UFC 299: Post-Fight Press Conference
Summary
TLDRThe transcript captures a post-fight interview with UFC fighters discussing their performances, the electrifying atmosphere in Miami, and future match-ups. Fighters reflect on their victories, the challenges they faced, and the potential for high-stakes bouts in the division. The conversation also touches on the impact of fan support, the business side of the sport, and the fighters' personal aspirations, including the possibility of a third match between two fighters with a 1-1 record.
Takeaways
- 🎉 The event in Miami broke records with a 14.14 million gate, making it the fourth highest-grossing UFC event of all time.
- 🥊 Dustin Poirier's performance was highlighted as a key factor in the event's success, with a $50,000 bonus for his fight.
- 🌟 Shawn Mendes is considered one of the biggest stars in the bantamweight division, with this fight being the biggest ever in the division.
- 📣 The UFC is open to discussing moving divisions and future fights, including potential matchups with other top fighters.
- 🏆 Dustin Poirier's legendary status and recent performance put him in the conversation for a title shot.
- 🤼♂️ Michael Benavidez's UFC debut was noted, with his counter-striking style and flashy moves.
- 📺 Netflix's entry into live sports is seen as a significant development, with the UFC considering talks for future TV deals.
- 🥊 Conor McGregor's desire to fight in June and his interest in facing Nate Diaz was mentioned, though no confirmation was given.
- 🌐 The UFC's international reach was emphasized, with a focus on growing the sport globally.
- 🎽 Fighters' personal style and entrances, such as Michael Venom Page's cape and Sean O'Malley's dance routine, are becoming more accepted in the UFC.
- 🏆 The UFC's commitment to putting on the best possible fights was underscored, with an emphasis on building big stars and legendary fights.
Q & A
What was the significance of the event in Miami in terms of attendance and revenue?
-The event in Miami was a sellout with 19,600 people attending, making it the highest grossing event ever at the arena and the fourth highest grossing UFC event of all time.
Who won the fight of the night bonus?
-Dustin Poirier won the fight of the night bonus, while Cheito Vera was awarded the performance of the night.
What was the reaction to Dustin Poirier's performance?
-Dustin Poirier's performance was highly praised, with the commentator stating that he put on a clinic and that he is one of the most durable fighters ever seen.
How does Shawn's star power compare to Conor McGregor's?
-Shawn is considered one of the biggest stars in the company's history, with the commentator suggesting that he is on his way to being the biggest star ever in the bantamweight division.
What was the reaction to Michael Ben and Page's UFC debut?
-Michael Ben and Page's debut was met with positive reviews, with the commentator noting his counter-striking style and the need for a well-matched next fight.
What was Dana White's opinion on Mike Tyson's return to boxing?
-Dana White expressed concern about the age difference in Tyson's potential fights but acknowledged his respect for Tyson both personally and as an athlete.
What was the significance of the event's atmosphere and fan support?
-The atmosphere was described as electric, with fans from various countries creating an incredible energy that contributed to the excitement of the event.
What was the strategy behind Dustin Poirier's victory over Cheito Vera?
-Poirier's strategy involved not wasting energy trying to finish the fight early, as he knew Cheito was hard to put away, and instead focused on conserving energy for when it was most needed.
What are the potential future fights for Sean O'Malley after his victory?
-null
What was the significance of the gate for the event?
-The gate was significant as it was one of the largest non-McGregor gates for UFC, indicating the popularity and draw of the event.
Outlines
🥊 UFC Miami Event Recap and Fighter Performances
The script discusses the record-breaking attendance and success of a UFC event in Miami, highlighting the impressive gate of 14.14 million and its standing as the fourth highest-grossing UFC event ever. The conversation focuses on the performances of Dustin Poirier, Ben Askren, and other fighters, as well as the potential for future matchups and the impact of star power on the sport.
📺 Mike Tyson's Return to Boxing and Streaming Services in Sports
The discussion touches on Mike Tyson's announced return to boxing, the speaker's personal feelings about it, and the potential age difference in his upcoming fight. The conversation also shifts to the role of streaming services like Netflix in live sports, with a focus on the company's recent entry into live sports broadcasting.
🏆 UFC Event Logistics and Fighter Prospects
This section delves into the challenges of organizing a UFC event, including bout order and fighter matchups. It also discusses the possibility of Miami becoming a regular host for UFC events, the debut of a large fighter, and the potential for the UFC to visit Ecuador in the future.
🌟 Fighter Interviews and Career Reflections
The script includes interviews with fighters reflecting on their victories, the energy of the crowd, and their future in the sport. Fighters discuss their performances, the possibility of title shots, and their thoughts on being part of UFC history. The conversation also covers the significance of fan support and the impact of social media on their careers.
🤼♂️ Post-Fight Analysis and Future Matchups
The fighters share their thoughts on their recent matches, including the challenges they faced and their plans for the future. The discussion includes potential trilogy fights, the possibility of moving up in weight class, and the fighters' perspectives on their careers and the sport of MMA.
