UFC Fight Night 81 averaged 2.288 million viewers from 10 PM – 12:40 AM ET on FOX Sports 1. The prelims from 8 PM – 10 PM averaged 1.767 million viewers. Fight Night 81 took place on January 17, 2016 at the TD Garden in Boston, MA. The event was attended by 12,022 people for a total gate of $1,300,00.
UFN 81 was headlined by T.J. Dillashaw and Dominick Cruz for the bantamweight title, while Eddie Alvarez vs. Anthony Pettis served as the co-main event.
UFC Fight Night 81 averaged 2.288 million viewers from 10 PM – 12:40 AM ET on FOX Sports 1. The prelims from 8 PM – 10 PM averaged 1.767 million viewers. Fight Night 81 took place on January 17, 2016 at the TD Garden in Boston, MA. The event was attended by 12,022 people for a total gate of $1,300,00.
UFN 81 was headlined by T.J. Dillashaw and Dominick Cruz for the bantamweight title, while Eddie Alvarez vs. Anthony Pettis served as the co-main event.
While from the start CM Punk has made it clear that his signing with the UFC would not turn out to be a celebrity one-and-done type of situation, but until recently, it wasn’t known just how many fights the former WWE Superstar would be committing to. Now, it is. Punk spoke with The U.K. Sun this week and revealed that he will be fighting “at least” eight times.
“I can’t honestly answer how many (fights) I’m gonna have,” Punk said to the U.K. media outlet. “We’ll wait and see how the first one goes. But there’s gonna be eight, at least.”
Following the announcement by the UFC regarding how they plan to handle his Octagon debut, we have learned more about Punk’s MMA endeavor in the last week than the several months that preceded it. It appears that during that year, while fans weren’t getting much information, Punk was, in fact, getting the training — and confidence — required to succeed in the sport.
“Can I say a thousand percent,” Punk said with a chuckle when asked how much he has improved after training intensely with Duke Roufus at the Roufusport Gym in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for the past six months.
Punk continued, “Because I get better every day. And that’s what really kinda excites me about this whole thing – I know how much I’ve grown since the last time I talked to you. I know how much I’ve improved since the first time I stepped foot in Duke’s gym. And looking at June or July as a fight date I get kinda (excited) thinking how much better I’m gonna be from now until then. I get better every day.”
While UFC President Dana White recently claimed that the promotion would likely have Punk make his fighting debut at UFC 199 in June, as opposed to the landmark UFC 200 in July. Punk, however, prefers the big event because of the big money that comes with it, although he is quick to point out that it’s not the money that is fueling his competitive ambition.
“It’s really kinda weird,” Punk said. “Yeah, I’d rather be on (UFC) 200 because monetarily I’d be making more money, and that’s the big show. But I’m not doing this whole thing for money, so it almost kinda doesn’t matter to me. But since it’s only a month later it’s like ‘oh yeah, why don’t we push it?.'”
As noted, the UFC revealed their intentions for Punk’s UFC debut, announcing that at UFC 196 in February, Mickey Gall will be fighting Michael Jackson in a preliminary bout and with a win, will officially get penciled in as Punk’s first-ever UFC opponent. As Punk explains he doesn’t mind the fact that Gall called him out after his MMA debut, which was shown on Dana White’s “Lookin’ For A Fight” reality show, because where he comes from, that is standard procedure.
“Absolutely. It’s not like all the other guys talking behind a computer,” said Punk. “He recognized his audience, he knew he had Dana’s ear – he was front row and center for his first fight – and he called me out.”
Punk continued, “I wouldn’t say it was calculated. It was right place, right time and he did what he had to do. He didn’t let that opportunity slip through his fingers.”
Despite the WWE-like call-out, and the fact that Punk has confirmed he will be using his former WWE ring name of “CM Punk” instead of his real name (Phil Brooks), he insists that he won’t be “fabricating his persona” during the build-up to his Octagon debut.
“I have no plans to have any kind of a fabricated persona. But if it gets personal I’m sure I’d have a dozen quick-witted things to say. But I don’t really feel the need that it’s gonna get personal. I’ve got nothing personal against him. I’m gonna beat him up and choke him – and it’s just business.”
In another example of his rising confidence, Punk explained why whoever he fights will be in for a rude awakening when his first UFC fight is in the books.
