View Full Version : Dana White takes stab at Urijah
Sac23722
11-20-2008, 07:17 AM
I assume everyone is following the UFC - Jon Fitch story. If not, Dana White released John Fitch because he refused to allow UFC to use his image in an upcoming video game. Late last night Dana went on the Carmichael Dave Show (Urijah's friend) to respond - lets just say it was very emotional and he also took a stab at Urijah.
Asked: Will out boy Urijah be the champion again?
Dana's response: "fighters need to focus on fighting and not opening up businesses..." then he went on a rant - check it out
This was big news - Dana dropped a lot of bombs on this little radio show
Scroll down on the left to get the Dana interview
http://www.sports1140.com/pages/1939975.php
Sac23722
11-20-2008, 07:28 AM
The Urijah stab is about 3/4 of the way through the interview
Jessica_1979
11-20-2008, 07:31 AM
Thanks again Sac! I gotta bookmark that show! Jess
Was he trying to say that Urijah should just be focusing on fighting? Is that what he was saying????
If so, I am about to go off........
Sac23722
11-20-2008, 07:56 AM
Was he trying to say that Urijah should just be focusing on fighting? Is that what he was saying????
If so, I am about to go off........
Yeah - he was. Let me preface this though - Dana was all worked up (yelling) because of the Jon Fitch situation and was not prepared for the question about Urijah - but here is basically what he said:
fighters need to focus on just fighting - not commercials, opening up new businesses and all that. Business people can't even run businesses so a fighter certainly cna't run a business and train for fighting...
Here is my take:
Dana is totally right BUT not in Urijah's case. Dana is right if he was directing that comment at other fighters but Urijah didn't lose because he wasn't training - Urijah is in the gym a minimum of 6 days a week if not 7 - he wasn't out of shape, his cardio was great, he just took a punch - period, end of story.
Ummm.... not to mention.... DANA YOUR COMPANY IS THE ONE SENDING URIJAH TO MEXICO, TO EVERY UFC AND WEC EVENT AND ALL AROUND THE COUNTRY TO PROMOTE THE FIGHT
That is exactly what I was going to say Sac. He focuses on training constantly. I could see if he owned a freaking hot dog stand and was too busy stuffing his face with hot dogs at the stand and therefore couldn't focus on training and fighting. But for gosh sakes, he owns a freaking gym Dana, hello!!!!! I think Urijah is big boy enough to decide what he wants to focus on. Obviously fighting is his #1 love and he is 100% dedicated and focused on that, not a hot dog stand. Urijah seems to balance being a businessman and a fighter very well. Thanks for your in put though Dana, much appreciated :)
Kimberly
11-20-2008, 08:16 AM
Ummm.... not to mention.... DANA YOUR COMPANY IS THE ONE SENDING URIJAH TO MEXICO, TO EVERY UFC AND WEC EVENT AND ALL AROUND THE COUNTRY TO PROMOTE THE FIGHT
No joke, but he probably considers that part of being a fighter and representing the UFC/WC. In his opinion opening up a business is not a part of being in the UFC/WEC.
Sac23722
11-20-2008, 08:19 AM
I agree but he also mention doing commercials (Urijah has his WEC commercials) and he said they just need to focus on fighting - let me think here Dana... which is more important to training: opening your own gym with top of the line equipment so you can train OR going to all the UFC events, flying to Europe, flying to Mexico and all of that other stuff just for promotions...
Don't get me wrong, I like Dana (I'm one of the few these days) I just think he was all worked up last night about another topic and probably said some things he would regret if he really thought about it.
plus too it's about money, we all need it and that is a way for Urijah to make a few bucks!
Kimberly
11-20-2008, 08:27 AM
Oh I agree with you. I only got to listen to the first half of the interview and you could tell he got worked up as soon as Fitch's name was mentioned. But, unfortunately, we all speak before we think at some point in our lives. Judging by what every one has said about Urijah, there's no questioning his ability as a fighter to focus and train. Opening a business or not, other fighter's could learn from his work ethics.
Sac23722
11-20-2008, 08:41 AM
plus too it's about money, we all need it and that is a way for Urijah to make a few bucks!
Thats a good point - people have to understand that Urijah really doesn't make that much money in the WEC.