🏅 Title Defenses and Personal Milestones
The fighters talk about their first title defense, the significance of their win, and the physical and emotional aspects of their fights. They also discuss their relationships with other fighters, their plans for the next fight, and the importance of fan engagement and support.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡UFC
💡Gate
💡Fight of the Night
💡Star Power
💡Division
💡Title Shot
💡Hall of Fame
💡Crossover Fights
💡Live Sports
💡Fight Card
Highlights
The event in Miami broke records with a gate of 14.14 million, making it the highest-grossing event at the arena and the fourth highest-grossing UFC event of all time.
Dustin Poirier's performance was praised, and he was awarded 'Fight of the Night' along with Benoist.
The gate for the event was one of the highest not involving Conor McGregor, highlighting Shawn's star power.
Dana White discussed the potential of moving divisions for fighters, indicating it's not currently on the agenda.
Dustin Poirier's legendary status and his performance were highlighted, with discussions about a possible title shot.
Michael Ben and Page's UFC debut was noted, with his counter-striking style and flashy performance.
Dana White's thoughts on Mike Tyson's return to boxing were shared, expressing concern about the age difference in potential fights.
The impact of streaming services like Netflix entering live sports was discussed, with Dana White acknowledging their growing influence.
Conor McGregor's desire to fight in June and his interest in facing Nate Diaz were mentioned.
Curtis Blades and Jack Dela's comeback wins were acknowledged, with their performances being praised.
Joanne Wood's retirement from the UFC was discussed, with Dana White expressing admiration for her career and character.
The potential for the UFC to hold events in Saudi Arabia was brought up, with Dana White discussing the differences in event production.
Yana Kunitskaya's induction into the UFC Hall of Fame was mentioned, with Dana White sharing his respect and friendship with her.
The possibility of five-round co-main events becoming more common was discussed, with Dana White noting the challenges and considerations.
The atmosphere of the event in Miami was praised, with Dana White noting the diverse crowd and flags from various countries.
The potential for the UFC to return to Miami more frequently was hinted at, with Dana White expressing enthusiasm for the city as a destination for events.
The performance of Roel Trujillo, a Spanish fighter making his debut, was noted, with his knockout being highlighted.
The possibility of the UFC visiting Ecuador due to Cheito's popularity was mentioned, with Dana White acknowledging the potential.
Dana White's thoughts on Cheito's future in the UFC were shared, with the possibility of a third fight against Shamil being considered.
The importance of fighting young and hungry opponents for legends like Dustin Poirier was discussed, with Dana White emphasizing the significance of such fights.
Transcripts
so
uh I never thought I'd be saying this uh
we're here in Miami the gate was 14.14
Million it is was sellout
19,6 people the highest grossing event
ever at the arena we broke our own
record and it is the fourth highest
grossing UFC event of all time Miami is
on fire this place is unbelievable uh
what they've done in the state in this
city in the last uh 10 years is
phenomenal but anyway fight of the night
uh Dustin and benois performance of the
night om Ali and uh we gave everybody
who had a finish
$50,000 uh except for Dustin because he
won Fighter the night that's so we still
got talk to me all right d know got you
for a short time so I just want to ask
you first about shaal and his
performance uh you know he wanted to
finish his first title defense but he
didn't get that but he looked absolutely
fantastic so what did you think overall
of his performan he put on a clinic and
I don't know if anybody can finish
Cheeto Vera I mean that guy's got a chin
like nothing I've ever seen ate those
two knees um big shots all night I mean
everybody knows the power that om Ali
has uh he ate all those shots uh even
shots to the body that he took kicks and
and punches to the body Cheto Vera is
one of the most durable Fighters I've
ever seen and you talked about the
incredible gate tonight I think they
said on the Broast was one of the
highest Gates that didn't involve Conor
McGregor so I guess where does where
does Shawn stand in terms of star power
for the company and biggest bantamweight
fight of all time if you ba based off
energy excitement uh gate and
pay-per-view it's it's by far the
biggest fight ever in the bantamweight
division where do you see is SE I mean
our comparisons to Conor I know that's a
little bit tough he's one of a kind but
I mean is he one of the biggest stars
we've ever seen in he's on his way yeah
he's on his way he's the biggest star
ever in b history we can say that right
now definitely what do you make of uh
this these call outs of ilot Toria I
mean is that something that you're even
considering right now or is it too soon
to be talking about moving divisions oh
it's not Tuesday
yet on Tuesday maybe we can talk about
moving divisions yeah I don't know about
moving divisions
uh yeah yeah you know how I feel about
that I mean even topor was talking about
not fighting anybody in the division
after just winning the title yeah that's
crazy talk want to ask about Dustin
porier as well uh obviously future Hall
of Famer Legend fight of the night I
mean what did you think of his
performance and and him at this point in
his career these are the kind of fights
you know when you talk
about
um let think I how to say
this the fights that the fight that he
took tonight with the I mean everybody
when the when the talk first started and
every was like o this is a bad fight for
porier blah blah blah blah blah and then
porier came out and said you know what I
didn't sign all the this is that
makes you a Legend these are
legendary fights when you when you go in
and you face a guy who is a Savage and
and and uh you know looks like you can't
win this fight or people think you can't
win this fight and then you go in and do
it in spectacular fashion the way that
he did tonight A lot of these
Fighters um get very uh you
know you've heard it many times in the
past they want me to lose or they're
