UFC Announcements: Belfort-Franklin Headlines UFC 103, Henderson Next For Silva, Tito Ortiz Returns
UFC President Dana White made several announcements during a Friday press conference, including confirmation that Vitor Belfort will be returning to the Octagon to headline UFC 103 against Rich Franklin, Dan Henderson is next in line for a middleweight title shot against Anderson Silva, and Tito Ortiz is officially returning to the UFC, likely facing Mark Coleman at the promotion’s New Year’s show.
White opened the call by addressing the UFC’s attempt to sign Fedor Emelianenko following the recent-collapse of Affliction’s MMA promotion, saying the UFC offered him an “amazing” deal that won’t be matched anywhere else and satisfied all requests except co-promotion. Though White expected a deal to get done, the two sides have thus far been unable to reach an agreement, though he says Fedor’s management at M-1 Global can call him anytime to accept the offer.
The first announcement by the UFC President was the signing of Belfort, who was scheduled to fight at Affliction’s recently-canceled “Trilogy” event against Jorge Santiago, a winner of four-straight who returns to the UFC for the first time since 2005 and moves up to 195-pounds* to face the light heavyweight contender Franklin.
White also announced that Henderson, Franklin’s original opponent for the UFC 103 headliner who is coming off a recent knockout of Michael Bisping, will instead wait to meet middleweight title-holder Anderson Silva in his next fight. A date for the matchup has not yet been set pending Silva’s fight against Forrest Griffin next Saturday at UFC 101, but could take place “very soon” if Silva suffers little damage in the bout.
Tito Ortiz’s return to the UFC was also made official during the press conference, with White saying the former light heavyweight champ could fight the Hall of Famer Coleman at the UFC’s New Year’s show.
Other announcements included:
- The UFC has signed a three-year deal with ESPN’s new UK network, with fights slated to be broadcast free and in HD in both the UK and Ireland.
- Former Affliction fighters Belfort, Paul Daley, Paul Buentello, Ben Rothwell, Chase Gormley, and Dan Lauzon were confirmed to have signed with the UFC, with Javier Vazquez, LC Davis, and Mark Hominick are signed to the WEC. Up to 10 more former Affliction fighters remain in talks to join the promotions.
Minute-by-minute notes from the media conference call, including additional details on the UFC’s negotiations with Fedor and other news and notes, can be found below.
2:00pm ET: The UFC conference calls generally start a few minutes after their scheduled star time so stay tuned as we’ll be underway momentarily.
2:03pm: The call is now underway.
2:05pm: The UFC has signed Vitor Belfort, who will headline UFC 103 against Rich Franklin. Franklin’s previously-scheduled opponent Dan Henderson is next in line to fight Anderson Silva, according to White.
2:07pm: The UFC has signed a 3-year deal with ESPN UK, starting with UFC 101 on August 8th.
2:08pm: White confirms that Tito Ortiz is returning to the UFC and will retire with the promotion.
2:10pm: Dana confirms the signing of a number of Affliction fighters, says many are signed with UFC and WEC with up to 10 more still in talks. Paul Daley, Ben Rothwell, Chase Gormley, and Dan Lauzon confirmed to have signed with the UFC, with Javier Vazquez, LC Davis, and Mark Hominick all signed to the WEC.
2:12pm: Ortiz, who is also on the call, says he was just cleared last week to resume full training following back surgery and hopes to fight before the end of the year, specifically mentioning the New Year’s show.
2:14pm: Belfort-Franklin will be at light heavyweight (205 pounds)
2:15pm: White says Mark Coleman is likely to be Ortiz’s first opponent when he returns, says Ortiz won’t get any easy fights but will be rusty after his time off.
2:17pm: Asked about what “co-promotion” means, White says M-1 wanted half but would not benefit the UFC.
2:18pm: Asked about an ESPN deal in the US, White says they’re always negotiating with networks but offers not details on rumored negotiations.
2:19pm: The Nate Marquardt-Demian Maia winner is “in the mix” at 185-pounds, but Henderson is definitely next.
2:25pm: Dana White says UFC “can’t be stopped”, is coming to TV in Russia and Japan among others.
2:29pm: Timeline for Henderson-Silva depends on Silva’s fight with Griffin, but could be “very soon” if Silva sustains little damage.
2:30pm: The UFC has “no interest” in Arlovski or Sylvia.
2:30pm: White says he’s working to fulfill his promise of base jumping off the Mandalay Bay since UFC 100 surpassed 1.5 million buys.
2:32pm: White says he “doesn’t know” about a rematch between Tito Ortiz and Chuck Liddell.
