MMASucka was on today’s UFC 161 conference call, which had Rashad Evans, Dan Henderson, Roy Nelson, Stipe Miocic, and UFC’s Director of Operations for Canada, Australia, and New Zealand Tom Wright available for questions. Here are today’s notes.
Rashad Evans:
- Is not worried about getting a title shot in the event of a victory over Dan Henderson. “Whatever happens happens.”
- Does not feel there is added pressure now that he’s been moved to the main event. Feels that it doesn’t matter where you fight Dan Henderson in terms of position on the card, as the dynamic will remain the same.
- Wants to “get the monkey off my back” by getting a victory to move past his poor performance in his fight with Little Nog. Would like to get the win to disprove the naysayers and to make amends for disappointing himself with his poor performance in his last fight.
- Is pleasantly surprised with the UFC’s faith in him after getting bumped up to the main event.
Dan Henderson:
- Mentions how he was supposed to get title shot next year, and feels there is unfinished business between himself and current LHW champion Jon Jones. However, he is focused 100% on the fight with Rashad, and is not concerned with what happens afterwards.
Does not feel there is added pressure being moved to the main event. Says he will still give 100%, no matter where his fight is on the card.
When asked about a previous trip to Winnipeg a few years ago with Krzysztof Soszynski, and if he made enough friends, Henderson says he hopes he did. He mentioned that his last trip to Winnipeg was in January, and that he didn’t get to see much of the town, but hope to see more on this trip.
Feels that his loss to Lyoto Machida is not a major motivating factor for this fight, and that there is not really another fighter in the UFC like him. Said he didn’t perform at his best, wishes he could have done some things differently, and that it’s hard to fight a guy who doesn’t want to fight. He isn’t overly disappointed or offended with himself, but feels he should have been more aggressive.
Is feeling confident about the fight with Rashad, is ready and had a good training camp.
When asked if he was happy and healthy, Hendo responded saying, “I’m always happy. Not always healthy, but I’m healthy now.”
Roy Nelson:
- Wishes he could have had a full training camp to give the fans, “100% Roy Nelson,” but is doing this for the UFC.
- Feels that Stipe Miocic, simply by virtue of being in the UFC, is one of the best in the world.
- When asked about his “cult hero” status, Nelson feels that he “represents America,” and is trying to break into the mainstream on behalf of everybody.
- Does not know if his atypical body type as an MMA fighter works in his favour, but believes he doesn’t look like the “typical MMA fighter” as he does not abuse performance enhancing drugs.
- Feels that he is more skilled than his opponents, and that is more important than diet or training regimes.
- Believes his hair sets him apart from other people, and his proud of his full head of hair.
- Has the beard because it’s “just something to do,” and believes it makes him more manly.
- Believes that any UFC heavyweight could become champion on any given day due to the talent level. Notes that no HW champ is able to hold the belt for more than a couple of defenses these days.
- Claims he doesn’t go out looking for KOs, but that they come easily to him. Says he actually goes out looking to grapple.
- Doesn’t need to pump himself up for a fight, because it’s just going to work.
- Feels his self-esteem sets him apart from other fighters, and allows him to be more comfortable in his skin. Says there are a lot of bullies out there who pick on people and call them names, and that we all have to grow from that and become better people.
- When asked if he’s disappointed about not facing a top ten opponent, says that Stipe was on this card and was the first one to agree to fight him. Claims Daniel Cormier and Travis Browne were offered the fight against him but both turned it down.
- Says that the only change he made due to the short notice the fight was accepted on was that he came home from vacation.
Stipe Miocic:
- Says he will need to avoid the “big right hand,” not let Roy Nelson dictate the pace, and implement his own gameplan in order to win on Saturday.
When asked if he was looking forward to the change from Soa Palelei to Roy Nelson, Miocic responded that he was excited to get the chance to fight Nelson.
Says that the Cleveland Indians just need to keep winning to have a shot at the MLB post-season when asked.
Tom Wright:
- Says that injuries are a part of MMA, but so are champions. Noted the high number of former champions on the UFC 161 card, and that the loss of the Nogueira vs. Rua fight will not affect the effort put forth from everybody on the card, including the seven Canadians scheduled to fight. “Winnipeg will not be disappointed,” he stated.
When asked about what happened with the attempts to salvage “Shogun’s” appearance on the card, Wright stated that both Dana White and Joe Silva did their best to find an adequate relationship, but many circumstances came in to play to prevent the possible Rua/Sonnen fight. Said they felt that the best thing to do was to let the Chael/Shogun fight happen at a later time.
Could not confirm whether or not it was visa issues that scuttled the idea of using Chael Sonnen as a replacement for Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, and is unaware of what the issues were. Says the card will be entertaining regardless.
Is really excited for the Rosi Sexton vs. Alexis Davis, believes it is flying under the radar. Says that they have the chance to see who can say they won the UFC’s first women’s bout in Canada, and make history because of that. Feels both women are very talented, and will continue the streak of women’s fights getting the fans on their feet in excitement.
Says that Canada is very important to the UFC.
At the end of the call, the UFC announced the following “fight week” events as well. Open workouts will be at the Portage Place Mall on Wednesday from 11AM to 2PM, with Pat Barry, Shawn Jordan, and all the Canadian Fighters. Weigh-ins are Friday at the MPS Centre, starting at 4 PM. There will also be a special tailgate party at the MPS Centre on Saturday, going from 2PM to 7PM. All events are scheduled on local time.
UFC 161 takes place on June 8th at the MPS Centre in Winnipeg, MB. The card is headlined by a light heavyweight tilt between Rashad Evans and Dan Henderson. Stay tuned to MMASucka for more on UFC 161 and other upcoming events!
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