trying to make me lose um I heard some
nutty the other day from somebody
that I won't even mention but uh we
don't determine whether you lose or
whether you win you do what we try to do
is put on the best matchmake fight that
we can possibly do and that's why big
stars are built in the UFC and legendary
fights happen every weekend nice last
thing for me given his legendary status
and his performance when it is Tuesday
is he in the conversation for a title
shot in his next porier yeah I mean
porier again like I just said I just
went through that whole you know his
stock again goes through the roof at his
age all the things he's accomplished all
the things he's done look at what he did
tonight and I don't know if you guys are
too busy typing or whatever the it
is you guys do during fights but if you
stood up during that fight and saw the
arena it was insane it was insane PE
people were going nuts yeah
poier went to a whole another level
tonight with this fight Dana what did
you make of Michael Ben and Page's UFC
debut I mean he shot down Kevin Holland
Kevin Holland incredibly frustrated what
did you make of him I yeah listen he's
got that style that's very um you know
he he's he's a counter- striker and and
you know flashy
and we got to matchmake his next fight
the right way did you feel that Kevin
sort of I don't want to say gave up but
in the third round was clearly just like
I don't know what to do with this guy I
don't know if he gave up um you know I I
had
uh Michael winning the first round I had
Kevin winning the second round and then
you got to go in whoever wins the third
round that's
probably probably the first time that
Kevin's ever fought anybody cockier than
him uh earlier this week Mike Tyson has
been announced a return to boxing I know
in the past you said you didn't want him
to fight again you tried to talk him out
of fighting again have you spoken to him
about this one he gets mad when I do
this but Mike 60 man I I don't know what
do you guys think about it who gives a
what I think it's not my fight
um I love Mike Tyson you know personally
as a friend and he's one of my favorite
athletes of all time um I don't know
let's let's see what he can go in there
and put together a training camp and
come in and you know I don't like to see
guys fighting
it be a 31y year age difference during
that fight just you know you know you
guys know what I think of that stuff
that said it is on Netflix which is a
new development right them getting into
live sports obviously you have a TV deal
coming up soon I think the Netflix
should have gotten the live sports years
ago I think I think
they're they're uh they're late to the
game but they are a force they're a
force man and and when you look at um
the amount of homes that they're in
worldwide um you guys heard me talk
about this show Reacher I posted about
it I love that show I hate TV I
don't watch any TV shows hardly ever
don't watch movies anymore but I love
the show Reacher right I can watch
Reacher whenever I want to I can watch
it when I get home I can watch it next
week I can right live sports like this
event tonight you had to watch
tonight as all these massive streaming
companies start to get bigger and bigger
they have to they have to be involved in
live sports safe to say you'll be
talking to them when your TV deal comes
up I'm sure we'll be talking to
everybody uh last one for me Conor
McGregor says he still wants to fight in
June and uh he also mentioned he wanted
to fight Nate Diaz in the sphere on
Mexican Independence Day do either of
those two interest
you I'm looking for Mexicans at the
sphere uh on Mexican Independence Day
Nate huh Nate Diaz oh okay um yeah no
I'm not doing that fight you right here
yeah uh what did I know you gave them
bonuses but what did you make the
performances of Curtis blades and uh
Jack Dela like two guys that seem to be
down on the score cards and picked up in
more comeback wins yeah I agree look
look great
um yeah yeah you you nailed it I don't
know what else to say other than what
you just said you yeah uh we had two uh
interesting entrances with Michael Venom
pagee came out with like the cape and
The Undertaker thing he said even the
UFC kind of helped him out a bit and
then Michelle Pera got approval to do
his dance routine when he walked out so
are we going to see more of this in the
UFC I know it's not something you've
normally done in the past no so not a
fan no uh Joanne wood uh retired at uh
after the first fight what do you make
of her career in the UFC I know she
never got her title shop but she seems
to be one of these beloved figures
awesome human yes she's an awesome human
incredible fighter and uh I couldn't be
more happy for I know that um you know I
don't know how many years ago it was but
pretty recent within the last five or
something you know she went through some
hard times and some ups and downs that
that people go through and she seems
like she's in a really good place she
seems like she's really happy in her
personal life and obviously happy enough
professionally to finally call her quit
so um it could not happen to a better
human being absolutely love her and wish
her nothing but the best last one for me
uh in Saudi Arabia they've been holding
a lot of these big boxing events you
know with the pirate Technics and all
the The Glitz and glamour not something
you also do really with UFC so are we
going to see a lot of that when you do
eventually hold your fight card there so
I I think the difference is that um and
I don't know this for a fact but I'm
just assuming the the the the boxing
events that they're holding there
they're their events and and uh they run
all the production and everything else
and and they put some money into those
things man they really do um but when we
go there we'll be running the production
did you uh see the match the boxing
match last night did you talked to Eddie
after it I did not um I I mean I saw it
on I saw it on social media yeah what
did you make of that finish in the
Francis fight what do you mean what did
I make what did I make of it what you
saw like it was it was it was people are
saying it's one of the more violent
Knockouts in boxing history yeah I mean
going into the fury fight if Fury
trained for the fight and didn't show up
and you know look like he ate Tyson Fury
it's probably the way that fight would
have ended too I mean listen the crosso