2:33pm: White says he’s “ready to make a deal” to bring Fedor Emelianenko to the UFC and was confident deal was going to happen, says M-1 can call him anytime.
2:38pm: White says major deal which was being worked on last month in Los Angeles should be finalized soon, but offers no details.
2:39pm: White says he “buried the hatchet” with Affliction, including Tom Atencio.
2:41pm: UFC 100 drew 25 million viewers, UFC 101 episode of UFC Unleashed had 18 million viewers in Mexico. Live event in the works for the country.
2:44pm: Co-promotion with M-1 will “never happen,” partially due to the Fertitta’s gaming license.
2:54pm: Dana says UFC showed Fedor and M-1 “nothing but respect,” offer allowed Fedor to fight Sambo “every Thursday night” if he wanted to.
2:57pm: Ortiz calls Strikeforce’s Scott Coker “an awesome guy,” but says there’s not enough competition in Strikeforce.
2:59pm: Dana says unlike boxing, UFC would put big fights on network TV if deal gets done.
3:00pm: Ortiz reiterates that contract with UFC runs until his career is over, wants to fight as long as possible.
–END–
* Dana White announced that Franklin-Belfort would be at 205-pounds, but Franklin updated his Twitter to say that the fight will be at a 195-pound catchweight at Belfort’s request.
Tags: Anderson Silva, Ben Rothwell, Chase Gormley, Dan Henderson, Dan Lauzon, Dana White, Fedor Emelianenko, Javier Vazquez, L.C. Davis, mark coleman, Mark Hominick, Paul Daley, Rich Franklin, Tito Ortiz, Vitor Belfort
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is there anywhere i can watch live on t’internet?
Twitter via Dana White :
“Press conf starts at 11 and will stream on ufc.com”
curses! my work comp has ufc.com filtered out..
I feel ya on that ckdiesel. I’m actually surprised that they havent tried to block this site yet or at least access to the forums.
Alright, it’s time, keeping my fingers crossed for some good news
If your work computer filters out something like ufc.com, then you seriously need to find a better job, dude.
Unfortunately I work for a conservative bank in the south. They block everything.
this could get interesting…
Don’t worry, there is no info on the site yet, but here are some Tweets from Mmafrenzy:
- Dana White says the UFC offeref Fedor a “amazing” deal and won’t be offered a better deal by anyone else in MMA.
- White Confirms that Tito Ortiz is returning to the UFC and will retire with the promotion.
- Vitor Belfort signed by UFC, will fight Rich Franklin in main event of UFC 103. Dan Henderson next in line to fight Anderson Silva.
- The UFC has signed a 3-year deal with ESPN UK, starting with UFC 101 on August 8th.
Belfort vs. Franklin?
I didn’t see that one coming since Belfort wanted nothing to do with Mousasi because he wanted to fight soley at MW. In any case, that seems to be a wicked good fight and I’m glad to hear that Hendo will be getting his rematch with Silva.
Mark Coleman vs Ortiz makes sense, I think I might have mentioned that fight being possible somewhere
Yes you did, and good call EtherBunny.
I think Belfort at MW makes more since because he seems small for the LHW division…but i guess I am wrong since he will be fighting @ 205. Bisping Vs. Belfort would have been another nice beating for Bisping!
It was confirmed that Belfort and Franklin WILL fight at Light Heavy.
- White says Mark Coleman is likely to be Ortiz’s first opponent when he returns.
Check it at ufc.com/bk
crazy that vitor-rich is happening at 205. guess its a tune up before vitor drops to 185? i dont think he can hang with the top 5 at 205 though. hendo-anderson next is eh… but maia-marquardt winner probably gets the shot after hendo.
BELFORT VS. FRANKLIN! YES!
WAR BELFORT!
Sorry for all the posts, i’ll stop if people want.
- The Nate Marquardt-Demian Maia winner is “in the mix” at 185-pounds, but Henderson is definitely next.
Kris is posting the same stuff above ^
Oh haha, sorry. Im just Reloading the page, it dosen’t go to the top. My work is done!
that’s gonna be one hell of a fight at 205.. but i don’t think vitor can handle the 205 fighters in the ufc
I would have rather saw Hendo vs. Belfort
and the winner fight the winner of marquardt/maia
then the winner fights a. silva
in the meantime could have a. silva fight gsp in december
that’s stupid, hendo already deserves a title fight and you think he should have two more fights, also this way we get to see anderson fight more.
Ortiz will come back strong, a strong back makes for a strong guy.
Belfort is for sure going to ko Franklin
Ortiz will destroy Coleman when he returns
Demina Maia is getting played, he should have fought for the title even before Leites did, but Hendo isn’t getting any younger and has momentum on his side. If Marquardt wins he should fight one more guy before getting another title shot.
