Dana White. Photo: Josh Hedges
Despite all the fights being over with, the UFC 109 press conference kept things heated. Confirmed by Dana White as the first in line to challenge the winner of the April-10 clash between Anderson Silva and Vitor Belfort, for the UFC middleweight belt, Chael Sonnen made no secret of who he is rooting for to win.
“I hope Anderson wins, because I think Vitor is a much tougher fighter. If I had to choose between the two, I’d go the low road and take the easier fight for the title, “he said.
UFC president Dana White recently called for Chuck Liddell to retire at a press conference following the Ice Man’s loss to Mauricio Shogun at UFC 97. Now was the time to do the same with Mark Coleman. He dismissed any possibility of Coleman facing Tito Ortiz, who was firing off provocations behind the scenes and who will be facing the very Chuck Liddell in his next challenge.
“I’m not thinking of Tito vs. Coleman, stressed White, who believes he will no longer see the veteran in action.
The biggest winner of the night was Joey Beltran. Called up as a last-minute replacement for Mostapha Al Turk in the fight against Rolles Gracie, the Californian known as the “Mexicutioner” made the most of his big break, and even hinted how far he is willing to go to maintain his ascent in the MMA world.
“This was my first fight in the UFC and I’ve had this on my mind for five years. I will do everything Dana White and Joe Silva ask of me. I am small for the division, but I’ll cut some burritos from my diet if I have to, “he joked.