you know how I feel about crossovers
into boxing and that's that's how they
end just like that Dana right here to
your left um uh Yani on Chek getting
into the UFC Hall of Fame this summer I
saw you guys got the share moment after
the announcement I guess what did you
guys say to each other and I guess what
does she mean to you and in the company
we both said Thank you to each other you
know um know she's she's incredible I
love the first time I ever ever saw Yana
fight in the UFC I literally went back
and grabbed her and said come out and
watch the rest of the fight we literally
sat there all night and watched the rest
of the card together um and from that
night to tonight we become really close
friends and I have so much respect for
her
and you know she she not only since
she's when she was here but when she
retired I mean she still does so much
stuff with us and for us and she'll be
with us for the rest of her life
tonight's card um had a five round
co-main event I know you guys have done
this a few times more recently we
seeming to see it more for non-title
fights is is that something that going
forward like could it be every card that
this ends up happening eventually well
you know the problem is is that like
this card tonight and even more so UFC
300 when you look at most of the fights
on the card you're like damn I wish this
was five rounds but you know you can't
do it all the time but we'll be sitting
in the room we'll think of these fights
that is a co-main event and we're like
well let's just see if they both want
five rounds or sometimes the fighters
ask for five rounds you know they want
to go five rounds so it's sort of just
kind of kind of how we feel but I think
as fans when we have great fights like
as you look through we ran the first
promo tonight for UFC 300 so from the
first fight of the night all the way
till the main event I mean every fight
you you wouldn't mind see in five rounds
of how difficult was it to uh tonight
was the first time we saw like the bout
order as well so how difficult was that
to figure out where everybody goes like
I saw a lot of people talking about b
nickel being really high so how
challenging was that I'm not kidding you
we literally finalized it today or
yesterday last night we finalized it uh
right after the weigh-ins we started
moving a couple more things around and
then last night we said all right this
is it this is the card because we were
announcing it tonight so um if we didn't
announce it tonight we probably still be
playing with it next week it is what it
is
now here Dana over here just curious
what your thought was of just the whole
atmosphere tonight you the crowd
Channing USA channy Cheeto all different
flags from all countries it was just
what were your thoughts just being here
in that atmosphere it's incredible
brother I I mean it really kicked off
and started at the uh press conference
the press conference was insane awesome
then we roll right into the uh the the
uh WS the next day and then I I knew
tonight you know as long as somebody
these you know we got our holy
moments with some of these fights that
it was going to be Electric in that
place and it was awesome Miami is on
fire I mean I just I can't say it enough
this this City's on fire it's it's it's
such a great destination when you talk
about everything that makes a place a
destination and then is become such a
huge Sports town and now a fight town we
we came here I came here with Anderson
Silva I don't know how many years ago
and we held a a press event and
literally there was no press there and
we we've put on a couple fights the
gates weren't great but in the last 10
years this place has just
exploded and and then finally for me you
mentioned 14 million plus for the gate
yeah so is it fair to say that Miami
will get another one you'll come back
twice a year rather than once a year I
don't know I mean I'd come back next
weekend uh it's that good you know
what's crazy is
that let me let me just put it to this
way probably the biggest venue you can
do in the United
States is Madison Square Garden right
Miami is equal to Madison Square Garden
now with
numbers think wrap your head around that
and think about that 10 years ago would
have never imagined it your opinion on
roell the Spain no out it's a qan giant
two meter ha uh he was debuting tonight
here in
Miami sir I have no idea what you just
said to me Ro is a Spain who Spain yeah
yeah got a knockout tonight okay and
your opinion about the his performance
yeah Knockouts are great when you when
you when you go in and you perform at
this
level with everything that we were just
saying about this place here tonight the
energy the fans and and you pull off an
an incredible knockout it it literally
doesn't get any better than
that thank you sir they know here yeah
go ahead brother I know Chito lost but
you guys uh before the pandemic had gone
to Chile had gone to Argentina uh given
his popularity how much media there was
here for him and fans is there a chance
that the UFC visits Ecuador at one point
yeah I I mean take Cheeto out of the
equation we end up in Ecuador someday
anyway obviously
um when you have somebody who's po you
know that's popular from from that part
of the world it's like we're talking
about Africa and Spain right now
seriously we're we're heavily invested
in Mexico now um yes
we will end up there someday and just
real quick any update on Spain uh no not
yet thank you thank you sir who is next
go
ahead Dana um continuing with that
question um there were probably a record
attendance from ecuadorians about 5,000
ecuadorians were here maybe a bit you
could feel it yeah and more than 40
Ecuadorian journalist came to see Cheeto
um it would be good if youf he goes to
eador one day but what would be your
message to Ecuadorian fans that they
were you know extremely explosive
electric tonight here and back home this
is what I love about South America I
mean it's it's almost like that that
soccer mentality they they they support
their own and and and they're very vocal
and uh it just it helps create this
unbelievable energy at sporting events
when you when you have these people from
other countries and and Ecuador
definitely represented in every way
shape and form and it was fun I mean
You' hear USA or I don't know what they
were saying something Al and then you'd
hear Cheeto Cheeto and just it's a best
man creates that energy that that buzz