Belfort vs Franklin will be an awesome fight, one worthy of headlining UFC 103. I also agree that Maia is getting played, I just guess that the Thales fight left a bad taste in everyones mouth.
MK4 – I’m not so sure about Belfort KO’ing Franklin.
I know Franklin isn’t exactly Rampage at 205, but I think Belfort is a natural 185er, and will likely get picked apart by Franklin, who is a better technical striker than Belfort has faced in a long while, and a much better cage commander.
Sorry, but its most likely Franklin by UD.
And yeah, Ortiz will retire Coleman, or send him to Strikeforce, and there isn’t a living soul that knows MMA that doesn’t think that Demian Maia got screwed out of a title shot, primarily because of Thales Leites…
Did you guys hear Dana? He’s putting it in Fedor’s court meaning Fedor is not coming. Stupid M-1 wanting to co-promote. They need to get real. Fedor is letting M-1 cost him a lot of $$$.
That’s kinda how a read it :/ oh well.
If fedor goes to the ufc, does he really stand a chance against an every day improving lesnar?
Probably not, but I know I’d drop $50 to find out, wouldn’t you?
Is that all? I was hoping for something huge.
Great fights coming up!
re:Asked about what “co-promotion” means, White says M-1 wanted half but would not benefit the UFC.
so I was right the other day when I said M1 wanted half – total ass-clowns.
I don; give a damn about Fedor and neither will the world in five to ten years. He has a shelf life that he seems to be unaware of.
Kids – remember to never put your agent’s career ahead of your own.
Seriously Fedor?! You are willing to not challenge yourself and prove for once and for all that you are the best pound for pound fighter? Co-promotion? W.T.F.?! Who does M1 global think this is? A struggling Affliction mma company? Strike Force? Elite XC? It’s the real deal fools…UFC. oh well lets see if fedor or M1 have any reaction to Dana’s comments.
the best pound for pound fighter is torres, hes unbeaten in five years, fighting nearly twice as much as fedor, and then second is gsp. those are the top 2 guys. not fedor like so many a$$clown “experts” at wamma and sherdog have it. im not calling any fedor supporters on here a$$clowns.
Truth about Torres.
I have 1 and 2 switched from you, but agreed.
i don’t think torres is i think he should go up 145 too so he can try to win both belts depending on how he does i could be the best P4P fighter in the world
Big C you are right about Fedor…who has he fought lately that is actually worth a d%mn! Tim slyvia? Arlovski? He has not fought any decent fighters since Pride and that is a very long time ago! Best pound for pound i think hands down is “The Spider” Anderson Silva. well in my opinion
Defeating two ex-UFC champs via KO in a row–regardless of your personal thoughts about them–is still impressive. That speaks highly of Fedor’s skills. Sylvia had lost 2 out of 9 fights before losing to Fedor while Arvloski was undefeated in 5 fights. Neither of those fighters were really in any type of slump untill late. I do think that Fedor should fight in the UFC to prove the hype that is surrounding him. But that seems far away at this point, either or, there are some killer fights coming up! So who cares if Fedor will be fighting in UFC anytime soon?!
Do we still need to point out the obvious, in that both Ray Mercer and Brett Rogers have violently dispelled the misguided notion that Tim Sylvia and Andrei Arlovski getting beaten by Fedor is anything BUT impressive?
But yeah, Fedor is all about yesterday and PRIDE, and tomorrow belongs to the UFC, which is probably why he will be fighting nobodies under the M-1 Global banner until 2011…
Okay.
Some “quick hits” of my own based on what we know thus far.
- Belfort is most likely being given to Franklin at 205 first off to get him into the current UFC mix with a credible name opponent, re-introduced to the UFC fan nation, and also partially as a thank you to Franklin for taking fights that his LHW title aspirations would have been netter served waving off.
– Fedor’s been given a “take it or leave it” offer.
We’ve discussed this back and forth and everyone has made their feelings known and clear, as has Fedor and his management. I wish the guy luck, and hope he finds a path in the sport that he and his handlers can all live with.
But its not going to be in the UFC, at least not this year, or maybe the next.
– The UFC’s “invasion” of the UK is still firing on all cylinders, with the signing of Paul Daley, a new TV deal, and a previously announced future event schedule.
– Tito’s back, again, because he and Dana have a love/hate bromance that just won’t die.
On a more serious note, even though Ortiz has been around forever he’s still young enough and relevent enough to have a few good fights, so he might as well have them in the UFC. Coleman for his first fight back is a gift, seeing as how I was thinking it might be Stephen Bonnar if Tito needed training time, and Rich Franklin if he didn’t.
