fight, Diaz stated in interviews that he wanted to meet St-Pierre inside the Octagon.

For his part, White eluded to the fact that he could make a St-Pierre versus Diaz fight happen if he wanted to, “I imagine I could do whatever I wanted to do if I really wanted to, but we have a contract with Showtime and he’s a Showtime fighter,” White told MMAWeekly. “I don’t know we’re going to have to see how this whole thing works out. That’s an interesting fight (GSP vs. Diaz).”

Gracie reported to ESPN that the talk that White had mentioned having with Diaz had yet to take place.

If the conversation between Diaz and White had not occurred before the signing of the Lacy contract, why the rush? It makes little sense for Diaz’s camp to not even wait to hear what White had to say.

When the president of the promotion says, “I imagine I can do whatever I wanted to do,” in regard to making a fight that just months ago seemed impossible, it seems reasonable to give the guy a chance to speak to you.

If the tactic was done with the thought of applying pressure on White and the UFC into making the St-Pierre fight happen, well, that’s a very risky proposition.

MMA fans would like to see Diaz and St-Pierre fight and the fight is probably the most sensible fight to make from a business standpoint, but the fact remains that the UFC and White do not need a Diaz versus St-Pierre fight.

The promotion will go on without ever presenting that fight, but will Diaz be able to go on without the UFC and Zuffa LLC, the owner of both the UFC and Strikeforce?

If the plan is to force White’s hand it may backfire. No matter how much White likes Diaz he surely knows that the UFC does not need him or the headaches he could possibly bring them. It is very likely that White calls Diaz’s bluff and says, “Good luck with your fight and better luck when your contract with Strikeforce runs out and it is not renewed.”

If Diaz thinks he is the most underpaid fighter in MMA now, one wonders what he would think if he was forced to fight outside of the Strikeforce or UFC promotions.

With that being said, ESPN did report Gracie saying, “Nick’s [MMA] contract takes precedence. That’s why we’re not out there telling everyone what we’re going to do. We’re trying to work together with the UFC and not against them. And we’re trying to do things the right way.”

It remains to be seen if signing the boxing contract before hearing anything from White constitutes doing “things the right way.”

This situation, between two of the more interesting personalities in sports bears watching.

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com