at a fight that you love thank you very
much we had a blessed here thank you sir
anybody
else Dana here yep um hello Dana um I
just wondering what do you think is
coming now for Cheeto after this fight
do you think maybe in the future is
going to be the third part of this uh
this fight between Chito and shomali
could be it could be yeah he's gonna
have to get back on the horse and win a
couple fights and who knows he could he
could work his way back up to Mal again
because yes it's one and one so that
that fight could possibly happen I'm not
even thinking about that or considering
that right now but not saying it
couldn't be a possibility thank you
you're welcome who was the other guy
that said yeah Dana last one over here
so I know you guys have deals lined up
with places agreements for locations
ahead of time but I have to ask I had a
couple people approached me after the
conference and today after like you said
electric energy here in Miami is there a
chance Miami becomes one of those
Stables where you go twice a year or
maybe that's what that other guy just
asked me too yeah well maybe for UFC 305
that's the specific thing they've been
asking me that's interesting that's
interesting yeah that's funny was that
was that a talk at least or is that up
in the air never even thought it until
you just said it awesome and obviously
the Dustin por been also underne it was
a great fight from round one and two
till the end it but benan definitely
showed that he belonged is that a guy
that you guys are going to keep giving
these big fights
yeah no he's definitely he's one of the
best in the world Listen
poier like what I said when we started
this press conference what I said about
porier porier put on another legendary
performance and took himself to another
level and porier is one of the best to
do it so it it it it doesn't hurt his
stock at all not not even a little bit
you know he's another one now that's got
to jump back in the mix and win some
fights he'll learn from this thank you
was there one more guy that was trying
to ask me yeah last one for me uh Bryce
smch who got his uh camo shorts Shan Ali
got his pink shorts Brendan Allen a
upcoming UFC headliner wants purple
shorts to commemorate his daughter as
well as his school's uh his school's
colors can you get uh purple shorts next
time out this is when we know we've gone
too long with the press conference when
we start talking about clothing uh sure
he can have purple
pants thank you oh thank you good
night
[Music]
what's it's a it's a career full big
wins for you but uh man I guess talk to
us about where this ranks is just your
feeling after after this Victory before
I answer the question if Brennan gets
purple shorts I got to get
floral first things first um it feels
good you know to write the ship take a
chance fight a guy outside of the top 10
when you know the the I don't even know
how many but my last opponents have been
former world champions huge Main Events
huge fights and now this got this young
guy in his 20s who finished his last
five opponents representing France got a
lot of momentum behind him and a country
behind him and I'm like you know
what let's see if I still got it to
fight these young guys and it feels good
man you know it feels good to win it was
a long training camp it was it was
stressful had a lot on my back and it
feels good to win I know you said you
were prepared for this to be a battle
and knew it would be it seemed like it
was early on I guess you know how
difficult were the opening round and and
was it different than you expected it
would
be no I I I thought he was going to want
to Grapple I really did um I was
surprised at his at his punching power I
didn't in the moment in there I didn't
feel like he was a big puncher he looked
like a big guy and he's finished guys on
the feet I mean he's finished all of his
wins but I thought he was going to be a
bigger puncher when he was Landing those
shots they weren't that that much
knockdown power behind him but
um he I was surprised by his strength he
was pretty strong yeah it seemed like in
the second round maybe there was a
moment you thought maybe I don't always
have to jump the Gillie nope I never
thought that once cuz it looked like it
was there you like maybe we should keep
it on the feet I'm having some success
with my
hands yeah um another thing too like I
thought he was going to be a little bit
he was physically strong but I thought
techn technically I know he comes from a
judo background I thought his hips and
his grip strength was going to be better
against the fence I took myself down
every time you know when I was on the
mat was because I jump Guillotines and
you miss all the ones you don't jump
first of all
but I thought he was going to be a
little bit tougher with the takedowns
against the fence yeah last thing for me
I mean you're at a point in your career
where you kind of call the shots I mean
you've earned it right but I mean does a
title shot does that matter to you is
that still the goal and is that what you
would like to see next for yourself or
is it is it too early to make a call
like that I mean that's the only reason
I'm fighting I started fighting was to
be the world champion to be the best in
the world
Undisputed but we we got to see I got to
get home and see what's what makes sense
with my coaches and my wife and my
management and and just see what's next
I don't know but yeah that's that's I
mean I've done a lot in the sport I'm
not trying to you know brag or be
boastful but I've done a lot in the
sport and I've been figh fighting for a
long time this was like my 50th or
around my maybe more or right under 50th
mixed martial arts fight and I've done a
lot and I've checked a lot of boxes but
there's one that's that's still
unchecked and and that's being the world
champion Dustin I don't know if you
heard Dana when he was up here talking
about you but he was saying these are
the sort of fights that make you a
Legend basically and that
fighting a Young and Hungry guy is what
is important for you do you agree with
that is that why you took this fight
because you wanted to just be like well
I know I can compete against these guys
who've been around but this guy might be
the new generation I want to see if I
can compete against him it was kind of a
timing thing in the situation of the
lightweight division there wasn't any
