Punk Says Gall Fight At UFC 203 Doesn’t Need To Be “Weird P*ssing Contest”

Mickey Gall & CM Punk (UFC Fight Pass)

https://youtu.be/pcrE3aSAny4

As noted, CM Punk took part in a media conference call with his opponent Mickey Gall on Thursday to promote their fight on the PPV card at UFC 203 later this month. As it has been since the fight was first announced, both guys were respectful of each other while promoting their upcoming showdown.

Regarding the fact that he might not be as colorful a character during the build-up to his Octagon debut that some fans may have expected, Punk pointed out that those are his fans are already cheering for him and those who weren’t are already rooting against him.

“I don’t see the need for it,” said Punk. “You know? People either love me or hate me already.”

Punk continued, “I’m not trying to talk anybody into the building on this one. I think the allure is just the fact that it’s happening. You know what I mean? And the story writes itself, so it’s not a fabricated thing where I need to, kind of create some drama between me and Mickey.”

As he wrapped up on the topic, he got down to the core of the issue — at the end of the day he’s going to step into the Octagon on September 10th and fight a trained MMA veteran selected by the UFC while his fans and detractors alike tune in live to see it.

“We’re going to fight. That’s the beauty of it,” said Punk. “You know? It doesn’t need to be a weird verbal p*ssing contest. I think some of these guys, while it is entertainment and it’s the sh*t-talk business, I just don’t see it.”

Punk concluded, “I don’t see it happening this time.”

Headlined by Stipe Miocic vs. Alistair Overeem for the UFC Heavyweight Championship in a striking fans dream matchup, which will be Miocic’s first defense of the title, and featuring the Punk-Gall contest, UFC 203 takes place from the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio on Saturday, September 10, 2016.

Join us here at MMANews.com on 9/10 for live coverage of the UFC 203: Miocic vs. Overeem pay-per-view!

Mickey Gall & CM Punk (UFC Fight Pass)

https://youtu.be/pcrE3aSAny4

As noted, CM Punk took part in a media conference call with his opponent Mickey Gall on Thursday to promote their fight on the PPV card at UFC 203 later this month. As it has been since the fight was first announced, both guys were respectful of each other while promoting their upcoming showdown.

Regarding the fact that he might not be as colorful a character during the build-up to his Octagon debut that some fans may have expected, Punk pointed out that those are his fans are already cheering for him and those who weren’t are already rooting against him.

“I don’t see the need for it,” said Punk. “You know? People either love me or hate me already.”

Punk continued, “I’m not trying to talk anybody into the building on this one. I think the allure is just the fact that it’s happening. You know what I mean? And the story writes itself, so it’s not a fabricated thing where I need to, kind of create some drama between me and Mickey.”

As he wrapped up on the topic, he got down to the core of the issue — at the end of the day he’s going to step into the Octagon on September 10th and fight a trained MMA veteran selected by the UFC while his fans and detractors alike tune in live to see it.

“We’re going to fight. That’s the beauty of it,” said Punk. “You know? It doesn’t need to be a weird verbal p*ssing contest. I think some of these guys, while it is entertainment and it’s the sh*t-talk business, I just don’t see it.”

Punk concluded, “I don’t see it happening this time.”

Headlined by Stipe Miocic vs. Alistair Overeem for the UFC Heavyweight Championship in a striking fans dream matchup, which will be Miocic’s first defense of the title, and featuring the Punk-Gall contest, UFC 203 takes place from the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio on Saturday, September 10, 2016.

Join us here at MMANews.com on 9/10 for live coverage of the UFC 203: Miocic vs. Overeem pay-per-view!

Video: UFC 203 Media Call With CM Punk & Mickey Gall Live Today At 4pm ET

https://youtu.be/pcrE3aSAny4

On Thursday afternoon, UFC will hold a special media conference call to promote one of the co-featured bouts for this month’s UFC 203 pay-per-view.

At 4pm ET. / 1pm PT. today, via the YouTube player embedded above, yo…

Mickey Gall & CM Punk (UFC Fight Pass)

https://youtu.be/pcrE3aSAny4

On Thursday afternoon, UFC will hold a special media conference call to promote one of the co-featured bouts for this month’s UFC 203 pay-per-view.