In the interview Dana mentioned that Fitch made $160,000 for his last fight - look at the numbers for Urijah's fight - less than 1/4 of that. The problem is that WEC is not on pay per view so there just isn't the money to go around. I mean, don't get me wrong - he has endorsements and things like that but it only makes sense to take advantage of other business opportunities. Urijah is a smart guy, he knows he will not be able to fight forever and it isn't like the fight has pension plans or 401k
KN0Ck0uT_KID
11-20-2008, 10:13 AM
I think that urijah is going to end up making dana money by doin all those commercials so I dont really see why he would even slip about that. As far as the business goes with his gym thats URIJAHS gym, and like lisa said, its not some dumpy little hotdog stand it is something that directly aids him in his career.
I think that urijah is going to end up making dana money by doin all those commercials so I dont really see why he would even slip about that. As far as the business goes with his gym thats URIJAHS gym, and like lisa said, its not some dumpy little hotdog stand it is something that directly aids him in his career.
Well said, the gym AIDES him in his career, it's not a distraction so I don't get why Dana feels like it is. Dana: remove head from ass!
Kimberly
11-20-2008, 12:05 PM
Well said, the gym AIDES him in his career, it's not a distraction so I don't get why Dana feels like it is. Dana: remove head from ass!
...and foot from mouth
Dana is a great guy and a great president for the UFC and him making all these drastic moves shows the power that he has. He just tries to fulfill the shoes that the president of a "fighting" company would. Since he isn't one of the bad asses getting in the cage, he attempts to have the mentality of a verbal and businessman bad ass. He does his talking but he knows Urijah is the reason WEC has made it to where it has today and that without Urijah it wouldn't be nearly as successful... Urijah will be back in no time
tobias
11-20-2008, 04:10 PM
Dana is great business man! He has watchrd numerous orgs come and go WFA, Elite XC, IFL, and my favourite; Pride Fighting Championships. Zuffa has shown that it is the only stable MMA promotion. Pride FC used to kill UFC in the shear amount of viewers they had until they lost their TV deal with FujiTV back in 2006. Not signing with Zuffa is a bit like shooting yourself in the foot. You may still have to use that foot one day. What other MMA Orgs have games. None. Affliction is not close to having one and the way they over pay certain fighters, they probably will not be around long enough to. Might as well sign with Zuffa and guarantee a place to work/fight. Unless you have the pull of Fedor, don't risk your career.
tobias
11-20-2008, 04:21 PM
Well said, the gym AIDES him in his career, it's not a distraction so I don't get why Dana feels like it is. Dana: remove head from ass!
I don't feel that the gym is a distraction to him at all either. Faber is not the one running around town, sending faxes or emails trying to get permit to commence construction on the the new place. The place is on his mind though about how much more cash he is going to make:D:D:D. He really does not need Zuffa to make a living anymore. I say after he wins his title back and feels he's done all he can do with Zuffa, leave them and take off to Japan to fight Kid Yamamoto. That is the match he wants.
Faber is not the one running around town.
literally, you guys should check out that ultimate fitness training vid if you havent already, its some hardcore stuff. So his business is anything but "distracting"
Taps, you're about 12 hours too late for the question of the day. :(
why what was the question?
but i just finished hearing that interview. it really didnt seem like he was thrashing urijah that much. he may have pointed a points out about him trying to run a business, but in all fairness he did say that urijah will get his title back (so at least he knows whats good for him :) )
chainsawtom
11-21-2008, 12:00 AM
Thank you for bringing it up and really pleased that you wrote out some of what was said SAC. I think we know why a few of the better fighters have come and gone, even winning their belt back like Randy Couture upon his return.
I think it is more than unfortunate that Dana White would say that stuff we find insulting, so it is a good thing that I think Urijah will take this better than us. He knows that Dana has obviously no idea about what it takes to be as successful as he is. He also knows that Dana has the pressure of being asked in public about his mistakes in the business with some of his fighters, maybe all if we count all of the ones who decided to stick around anyway.
Heck, I am starting to feel better about the whole disaster of an interviewie blowing it on the sportshow of Urijah's best friend. Maybe it helps that I only read about it and tried to see how hard it would be to be an aging, balding guy, faced with comenting on one man who is young, good looking with lots of hair and ladiess after him, a superb athlete and fighter, a man with the smarts and business sense to live really well doing what he loves, etc. I just feel sorry for Mr White and hope that he can learn to control himself in public.:p
Maybe we should start a drive to find him some manners?:D
JBNTX
11-21-2008, 09:29 AM
Understood completely bro !!