“I’m a mystery,” said Punk. “A lot of people like to throw that pro wrestling card out there, like ‘he’s a fake wrestler’ and that’s great. That’s great for me. I want them to think that. I want them to think that I’m not training and they’re in for an easy night, because it’s the exact opposite. It’s going to be a rude awakening for whoever I fight, if that’s their attitude about it.”
In terms of people doubting him, Punk explains why they will be disappointed and if they put their money where their mouths are, they will come to realize they are backing the wrong horse.
“I expect people to be disappointed,” Punk explained. “I expect all those people that think I’m gonna get knocked out in 10 seconds to be disappointed. I expect people to bet against me and lose their money. I expect people to get divorced because they’re upset that their wife wanted me to win and they wanted me to lose, you know?”
Punk concluded, “But the people who have stood by me and supported me know it’s business as usual. They know what kind of person I am and they know how I am at the gym. And once that cage door shuts it’s between one minute and 15 minutes before the fight ends and my hand gets raised.”
While from the start CM Punk has made it clear that his signing with the UFC would not turn out to be a celebrity one-and-done type of situation, but until recently, it wasn’t known just how many fights the former WWE Superstar would be committing to. Now, it is. Punk spoke with The U.K. Sun this week and revealed that he will be fighting “at least” eight times.
“I can’t honestly answer how many (fights) I’m gonna have,” Punk said to the U.K. media outlet. “We’ll wait and see how the first one goes. But there’s gonna be eight, at least.”
Following the announcement by the UFC regarding how they plan to handle his Octagon debut, we have learned more about Punk’s MMA endeavor in the last week than the several months that preceded it. It appears that during that year, while fans weren’t getting much information, Punk was, in fact, getting the training — and confidence — required to succeed in the sport.
“Can I say a thousand percent,” Punk said with a chuckle when asked how much he has improved after training intensely with Duke Roufus at the Roufusport Gym in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for the past six months.
Punk continued, “Because I get better every day. And that’s what really kinda excites me about this whole thing – I know how much I’ve grown since the last time I talked to you. I know how much I’ve improved since the first time I stepped foot in Duke’s gym. And looking at June or July as a fight date I get kinda (excited) thinking how much better I’m gonna be from now until then. I get better every day.”
While UFC President Dana White recently claimed that the promotion would likely have Punk make his fighting debut at UFC 199 in June, as opposed to the landmark UFC 200 in July. Punk, however, prefers the big event because of the big money that comes with it, although he is quick to point out that it’s not the money that is fueling his competitive ambition.
“It’s really kinda weird,” Punk said. “Yeah, I’d rather be on (UFC) 200 because monetarily I’d be making more money, and that’s the big show. But I’m not doing this whole thing for money, so it almost kinda doesn’t matter to me. But since it’s only a month later it’s like ‘oh yeah, why don’t we push it?.'”
As noted, the UFC revealed their intentions for Punk’s UFC debut, announcing that at UFC 196 in February, Mickey Gall will be fighting Michael Jackson in a preliminary bout and with a win, will officially get penciled in as Punk’s first-ever UFC opponent. As Punk explains he doesn’t mind the fact that Gall called him out after his MMA debut, which was shown on Dana White’s “Lookin’ For A Fight” reality show, because where he comes from, that is standard procedure.
“Absolutely. It’s not like all the other guys talking behind a computer,” said Punk. “He recognized his audience, he knew he had Dana’s ear – he was front row and center for his first fight – and he called me out.”
Punk continued, “I wouldn’t say it was calculated. It was right place, right time and he did what he had to do. He didn’t let that opportunity slip through his fingers.”
Despite the WWE-like call-out, and the fact that Punk has confirmed he will be using his former WWE ring name of “CM Punk” instead of his real name (Phil Brooks), he insists that he won’t be “fabricating his persona” during the build-up to his Octagon debut.
“I have no plans to have any kind of a fabricated persona. But if it gets personal I’m sure I’d have a dozen quick-witted things to say. But I don’t really feel the need that it’s gonna get personal. I’ve got nothing personal against him. I’m gonna beat him up and choke him – and it’s just business.”
In another example of his rising confidence, Punk explained why whoever he fights will be in for a rude awakening when his first UFC fight is in the books.
“I’m a mystery,” said Punk. “A lot of people like to throw that pro wrestling card out there, like ‘he’s a fake wrestler’ and that’s great. That’s great for me. I want them to think that. I want them to think that I’m not training and they’re in for an easy night, because it’s the exact opposite. It’s going to be a rude awakening for whoever I fight, if that’s their attitude about it.”
