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UFC on FOX 4: Shogun Vs Vera Pre-Fight Press Conference 8/2/12 Recap |
Just a couple of weeks ago after an unimpressive or unattractive card in “UFC 149: Faber Vs Barao”, Ultimate Fighting Championship President Dana White soon after made amends for the past card and announced recently that not only will the main event for UFC on Fox 4 have title shot bearings, but so will the co-main event.
Now, the scene has become more interesting with that monkey wrench! The number one contender status hangs in the balance with four men having equal opportunities to gain that esteemed prize. The winner of the two main events with “the most impressive win” will gain that dream rematch against the reigning UFC Light-Heavyweight Champion, Jon “Bones” Jones who had decisively silenced these four fighters.
So who will it be? Mauricio “Shogun” Rua? Brandon “The Truth” Vera? Lyoto “The Dragon” Machida? Ryan “Darth” Bader?
Honestly? Whoever it’ll be, this card on Saturday will be one helluva dog fight! It’s like a fatal 4-way WWE match and I love the unpredictability for this event!
So are you game and down with that? I can’t wait!
RECAP
The pre-fight press conference for this Saturday’s card was held at one of the lounges of the Staples Center and the opening remarks were conducted by the general manager of the said venue, who cited that this upcoming event will mark the organization’s third fight in Los Angeles in a span of a three-year interval since 2006. He welcomed and invited the fight league that they were more than welcome to hold events aside from the three-year gaps and that of an annual occurrence was encouraged since the City of Angels had a tremendous following for this up and rising contact sport.
When Dana White entered and came on stage, the immediate question that met him was regarding his decision in having not only “Shogun” Rua and Brandon Vera tussling for the title shot, but having Lyoto Machida and Ryan Bader enter the title shot mix. White explained that his decision had nothing to do with some of the people’s distaste over the recent UFC 149 flop, but for the reason that he just wanted to give the fans what they wanted. Plain and simple.
When the fighters for the main card were drafted and announced, so did the initial come-on of having a crack at championship gold for the winner; however, not that many were thrilled with the idea (NOT because Rua did not deserve it, but that of his opponent, Vera, should the latter make an upset victory). “The truth” of the matter is, Vera has not been the least bit impressive in his last outings compared to his early dominant years in the UFC. Had it been that explosive and careless Vera who knocked out Frank Mir back in 2006, SURE! No questions asked! THAT Vera should be given the shot. The Vera as of late? Not as strong a performance that deserves and screams for title contention.
With sights of another and possible failure to attract fans in tuning-in to this free fight card, White decided to sweeten the pot by making it sort of like a battle royal amongst FOUR men (not in a single match like in the WWE). This time including two more viable men in the co-main event, Lyoto Machida and Ryan Bader.
The winner with “the most impressive victory” shall be given the golden ticket to challenge the winner of the “Jon Jones Versus Dan Henderson” match.
A follow-up was asked that should Henderson claim the title, so many interesting matches opens up, but should Jones retain his championship, it just returns to any of these four fighters at the panel who Jones had already beaten in devastating fashion (Vera = TKO in the 1st Round; Bader = Submission in the 2nd Round; Rua = TKO in the 3rd Round; Machida = Submission in the 2nd Round). Shouldn’t Jones move to a different weight class in the interest of great fights if the UFC is incapable of finding plausible opponents?
White responded:
There’re always contenders. There’re always new guys. It’s up to these guys. On Saturday night, these guys have got to go in there; they have got to deliver. Shogun Rua had Fight of the Year last year. It was a war against Dan Henderson WHO is now fighting Bones Jones for the title. How quickly we forget everybody! We’ll see again this Saturday. Again, don’t judge fights until they happen. If it sucks this Saturday, I’ll be the first one standing here and letting you know.
After White boldly made his statements, the cameras were turned to the two former champions (Rua and Machida) who obviously had a point each against one another in their classic match-up for the championship back in 2010. A rubber match was foreseen in their paths ahead of them and both agreed that should that day of their confrontation come, they would both gladly accept.
