Curly Howard
10-14-2003, 07:39 AM
http://www.*************.com
Reported By: Boxing Insider - 10.09.2003 05:27 PM
NOTE: This interview was conducted 1 day before Tim Sylvia tested postive for steroids and we were not able to get further comments from Mr. White on the matter.
Sometimes, Dana White isn't the most popular man in MMA. Fans have accused him playing favorites, botching decisions on the status of championships, and yes even bringing back Tank Abbott. Let's put all that aside and consider what Dana White has done for the sport. As president of the UFC, he has orchestrated 13 shows - 7 of those were in Las Vegas, the fight capital of the world. He brought the sport to London, England and the State of Florida. And, the organization is on the cusp of a national television deal.
More importantly, Dana White loves MMA. He is enthusiastic about the future of the sport, determined to get the best fighters in the world, and craft the most exciting match-ups. His openness and candidness about the sport is something that you don't get from other sports organizations.
In the aftermath of UFC 44: Undisputed, *************.com asked UFC President, Dana White about the show and the future of the world's best known MMA organization.
*************.com: What are your final thoughts on UFC 44: Undisputed? How do you think the show came off?
Dana White: It was an awesome event. The feedback has been phenomenal actually. People loved the event! They are saying this is the best show we've ever done. [We are] pretty excited about it.
*************.com: What is next for the light heavyweight division? What does Randy Couture want to do next?
Dana White: I think Randy Couture wants to kick back a little bit. I think he really wants to see Tito and Chuck fight.
In my conversations with him, that is what he is looking to do.
*************.com: How is Tito Ortiz doing? Have you spoken with him since the fight?
Dana White: I saw him the night after. He called me yesterday and I called him back - we didn't touch base but he doesn't like to lose so he is pretty bummed out.
*************.com: Are you looking for an immediate rematch? What does Tito Ortiz do next?
Dana White: He fights Chuck Liddell. He and Chuck fight to see who gets the rematch against Randy [because] they both want a re-match.
*************.com: How does Ken Shamrock and his rematch clause with Tito Ortiz fit into picture?
Dana White: He is in the picture too. The best way I can describe it is our light heavyweight division reminds me of boxing with Leonard, Hagler, Hearns, and Duran. You know what I mean, all great guys that can beat each other on any given day - that's the way I see it.
With our light heavyweight division, we have some great fights in the next year. We have Vitor Belfort in the mix too.
*************.com: How do you see this all playing out?
Dana White: I don't know yet. We are still kind of working on it.
*************.com: What is next for Tim Sylvia, other than the Frank Mir Fight?
Dana White: He is going to come back and fight at the Mohegan. He is going to fight again in 6 weeks.
*************.com: Can you comment on some of the rumors on "the Underground" that stated you are working on a Miletich vs. Gracie Match for UFC 45?
Dana White: No, that's not true. Nobody ever said anything like that. I don't even know if Miletich is still fighting. As far as I know Miletich is just training guys right now. I don't even know if he is even into fighting.
I have been talking to Royce Gracie.
*************.com: Can the rules at the Mohegan Sun be changed for Royce to fight because it is an Indian reservation?
Dana White: [When] you deal with boxing . . . you know the Mohegan Sun commission is just like the Nevada State Athletic Commission. That's why we go there. They are a very well respected commission. Lennox Lewis has fought there. Every big name boxer has fought there!
*************.com: One last Underground question: one of the threads following the PPV said something along the line that you were probably as "Sad" as Tito following the main event. What do you say to those fans who think you are anti - Randy Couture?
Dana White: (Laughing) I am not anti-Randy Couture at all. I am very good friends with Randy. The bottom line is: when two fighters get in there and fight, I can't determine who is going to win. The only time I am really ever emotional about a fight is going to be the fight with Chuck Liddell fighting for another organization. But when we have our shows, you put together two great fighters and whatever happens - happens. There is nothing you can do about it. So, no I am not anti Randy Couture at all. I like Randy very much. He is unbelievable. After he beat Chuck I went into the ring and told him, "You are the greatest fighter in UFC history." He really is.
We have gotten a few emails, telling us that with Randy's win, the UFC has caught "lightening in a bottle" - Randy Couture being 40 and so dominant. How does the UFC plan on capitalizing on marketing him to a whole new main stream audience?
