05/23/2012
UFC Tonight airs Tuesdays 10:00PM ET/7:00PM PT
LOS ANGELES, CA – On this week’s “UFC Tonight,” Host Todd Harris and Analyst Kenny Florian are joined by UFC Hall of Famer Randy Couture to break down the upcoming heavyweight card at UFC 146. Plus, Couture talks about his future and whether Brock Lesnar belongs in the Hall of Fame. And, Insider Ariel Helwani has the latest on Nick Diaz and Chael Sonnen’s Nevada State Athletic Commission hearings.
Quote of the Week: Junior dos Santos clarifies statement about Frank Mir: “Yeah, I’ve said that he’s not a man. I’ve confirmed that. When he is in the moment in the fight, he is a monster, but when he leaves that moment in the fight, he can’t escape that moment. He can’t recover from that moment very well. He gives up very easily.”
Frank Mir speaking about dos Santos: “I think he saw moments in a fight that I don’t fight back. But, of course, in my opinion, I disagree.”
Mir on how he intends to deal with dos Santos’ standup: “Basically you have to go out there and fight back. You have to maneuver and try to nullify his jab. I’m going to start throwing down jabs and see what happens.”
Mir’s predictions on fight vs dos Santos: “I win by submission early in the first round.”
dos Santos’ predictions on fight vs. Mir: “Knockout in the second round.”
Hall of Famer Randy Couture on Junior dos Santos vs. Frank Mir: “At first glance it looks like a classic match-up, the grappler versus the striker. Mir has some formidable striking, which allows him to engage with dos Santos. We’ve seen him knock out fighters. It has become a very strong part of his game. His conditioning has improved. He has the ability to neutralize dos Santos. So I give the edge to Mir.”
UFC Tonight Analyst Florian on dos Santos vs. Mir: “Right now I give the edge to dos Santos. What makes his striking so good is his footwork. I believe his striking is at such a high level. I think it’s going to be very difficult for Frank Mir to get the take down.”
Florian on dos Santos advantages: “He is so fast as a heavyweight. The way he puts together his combinations, he doesn’t just throw two punches. He throws six, seven, eight. He has an excellent hook. And that’s why he is so dangerous.”
Florian on why Mir is so deadly: “It is his full commitment to his technique; every time he gets an arm or a leg, he’s not just trying to submit you, he’s trying to break you. It’s basic, but it’s very good. He’s the best submission artist in the heavyweight division.
Florian on Jon Jones’ DWI arrest: “You know, we all make mistakes. It’s so hard. He is only 24. I can’t imagine being the UFC Champion and having all the money and all the things that come with it – like the fame - at such a young age. A lot of eyes are on him. It really depends on what he does after this unfortunate incident. How he acts, what he says.”
Couture on Jones’ DWI arrest: “I have gotten to spend some time with him. He is very warm, very bright. I think he should let that side of him show more. Right now he comes off a little edgy, a little cocky and that’s why the fans have ganged up against him and that’s not the case. That’s not really him.”
Couture on his best moment in the UFC: “Well I think my favorite moment was [my fight with Tim] Sylvia. That moment was great from start to finish.”
Florian’s favorite Couture moment in the UFC: “That has to be mine as well [the Tim Sylvia fight]. I don’t think I’ve been more inspired by a fight than during that one.”
Couture on what would make him return to fighting: “I can’t think of [a reason to return]. I am pretty happy and comfortable with the decision I made. I am enjoying perusing the acting roles I am getting.”
Couture on any up-and-comers at his gym: “I have an amazing crew of guys there. The guy who is most impressive right now is Martin Kampmann. This is probably the most impressive group of guys I’ve been training with in the past couple of years. We have a huge crew of guys. Any given night, any one of those guys could do well.”
Couture on whether Brock Lesnar should be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame: “I think he definitely should be. He made a huge impact in the sport and we saw that on all the pay per view fights.”
UFC Tonight Insider Ariel Helwani on why the Nevada State Athletic Commission was so tough on Nick Diaz: “The reason is that this was his second offense. This is the second time he has tested positive for marijuana metabolites. The first time was in 2007. A lot of people are complaining that this was too harsh.”
Florian on Diaz’s sentencing: “It was his second offense, but to me it is really harsh. That is a lot of money for a fighter to be fined. Not only did they fine him $60,000, he also can’t fight for a year. That is a lot of time away from the sport. Being a way for a year is just nuts. This is how he makes his money. Especially considering it is something he is legally allowed to use in the state of California.”
Helwani on Chael Sonnen’s Nevada State Athletic Commission hearing: “Good news for Chael Sonnen. The UFC 148 title fight between he and Anderson Silva will happen. Chael was granted a therapeutic-use exemption. He explained everything to them, they cleared the air. Basically, he will continue his bi-weekly testosterone dosage and he will be subject to testing. He must come in at the accepted ratio of 6-1. But, right now he is clear to fight at UFC 148.”
Helwani on Urijah Faber’s new opponent Renan Barao: “Basically, as we mentioned last week, there were two choices – Barao or Michael McDonald. The situation kind of cleared up for itself, when McDonald injured his hand right around the time when they were deciding. His manager said he didn’t break his hand, but he will be out for a few months and can’t fight on the card.”
“UFC Tonight” is the official weekly news and information show of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, airing every Tuesday night at 10:00 PM ET on FUEL TV. The show is co-hosted by veteran UFC fighter and multiple title contender Kenny Florian and former UFC host and WEC Announcer Todd Harris. Two-time World MMA Awards Journalist of the Year Ariel Helwani adds insider news.