big names to fight I wanted to fight
especially coming off of a loss and and
nothing was big that they could put
together but this guy's on a on a streak
and has a lot of
momentum and uh when they offered it to
me that's that's why we did it it just
it just there was nothing else at the
time and then I honor what I do man and
Eddie Alvarez gave me a shot when he was
a former champion and I was an upand
Comer and you have to do it that's the
nature of what we do yeah well any of
the Guillotines close the last one was
the high elbow was was really close when
you eventually do finish someone with
that after jumping in how exited you GNA
and I will and I
will Dustin over here yep just curious
when you won the fight and then the
whole place just
erupted has that ever been they probably
bet because I was plus 200 that's why
they they
was so I'm I'm was curious in your
historic career has it ever been like
that where the crowd erupted like that
and you heard it and you just soaked it
all in as well yeah I really felt in the
moment this whole week in the locker
room walking out in the in the Octagon I
really felt good I didn't so much you
know the adrenaline's pounding I'm
trying to he's getting up off the ground
I'm trying to go talk to him and and let
him know to keep working and
and I didn't really notice it in the
moment it's so
yeah right here um you had said said I
think just a moment ago that like Camp
was like stressful there was a lot on
your back and everything was that
something specific in Camp was it no
that was just losing my last fight never
lose losing two in a row fighting this
young upand Comer who's finishing
everybody um just the risk versus the
reward it was just like I I had to win
this one for me I felt like so that was
more stressful because I was putting it
on myself I know tonight was your night
but do you think Ben wall will get back
up there into title
contention I mean he has the ability
he's proven
it with all of his wins you know this is
his first getting first time getting
finished his first loss in his career
was to a welterweight I think you know
not on on a full training camp on short
notice so and he's still young if he
dedicates himself and picks himself back
up and obviously he has the mental
fortitude to do it he's a a military
veteran you know so he's been through
some things if he if he decides to do it
I think he can I felt it in there he's
very strong
and uh if he keeps evolving getting
better he he'll be right back where he
was forgive me if this is an ignorant
question for your Louisiana but like
there is a lot of French Connection in
Louisiana is was there any sort of like
how do how do the people there like kind
of receive Ben W because obviously you
said you're anything you post would just
be filled with French flags but how did
the actual like you and I and and and I
understand that they're supporting their
guy MMA just got legalized not that long
ago in their country and it's a growing
sport so I understand that but uh no
there's a lot of French in a kadana
where where I live in Lafia um my dad
speaks fluent French you know a lot of
the Cajun in a
kadana came from French Canada you know
we got kicked out and
uh relocated to Louisiana well Conor
McGregor actually uh tweeted a good
fight between a couple Frenchmen and
even tagged the French uh was it
president or prime minister whatever
they have over there yeah well he felt
that right hook
too
just one quick one over here Dustin you
and uh you spoke about media day how you
and gamat had great training camp
obviously you were primary CH training
partners with him so how did it feel
going two for two with him tonight it
felt great and uh we pushed each other
so hard this training camp after his
fight with RDA he came back and stayed
in the locker room the whole time he's
such a great teammate hard worker his
nickname is perfect he's a gamer bro um
he pushes hard he's a maniac uh but he
told me in the locker room remember
remember champ don't jump Gill
don't do it Circle off the fence don't
jump Guillotine he he told me that
multiple times what do you think would
be next for someone like Kim I mean some
people said that he might have shouldn't
have probably taken this fight or you
know what do you think should be next
for me after that fight for gamrat I
mean he beat a legend he'd beat the
former Champion a guy you know I don't
know if he's in the Hall of Fame he's
going to be a Hall of Famer it's a great
win on your record and a tough guy who's
proving himself time and time again and
gamad has some great wins you know he
beat Armen um lost to Bal but he is a
hard worker always in the gym always
getting better I mean I think he belongs
at the top of the division fighting for
a contender
status gtin over here um I I know you
just fought but what does a path back to
a title look like for you you think man
it's tough to say
with I don't know the lightweight
division has been so like murky
and not a clear path to anything for
anybody and now it's even more so with
Max coming up let's say he does beat
gatei does he stay at 55 what you know
what's happening I don't I don't know I
I don't know what's next for me what
opponent makes sense who's available
there's a lot of
questions and um I I don't
know I know your focus is is on the Belt
but a lot of people talk about a
potential Trilogy with Justin gagei
since you guys are one-onone and a lot
of people are still kind of waiting on
that Nate Diaz fight because you know
it's been it was booked at one point a
lot of people were excited for that do
you see any of those two fights
happening before your career said s in
then
man I have no clue um Nate was a fight I
always
wanted gatei hit me with the Hogan boot
so we might have to do it again it's
tough to say I don't
know thank you thanks Dustin right here
to you're right um speaking of the Hall
of Fame they actually mentioned on the
broadcast tonight that's somewhere that
you're going to end up someday and
obviously tonight another fight of the
night and know tie in another record I
mean when you look ahead to that what
does that mean to you to hear that from
a broadcast team especially that has a
Hall of Famer on
it I we've been talking about it this
whole week with my with my coaches you
know like for the weigh-ins they they
announced future Hall of Famer something
else this week they announced me as a