Also, its good to have Tito on the payroll of Chuck Liddell decides he just HAS to have one more fight before tossing his gloves and his shorts into a scrapbook box.
– Dana digs Coker and Strikeforce, but we all already knew that.
AND the rest of the presser sounds like Dana waving off, or more accurately flipping off Fedor’s amateurish management, and grinning at the idea that M-1 Global is actually a relelvent MMA promotion, and that he did all he could possibly do on behalf of the UFC fans to get Fedor into the Octagon, but he opted out, so vaya con dios, Last Emperor.
Also, Dana’s nice enough to let Affliction and Atencio slide for di<king him and the UFC over before.
I have to sort of agree with j here, in that nothing here is all that "new", or surprising, but hey, I guess thats how Dana rolls these days.
Carry on.
Tito (while looking in Dana’s eyes): I wish I knew how to quit you.
Exactly…
haha damn EtherBunny that was funny dude!
jcohl,
good stuff dude,
EtherBunny,
funny as hell dude, good stuff
Jcohl,
Nice **** dude!
Many thanks for the kind words, fellow frenZied…
Still think card is Fight Night material, rather than a big time PPV, put a Matt Hughes in there against either Fitch, Larson, Dong Kim, or Paulo Thiago
And/or Jon Jones against Hamill, Luiz Cane, Houston Alexander, or Makr Coleman
AND NOW YOU HAVE A SHOW!!!!!!!!!!
Matt Hughes? Matt “Let the Welterweight division out-evolve you quicker than casual fans jump on the Machida Bandwagon” Hughes? C’mon now serious discourse is part of serious conversation. Hughes as a headliner is sooo ridiculous just to keep pace I offer up Trigg and Lawler as “Instant Headliners”…..l..o…l
I say this as a longtime Hughes supporter, but I really think Matt should stay down on the farm, enjoy being with his wife and children and family, and continue making relevent contributions to the sport at his HIT [Hughes Intensive Training] Squad gym and thru his training and coaching of younger, more evolved MMA fighters.
Love him or hate him, no one can deny that Hughes was an undeniable factor and dominant champion in this sport, and has earned his respect and a comfortable retirement from the cage…
sweet i hope henderson wouldn’t lose title shot. franklin vs. belfort will be cool i suppose a t LHW UFC 103 is looking to be reall good so far.
The Nate Marquardt-Demian Maia winner is “in the mix” at 185-pounds, What in the mix ????Maia 5-0{5 subs} in UFC if he wins 6-0 and he’s in the mix?? Marquardt 2-0 with 2 TKO victories and he’s in the mix this is sad. Henderson should be the next in line for a title shot. Henderson should be fighting Belfort for the next Number 1 contender. Franklin vs Belfort good fight but why are they moving Belfort up .. A. Silva needs more contenders not Machida.
I’m betting the UFC just wants the casual fan to get exposure on belfort, and hope he beats a big name, move him down to 185, get one more big fight and then fight the champ…but only time will tell
Um well Maia is 10~0~0 (5~0~0 in the UFC) and has an absolutly crazy ground game and has finished 8 out of his 10 fights, thats pretty good..
Nate is 28~8~2 (7~2~0 in the UFC) and has lost to Anderson Silva before, see when a champion destroys the entire divison, it is time for certain fighters (the ones who have worked themselves back up the ladder) to get a rematch…
“in the mix” I believe states that Hendo gets the next shot, if Belfort beats Franklin by (t)ko or sub I believe that Belfort would get a shot at the MW champion (whomever that is going to be) then “in Line” after that would be the winner of Maia and Nate.. If Franklin beats Belfort then the next shot would go to the winner of Maia and Nate, hence “in the mix”
Yeah, what fr702 said…
Yushin Okami should be up there with a win over Sonnen
i doubt it, some fighters get forgoten about, okami is a perfect target
1. he’s a wrestler
2. he lost against franklin just when he was starting to get recognised
3. he pulled out of his last fight due to injury that always sets a fighter back
his last fight against dean lister was a big deal for me and they put CB and kongo above them, i was hoping dean had of won that.
I don’t like this fight, cause I don’t think it is one Belfort can win, then they will either have to release him or give him an easier fight
Demian Maia deserved a shot long time ago, just look at what fr702 posted, thats more than well deserving for a title shot, but because Maia is not a huge name he has to wait and that’s the kind of thing that hurts the credibility of the sport, AND that’s why there needs to be a real creation of rankings that can determine the real 1# Contenders.