We are definitely... We are getting out there and trying ... believe me I have got my entire PR staff out there hammering every body to get Randy Couture on the talk shows. The guy really is amazing, and I don't want this window of opportunity for him to pass by. The guy should be on the cover of Time magazine that is how amazing he is.
So we are out there pumping hard. But as every body out there knows, it is very-very hard for this sport. I had to fight to fight like you wouldn't believe to get him on the "Best Dam Sports Show" with Tito.
*************.com: You mentioned, when we spoke before UFC 44: Undisputed, that you were flying out to L.A. the day of the weigh-in for a meeting concerning getting the UFC on TV.
Dana White: It went well. It went very well. We are going to be on television very soon.
*************.com: Can you tell us what network or ...
Dana White: I would rather not. (Laughs)
*************.com: [I want to ask about] Matt Lindland. You have an Olympic Silver medalist, who stole the show at UFC 41: Onslaught. Then he was slighted at UFC 43 by being put on the non-televised under card. At UFC 44 he didn't make the cut. And for UFC 45, he was not even mentioned in the press release or TV promo. However, the guy he soundly beat (Phil Baroni) was all over the promos and press releases. So my question is that same one I asked Matt before UFC 44: is Matt Lindland, in essence, the Rodney Dangerfield on the UFC [because] he gets no respect?
Dana White: (Laughing) No! But, the bottom line is when you are in this business. . . We are in the business of selling tickets and pay per views. Matt Lindland is an awesome athlete, but I wouldn't say that Matt Lindland sells a ton of tickets or pay-per-views. Matt has been pushed just as much as any other guy.
I would admit ... the thing that is hard for us is when you have a card that is stacked. This next card at the Mohegan is stacked with tons of talent, and Matt Lindland just got knocked out in his last fight. Do you know what I mean? That's why we are giving Matt the re-match.
For Matt to feel like he is getting no respect, I think that is crazy! We are getting him the rematch ... if I was Vitale, why would I even want a rematch with Lindland? Falaniko Vitale is a tough guy and a real fighter.
*************.com: I think Matt compares himself to Phil Baroni, where he beat him soundly and Phil still gets all the marketing.
Dana White: I'll tell you what . . . when we get back east, Baroni fights back East, and Baroni sells a lot of tickets - sells a lot of tickets. Big difference.
*************.com: Are there any plans to Bring Jens Pulver back to the UFC?
Dana White: As of right now, no! But, it could happen someday. You know he's out there. He just got himself a win. He is going to have to get himself back into the mix again and start winning some fights.
*************.com: The UFC announced Kazushi Sakuraba would come over from Pride. Which weight division will he fight at and who will he face?
Dana White: I don't know who we will have him fight. But probably, he will fight at 185. That is what is where we want him.
*************.com: Can you describe the UFC and Pride's mutual working relationship right now?
Dana White: There really isn't a working/mutual working relationship.
*************.com: Something is going on. You had a couple of guys going over there, and they have a guy coming over here.
Dana White: They owed me a guy (laughing). I sent like three guys over there and it was time for them to pay up what they owed. It was like pulling teeth, but finally they agreed to send Sakuraba. They have owed me a fighter for a long time.
I wouldn't say that the UFC and Pride have a working relationship.
It's like I say every time I do an interview, this whole thing started with him, Mr. Sakakibara [DSE President]saying some weird stuff. I countered with lets talk about Chuck Liddell knocking-out Vanderlei Silva. He said well if that's what you want come on over and fight in our tournament. It isn't exactly what I wanted to do, but we'll take it. And then, I had sent Chuck over there twice, I sent Ricco Rodriquez over there. They owed me a guy and they weren't paying.
And, at this last show, they showed up and they told me they would send Sakuraba over here. He announced it.
*************.com: Do you think Pride will answer Tim Sylvia's open challenge to their heavyweight champion?
Dana White: I don't know. I don't know. We'll see.
I think they are going to sit back and see what happens with this tournament first. If Chuck goes over there and wins this tournament - I don't think they are going to be to excited to do any more (laughing) fighter exchanges.
*************.com: How do you feel about the highly controversial decision that Ricco Rodriguez lost. Do you agree with the decision or do you think it should have been contested?