A common interest arose in the MMA media that these two mentioned should be included in the next TUF season as coaches. Again, both agreed should the the time come and should the UFC decide in setting this up.
When Vera was asked about his upcoming match in the main event, Vera responded that this chance was truly his “Rocky” moment after all the ups and downs of his career.
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The UFC gave me a great opportunity; Shogun gave me a great opportunity. People wait their whole lives for a moment like this; one moment… And I got it. It was given to me. I’m not gonna squander it man. I’m not going to throw it away. We’ll see Saturday night what happens.
It was later revealed by White that Vera was supposed to be part of the inaugural season of The Ultimate Fighter back in 2005, but the Filipino-American declined the invitation and didn’t want to play around in some reality TV show. Vera wanted to run straight through top competition towards the title and he did. With a fight or two shy from a title shot, Vera’s career went into a tailspin after some contractual disputes with the UFC and his manager alongside his injuries which prevented him from ever getting that title shot. Losses flawed his record and some would say blew away the animal in Vera then and took away the momentum which sky-rocketed him to almost the top of the division.
White continued that despite it all, Vera’s back and a win this Saturday night could possibly lead back to where “The Truth” left off… Which was almost at a title shot at a distant point in his career.
Is Mauricio “Shogun” Rua (left) One Fight Away For His Rematch with the Champion? Or Will Brandon “The Truth” Vera (right) Finally Get His Long Awaited Title Shot After Saturday Night, August 4th?
All four fighters were asked about their take on having the championship shot on the line with “an impressive win” and each gave their piece on the matter.
Vera started out by saying that regardless had there been a championship opportunity or not didn’t change the fact that he had to deliver a great fight for the fans and try his best to finish the bout in flying colors. Getting that shot would just be a simple bonus afterward.
Bader also responded in a synonymous manner like that of Vera’s and should the UFC decide his triumph is deserving of a title shot, then so be it.
The two former champions seemed to be on the same page as well as they responded that their only focus was winning the fight and whatever followed after should remain in the sense that it happens after the fight. What was more important for them was the fight in front of them; that they needed to surpass that challenge to get back on the winning lane towards the gold.
Other irrelevant and not so interesting topics were also discussed (referee cameras, ranking system, ticket sales, ratings, the absence of Steven Segal in Machida’s camp, etc.), but what caught my attention was the fact that should both winners have an impressive win, what then?
White replied with a smile:
THAT is the problem I want to have.
On a more personal note, I think most people have already placed their bets as to who might win in the main events (Rua and Machida {hence the talk about being coaches in TUF}), but I believe without a shadow of a doubt that the underdogs of these fights (Vera and Bader) will bring everything they have to get the upper hand. So don’t just count them out just yet. When an animal is backed up against the wall, it always turns and fights back.
This will be one helluva fight! I’m sure of it! Let’s get it on MMA NERDS!
Check the video below for the full coverage of the press conference for “UFC on FOX 4: Shogun Vs Vera”.
To get a feel of that “Rocky” moment, check the video below as all four men try getting right back up to re-claim their former glories. What an intense road to victory story we’ll have this Saturday!
For the freshest and up-to-the-minute updates, do check Nerdles.com for “UFC on FOX 4: Shogun Vs Vera” as the actions happens at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California on August 4, Saturday at 8PM/ET, 5PM/PT. Follow me on Twitter (@DJHeinie666) or wait for my play-by-play feature article to know the latest.
Photo Courtesy of the UFC
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About Heinie Brian Hartendorp
Heinie is one busy guy. He’s been in radio for over a decade producing commercials and imaging materials for national radio stations. When the MMA crossed his line of sight in 2005, a new passion lit up inside of him. MMA training? Hell no! Just an addiction for the most honest brutality that ends in fair sportsmanship. Busy as he is, all his responsibilities go out the window for the MMA – UFC, Bellator, Strike Force, Super Fight League, WEC – all of it! For all the MMA rumors, breaking news, and live recaps, he’s our go-to guy! Find out more about Heinie on our Staff page, or connect with him via the links provided below.
