UFC 136 is live next Saturday from the Lone Star state, which will feature the highly anticipated rematch and end to the trilogy of current UFC lightweight champ Frank Edgar vs. Gray Maynard for the 155lb strap; Also on the line will be the UFC featherweight championship as Jose Aldo takes on number one contender, Kenny Florian. In a middleweight title determiner, Chael Sonnen will go against Brain Stann as he looks to get another chance for UFC gold. All the mentioned fighters were on the call today, as was FightHubTV and here are the highlights from today’s call:
Frankie Edgar is looking to finish the fight, even in the midst of majority if his wins go to decision, he nows it is time to finish
Gray Maynard was hurt by the draw decision but is looking forward and pumped for this rematch
Kenny Florian has a different mindset going into this title fight over the title fight he had w/ BJ Penn; he has learned alot from all of his fights and his training camps have gotten better with improving his skills. Feeling good and looking forward to the fight. Aldo is the most unique opponent he will face, similar to Penn but implements more kicks
Gray Maynard: It was easy to train after coming back from my injury, I was out 3-4 weeks but planning my camp the whole time
Frank Edgar: During injury, I was watching videos and getting a gameplan ready for training camp and think it worked out real good. Before his injury occurred he already had a full training camp established
Kenny Florian: Jose Aldo has never faced someone as experienced and as well-rounded as me..I am looking to use this and expose his areas on the victory
Jose Aldo: I have fought taller guys with a bigger reach than Florian but will impose my gameplan to get the win; does not think the weight cut will be too bad, he feels comfortable with it since he has done it in the past. UFC 129 showed him how he needs to change it…he will consider changing weight classes later if he has to but is happy for now. He thinks he was too focused on putting on more muscle mass which made the overall weight cut more difficult
Frank Edgar: The respect is coming and will keep growing the better I do and I come into every fight with a chip on my shoulder, its my own motivation to win and grow stronger. I try to get better with every training camp
Brain Stann: Training has gone very well here at Jacksons’s MMA, been here for 10 weeks. There has been a greater amount of fan response and media attention going into this match with Sonnen and I think it is because of the caliber of opponent I am facing
Chael Sonnen: I get sick before every fight but I feel real good getting back into the cage. It’s a common thing for me with having the body been tolled with training and rest before the weight cut. After this call, I am shutting down for three days with movies and magazines – first up is: Road to Perdition, The Bounty Hunter & a tv show called Revenge; I have never been excited to have a big fight, I am envious of those who are excited to battle. What I am glad is that my personal issues are behind me to focus on fighting. The happiness I feel is that I am able to fight again, very appreciative
Brian Stann: I am really able to focus on this camp since I have lessened my involvement with my foundation (Hire Heroes) and real estate company. Time management for this fight has been alot better
Chael Sonnen: My issues that have been publicized over the last year/ year and a half have not really changed me. I look for battles, I am in the public eye and public sector – it’s the life I have chosen and I am moving forward from these instances; Nobody wants to fight Brian, it is my time to do it – he keeps whippin everybody and knew this time would come. I have done my part and put my time in and our paths have to cross
Chael Sonnen: Anderson Silva has done a better job than anybody and myself. He handled Okami after ducking him for two years and it is impossible to not give him the credit of being the best at 185lbs..but I will never say he is better than me, if you think that is true, watch the tape of our fight; I always watch the Ultimate Fighter and for the athletes competing on the show, the coaches are entertaining but I am a fan on the fighters trying to get a shot – the coaches often act childish on the show and it makes for good TV. The fight between Bisping-Miller is a good fight and I take Bisping to win it, Miller is bigger and stronger and has the skill to win and be great. i will cheer for Miller and if he wins against Bisping, it will be an upset