future Hall of Famer I mean dude that
means a lot to me you know
um that's something special I'm so happy
for Yanna to get in she she earned that
for sure you know and I'm just happy for
her she's a hard worker and done a lot
in the sport and especially for women's
MMA she deserves to be in there if
that's my destiny I would love to be
along those great names that are in the
Hall of Fame you know it's kind of
surreal honestly cuz time flies by so
quick I just remember being a kid like
praying just give me one chance to fight
in the UFC and show these guys what I'm
made of you know and now we're talking
about that it's just like it's crazy at
the same time is it just a little uh a
little Bittersweet almost where you're
like hey I'm not done yet I still got a
few things to
do yeah like I I've said before I have
tread on the tires and I think I can
beat a lot of these guys I can compete
with the the young guys I can beat
anybody in the world I feel
um we'll see I I don't know I I don't
feel like
it's I'm 35 this is my 30th fight in the
UFC you know so we'll see
thanks hi doing were The Guillotines
part of the plan or just you no everyone
told me not to jump to giltine Mike
Brown told me a 100 times this week
gamad told me bunch of times in the
locker room at weigh-ins don't you know
um it was part of my
plan not the
coaches and I'll jump another one I
promise
you thank you
guys
what's
up Sean congratulations on the victory I
know you didn't necessarily get the
Finish you wanted but it was a pretty
incredible performance overall so I'm
sure you'll break it down afterwards but
as you sit there how do you feel about
the way you performed
tonight yeah something about not getting
the finish that just doesn't sit right
with me it just like but um I you
know I also haven't watched it obviously
once I watch it back I think I'll be a
little bit more excited but you know I
always I always want to get that finish
yeah saw you obviously the boot on the
foot little bit of a limp as you walked
out I guess um do you know what the
status is of it right now and when the
the injury occurred um no I think you
know I'm I've had a pretty major surgery
on this foot before so I think you know
it tends to flare up after he kicks
someone in the head a few times so I
don't think it's anything serious
hopefully not but yeah I think it's just
going to be a little swollen for a few
weeks and uh we'll be be back to work
like you said great performance I mean
was there anything that surprised you I
know you knew how durable he was and all
those things but I mean was there
anything at all that surprised you that
happened in there no not at all I mean I
knew I was better than this guy for you
know three and a half years I knew the
first flight was a fight was a fluke um
and I proved that you know so felt good
at the end of the fight you kind of sat
down Against the Cage I was curious if
that was physical because of the foot or
if there was something emotional just
exhaustion after 25 minutes what was
going on there hit me with a nice
body shot Tim told me like don't you
don't need to you want you're winning
the fight you don't need to sit there
but I just oh I wanted that finish so
bad I thought I could sit in the pocket
and trade and he hit me with a
nice body shot and I just was like all
already whooped his ass I'm going sit
down and chillax for a little bit fair
enough uh last thing for me I mean you
said it in the cage you'd like to see El
tor's a scary guy it'd be fun but you
said hey morab if that's the fight
everybody wants we we'll do that one too
so how do you make that decision how how
do you allow that choice to be made uh
it's nice having options you know it's
hard to make a decision right after the
fight we'll see see you know how it
plays out talk to the UFC talk to Hunter
Dana and uh you know we'll see see what
happens Sean obviously you always took
that first ostao kind of like in good
nature and always said you're undefeated
and stuff but was there something on on
your mind about like I want to prove to
everyone that I am actually just way
better than this guy a little bit I mean
I literally truly always knew I was
better than him it never bothered me
once that that fight played out like
that I mean look where I was at
considering I played out like that beat
Thomas ala one of the most you know
beautiful performances I ever had so you
know that that fight never bothered me
you know I I try not to care what people
think and I knew I was better than him
and you know it took a little you know
three and a half years to go improve
that and and I did obviously you landed
the two massive knees on him uh in the
second I think and looked like you had
him very badly hurt but you also sort of
knew that he's a very hard guy to put
away did you see that I'm not
necessarily going to be able to finish
this guy right away yeah he's hard to
he's hard to catch he's hard to hit um
clean so I didn't want to waste energy
trying to put his lights out if if I
wasn't going to be able to so you know
I'm a vet I'm a veteran I've I've done
this for a long time and you know you
know when to use your energy and when to
save it and and I didn't feel like it
could put it lights out uh right then
and there so it saved the energy are you
kind of surprised he didn't just Spam
the cough kick over and over again uh
not not really I think it's like you
know leg kicks are dangerous but they're
also not just easy to throw you
can't just throw them and just know
you're going to land them every time
they're they're you know if you get
checked it hurts if you throw it and I
you know step in with a right hand
you're off balance so it's not as easy
as just throwing a leg kick and you're
going to land
it Sean right here at mediate day you
you said you know we'll never be Buds
and this and that but did you talk to
Cheeto at all I know I saw you guys like
bump fist but was there anything else
said between you guys no nothing was
said just a little handshake I think he
told Tim where we'll never be friends or
something something like that but you
know it is what it is I mean I'd be
jealous and hate me too what
what did you make of the just like the
crowd and the scenes you know that press
conference Dan White said is one of the
loudest he's ever seen they were
chanting they were dueling USA and
Ecuador chance during your
fight yeah it's incredible it's so weird
