MMA Nation - UFC 136 Media Call With Frankie Edgar, Gray Maynard, Jose Aldo, Kenny Florian, Chael Sonnen, And Brian Stannhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/33343/mma-icon.png2011-09-30T14:24:49-07:00http://mma.sbnation.com/rss/stream/22245362011-09-30T14:24:49-07:002011-09-30T14:24:49-07:00AUDIO: UFC 136 Conference Call With Frankie Edgar, Gray Maynard, Jose Aldo, Kenny Florian, Chael Sonnen And Brian Stann
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<p><span>Above is the audio (in three parts) of Friday's </span><span>media call to promote <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight-card/79759/ufc-136-edgar-vs-maynard-iii">UFC 136</a>. Present on the call is UFC lightweight champion <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122527/frankie-edgar">Frankie Edgar</a> and number-one contender <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122537/gray-maynard">Gray Maynard</a></span><span>, alongside UFC featherweight champion <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122473/jose-aldo">Jose Aldo</a> and number-one contender <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122529/kenny-florian">Kenny Florian</a>. Also featured on the call are middleweight contenders <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122570/chael-sonnen">Chael Sonnen</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/128666/brian-stann">Brian Stann</a>. </span></p>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><a href="http://mma.sbnation.com/2011/9/30/2460500/ufc-136-conference-call-florian-aldo-chael-sonnen-mma-news/in/2224536" target="_blank">Notes from the UFC 136 Conference Call</a></span> </span><span style="font-size: 14px; white-space: pre;"> </span>
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<p>The call was split into two sections, with the four title participants answering questions first, followed by a brief break, then Sonnen and Stann's turn on the phones. </p>
<p>All participants were respectful throughout the conference, as both the champions and challengers voiced their excitement and focus while remaining complimentary of their opponents. Most noteworthy, Aldo briefly mentioned that a move to the lightweight division could be in his future when asked about a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtQbmpcmEx8&feature=player_embedded" target="_blank">video</a> detailing his excruciating weight cut at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight-card/71389/ufc-129-st-pierre-vs-shields">UFC 129</a> that made rounds across the internet on Friday.</p>
<p>Similarly, both middleweight contenders were extremely respectful of each other during their session, though Sonnen did manage to slip in a jab at his nemesis, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122568/anderson-silva">Anderson Silva</a>, stating "I also think he ducks opponents constantly," before adding, "Still, at some point I think fairness has to kick in and you have to tip your hat to him." </p>
<p>UFC 136 will be held on October 6st at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Tickets are on sale now.</p>
https://mma.sbnation.com/2011/9/30/2460918/audio-ufc-136-conference-call-frankie-edgar-gray-maynard-jose-aldoShaun Al-Shatti2011-09-30T11:20:46-07:002011-09-30T11:20:46-07:00UFC 136 Conference Call Notes: Frankie Edgar And Gray Maynard Focused For Championship Rematch
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<p>Friday's <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight-card/79759/ufc-136-edgar-vs-maynard-iii" class="sbn-auto-link">UFC 136</a> media conference call was hosted by UFC Director of Communications Dave Sholler and featured UFC lightweight champion <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122527/frankie-edgar" class="sbn-auto-link">Frankie Edgar</a> and number-one contender <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122537/gray-maynard" class="sbn-auto-link">Gray Maynard</a>, alongside UFC featherweight champion <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122473/jose-aldo" class="sbn-auto-link">Jose Aldo</a> and number-one contender <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122529/kenny-florian" class="sbn-auto-link">Kenny Florian</a>. Also present were middleweight co-headliners <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122570/chael-sonnen" class="sbn-auto-link">Chael Sonnen</a> and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/128666/brian-stann" class="sbn-auto-link">Brian Stann</a>.</p>
<p>The call was split into two sections, with the first pertaining only to the title fights, and the second revolving around Sonnen and Stann.</p>
<p>UFC 136 is scheduled for October 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. For more analysis, follow MMA Nation (<a target="_blank" href="http://twitter.com/#!/mmanation">@MMANation</a>) on Twitter.</p>
<p>Here are partial notes from each participant. Full audio is coming.</p>
<p><b>Frankie Edgar:</b></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">It's just coming up with another game plan. It's the same guy so he's fresh in your mind, but you've got to come up with new stuff.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">I've been training for the same opponents for the past two years now with <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122540/b-j-penn" class="sbn-auto-link">B.J. Penn</a> and Gray. I'm used to it at this point.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">The extra time took care of my back. I almost had a full training camp before I got hurt so it was like I didn't miss a beat.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">The (public) respect will grow the more I do. I try to go into any fight with a chip on my shoulder.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">My biggest thing in every fight is to come in a better fighter than before, and I believe I accomplished that.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><b>Gray Maynard:</b></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">The draw hurt a little bit, I'm pumped to have it again and I can't wait for the 8th.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">I've come close to a lot of goals, but there's also a lot that I've accomplished.