I’m almost 100% sure that Vitor Belfort is going to knock out rich Franklin, after he beats Franklin he should fight a top guy at 185 to determine if he gets a shot at 185 title, BUT he should get a shot after Maia(whos gonna take out Marquardt),Maia who is getting a hot after Hendo.
Tito Ortiz is gonna destroy Mark Coleman, he’s not gonna make no bones about it, he’s gonna take coleman down and do him like he did Shamrock. After that he should get a contender, maybe not a top 5 but the winner of jardine vs Thiago Silva, but he should not fight Liddell again because he’ll beat the hell out of Liddell, Liddell is old and …well we went over this already.
Fedor shouldn’t be allowed to be in the UFC anymore because he along with his management and M1 and all of them have acted like DIVAS so they don’t deserve to be apart of the best MMA Org.
Did you guys check out the other thread before this one with Erin Toughill, MAN !!! I am gonna break up with my current girl and go get me some Erin Toughill…
MK4 – you do know that Toughill is/was married to a pretty decent MW MMA fighter and Erik Paulson submission wrestler named Clark “The Irish Bulldog” Bevans, and she fu<ked him up so severely and repeatedly HE had to take out a restraining order on HER?
And this is a guy winning 8 of his 9 bouts by a harsh combination of g-n-p, catch-wrestling and plain ole slamming mofos into and thru the mat?
Don't get me wrong, I likes my sweet meat as much as the next straight man, but I'll be damned if I'm going to try and "go get me some" of a chick thats bat sh!t crazy like Toughill.
I'd rather wake up in the morning with a 5 or 6 and still have all my teeth than wake up next to Toughill with a grill like Hendo.
Just sayin'…
haha jcohl,
dude thats some messed up stuff about her husband(es husband) thanks for letting me know, this way i’ll stay with my girl who is so nice and can’t kick my a$$
haha, thanks jcohl for that info
Just getting your back, my friend
i dont think maia deserved a title shot until he beats marquart i mean impressive wins but look who they are over. buti think he got a good shot at anderson silva.
Wow who EVER would have figured that team Fedor would have turned out to be bigger douche-tards than Team Tito. Tito is half the talent but twice the man? I’m personally flabbergasted that when it comes down to integrity as a fighter Tito and Dana can come to terms but Fedor and White can’t!?!?! When it comes right down to it ppl what other MMA fighter would let his management railroad his career? Name a long list of certified UFC champions and you will also see a LOOONG list of fighters who hung it ALL on the line; regardless or irregardless of irresponsible manangement. Would Chuck, Randy, Gracie, Shamrock, GSP, Penn, Rampage, Wandy, Anderson, Machida, Belfort, ETC. ETC. ever shy away from premier bouts? Huh? Would they? I’m done…Good riddance to my former IDOL Fedor Emelianenko. Thank the MMA Gods for revealing the truth about this 4 yrs has been. Dispute this opinion if you want folks but I have mountains of well thought out rebuttals just waiting in the woodwork.
I really dont know why Franklin is going to fight Belfort. Why do they want Franklin to keep fighting guys that are fighting at 185?? Hendo, Wandy now Belfort???
Unless Belfort is insisting to fight at 205 then hey I guess so. But I guess that is the weight he wants to fight at…Plus he was gonna fight FEDOR a HW if affliction pulled it off soooooo go for it. He {Belfort} has fought at HW and 205 fighter at one time..
PLEASE STOP with the Chuck/Tito fight… Why??? It is not even a relevant fight, nor should it. That era is over. That fight would be truely pointless. I was hoping Mark colman retired on a high note but hey…I sorta see why they gave that to Tito, sorta a testing fight I personally dont like it but hey what can you do.
Personally I think it’s a farce too True1; (Coleman VS Tito). At least I did until I thought about Coleman’s literal contender aspirations. He lost a very close fight against non-other than Shogun. Then beat Bonnar. If Coleman defeats Tito where do you suppose that puts him? I suggest either one or two fights away from a title fight. Why not let him try, unlike many an other washed up twinkle toe he’s proved at least a modicum of staying power. If anyone’s earned one final run, perhaps it should be the grandfather of ground n pound, against the guy who studied him and ran with it. These two almost have parallel careers in the same style. May the best man win and let them beat each other bloody with all they got, I say.
Natural are you new here? If so welcome. Weve had alot of losers around here lately with all the talk of Fedor and UFC 100 and all. Glad we got some good out of it like you and Ether.
later
……i’m sorry that i’m so……disfunctional,…i do understand…i…i do…
OT1 – my guess is that Belfort is going in with Franklin so that he gets some much-needed visibility and recognition with today’s UFC fanbase, to let Joe Silva know Belfort’s relative current MMA level, and as a thank you to Franklin for taking that fight with Wanderlei Silva, not to mention nearly losing an eye to Hendo…
wat up onlytrue1!