In terms of people doubting him, Punk explains why they will be disappointed and if they put their money where their mouths are, they will come to realize they are backing the wrong horse.
“I expect people to be disappointed,” Punk explained. “I expect all those people that think I’m gonna get knocked out in 10 seconds to be disappointed. I expect people to bet against me and lose their money. I expect people to get divorced because they’re upset that their wife wanted me to win and they wanted me to lose, you know?”
Punk concluded, “But the people who have stood by me and supported me know it’s business as usual. They know what kind of person I am and they know how I am at the gym. And once that cage door shuts it’s between one minute and 15 minutes before the fight ends and my hand gets raised.”
After regaining the UFC Bantamweight Championship from TJ Dillashaw at the UFC Fight Night 81 event on Sunday, Dominick Cruz took a shot at his fellow FOX Sports analyst Kenny Florian, who was suspended over the weekend …
https://youtu.be/KXmW-IB5Fog
After regaining the UFC Bantamweight Championship from TJ Dillashaw at the UFC Fight Night 81 event on Sunday, Dominick Cruz took a shot at his fellow FOX Sports analyst Kenny Florian, who was suspended over the weekend for plagiarism.
“Kenny Florian, stop copying and pasting, man.”
Cruz explained his comment later in the evening during the official post-fight show. The new UFC Bantamweight Champion offered the following explanation regarding his “copying and pasting” comment.
“I gave Kenny a little bit of a tough time, but I love that guy. He’s got a good brain for the sport. I was just throwing a little jab at him, because he’s my friend and it was funny. But nothing but respect for Kenny, because he is a good guy.”
He continued, explaining that the motivation behind the comment was Florian picking Dillashaw when giving his predictions prior to the fight on Sunday night.
“It was friendly fire. I like Kenny. He didn’t pick me in the fight. He gave me really no chance in this fight, so it was just a little poke. Nothing big. He’s got great hair.”
On his podcast on Tuesday, Florian revealed the fact that he had spoken to Cruz after he made the comments, and that Cruz had apologized for taking a shot at him during his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan.
“I talked to Dominick and he apologized to me,” Florian said. “He said his emotions were running high and I get it. When I was fighting, you get emotional and you almost take it personally. Dominick is such a competitive dude that he took it personal.
“I picked T.J. and the only reason I picked T.J. was, yes, not only is he a great fighter, but Dominick hadn’t competed in so long. With all the injuries, that’s why I went with Dillashaw.”
“KenFlo” continued, explaining that picking fights is his least favorite thing to do, but he has to because it’s part of the job.
“It was nothing personal and that’s why I hate working with some of these guys because you do become very friendly,” Florian said. “You respect guys and how could you not respect someone like Dominick Cruz? I also had worked with T.J. a bunch of times, as well, so that’s what makes this sport tough.
“Picking fights is probably my least favorite thing to do. You don’t want to offend anyone and I’m sure Dominick was probably offended by that but listen, the best revenge is getting the win and that’s exactly what he did.”
UFC announced on Wednesday that they will be holding the first press conference for their UFC 197: Dos Anjos vs. McGregor pay-per-view.
Hosted by UFC President Dana White, the presser will be streamed live via UFC.com and will feature UFC Lightweight Champion Rafael dos Anjos, UFC Featherweight Champion Conor McGregor, UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Holly Holm and Miesha Tate.
You will be able to watch the UFC 197 press conference live here at MMANews.com via the YouTube player embedded above.
UFC 197: Dos Anjos vs. McGregor is scheduled to take place on Saturday, March 5, 2016 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
“UFC announced today that it will host a press conference for UFC® 197: DOS ANJOS vs. McGREGOR on Wednesday, Jan. 20 at 11 a.m. PT at MGM Grand in Studios A & B. All four fighters from the championship bouts will be present. The event, which will be streamed lived on UFC.com, will be hosted by UFC President Dana White.”
https://youtu.be/3AQ7dlmZIFU
UFC announced on Wednesday that they will be holding the first press conference for their UFC 197: Dos Anjos vs. McGregor pay-per-view.
Hosted by UFC President Dana White, the presser will be streamed live via UFC.com and will feature UFC Lightweight Champion Rafael dos Anjos, UFC Featherweight Champion Conor McGregor, UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Holly Holm and Miesha Tate.
You will be able to watch the UFC 197 press conference live here at MMANews.com via the YouTube player embedded above.