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">It was easy to get back (after injury). I love to train. I only took off about 3-4 weeks because of the scope on my elbow but the whole time I planned out the camp I would have and it was all good.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><b>Jose Aldo (through translator):</b></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">The Hominick fight could not have gone much better. (Aldo) was thrilled to just be in the UFC and fighting for the belt.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">He's really just focused on his own training. The opponent doesn't matter as long as they're in there and well prepared.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">There will be a point where the weigh cut (to 145) will be impossible and he will have to move up to lightweight, but that's not right now.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">The weight cut process is the same as he usually does, but before the Hominick fight they focused on gaining muscle mass, so that weight cut was more difficult.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">A lot has changed after UFC Rio. A lot more respect for the fighters. Soccer is always going to be number one in Brazil but MMA has moved into number two.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><b>Kenny Florian:</b></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">I was only able to see the first episode (of TUF 14) but it looks like they're a talented group of guys.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">There's a little bit of a transition trying to find fast training partners, especially for a guy like Aldo. But there was never too much of a difference (with the weight classes). I was never a true middleweight and was a chubby 178 pounds.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">I think the cut went good and I've trained my ass off for this fight, so I'm ready.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">I've made a lot of mistakes and I'm happy for them. They've allowed me to improve as a fighter.</span></li>
<li><span><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Aldo is very unique. A fast, explosive guy. He's similar to B.J. but more of a kicker. He's definitely a unique opponent, so I had to prepare differently for him.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Do I think I'm going to be the stronger guy? I don't know. it's one of those things you never know until you get in there.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Generally I don't think he's faced a guy who's as well-rounded and experienced as I am.</span></li>
<li><span><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">I'm just always very, very impressed by how people (in Brazil and Mexico) respond the sport. They love it. It's a matter of just really educating the public wherever you go. Mixed martial arts really provides a lot of excitement and a ton of respect.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<p><b>Chael Sonnen:</b></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">I feel pretty good. I get sick before every fight. I think it's a common thing when you start getting run down. I think it's when you screw with your calorie intake. But I'm there right now, but it's nothing I'm not used to.</span></li>
<li>
<span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">I hear some guys say they're excited (before fights), and I'm jealous of that. I'm never excited to go fight another man. I have a little more of a matter-of-fact approach. </span><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">I'm happy to be back, but I'm not excited.</span>
</li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">I've always been grateful of opportunities, but I think I'm a little more grateful now.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">I'd like to say that (the problems) haven't changed me. I look for battles. I'm in the public eye, in the public sector. Some battles you come out a little dusted up, and some you come out a hero. That's just the way it is. I'm moving forward, I'm helping contribute to my community. You upset the wrong people above you, and every so often they'll flex their muscles.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">I don't like to be away from competition. I didn't train until the last ten weeks, but I worked out everyday. There's a difference.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Nobody wants to fight Brian, but somebody's got to. We're just in the same weight class, it's not a deep pool, and he just keeps whipping everybody. With everything going on in the world, the fact that we have to compete for fifteen minutes isn't that big of a deal.</span></li>
<li><span><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Anderson (Silva) ducked Okami for years but he finally went out there and made it look easy. But if you're asking if I would ever concede that Anderson is better than me, I would say no. Look at the tape. Mine and his skills are vastly different. I also think he ducks opponents constantly. Still, at some point I think fairness has to kick in and you have to tip your hat to him.</span></span></li>
<li><span><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">The fact of the matter is, whether I like to admit it or not, that Anderson's done a better job than anybody. He's done a better job than me.</span></span></li>
<li><span><span><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">(On Jason Miller vs. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122551/michael-bisping" class="sbn-auto-link">Michael Bisping</a>) That's a good fight, and I think Bisping's the favorite, and should be. Miller has been out for a while but definitely has the skills to beat him. He's bigger and stronger now. I'll cheer for Miller, but I think if Miller beats Bisping, it's an upset.</span></span></span></li>
