06/02/2012
“UFC Postfight Show on FUEL TV” Quotes
LOS ANGELES, CA – The following are quotes from the “UFC Postfight Show on FUEL TV” following THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER FINALE LIVE. Jay Glazer hosted the show, with analysis from former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Rashad Evans. Molly Qerim conducted exclusive postfight interviews backstage. Here’s some of what was said:
“UFC Postfight Show on FUEL TV” Analyst Rashad Evans on Martin Kampmann vs. Jake Ellenberger: “I was excited to see this fight. These guys are trying to gain a spot in the top of the weight class. Ellenberger got to Martin pretty quickly and got him bleeding. It seems like Kampmann fights best when he’s bloodied up. He loves this look. Kampmann has massive survival skills. He doesn’t look for a way out of a fight.”
Martin Kampmann on how close he was to losing in the first round: “I don’t know, I was definitely rocked and I have some blurry spots in the fight. As you can see, I’ve got some cuts. The wife is going to be mad at me when I get home. But, you can never count me out. I’m here to fight.”
Kampmann on who he wants to fight next: “I want to fight the best and fight for the title. Either [Carlos} Condit or GSP. Or Johny Hendricks. I want to fight for the title and I think I can win it.”
Jake Ellenberger on his loss and if he thought he had beaten Kampmann in the first round: “He was dazed and flushed a little bit. But he hung in there and caught me.”
Ellenberger on what’s next after the loss: “It shows your character in time of adversity. I’m going to learn from this and I’m going to come back from this stronger.”
Evans on why Kampmann is usually picked as the underdog: “I think because he’s not the aggressive guy, he’s going to be the underdog. But people sleep on him and don’t give him respect. Then when they get in there, they’ve got a beast on their hands.”
Evans on what’s next for Ellenberger: “For Jake, one or two fights, and he could be back in it. A loss is a chance to prove yourself again. When I lost to Jon Jones, it wasn’t a fight I wanted to lose. What did I learn? Don’t grab the hands. You watch the tape afterward and then you get hungry to get back.”
Evans on Al Iaquinta vs. Mike Chiesa: “The guy [Chiesa] has heart. I picked him. He was patient with securing the choke and allowing the jiu jitsu to work. I’m so proud of him.”
Mike Chiesa on winning “The Ultimate Fighter Live”: “It’s totally surreal. It feels like a dream and it’s crazy that it’s happened. I’ve had to overcome a lot of things in this competition, not only the top 15 prospects in the world, but my dad and a lot more. Ultimately, you have to believe in yourself and that’s what I did.”
Chiesa on what’s next: “I’m going to go home and relax. I miss all my friends. It’ll sink in when I get back to my hometown. Then I’m ready to go to the UFC and my next goal is the world title.”
Chiesa on being the underdog every fight: “Odds and rankings don’t matter. This is the theory of fighting and not math. I just believe in myself and go out and do it.”
“The Ultimate Fighter Live” Coach Urijah Faber on Chiesa winning: “That was incredible. He’s been the underdog going into every fight and he came through again and won. Congrats to Chiesa and congrats to Al. The only way you’re going to beat Al is to put him unconscious. Period.”
Evans on Charles Oliveira vs. Jonathan Brookins: “This kid [Oliveira] is creative and exciting. I’m excited to see what he can do in this weight class. When you’re a wrestler like Brookins, but you’re on your heels the whole time, it’s hard to get anything going. Oliveira controlled Brookins. He was very patient. This fight was methodical and was great.”
Charles Oliveira on winning the fight against Brookins: “I feel very happy and I worked very hard. It was great to get him. This is my division. I’ve come to the UFC and I want to fight the best fighters.”
Faber on coaching “The Ultimate Fighter Live”: “It was a lot of work, but all the best things in life are. I’ve made a lot of great connections on both teams.”
Faber on how he feels about Dominick Cruz after “TUF Live”: “I ignore the guy. I’ve had enough of the guy. He’s grown up a little. But I’ve had enough of the guy.”
Faber on upcoming fight with Renan Barao: “He’s a dangerous fighter. He’s on a 27-fight win streak, but he hasn’t fought me. I think I can beat all 27 of the guys he did. I’m heart, conditioning, and have a strong mind and I think I can beat him.”
“The Ultimate Fighter Live” Coach Dominick Cruz on what he’s learned being part of the show: “I’ve had to work with a lot of different personalities and I didn’t know how much I’ve learned until I started talking to them and teaching them all the things I’ve learned.”
Cruz on when he’ll have surgery and his recovery time: “I’m going to have surgery this Wednesday. They’re saying it’s going to be a while for me to recover, but I’m saying it’s not going to take as long.”
Cruz on the upcoming Urijah Faber vs. Renan Barao fight: “It’s going to be a tough fight for both of them. They’re both top five in the class and it’ll be tough for both. Urijah has to stay rangy and use his kicks. Faber is able to win a decision and take him down and grind him out on the ground.”
Cruz on who he’s picking in Faber vs. Barao: “Indirectly, I’m going for Faber.”
Evans pick on Wanderlei Silva vs. Rich Franklin II: I’m going to pick Wanderlei. I think he’s going to take it.”
Evans on his possible retirement: “I was thinking about a retirement announcement, but Kenny Florian took it from me.”