Dana White: Ricco Rodriguez won that fight. [There’s] no doubt in my mind that he won the fight. Here is my thing - if that is way they score, and that’s cool . . . if that is the way they score fights, then that means Bustamante beat Rampage.
*************.com: What action would you take to ensure in the future there will be legitimate, impartial rulings and judged when the 2 companies compete?
Dana White: I am doing that now. They are all in Japan right now for that press conference - but when Chuck Liddell fights I want a judge from Japan, I want a judge from some other country, and I want a judge from the United States.
*************.com: Can you tell us the plans for the UFC lightweight division?
Dana White: Actually, it’s exciting again! We have Josh Thompson and Hermes Franca in the mix. Let’s see what happens with BJ Penn next weekend. He is fighting Gomie... I think any one of those three guys can wind up being our next champion.
*************.com: [What about] the plans for the UFC middleweight division?
Dana White: The middleweight title... is still a little... we got some tweaking to do there to figure that out.
*************.com: Who do you feel are the number one contenders for all the champions in the UFC?
Dana White: The light heavyweight title is a toss up. But the way Randy Couture looks, God knows. He could hold it and keep it.
There are so many good guys there: you have Tito; you have Chuck [Liddell]; you have Vitor [Belfort]; you have Ken Shamrock; you have Rick Franklin now; and you have the champion Randy Couture. I think any one of those guys could end up being champion on any given day.
In the heavyweight division, I think Tim Sylvia is there to stay. He proved that he is the real deal. Frank Mir is really going to have to work to take him out.
In the welterweight division, it’s going to be a really interesting fight with Frank Trigg [and Matt Hughes. Frank Trigg has been one of the top 3 guys in the world for a long time. Finally, he’s going to get this match . . . I think Hughes is a monster and I don't see any body beating him anytime soon.
Then, you know what the status is with the other two divisions.
*************.com: How can the fans watch the non-televised bouts like the Caol Uno match form UFC 44?
Dana White: Caol Uno, Hermes Franca and Josh Thompson will be a part of a taped show that we are doing in October called ' From Spectacle to sport' only on In Demand. It won’t be on direct TV, it will only be on In Demand.
I don't know the exact date yet.
*************.com: Are there any more announcements planned for UFC 45?
Dana White: No, I think we have announced everything.
Reported By: Boxing Insider - 10.09.2003 05:27 PM
NOTE: This interview was conducted 1 day before Tim Sylvia tested postive for steroids and we were not able to get further comments from Mr. White on the matter.
Sometimes, Dana White isn't the most popular man in MMA. Fans have accused him playing favorites, botching decisions on the status of championships, and yes even bringing back Tank Abbott. Let's put all that aside and consider what Dana White has done for the sport. As president of the UFC, he has orchestrated 13 shows - 7 of those were in Las Vegas, the fight capital of the world. He brought the sport to London, England and the State of Florida. And, the organization is on the cusp of a national television deal.
More importantly, Dana White loves MMA. He is enthusiastic about the future of the sport, determined to get the best fighters in the world, and craft the most exciting match-ups. His openness and candidness about the sport is something that you don't get from other sports organizations.
In the aftermath of UFC 44: Undisputed, *************.com asked UFC President, Dana White about the show and the future of the world's best known MMA organization.
*************.com: What are your final thoughts on UFC 44: Undisputed? How do you think the show came off?
Dana White: It was an awesome event. The feedback has been phenomenal actually. People loved the event! They are saying this is the best show we've ever done. [We are] pretty excited about it.
*************.com: What is next for the light heavyweight division? What does Randy Couture want to do next?
Dana White: I think Randy Couture wants to kick back a little bit. I think he really wants to see Tito and Chuck fight.
In my conversations with him, that is what he is looking to do.
*************.com: How is Tito Ortiz doing? Have you spoken with him since the fight?
Dana White: I saw him the night after. He called me yesterday and I called him back - we didn't touch base but he doesn't like to lose so he is pretty bummed out.
*************.com: Are you looking for an immediate rematch? What does Tito Ortiz do next?
Dana White: He fights Chuck Liddell. He and Chuck fight to see who gets the rematch against Randy [because] they both want a re-match.
*************.com: How does Ken Shamrock and his rematch clause with Tito Ortiz fit into picture?
Dana White: He is in the picture too. The best way I can describe it is our light heavyweight division reminds me of boxing with Leonard, Hagler, Hearns, and Duran. You know what I mean, all great guys that can beat each other on any given day - that's the way I see it.