I agree with you dude. I don’t understand why franklin keeps fighting mw’s @ 205 when he clearly is trying to make a run @ the 205 title. He was imo sort of the “gate keeper” @ 185 (not bashing @ all) after he lost to anderson and now it appears that he is the “gate keeper” @ 205? kinda? sorta? Well i don’t know but that was a good point you made about him fighting 185′ers.
Also agree with the tito vs chuck thing. Give it a rest dudes because if chuck really wants to go out pathetic, he will accept this fight if it ever happens.
Jchol, Natural, Jazzok Whatzzzz uppppp!!!
I just read that Belfort was gonna fight Franklin at 195???
If so this further puzzles me since Rich still has not fought a “true” 205er?
What are they trying to give him an easier road to the title or something?? True Wandy, Hendo, Belfort are by NOOOOOO means easy buttttt we are talking about Champions of old not of today so to speak..
Henderson seems revitalized but again that is at 185. Wandy fought well but lost. Belfort is tough and willing to fight anyone but again a 185er who will fight Rich at 195 not 205..
I actually like Rich and always root for him but it seems they dont want him to mix it up at 205 until they get the perfect opponent and then if he beats that one true 205 he will get a title shot since they can try to make it seem he has been on a high after having fought and beat Wandy, Belfort {possibly} and taking Henderson to a controvesal decission.
Franklin beat Hammil, who is a “true” 205. Also Hendo is as much of a true 205 as Franklin. The thing with Belfort is Belfort requested the catch weight bout. I like the match up personally, so I don’t care how much it means in the 205 picture title. However, Belfort is a legit fighter, so even though he may be smaller, a win over him can do a lot for Franklin.
@ OT1 – to your first point, I would have to say yeah that if confirmed its pretty obvious that the front office is trying to give Franklin a somewhat easier path to the LHW title, but I’m not sure how much of a solid that is when you consider that Franklin would not have much of a chance against any of the top 4 or 5 LHWs right now. I heard that Franklin and Belfort was going off at 205, but I guess we’ll wait and see until fr702 or someone like that posts authoritatively on the matter.
Also, is it just me, or is Rich Franklin, aside from his gatekeeping duties, the unoffical UFC catchweight champion or something?
All I know is that I’ve seen more fights go off or be rumored to be going off at 195 since I was at my last NAGA Reality Fighting show
But seeing as how Franklin is one of Dana’s boys, and if you don’t think so go back and check out his new contract terms. its pretty understandable.
As it relates to Hendo, I’m not sure how many 185 fights he’ll be taking. From what I’ve read he’s tired of making the cut, and at his age it’s getting harder and harder each time, sort of like when Randy Couture had to return to the HW division when he un-retired. Aside from his Liddell issue, he admitted several times that there was no way he could keep making the 205 cut.
And lets be honest here. Couture is the most natural [no pun intended] 220 pound MMA fighter in the history of the UFC.
@ jazzkok – bro, I could not agree more about the Iceman. He’s had a great career, won titles and big fights and truckloads of cash and the whole 9. He should sit back, take advantage of some of those movie and TV roles that were being thrown his way, and enjoy his retirement in his big house with his female, friends, and family…
Id actually be interested in seeing Richs new contract Jcohl. anyone know where I can see it.
thanks
Justin aka {J-dawg}
Yeah your right Rich did fight Matt Hammil but he was so GREEN and wasn’t in the same league as Rich… Hendo is a 205er just as much as Rich but I believe you understand my point. He has yet to face a fighter in top 5 at 205 nor a fight that has a point or makes at statement at 205 IMO.
Jchol aka {J-Cool)
You hit it on the head playboy!!! Rich is one of their favorites and rightfully so. He is one of the guys from the old school era when the {Matt hughes and Chuck Liddel and Randy Couture Jens pulver were champs era} Plus he has proven himself a great champion fighter at 185. So i’m like you they are trying to get him an easier shot at 205 title. And I understand it I really do. There have been several guys who did not deserve a shot get 1 but IMO what good does that do for him if he cant Beat the champ or Retain the title?
I heard Franklin and Wandy agree they’d love a weight class at 195 but I guess the guys at 170 and up who have to cut to 155 say the same thing.
jcohl imho you refuse to make a post unless you have a valid point. As both a huge Franklin fan(I’m a Cincinnatian after all) and huge Belfort fan ( I love watching a little guy walk through the likes of Tank and Ferrozzo) I almost have to take your side. Unfortunately I view Franklin as more intelligent than Vitor and for good reason. Much like a true mastermind I think Rich will catch Vitor’s lightening quick timing down, find a gap, and crush his bones to make his bread. Tko 2nd round bro, with all due respect Vitor has brutality enough to beat anyone, but much like many another Wandy his mentality is more of that of a rabid dog.