JBNTX
11-21-2008, 09:43 AM
plus too it's about money, we all need it and that is a way for Urijah to make a few bucks!
REALLY IT IS ALL ABOUT MO MONEY FOR ZUFFA !! That is what Dana is saying.......realistically. Train your ass off so THE UFC/WEC makes most of the cash and don't worry about taking care of your own shit......I say FUCK THAT you cant fight forever and everyone has to look out for number ONE because no matter what they say in the end it is YOU that has to take care of YOU and YOURS........
Kimberly
11-21-2008, 09:43 AM
Understand. Some things just aren't meant for our ears. :)
Kimberly
11-21-2008, 11:23 AM
Oh - now you make me feel bad. It has nothing to do with your ears... I couldn't tell anyone otherwise people wouldn't trust me with information anymore
Sac, don't feel bad. That wasn't my intentions whatsoever. I respect the fact that you can keep other people's confidences. That's what I meant.
JBNTX
11-21-2008, 11:46 AM
Thats a good point - people have to understand that Urijah really doesn't make that much money in the WEC.
In the interview Dana mentioned that Fitch made $160,000 for his last fight - look at the numbers for Urijah's fight - less than 1/4 of that. The problem is that WEC is not on pay per view so there just isn't the money to go around. I mean, don't get me wrong - he has endorsements and things like that but it only makes sense to take advantage of other business opportunities. Urijah is a smart guy, he knows he will not be able to fight forever and it isn't like the fight has pension plans or 401k
UF takes in a nice NICE CHUCK of change every month, plus he got $250000 from Pepsi for the Jens fight !!
JBNTX
11-21-2008, 11:49 AM
No Imagine if he sign that I OWN YOU AND YOUR NAME CONTRACT that never expires it is FOREVER he would have only made 20% of those endorsements !! WTF is wrong with that picture ????!!!!! Could he still run his own gym without Zuffa wanting their 80% WTF where does it end ?
Kimberly
11-21-2008, 12:19 PM
I know, I was just kidding - still makes me feel bad though.
Ok, good, we're cool. Don't want to rub anyone the wrong way. :)
JBNTX
11-21-2008, 12:39 PM
Hey Sac how big of a pad are you getting ??????? THe reason I ask is maybe we can all cut trip cost and come stay with you in March !! JK of course.
Kimberly
11-21-2008, 01:15 PM
I don't see me having a house by then - just my little apartment - I still have to pass the bar. I'm a little worried about when the fight is going to be though. I have finals in May and then the bar exam the 3rd week in July (3 days long) so the fight better not be any time around then.
Although I probably can't help with a place to stay - I have no problem pointing everyone in the right direction. If anyone needs to know where they should stay, if people want to visit the gym I can set up a time for that, I could show everyone around and if you need tips about tickets.
No promises but I usually get the opportunity to buy tickets 3 days before the general public so I may be able to pass that information along.
Yes to all of that. Need info on where to stay, tickets, and would love to visit the gym. I'm bringing my son with me. He wants to be an MMA fighter. And, along with me, is a huge fan of Urijahs. Thanks Sac, it's nice to know someone on the "inside." :)
Oh, and good luck on the bar exam. But I thought the fight was in March? Is there a chance it could get pushed back to the summer?
Sac23722
11-21-2008, 01:45 PM
Ok, good, we're cool. Don't want to rub anyone the wrong way. :)
Ha - nothing to worry about there - I don't really get upset
Sac23722
11-21-2008, 01:56 PM
Is there a chance it could get pushed back to the summer?
Not that I have heard. Everyone is saying March but when I think about that - I just don't know how the time frame will work out. Here is what I've been thinking:
Urijah
Urijah is supposed to fight at the end of Jan - and after a fight you are usually on suspension for a month - so the earliest he could fight again is end of Feb (no problem there). Even though that means he is available to fight in March - organizations generally like giving 3 months off between fights which would be the end of April - maybe they make an exception this time and have him fight in March Though
Mike Brown
All the talk is that he is going to fight Garcia before Urijah but Brown is hurt and we don't know when he will be back.
One possibility is that Brown comes back early in Jan and fights Garcia on the same card that Urijah is going to be on. I don't think Brown can come back that quick - usually it takes longer but you never know. If Brown does fight in March then that means the winner of his fight with Garcia and Urijah would have to come back quick and fight in March - and that is only if neither one of them get hurt in their fight.