With our light heavyweight division, we have some great fights in the next year. We have Vitor Belfort in the mix too.
*************.com: How do you see this all playing out?
Dana White: I don't know yet. We are still kind of working on it.
*************.com: What is next for Tim Sylvia, other than the Frank Mir Fight?
Dana White: He is going to come back and fight at the Mohegan. He is going to fight again in 6 weeks.
*************.com: Can you comment on some of the rumors on "the Underground" that stated you are working on a Miletich vs. Gracie Match for UFC 45?
Dana White: No, that's not true. Nobody ever said anything like that. I don't even know if Miletich is still fighting. As far as I know Miletich is just training guys right now. I don't even know if he is even into fighting.
I have been talking to Royce Gracie.
*************.com: Can the rules at the Mohegan Sun be changed for Royce to fight because it is an Indian reservation?
Dana White: [When] you deal with boxing . . . you know the Mohegan Sun commission is just like the Nevada State Athletic Commission. That's why we go there. They are a very well respected commission. Lennox Lewis has fought there. Every big name boxer has fought there!
*************.com: One last Underground question: one of the threads following the PPV said something along the line that you were probably as "Sad" as Tito following the main event. What do you say to those fans who think you are anti - Randy Couture?
Dana White: (Laughing) I am not anti-Randy Couture at all. I am very good friends with Randy. The bottom line is: when two fighters get in there and fight, I can't determine who is going to win. The only time I am really ever emotional about a fight is going to be the fight with Chuck Liddell fighting for another organization. But when we have our shows, you put together two great fighters and whatever happens - happens. There is nothing you can do about it. So, no I am not anti Randy Couture at all. I like Randy very much. He is unbelievable. After he beat Chuck I went into the ring and told him, "You are the greatest fighter in UFC history." He really is.
We have gotten a few emails, telling us that with Randy's win, the UFC has caught "lightening in a bottle" - Randy Couture being 40 and so dominant. How does the UFC plan on capitalizing on marketing him to a whole new main stream audience?
We are definitely... We are getting out there and trying ... believe me I have got my entire PR staff out there hammering every body to get Randy Couture on the talk shows. The guy really is amazing, and I don't want this window of opportunity for him to pass by. The guy should be on the cover of Time magazine that is how amazing he is.
So we are out there pumping hard. But as every body out there knows, it is very-very hard for this sport. I had to fight to fight like you wouldn't believe to get him on the "Best Dam Sports Show" with Tito.
*************.com: You mentioned, when we spoke before UFC 44: Undisputed, that you were flying out to L.A. the day of the weigh-in for a meeting concerning getting the UFC on TV.
Dana White: It went well. It went very well. We are going to be on television very soon.
*************.com: Can you tell us what network or ...
Dana White: I would rather not. (Laughs)
*************.com: [I want to ask about] Matt Lindland. You have an Olympic Silver medalist, who stole the show at UFC 41: Onslaught. Then he was slighted at UFC 43 by being put on the non-televised under card. At UFC 44 he didn't make the cut. And for UFC 45, he was not even mentioned in the press release or TV promo. However, the guy he soundly beat (Phil Baroni) was all over the promos and press releases. So my question is that same one I asked Matt before UFC 44: is Matt Lindland, in essence, the Rodney Dangerfield on the UFC [because] he gets no respect?
Dana White: (Laughing) No! But, the bottom line is when you are in this business. . . We are in the business of selling tickets and pay per views. Matt Lindland is an awesome athlete, but I wouldn't say that Matt Lindland sells a ton of tickets or pay-per-views. Matt has been pushed just as much as any other guy.
I would admit ... the thing that is hard for us is when you have a card that is stacked. This next card at the Mohegan is stacked with tons of talent, and Matt Lindland just got knocked out in his last fight. Do you know what I mean? That's why we are giving Matt the re-match.
For Matt to feel like he is getting no respect, I think that is crazy! We are getting him the rematch ... if I was Vitale, why would I even want a rematch with Lindland? Falaniko Vitale is a tough guy and a real fighter.
*************.com: I think Matt compares himself to Phil Baroni, where he beat him soundly and Phil still gets all the marketing.
