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UFC President Dana White: UFC 44 Fall Out, more
Reported By: Boxing Insider - 10.09.2003 05:27 PM
Featured: Ken Shamrock's Lion's Den Clothing
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, BoxingInsider.com asked UFC President, Dana White about the show and the future of the world's best known MMA organization.
BoxingInsider.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.
BoxingInsider.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.
BoxingInsider.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.
BoxingInsider.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.
BoxingInsider.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.
BoxingInsider.com: How do you see this all playing out?
Dana White: I don't know yet. We are still kind of working on it.
BoxingInsider.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.
BoxingInsider.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.
BoxingInsider.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!
BoxingInsider.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.
BoxingInsider.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.
BoxingInsider.com: Can you tell us what network or ...
Dana White: I would rather not. (Laughs)
Stay tuned with boxinginsider.com as we will be posting the rest of our chat with Dana White later this week.
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