to be me right now like just being being
able to stand there and listen to that
and perform for the people you know if
it wasn't for the fans if it wasn't for
the media to You Know cover this sport I
wouldn't you know be in this position so
you know it's it's a really really cool
and I'm really grateful the for you guys
and the fans that watch one more thing
throw at you this is one of the largest
if not the largest non- McGregor Gates
uh for UFC pay for you so what do you
make of like another thing like that on
your belt yeah I think I think I'm I'm
I'm I'm creeping up there I'm getting up
there you know at the end of the at the
end of the day UFC doesn't need anyone
they're going to be they're going to
find Stars they're going to make you
know put on crazy fights regardless but
you know I think I'm I'm working my way
up to uh one of the biggest names in the
sport one of your teammates Kyler
Phillips uh he got a big win too and you
know we asked him like would it be an
issue would it be like Mor Rob and aljo
like would you guys not fight and he
says you know we'll make we'll fight
we'll make money uh Mario Bautista threw
in there too so do you have to have that
conversation with your teammates or is
it just like you know we'll have to
fight someday um I don't know we'll
we'll go with the flow if if it happens
I feel like I could move up to 45 feel
like I you know I'm going to get to a
point to I don't even need the belt I'm
bigger than the Belt have the belt I'm
going to fight you know main event by
140 at 140 two and a half just
for fun I can you know I'm
getting to that point so the the belt's
cool but you know once you get to a
certain point you can main event and
just kind of Fight You Know look Conor
was 45 pound champ fighting at 170
fighting Nate like I want to get I want
to get there and uh last one for me uh
those we saw the video clip of kind of
Mor Rob walking up to you when you were
leaving did you guys say anything I
didn't I don't know like I got hit in
the head too I was like what the
who is this random guy saying talking to
me I thought I was like who the and
then I realized it was ABB and then it
was uh his buddy was yelling or
something but yeah I mean that that that
fight very well could happen next Sean
over here I know you said you probably
won't be Buzz with Cheeto but when you
look at the fighter version of Cheeto
what do you think he should do next with
his
career um you know Cheeto versus Henry
could be an interesting fight Cheeto
versus Peter could be an interesting
fight cheeter vers Cheeto versus Alo
would have been an interesting fight you
know he he's a somewhat of a star so he
he's got some good op options too but uh
he'll probably need some good amount of
time off as well I think I broke his
face kind of like they just mentioned
there with the energy in Miami this
whole week how did it feel not being you
know the 100% unanimous fan fav going
into this fight week I know other than
that yawn fight week you were kind of a
fan favorite everywhere you went you
know I show up and perform wherever
we're at I could you know fly to Spain
and fight Elia I don't that doesn't
bother me it's cool you know having the
fans there for me specifically but it's
just cool being a part of it so so yeah
that didn't bother
me Sean here hey Sean I just checked so
congrats for your first title defense
and I just checked all your social media
and everyone writes that you should
fight next meab and what's your response
just next fight what uh so everyone says
and everyone comments that you next
should fight meab and what's your answer
just might might yeah maybe we'll
see over here um what about the urya
fight uh calls your attention is it
making history that second belt is it
something specifically about him uh The
Undefeated what what is it about him
that uh calls your attention yeah I mean
it's moving up to 45 that's champ versus
champ automatically is huge just knocked
out and Alexander volkanovski that's
massive you know it's just an exciting
fight I'm here for for massive fights um
and that's what I want to be a part of
so if that's it sweet if Mor's it sweet
you know I like having options and you
prefer El over Mor uh not necessarily I
mean I guess if it looks I mean
technically I wouldn't I'm not defending
a belt so I don't know about
pay-per-view I would have to talk to the
UFC I don't think that would be an issue
I've always been able to work out
something with the UFC so you know if
that's the case that might be a bigger
fight but uh again I'm gonna I'll talk
we'll talk and uh figure it out and how
would you think a fight with ELO would
go I think a fight with anybody I win by
knockout obviously I didn't knock Cheeto
out but but you know they don't lose
Confidence from that Cheeto you know so
tough um but yeah I believe I could put
elia's lights out yeah and lastly um I
know you don't count it but you know
technically you guys are oneon-one do
you see a Trilogy happening in the
future do you feel like you're done with
cheito for the rest of your career yeah
know the sugar State athletic commission
they said if I win this fight that
they'll take that that uh first fight
away so I'm officially undefeated again
and uh feels really good so that's we're
just one and0 right
now
Sean right here this may signal the end
of things like I did earlier but I'm
going to ask about your shorts uh you've
been known to change your hair a fair a
fair bit are the pink shorts here to
stay or could you change those up too
yeah I mean I like this pink I'm going
to rock it so if UFC is going to let me
keep using using the pink I'm going to
keep rocking it okay
thanks hi Shan um do you think your
problems with Cheeto and that today and
also do you remember the day that you
guys talk uh in a pool in Las
Vegas talk no I don't uh I've never
really had a conversation with Cheeto
other than I mean at the pi once but uh
yeah I don't
know um what about the problems you guys
have before it is ended
today I mean I've never not liked him I
just you know he doesn't like me he's
jealous I get it it's whatever but he
just he doesn't like me for some
reason I don't have a problem you will
see one more fight with him in the
future
maybe uh probably
not okay thank you I I mean I think I
had a 50 44 at one point so yeah
probably
not all right I'm going to the club
peace
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