Dana White: I'll tell you what . . . when we get back east, Baroni fights back East, and Baroni sells a lot of tickets - sells a lot of tickets. Big difference.
*************.com: Are there any plans to Bring Jens Pulver back to the UFC?
Dana White: As of right now, no! But, it could happen someday. You know he's out there. He just got himself a win. He is going to have to get himself back into the mix again and start winning some fights.
*************.com: The UFC announced Kazushi Sakuraba would come over from Pride. Which weight division will he fight at and who will he face?
Dana White: I don't know who we will have him fight. But probably, he will fight at 185. That is what is where we want him.
*************.com: Can you describe the UFC and Pride's mutual working relationship right now?
Dana White: There really isn't a working/mutual working relationship.
*************.com: Something is going on. You had a couple of guys going over there, and they have a guy coming over here.
Dana White: They owed me a guy (laughing). I sent like three guys over there and it was time for them to pay up what they owed. It was like pulling teeth, but finally they agreed to send Sakuraba. They have owed me a fighter for a long time.
I wouldn't say that the UFC and Pride have a working relationship.
It's like I say every time I do an interview, this whole thing started with him, Mr. Sakakibara [DSE President]saying some weird stuff. I countered with lets talk about Chuck Liddell knocking-out Vanderlei Silva. He said well if that's what you want come on over and fight in our tournament. It isn't exactly what I wanted to do, but we'll take it. And then, I had sent Chuck over there twice, I sent Ricco Rodriquez over there. They owed me a guy and they weren't paying.
And, at this last show, they showed up and they told me they would send Sakuraba over here. He announced it.
*************.com: Do you think Pride will answer Tim Sylvia's open challenge to their heavyweight champion?
Dana White: I don't know. I don't know. We'll see.
I think they are going to sit back and see what happens with this tournament first. If Chuck goes over there and wins this tournament - I don't think they are going to be to excited to do any more (laughing) fighter exchanges.
*************.com: How do you feel about the highly controversial decision that Ricco Rodriguez lost. Do you agree with the decision or do you think it should have been contested?
Dana White: Ricco Rodriguez won that fight. [There’s] no doubt in my mind that he won the fight. Here is my thing - if that is way they score, and that’s cool . . . if that is the way they score fights, then that means Bustamante beat Rampage.
*************.com: What action would you take to ensure in the future there will be legitimate, impartial rulings and judged when the 2 companies compete?
Dana White: I am doing that now. They are all in Japan right now for that press conference - but when Chuck Liddell fights I want a judge from Japan, I want a judge from some other country, and I want a judge from the United States.
*************.com: Can you tell us the plans for the UFC lightweight division?
Dana White: Actually, it’s exciting again! We have Josh Thompson and Hermes Franca in the mix. Let’s see what happens with BJ Penn next weekend. He is fighting Gomie... I think any one of those three guys can wind up being our next champion.
*************.com: [What about] the plans for the UFC middleweight division?
Dana White: The middleweight title... is still a little... we got some tweaking to do there to figure that out.
*************.com: Who do you feel are the number one contenders for all the champions in the UFC?
Dana White: The light heavyweight title is a toss up. But the way Randy Couture looks, God knows. He could hold it and keep it.
There are so many good guys there: you have Tito; you have Chuck [Liddell]; you have Vitor [Belfort]; you have Ken Shamrock; you have Rick Franklin now; and you have the champion Randy Couture. I think any one of those guys could end up being champion on any given day.
In the heavyweight division, I think Tim Sylvia is there to stay. He proved that he is the real deal. Frank Mir is really going to have to work to take him out.
In the welterweight division, it’s going to be a really interesting fight with Frank Trigg [and Matt Hughes. Frank Trigg has been one of the top 3 guys in the world for a long time. Finally, he’s going to get this match . . . I think Hughes is a monster and I don't see any body beating him anytime soon.
Then, you know what the status is with the other two divisions.
*************.com: How can the fans watch the non-televised bouts like the Caol Uno match form UFC 44?
Dana White: Caol Uno, Hermes Franca and Josh Thompson will be a part of a taped show that we are doing in October called ' From Spectacle to sport' only on In Demand. It won’t be on direct TV, it will only be on In Demand.
I don't know the exact date yet.
*************.com: Are there any more announcements planned for UFC 45?
Dana White: No, I think we have announced everything.