Reppin’ the Nati, foolz
Its a shame one or both of the Diaz brothers doesn’t hit up the frenzy and read dbiz’s shout out to his hometown to see how its done without the douchebaggery and a speech impediment…
LOL
513!!!! Nati up in this house!!!
AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The only thing left is for UFC to bring Women’s MMA into the fold when Strikeforce collapses next, although the Carano Vs. Cyborg fight could give them a big push for a while.
Rich has posted vis his twitter that he will be fighting Vitor at 195lbs.
Sorry if someone has allready posted that.
Ortiz vs Coleman hahaha, Ortiz will G&P Coleman like no tomo
Coleman will gas, Ortiz has good carido
I like Coleman but he has had his time
Tito the G&P KING is B A C K……..
yerrrrrrrrrrr….
I still kind of find it rediclious that ,if Maia wins vs Marquardt he’s not the next in line for a title shot.. Yes Henderson has had a good run as of later thats no lie, he beat Palhares {unanimous decision}/ Franklin {split decision} / Bisping {KO} .. some good names , but Maia has submitted his way through all 5 of his opponents and if he subs Marquardt he’s the Number 1 Contender no dout. Right now I put Dan Henderson in the same position as Vitor Belfort. Belfort is coming off of 4 wins with wins over Ivan Serati{KO} / James Zikic {unanimous decision}/ Terry Martin {KO}/ Matt Linland {KO}.. Plus I really wanted to see Belfort vs Henderson again. plus vitor moves up to 205 if he wins he gots a title shot at 185 champ lol does anyone else find it funny how it sounds??
“If he wins {against Franklin} he gets a title shot at 185 champ”
It further proves the point that Franklin is the Top/Final Contender Gate Keeper for 185 for A. Silva. And as of now he is trying to become Gate Keeper for 205 but Keith Jardine has that on lock for now until Franklin beat him..
Thats it!!! Franklin should fight Keith Jardine!! Battle of the Gate Keepers as their next fights after Thiago and Vitor!
Great idea True1. Would give Franklin instant relevance at 205 if he wins and/or knock Jardine up a rung on the ladder if he wins as well. Not to mention a great fight I think we would all enjoy seeing. Even I can’t make a prediction here and I’m usually pretty opinionated about any potential fight. Trying to figure out how Franklin’s technical style would match up against Jardine and his seemingly drunken Scotsman herky jerky art of fighting would be very interesting to watch. Not to mention the fact that it would pit former coach against former trainee. Will be sweating this fight in now if it continues to appear as a viable possibilty. For some of the most hilarious fighter footage ever, youtube “Keith Jardine dancing” or “Keith Jardine vs Techno Viking”
OT1 guess you are still be “lazy” and not becoming a member
tito ortiz number1!!!!! HI is my fighter!!
Loss Lyoto Machida Decision (Unanimous) UFC 84 – Ill Will 5/24/2008 3 5:00
Draw Rashad Evans Draw UFC 73 – Stacked 7/7/2007 3 5:00
Loss Chuck Liddell TKO (Punches) UFC 66 – Liddell vs Ortiz II 12/30/2006 3 3:59
Win Ken Shamrock TKO (Punches) UFC – The Final Chapter 10/10/2006 1 2:23
Win Ken Shamrock TKO (Elbows) UFC 61 – Bitter Rivals 7/8/2006 1 1:18
Win Forrest Griffin Decision (Split) UFC 59 – Reality Check 4/15/2006 3 5:00
Win Vitor Belfort Decision (Split) UFC 51 – Super Saturday 2/5/2005 3 5:00
Win Patrick Cote Decision (Unanimous) UFC 50 – The War of ‘04 10/22/2004 3 5:00
Loss Chuck Liddell KO (Punches) UFC 47 – It’s On 4/2/2004 2 0:38
Loss Randy Couture Decision (Unanimous) UFC 44 – Undisputed 9/26/2003 5 5:00
Win Ken Shamrock TKO (Corner Stoppage) UFC 40 – Vendetta 11/22/2002 3 5:00
Win Vladimir Matyushenko Decision (Unanimous) UFC 33 – Victory in Vegas 9/28/2001 5 5:00
Win Elvis Sinosic TKO (Punches and Elbows) UFC 32 – Showdown in the Meadowlands 6/29/2001 1 3:32
Win Evan Tanner KO (Slam) UFC 30 – Battle on the Boardwalk 2/23/2001 1 0:32
Win Yuki Kondo Submission (Neck Crank) UFC 29 – Defense of the Belts 12/16/2000 1 1:52
Win Wanderlei Silva Decision (Unanimous) UFC 25 – Ultimate Japan 3 4/14/2000 5 5:00
Loss Frank Shamrock Submission (Strikes) UFC 22 – There Can Be Only One Champion 9/24/1999 4 4:42
Win Guy Mezger TKO (Strikes) UFC 19 – Ultimate Young Guns 3/5/1999 1 9:56
Win Jerry Bohlander TKO (Strikes) UFC 18 – Road to the Heavyweight Title 1/8/1999 1 14:31
Win Jeremy Screeton Submission (Strikes) WCNHBC – West Coast NHB Championships 1 12/8/1998 1 0:16
Loss Guy Mezger Submission (Guillotine Choke) UFC 13 – The Ultimate Force 5/30/1997 1 3:00
Win Wes Albritton TKO (Strikes) UFC 13 – The Ultimate Force 5/30/1997 1 0:31
So his only wins in the last 3 years are against Ken Shamrock. Great record of recent fights there.