<li><span><span><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">My dad worked hard everyday. He was a plumber, and he never complained once. So I would never disrespect him by complaining about any of this.</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<p><b>Brian Stann:</b></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">The fact that this bout has been dubbed the number one contender bout is really the reason for all the attention.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">I'm not surprised (that Chael hasn't been talking trash). I believe that Chael is very genuine when he says that if he has a problem with someone, he'll say it. But if he doesn't then, then he won't.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">This is the first training camp I've had where I let go of my real estate job. I was vice president of a real estate company on top of being president of Hire Heroes USA. The charity grew so large that I couldn't manage our portfolio at the same time.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Coming from Chael, who's career dates back to when I was in high school, it means a lot to hear that respect. Chael doesn't mince words. If he says something he means it. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">We don't get a choice from the UFC. This was the first fight where I got a phone call and was told 'this is who you're fighting.'</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">I've been training wrestling for some time now, but since the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122509/phil-davis" class="sbn-auto-link">Phil Davis</a> fight it's become most of what I do.</span></li>
</ul>
https://mma.sbnation.com/2011/9/30/2460500/ufc-136-conference-call-florian-aldo-chael-sonnen-mma-newsShaun Al-Shatti2011-09-30T08:36:47-07:002011-09-30T08:36:47-07:00UFC 136 Media Call With Frankie Edgar, Gray Maynard, Jose Aldo, Kenny Florian, Chael Sonnen, And Brian Stann
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<img alt="UFC lightweight champion Frankie Edgar speaks at a pre-fight press conference. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC)" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/RaMh9iB4fVwPFSpGG3QyJtAR6X4=/0x13:700x480/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/assets/731906/UFC-118-Press-Conference-Frankie-Edgar.Photo-by-Josh-Hedges.jpg" />
<figcaption>UFC lightweight champion Frankie Edgar speaks at a pre-fight press conference. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC)</figcaption>
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<p>Join MMA Nation at 2 p.m. ET as we bring you live updates from the media conference call for UFC 136. On the call will be Frankie Edgar, Gray Maynard, Jose Aldo, Kenny Florian, Chael Sonnen, and Brian Stann.</p> <p>Join MMA Nation today at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT as we bring you live coverage and analysis of today's <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight-card/79759/ufc-136-edgar-vs-maynard-iii" class="sbn-auto-link">UFC 136</a> media conference call. Today's call features UFC lightweight champion <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122527/frankie-edgar" class="sbn-auto-link">Frankie Edgar</a> and number one contender <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122537/gray-maynard" class="sbn-auto-link">Gray Maynard</a>, as well as UFC featherweight champion <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122473/jose-aldo" class="sbn-auto-link">Jose Aldo</a> and number-one contender <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122529/kenny-florian" class="sbn-auto-link">Kenny Florian</a>. Also on the call are middleweight co-headliners <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122570/chael-sonnen" class="sbn-auto-link">Chael Sonnen</a> and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/128666/brian-stann" class="sbn-auto-link">Brian Stann</a>.</p>
<p>Along with live updates and notable quotes, we will provide you with full audio of the call inside this StoryStream. UFC 136 is slated for October 8, 2011 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. For more analysis, follow MMA Nation (<a href="http://www.twitter.com/mmanation" target="_blank">@MMANation</a>) on Twitter. </p>
<p>The UFC 136 fight card is as follows:</p>
<p><b>Main Card:<br></b>Lightweight Championship: <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight/805/ufc-136-frankie-edgar-vs-gray-maynard" class="sbn-auto-link">Frankie Edgar vs. Gray Maynard</a> <br>Featherweight Championship: José Aldo vs. Kenny Florian <br>Middleweight: <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight/875/ufc-136-chael-sonnen-vs-brian-stann" class="sbn-auto-link">Chael Sonnen vs. Brian Stann</a> <br>Lightweight: <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight/909/ufc-136-melvin-guillard-vs-joe-lauzon" class="sbn-auto-link">Joe Lauzon vs. Melvin Guillard</a> <br>Featherweight: <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight/1158/ufc-136-leonard-garcia-vs-nam-phan" class="sbn-auto-link">Leonard Garcia vs. Nam Phan</a></p>
<p><b>Preliminary Card (Spike TV):<br></b>Middleweight: <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight/910/ufc-136-demian-maia-vs-jorge-santiago" class="sbn-auto-link">Demian Maia vs. Jorge Santiago</a> <br>Lightweight: <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight/915/ufc-136-anthony-pettis-vs-jeremy-stephens" class="sbn-auto-link">Anthony Pettis vs. Jeremy Stephens</a></p>
<p><b>Preliminary Card (Facebook):<br></b>Heavyweight: <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight/957/ufc-136-joey-beltran-vs-stipe-miocic" class="sbn-auto-link">Joey Beltran vs. Stipe Miocic</a> <br>Featherweight: <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight/1078/ufc-136-darren-elkins-vs-zhang-tie-quan" class="sbn-auto-link">Zhang Tie Quan vs. Darren Elkins</a> <br>Middleweight: <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight/1162/ufc-136-eric-schafer-vs-aaron-simpson" class="sbn-auto-link">Aaron Simpson vs. Eric Schafer</a> <br>Middleweight: <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight/1007/ufc-136-steve-cantwell-vs-mike-massenzio" class="sbn-auto-link">Steve Cantwell vs. Mike Massenzio</a> </p>
https://mma.sbnation.com/2011/9/30/2460120/ufc-136-media-call-with-frankie-edgar-gray-maynard-jose-aldo-kenny-florianShaun Al-Shatti