At 4pm ET. / 1pm PT. today, via the YouTube player embedded above, you can tune in to the official UFC 203 media call featuring former WWE Superstar and aspiring UFC star CM Punk and his opponent, Mickey Gall.

UFC 203: Miocic vs. Overeem is scheduled to take place on Saturday, September 10, 2016 from the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.

Rumor: Joe Silva Leaving His Role As UFC Matchmaker In Near Future

While he has been a behind-the-scenes personality that is rarely seen in public, Joe Silva is no doubt one of the more integral management figures that has played a key role in the success of the UFC for well over a decade now, however all of that may …

Joe Silva Sean Shelby

While he has been a behind-the-scenes personality that is rarely seen in public, Joe Silva is no doubt one of the more integral management figures that has played a key role in the success of the UFC for well over a decade now, however all of that may soon be a thing of the past.

Although it should be taken strictly as a rumor until reported otherwise, TalkMMA reported via Twitter a rumor regarding Silva, the longtime UFC matchmaker, possibly parting ways with the company in the near future.

Dana White was the key management figure that was kept on in the same role following the sale of the UFC from Zuffa (Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta) to WME | IMG, a deal that was reportedly worth $4 billion. Prior to the official announcement of the sale, it was reported that Joe Silva would be staying on in a similar role like White did, however as seen below, there is now talk that he may be on his way out after a lengthy, successful run with the promotion, which dates back to the pre-Zuffa days when SEG (Semaphore Entertainment Group) owned the company.

The TalkMMA crew wrote the following two messages on Wednesday afternoon:

“Also, rumor is Joe Silva is parting ways with the UFC. He’s staying on as a courtesy. No word on his replacement at this time.”

“I have confirmed that Joe Silva is parting ways with the UFC.”

UPDATE: Mike Bohn of MMAJunkie.com is reporting the same rumor regarding Joe Silva’s departure. They noted that he is expected to part ways with the company by the end of 2016.

From Reality TV To Real Estate: Exclusive Interview With Chris Leben

chris-leben-600x400

For over 12 years Chris Leben was loved, loathed, and known worldwide as “The Crippler.” A man who wore his emotions on his sleeve. Fought with reckless abandonment and a kill or be killed attitude. Putting on some of the most memorable fights in the UFC’s history. That part of his life is now over. Since retiring in January of 2014 Leben has been working to find himself. In this exclusive interview we talk about the high’s and lows that have gone on over the last two and a half years.

Chris has always been known for his crazy antics and party boy lifestyle. Now, almost a full year sober, Chris is learning to deal with some of the consequences of living that way for so long. Ruining any chance of a comeback and putting life as a whole in perspective for the 36 year old fighter. “…As far as my heart goes, the doctor said right now, there is basically a one to three percent chance it will just stop working in the next year. Ya know. So and I’m like jeeze. What was it like when it was at 18% (left ventricle functionality)? If now it’s one to three? It’s moving in the right direction…”

Just like his heart condition, Leben seems to have his life moving in the right direction. Listen to the full interview to hear Chris talk about his thoughts on Hendo v.s. Bisping 2, what Team Quest was like in the beginning, what it was like opening up in his book, and much more. Love him. Hate him. It doesn’t matter. “The Crippler” will always be one of the most important fighters to ever step foot in the Octagon.

chris-leben-600x400

For over 12 years Chris Leben was loved, loathed, and known worldwide as “The Crippler.” A man who wore his emotions on his sleeve. Fought with reckless abandonment and a kill or be killed attitude. Putting on some of the most memorable fights in the UFC’s history. That part of his life is now over. Since retiring in January of 2014 Leben has been working to find himself. In this exclusive interview we talk about the high’s and lows that have gone on over the last two and a half years.

Chris has always been known for his crazy antics and party boy lifestyle. Now, almost a full year sober, Chris is learning to deal with some of the consequences of living that way for so long. Ruining any chance of a comeback and putting life as a whole in perspective for the 36 year old fighter. “…As far as my heart goes, the doctor said right now, there is basically a one to three percent chance it will just stop working in the next year. Ya know. So and I’m like jeeze. What was it like when it was at 18% (left ventricle functionality)? If now it’s one to three? It’s moving in the right direction…”

Just like his heart condition, Leben seems to have his life moving in the right direction. Listen to the full interview to hear Chris talk about his thoughts on Hendo v.s. Bisping 2, what Team Quest was like in the beginning, what it was like opening up in his book, and much more. Love him. Hate him. It doesn’t matter. “The Crippler” will always be one of the most important fighters to ever step foot in the Octagon.

