UFC Press Report: Tito Back, Fedor Not Coming, Tons More
Here are the highlights from the UFC presser moments ago courtesy of MMAScoops.com:
- We're under way. Dana had said this would stream on UFC.com but no one can find it so follow our updates here.
- Dana says they tried everything possible to get Fedor in the UFC and went above and beyond, the only thing they wouldn't cave on is co-promotion. Dana said he'll never be offered a deal like this again from anyone. He has asked for no Fedor questions.
- Dana White confirms that they have signed Vitor Belfort. Belfort will fight Rich Franklin at UFC 103.
- A 3 year deal has been signed with ESPN UK. Free, Hi-Def starting with UFC 101 No mention of an ESPN deal in the US.
- Tito Ortiz is officially back in the UFC. Dana White says "Tito will retire in the UFC"
- Tito: "Time cures everything. Dana apologized to me....It was about competition...financially I'm ok...Dana stuck by his word."
- Ortiz states that there was no one to fight if he went to Strikeforce and that he feels totally healthy.
- Tito is working with Freddie Roach and says he expects to fight in November or December.
- It is confirmed that Vitor vs. Franklin will be at light heavyweight (205 lbs)
- White confirms Tito's first fight back could be against Mark Coleman and expects some ring rust.
- Dana says they are always working to complete a network deal but need "the right deal" which they don't yet have.
- Tito says it was an offer he couldn't refuse and you'll never hear him complain about money again.
- Dana claims that Dan Henderson is next in line for a title shot at 185.
- Dana says the UFC is going to come to Japan and it "can't be stopped"
- White says that no one wants to watch Mayweather vs. Marquez, they want to see Mayweather vs. Pacquiao.
- Dana says he has no interest in bringing back Tim Sylvia or Andrei Arlovski.
- White claims that M-1 can call him right now if they're ready to make a deal. He was very confident this was going to happen.
- White claims they were willing to make a deal at almost any cost to get Fedor but he doesn't want to fight the best.
- Dana says he feels it is his job to make Fedor/Lesner a reality since it is what fans want. And Fedor can do sambo every Thursday night for all he cares.
- White confirms that if they get a network deal they're putting "real fights" on TV.
- Dana pretty much confirms UFC 100 did in excess of 1.5 million buys "We have to clear it with the Mandalay Bay, but I'm gonna do it. I'm gonna jump off that f–ker."
- The call is over.