Georges St. Pierre:

• He wanted to face a top contender, not any other welterweight.
• No excuses for loss vs. Serra. Saw sports psychologist who told him that the best team/fighter doesn’t always win, it’s whoever fights the best.
• Feels he is newer, better and will show it versus Josh Koscheck.
• Feels that fighting not as a champion again is the best thing that could have happened to him.
• Felt that winning title happened somewhat quickly, and now realizes how motivated he is to win again.
• He knows what Koscheck is good at despite having taken down Sean Sherk (did not clarify if he will plan on taking down another wrestler).
• He has a new manager (Stephane Patry is out) and a better entourage around him.
• Not worried about the fight.

Josh Koscheck

• Respects GSP a lot. Great training camp right now.
• Feels GSP is not overrated and has the skills to win again. “Too bad he has to get through me first, though.”
• No change in how he trains for GSP. Training has worked out good/great in the past.
• The buzz around GSP returning after the loss is not affecting him. Feels he is mentally focused and ready.
• Wants to get fight over with already
• Wants the best available GSP. A top showing against him is ideal, wants GSP in best condition.
• Not bothered by fans booing him @ UFC 69. Likes the attention.
• Felt both he and Diego Sanchez held back @ UFC 69, very conservative fight for both.
• Doesn’t watch GSP’s past fights, watching GSP lose @ UFC 69 was big for him.
• Feels he can take GSP down. Will he? To be determined.

Randy Couture

• Gonzaga is a good overall fighter, great grappler. Presents different problems than other fighters in the past.
• Loves fighting. Gets excited for upcoming fights. Fights because he loves to, not about proving anything anymore.
• Scared during first fight @ UFC 13. Career has had ups and downs. Has had a blast during long road as a fighter.
• Has trained a little w/Wanderlei Silva. Has studied BJJ for 10 years (??????)
• Not bothered by being perceived underdog @ 44 years old.
• Feels he’s different than Ken Shamrock, Royce Gracie because he has maintained busy w/fights instead of long layoffs.
• Thinks MMA can be an Olympic sport.
• Sees no serious holes in Gabriel Gonzaga. Dangerous on the ground.
• Staff helps him juggle all his committments/priorities.
• Feels Gonzaga’s last win and how well-rounded he is is most impressive characteristic.
• He feels as if he’s learned to listen to his body as he’s grown older (training, etc.).
• Feels Gonzaga’s stamina may become a factor if the fight goes into the later rounds.

Gabriel Gonzaga

• Had a good childhood, and had assistance to pay for BJJ classes growing up (from instructor).
• Sees himself more as a fighter and less as a star.
• Feels Couture’s age may be a factor.
• Doesn’t see himself as an underdog (nor does he see Randy this way). Sees himself as a 50% favorite to win (just as Randy is in his opinion). Not too sure why he’s seen by some as favorite to win.

Dana White

• Critical of GSP after loss to Serra. Feels GSP is most well-rounded fighter in UFC right now. Says GSP wasn’t himself during UFC 69 weekend. Hopes to see a different GSP 8/25/2007.
• Confirms negotiations w/Wanderlei Silva.
• No announcements planned for UFC 74 (“…unless something big/huge happens in the next few weeks.”)
• Sees MMA as huge globally within 5-10 years. Lots of target dates for Europe in 2008.
• A win for Clay Guida vs. Marcus Aurelio can have him move up in the LW rankings.
• Confirmed signing Brandon Vera. Says Vera’s manager was the problem. Has Vera under a new deal. Vera likely to fight Tim Sylvia in October.
• Has been persuing Latin America for eight months, plans on making large gains in 2008 (an event in Mexico maybe?)
• Not happy at all w/Sean Sherk. Feels state-sanctioned steroid/drug screenings are good. Status of LW belt to be determined after Sherk’s appeal to the CSAC.
• Zuffa to have a lot of fighters in their offices in October re: steroid issue (and other issues, did not clarify). Harshest penalties imposed by state athletic commissions. Feels fighters that use steroids are morons.
• HBO deal still being worked out, looking @ Winter 2007 for first event. Big cards to be used for HBO. Mistakes made in UFC 72 Pay-per-view (Northern Ireland). Scheduled live broadcast in afternoon and no same-day replays during prime time in the U.S.
• Feels Patrick Cote’s fight is very important to both him and Kendall Grove. Should be exciting.
• Hard to secure a venue in Canada due to hockey season blocking many key dates they have.
• If Fedor is signed by UFC, his first fight would be for UFC title.
• Rich Franklin is big for headlining UFC 77. Says Franklin wasn’t himself vs. Anderson Silva.

Props to Sherdog forum poster JMart for compiling the recap.