Today was one of those days that the media personnel look forward to, it signifies that another UFC bout is just around the corner.
I walked from my hotel to the Mandalay Bay Events Center to check-in for today’s interview session with some of the stars of UFC 156; Jose Also, Frankie Edgar, Rashad Evans, Rogerio Nogueira, Alistair Overeem, Antonio Silva, and of course UFC President, Dana White was present.
We had about an hour-and-a-half to make our rounds to the different booths that were setup for the fighters to give their interviews at. Afterwards, Dana White had the fighters stand for a face-off/stare-down photo session for the media.
Photo by Saeed Bawaney
photo by Saeed Bawaney
Sporting some new scars, Frankie Edgar took on a big crowd of reporters at the Mandalay Bay Events Center. He stated that he considered moving to the 145 pound weight division for some time even if a title shot wasn’t immediately granted. When asked if this was a permanent move, he shrugged his shoulders and simply said: “We’ll see.”
Edgar is known for his never-ending pace throughout a 25 minute championship fight, but doesn’t consider that as a huge advantage over Jose Also. “I think I’m more efficient, my cardio is better, I’m more balanced you know” says Edgar regarding the new weight class. To prepare for Jose Aldo, Frankie brought in Edson Barbosa to mimic Aldo during training.
Frankie, who has never lost in Vegas, answered a question about what he needed to do to win this Saturday by simply saying: “Just be me… that’s it!”
photo by Saeed Bawaney
Erick Silva is to make his way back to the Octagon on April 6th against an opponent TBA. Silva was originally scheduled to fight Jay Hieron at UFC 156 this coming weekend, but was forced to pull out of the fight due to an injury. He was replaced by Strikeforce import Tyron Woodley.
With injuries healing, Silva looks to put a decision loss to Jon Fitch behind him and get back in the win column.
“Bigfoot” Photo by Saeed Bawaney
“Overeem” Photo by Saeed Bawaney
An intense stare-down and a few words exchanged as Alistair Overeem and Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva squared off in front of the media today at the Mandalay Bay Events Center. When asked if he left the Blackzilians because Overeem came to train there, Bigfoot Silva says: “..yeah, when he come in I left because I want to fight Overeem a long time ago. I’ve waited for two years.” Silva says that this was strictly a business decision and would consider returning to the Blackzilians after the fight.
To prepare for Overeem, Silva brought in UFC vet Pedro Rizzo and Vitor Miranda who is currently a coach on The Ultimate Fighter Season 17. He closed by saying: “you will see the best Bigfoot ever.”
“Aldo” Photo by Saeed Bawaney
“Aldo” Photo by Saeed Bawaney
“Aldo & Edgar” Photo by Saeed Bawaney
“Evans” Photo by Saeed Bawaney
“Evans” Photo by Saeed Bawaney
“Nogera” Photo by Saeed Bawaney