If Brown is not healthy by Jan - then the next WEC event is not until March (specultation is that it is in Sacramento). So if they want Urijah to fight for the title in March then Garcia wouldn't get the title shot everyone is talking about - he would be left on the outside looking in and I don't see how the WEC can justify not giving Garcia the shot.
Kimberly
11-21-2008, 10:20 PM
I have a feeling that if Brown is not ready to fight until March AND the fight is in Sacramento, it will be Urijah he's fighting. I know that would be screwing over Garcia, but the fans will want to see a rematch (me included) and what better place than Urijah's hometown. I just hope it's not the same weekend as my TKD testing. That would be a dilemma.
Any info you can pass on would be great. For some of us, it will be our first time traveling to an event like this. Pointers on where to stay would be great, as well as when tickets go on sale and for how much. One of the other members had suggested one person buying all the tickets so we can sit together. Thanks in advance for all your help. :)
Sac, thank you so much for offering your help. Like Ej said many of us this will be our first time going to something like this, so any advice/tips would be great!
Sac23722
11-23-2008, 11:20 PM
I don't consider myself an expert on the fights but I will pass information along as we get closer to the event (hotels and things like that). Here are some basics:
Unless you are in the first couple of rows on the floor - it is better to be in the first few rows of the seats on the incline - that way you can see better.
Last time the WEC was in Sac - 2nd row seats were around $200
Lower bowl seats were around $50 and uppder-deck were $25
I think they may be a little more for the next event but we'll see.
so which ones are you saying to get? The $200 ones? If so, Ej-have you won the lottery yet?
Kimberly
11-24-2008, 05:04 AM
Haven't won the lottery yet, but will save every penny I can for the $200 tickets. It's also right around tax time for me so I think I know what my tax return is going towards.
Same here!!!! I love tax time. We usually get a nice chunk of change back!! Watch out Sac-town. The craziest fans are about to make an appearance.
JBNTX
11-24-2008, 09:36 AM
I don't see me having a house by then - just my little apartment - I still have to pass the bar. I'm a little worried about when the fight is going to be though. I have finals in May and then the bar exam the 3rd week in July (3 days long) so the fight better not be any time around then.
Although I probably can't help with a place to stay - I have no problem pointing everyone in the right direction. If anyone needs to know where they should stay, if people want to visit the gym I can set up a time for that, I could show everyone around and if you need tips about tickets.
No promises but I usually get the opportunity to buy tickets 3 days before the general public so I may be able to pass that information along.
All the fighters usually stay at the Sheraton Grand Hotel which is very fan friendly and makes it easy to meet them going back and forth to check weight in the adjacent building!!
Sac23722
11-24-2008, 09:56 AM
I don't know which tickets everyone wants... it is totally up to you.
Based on a recent post by Bako though - she suggested there is no Sacramento fight... so i don't know
JBNTX is right about the Sheraton - at least that is where the UFC guys stay. I don't know if the WEC guys will stay there because it is a little expensive but it is a very nice hotel. Ultimate Fitness is only 4 blocks away too.
JBNTX
11-24-2008, 10:02 AM
I don't know which tickets everyone wants... it is totally up to you.
Based on a recent post by Bako though - she suggested there is no Sacramento fight... so i don't know
JBNTX is right about the Sheraton - at least that is where the UFC guys stay. I don't know if the WEC guys will stay there because it is a little expensive but it is a very nice hotel. Ultimate Fitness is only 4 blocks away too.
You can walk for the Sheraton to UF....alot of the fighter do....the WEC guys stay there as well except for Team Alpha male who chill on the block, but I did see them all going to weight several times across from the Hotel !!
JBNTX
11-24-2008, 10:04 AM
Whereever the rematch is I WILL BE THERE !!
JBNTX
11-24-2008, 10:26 AM
I don't know which tickets everyone wants... it is totally up to you.
I like close floor seats first two rows if not then i get first or second row low risers right off the floor. If you are not first two rows on the floor, when the fight goes to the ground you have to atch the big screen anyways. But on the floor you can "roam" around and mingle with the fighter that are there on your side anyways. The low risers are actually better seats as far as the view of the cage goes !!
JBNTX
11-24-2008, 10:27 AM
JBNTX is right about the Sheraton - at least that is where the UFC guys stay. I don't know if the WEC guys will stay there because it is a little expensive but it is a very nice hotel. Ultimate Fitness is only 4 blocks away too.
I should have said they stayed there for WEC 34 anyways !!
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