And by great, I mean Fedorian.
Henderson will beat Silva in the re-match you watch. Hendo is too powerful for Anderson in the clinch and as long as he dosnt give up his nack be prepared for a new champ.
punishment-99
I Hear YA
GO ORTIZ….
Tito is N Da HoUsE…..
K he has notable victories over Wanderlai and Belfort. A very controversial decision win over Forrest. If you were trying to convince me he’s a great and relevant threat in today’s top class MMA arena, what would you offer up as evidence?
I’m neither an Ortiz supporter or detractor, but I think it bears posting that at this stage in his career, Ortiz serves the UFC more as a box office draw and gatekeeper rather than a viable LHW contender.
Yes, Ortiz in some ways deserves one last run in the UFC, and to finish his career there. And yes, its great for his fans and his Punishment Athletics line for Ortiz to deliver a few more decent fights before calling it a career.
But lets not get carried away. Ortiz is no threat to Machida, Rampage, Evans, Rua, or Griffin.
In fact, Ortiz’s 2006 split decision win over Griffin was spotty at best, and in the intervening 3 years Tito has gotten older, and Griffin has gotten better.
Enjoy Tito’s last ride while you can. Like the shamrock shake at McDonald’s, it’s available for a limited time only…
Agreed. Due to his discipline towards the sport and his true fighter spirit, giving Tito another go at the LHW division is well warranted. Expecting him to fare well is another matter altogether.
If anyone can answer this question please to so. Dana had a question asked to him which he didn’t fully answer “2:17pm: Asked about what “co-promotion” means, White says M-1 wanted half but would not benefit the UFC” What does he mean by “Half”, Half of everything… Half of ticket sells, Half of PPV buys, Half of merchandise sold. What does the word Half lay claims to??
Half of ALL would be insane if thats what it means $40+ PPV’s 1-2+million buys / Arena 20k-35k average ticket cost $200-300+ / DVD’s{$15-20 each}, Clothes{shirts,shorts,hats,etc..} [on average $20-30 for clothing], Posters [$10-15 each]
Long story short:
M-1 Global, when making “co-promotion” a dealbreaker for Fedor, is looking to receive HALF of the upside, and NONE of the downside, in this case of MMA promoting.
Does that sounds like any sort of business arrangement any reasonably intelligent individual would sign off on?
Maybe some of those fanboys who would sell their parents into lifelong slavery to sniff Fedor’s jock after he ragdolls some aging MW should consider that when they post crap like, “all Fedor wants is a fair contract”…
check 48minutes into the confrence call vid that I Posted in the forum section it explains the situation
thanks fr702
Haven’t seen the video, but after watching Affliction I would guess it means half of the take and no sharing of the expenses. And look where that gets their partners.
rashad-tito was top level imo.
coleman is couture-esque for defying age… but i don’t think he has much chance against tito who will most likely be able to avoid the tenacious Gnp – Coleman’s top weapon.
tough match up. tito has awesome cardio usually
I want to see rich get knoked out cold by Vitor. Rich is the most over rated fighter in the MMA world today. He has no true skill but a weird stick and move run away approach to his game. He knocked out Nate Quarry wow big deal, who cant knock out Nate Quarry that way (Pete Sell Did)
I’ve been a tito Ortiz fan since Japan 2000 when he fought my boy Wand, but I’m not to sure what to think about his return. In his last 4-5 fights he didnt really give it his all (with the exception of the Ken-Trilogy and the Vitor fight) he’s been a bit out of it. I wish him the best-