UFC On FOX 21 Results: Demian Maia Chokes Out Carlos Condit

Demian Maia made sure to state his case Saturday night in the main event of UFC on FOX 21, scoring a first round submission over Carlos Condit.

With the win, Maia improved to 6-0 in his last six fights, including wins over Condit, Matt Brown and Nei…

ufc-condit-maia-fox-21

Demian Maia made sure to state his case Saturday night in the main event of UFC on FOX 21, scoring a first round submission over Carlos Condit.

With the win, Maia improved to 6-0 in his last six fights, including wins over Condit, Matt Brown and Neil Magny.

In the co-main event, former UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis defeated Charles Oliveira with a third round guillotine choke, snapping a three-fight losing skid for “Showtime.” It marked his third straight win over a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, having also previously bested Benson Henderson and Gilbert Melendez.

Paige VanZant made her return to action with a second round knockout of Bec Rawlings, while Jim Miller pushed his career mark vs. Joe Lauzon to 2-0 with a split decision win.

Demian Maia def. Carlos Condit via submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:52 of Round 1

Anthony Pettis def. Charles Oliveira via submission (guillotine choke) at 1:49 of Round 3

Paige VanZant def. Bec Rawlings via KO (head-kick) at :17 of Round 2

Jim Miller def. Joe Lauzon via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Sam Alvey def. Kevin Casey via TKO (strikes) at 4:56 of Round 2

Kyle Bochniak def. Enrique Barzola via split decision (29-28, 27-30, 29-28)

Alessio Di Chirico def. Garreth McLellan via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Felipe Silva def. Shane Campbell via TKO (strikes) at 1:13 of Round 1

Chad Laprise def. Thibault Gouti via TKO (strikes) at 1:36 of Round 1

Jeremy Kennedy def. Alessandro Ricci via unanimous decision (30-2

7, 30-27, 30-27)

Video: UFC On FOX 21 Weigh-In Results From Vancouver

https://youtu.be/KuZu4kkOuWA

The official weigh-ins for UFC On FOX 21 event are now officially in the books.

Featured above is a video archive of the official weigh-ins. Results from the weigh-ins are available below.

Headlined by Carlos Condi…

paige-van-zant-weigh-in

https://youtu.be/KuZu4kkOuWA

The official weigh-ins for UFC On FOX 21 event are now officially in the books.

Featured above is a video archive of the official weigh-ins. Results from the weigh-ins are available below.

Headlined by Carlos Condit vs. Demian Maia and featuring Paige VanZant’s Octagon return and a main card that includes Anthony Pettis vs. Charles Oliveira and Joe Lauzon vs. Jim Miller 2, below is the final lineup for Saturday’s big show in Vancouver, B.C., Canada.

Main Card (FOX at 8 p.m. ET)
Demian Maia (171) vs. Carlos Condit (170.5)
Anthony Pettis (146) vs. Charles Oliveira (143)
Paige VanZant (115.5) vs. Bec Rawlings (115.5)
Joe Lauzon (156) vs. Jim Miller (154.5)

Undercard (FOX at 6 p.m. ET)
Sam Alvey (186) vs. Kevin Casey (185)
Enrique Barzola (145.5) vs. Kyle Bochniak (145.5)
Garreth McLellan (184) vs. Alessio Di Chirico (185)
Shane Campbell (156) vs. Felipe Silva (154.5)

Undercard (UFC Fight Pass at 4:30 p.m. ET)
Chad Laprise (159*) vs. Thibault Gouti (155.5)
Ryan Janes (185) vs. Adam Hunter (185.5)
Alex Ricci (156) vs. Jeremy Kennedy (155.5)

* – Laprise missed weight by 3 pounds (one pound over is allowed). As a result, Gouti receives 20 percent of his purse for the fight.

(Video of the early UFC On FOX 21 weigh-ins via MMAFighting.com. The public weigh-ins will be streamed later today.)