The UFC held a public press conference today in anticipation of tickets going on sale for UFC 146: Dos Santos vs. Overeem. The press conference was held at the MGM Hotel Lobby in Las Vegas, Nevada.
In attendance were UFC President Dana White and main card fighters Junior dos Santos, Alistair Overeem, Cain Velasquez, Frank Mir, Roy Nelson and Antonio Silva.
Below are the highlighted quotes (thanks to MMAmania.com) and the full press conference video (thanks to UFC.com).
Dana White:
- It depends on fighters coming off injuries and timing. This all lined up for an all-heavyweight card.
- After this card happens, it’s going to be interesting to see how it does shake out and who’s in line for the next shot.
- The heavyweights bring that excitement that you’re probably gonna see a knockout but I think this fight, there could be knockouts or submissions. The fight with Junior dos Santos and Alistair Overeem, these guys have outstruck everyone lately. Frank Mir showed what he’s capable of doing with his last win.
- When the heavyweight division sort of fell apart in boxing, you saw guys like Oscar de la Hoya and Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather. It’s not all about the heavyweights there anymore.
- Pride’s heavyweight division was awesome. They had a lot of legends built there. Our division is right on that level.
- I feel a loss is not the end of the world. I don’t evaluate guys on losses unless they lose a few in a row or lose to guys they aren’t supposed to.
- Describing each fighter Roy Nelson – Hairy, great chin, Velasquez – well-rounded, incredibly talented, dos Santos – knockout artist, Overeem – Amazing kickboxer, Frank Mir – He breaks stuff, Antonio Silva – He’s hungry.
Junior Dos Santos:
- I’m feeling good. I like to be champion and I feel the heavyweight division now is very interesting. I think it’s a good time for the heavyweight division.
- I’m working hard, training hard every day. I think the secret is to just get prepared for everything. I’m doing my part to keep my belt.
- It motivates me. Heavyweight is the most important division because there’s so much power involved. It’s good for me because it motivates me to work harder and to keep my belt.
Alistair Overeem:
- Jon Jones walks around at 220 and so do I. If he has the right diet and training, I can see him doing what I did.
- This definitely is the biggest fight of my career. The UFC is the biggest show on the planet so I definitely see it as my biggest challenge. I’m excited about it, training hard every day and it’s gonna be a great show.
- K-1 is different because it’s kickboxing and no ground involved but I definitely knew that was going to help me prepare for these fights.
Cain Velasquez:
- There’s a PR side and there’s a fighting side. It’s a balancing act and it’s a part of the sport. For every fight camp, I’ve always done enough training for myself.
- My last defeat before November was in the national tournament. Getting a loss is not the end of the world. You just have to get better, get healthy and watch film. You’ve got to try to get better and move forward. That’s it.
Frank Mir:
- I think wrestling’s a huge factor in all the fights. I just hope to make it to where the ability to keep it standing or on the ground are not viable choice. He sees what I’m good at and if he keeps submissions unavailable.
- I find for myself in the gym, I find my performance is best when I’m a little smaller. I’m happy where I’m at right now. I thought getting bigger would adjust to Brock’s advantages on me but I’ve got a better feel for it now.
- It definitely concerns me that my losses were to big strong wrestlers. I’m human. There’s times where yous it there and despair and feel like you’re not going to make it. I’m thankful to have friends around me and make sure I’m in the right direction.I appreciate it a bit more than earlier in my career. When I was champion, it was a bit overwhelming and I didn’t get to take a step back and realize. Things slow down a bit this time around. They aren’t so hectic and fast.
- Back in the day, the fights got spread out a bit further because there wasn’t too many guys to match against. Anytime you’re making a run for the title, the worst thing is to have an opponent where people ask who that is. I’d rather take that risk against a guy that’s considered dangerous than against an unknown.
- I have a very tough opponent ahead of me. After that, hopefully by the end of the year I’ll be in a title fight.
Roy Nelson:
- I think people just like to see me fight. I’ll do the Chuck Liddell or Randy Couture and I’ll fight at 205 for retirement.
- We actually finish fights if you look at the percentages. Everyone loves the home run in baseball or the slam dunk in basketball. That’s what the heavyweights bring.
Antonio “Big Foot” Silva:
- Heavyweights always bring fantastic fights. Everyone on this podium today is a fantastic fighter and you’re going to see some fantastic fights on May 26th. It’s going to be a war.
- I took my camp elsewhere when Alistair Overeem showed up with the Blackzilians.
(Note** Scroll to the 20mins mark)