UFC 197: Dos Anjos vs. McGregor is scheduled to take place on Saturday, March 5, 2016 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
“UFC announced today that it will host a press conference for UFC® 197: DOS ANJOS vs. McGREGOR on Wednesday, Jan. 20 at 11 a.m. PT at MGM Grand in Studios A & B. All four fighters from the championship bouts will be present. The event, which will be streamed lived on UFC.com, will be hosted by UFC President Dana White.”
UFC officials recently finalized the entire lineup for UFC 196. The event goes down in Las Vegas on February 6th, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. The main card aids on PPV at 10 PM ET, with prelims on FOX Sports 1 at 8 PM ET, and UFC Fight Pass at 9 PM ET.
The event will be headlined by Fabricio Werdum (20-5-1) vs. Cain Velasquez (13-2), and Johny Hendricks (17-3) vs. Stephen Thompson (11-1). We will have live round-by-round coverage of the entire main card right here on MMANews.com.
Here is the final card for UFC 196:
Main Card: (Pay-per-view – 10 PM ET/7 PM PT)
Fabricio Werdum (20-5-1) vs. Cain Velasquez (13-2)
Johny Hendricks (17-3) vs. Stephen Thompson (11-1)
Roy Nelson (21-12) vs. Jared Rosholt (14-2)
Ovince Saint Preux (18-7) vs. Rafael Cavalcante (12-6, 1NC)
UFC officials recently finalized the entire lineup for UFC 196. The event goes down in Las Vegas on February 6th, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. The main card aids on PPV at 10 PM ET, with prelims on FOX Sports 1 at 8 PM ET, and UFC Fight Pass at 9 PM ET.
The event will be headlined by Fabricio Werdum (20-5-1) vs. Cain Velasquez (13-2), and Johny Hendricks (17-3) vs. Stephen Thompson (11-1). We will have live round-by-round coverage of the entire main card right here on MMANews.com.
Here is the final card for UFC 196:
Main Card: (Pay-per-view – 10 PM ET/7 PM PT)
Fabricio Werdum (20-5-1) vs. Cain Velasquez (13-2)
Johny Hendricks (17-3) vs. Stephen Thompson (11-1)
Roy Nelson (21-12) vs. Jared Rosholt (14-2)
Ovince Saint Preux (18-7) vs. Rafael Cavalcante (12-6, 1NC)
Michael Bisping used his SiriusXM radio showThe Countdown to trash-talk Anderson Silve, and announce his plans for UFC Fight Night 83 if he’s victorious. According to Bisping, he’s going to beat Silva then demand a middleweight title shot from Luke Rockhold.
“I’m going to destroy Anderson Silva; I’m telling you right now,” Bisping said on his radio show on SiriusXM. “My camp’s going the best it’s ever been. I’m performing better. Mentally, I’m way better than I’ve ever been, and I’m going to destroy this guy. Then after that, I’m going to get the people of London to cheer and make some goddamn noise and demand that I get a title shot.”
“I do believe that Luke Rockhold is going to be in the building when I fight Anderson Silva,” Bisping said. “Luke Rockhold and I have some unfinished business. He head-butted me in the first round. That’s what I’m looking for. Will the UFC give it to me? Probably not, but I’m going to try. I’m going to try.”
UFC Fight Night 83 takes place on February 27th at The O2 in London. The event will air exclusively on UFC Fight Pass, with round-by-round coverage on MMANews.com.
Michael Bisping used his SiriusXM radio showThe Countdown to trash-talk Anderson Silve, and announce his plans for UFC Fight Night 83 if he’s victorious. According to Bisping, he’s going to beat Silva then demand a middleweight title shot from Luke Rockhold.
“I’m going to destroy Anderson Silva; I’m telling you right now,” Bisping said on his radio show on SiriusXM. “My camp’s going the best it’s ever been. I’m performing better. Mentally, I’m way better than I’ve ever been, and I’m going to destroy this guy. Then after that, I’m going to get the people of London to cheer and make some goddamn noise and demand that I get a title shot.”
“I do believe that Luke Rockhold is going to be in the building when I fight Anderson Silva,” Bisping said. “Luke Rockhold and I have some unfinished business. He head-butted me in the first round. That’s what I’m looking for. Will the UFC give it to me? Probably not, but I’m going to try. I’m going to try.”
UFC Fight Night 83 takes place on February 27th at The O2 in London. The event will air exclusively on UFC Fight Pass, with round-by-round coverage on MMANews.com.
