UFC 303: Pre-Fight Press Conference
#ufc302 #UFC
Watch the UFC 303: Pre-Fight Press Conference live on Thursday at 6pm ET / 3pm PT!
Watch the UFC 303: Pre-Fight Press Conference live on Thursday at 6pm ET / 3pm PT!
Transcript
00:00You
00:072011 might have been one of the craziest years of my life
00:13These fights are gonna go down in history forever
00:18Yeah, I rocked him that I was the beginning of it I think young about there
00:30You
00:48June 28th live from the found blue in Las Vegas power slap eight
00:53To have this type of talent, it's gonna be fun
00:56Slap fighting legend dumpling. This man is ridiculously powerful the polar bear
01:05Page is very tough. She's not afraid of anything. She's just ferocious
01:10Christine Bulmer is back. This place is gonna be packed to the rafters. Let's go
01:18This is about as good as it gets their title fight two of the baddest fighters on the planet. Oh
01:25Look at that. Yeah, I don't like too many at all. Yeah
01:29Big shot. Oh, yes
01:33What a war what a fight near the body for your has got him hurt
01:46By immediate thought was that was a little early little fast
01:50You're we got a quick when you watch a fight like that. You want to watch it again
01:54I would be back stronger than ever
02:04One of the most dangerous strikers on planet Earth he knocked people into other dimensions
02:13What power this man has 25 knockouts one of the most dangerous fighters in the world and a force to deal with
02:20City Brian Ortega, this man is so dangerous. He's a warrior
02:28This kid is the real deal he is on fire and the fans love him
02:35He just finds a way to win
02:39Absolute crushing violence
02:45The car
02:49Welcome to the UFC 303 press conference from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada
02:57Ladies and gentlemen, you are in for a treat because we have an absolutely stacked card on deck
03:02But a fight capital of the world on International Fight Week
03:07Let's start with our main card opener in the welterweight division
03:11To the stage first one of the flashiest and most creative strikers in the world
03:16One of the flashiest and most creative strikers in the game
03:20Coming off a dominant win over Kevin Holland in his UFC debut, please. Welcome
03:33And his opponent one of the brightest young stars to ever come out of Ireland
03:39Undefeated 14 and 0 and looking to vault himself into the welterweight title picture
03:45Welcome to the stage
03:49Gary
03:55Moving on to our next fight in the women's bantamweight division
03:59Up first in all-action fighter who brings it every time she steps into the octagon
04:05Coming off a first-round submission win her last time out, please. Welcome
04:10Macy Chasson
04:15Up next a former title challenger who's looking to put herself right back in the mix with a win a
04:22Grappling aches with seven of her ten wins coming by submission. Here is
04:28Sheetara Mayra bueno Silva
04:37Moving on to our next bout in the light heavyweight division
04:41First up a champion grappler who spent his UFC career piling up knockouts coming to the stage
04:49Georgian destroyer
04:51Roman to lead say
04:56And standing across the octagon a former title challenger and a staple of the top 15 at light heavyweight
05:04He has 35 finishes in 38 career wins
05:09Stepping up to answer the call on short order. Once again, please. Welcome Anthony Lionheart
05:24And now for our co-main event in the featherweight division
05:28He has taken the UFC over by storm with three straight first-round finishes
05:33The true Mexican warrior with 22 finishes in 24 career wins
05:39Please welcome rising superstar
05:42Diego Lopez
05:47Standing across from him on Saturday night one of the best submission artists to ever step foot in the octagon a
05:54Fighting heart that cannot be denied
05:57Cutting off a spirited submission victory over Yair Rodriguez in Mexico City
06:02Please welcome to the stage the former featherweight title challenger
06:07City Ortega
06:13And now for our light heavyweight
06:16championship main event a
06:18rematch of two of the most exciting finishers the UFC has ever seen a
06:24First a samurai of the highest order
06:2729 finishes in 30 career wins
06:31Coming up a knockout win over Alexander Rockets at UFC 300
06:36Please welcome the former UFC light heavyweight champion of the world
06:41Yuri
06:42Prohaska
06:47And standing across from him one of the greatest forces to ever grace the octagon
06:52He has blitzed his way through the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions with little resistance
06:58Fighting in his sixth title fight since making his UFC debut in late 2021
07:04Please welcome the former middleweight and current light heavyweight champion of the world
07:10Alex Poiton
07:16What's up, everybody welcome to Las Vegas and welcome to international fight week
07:23Who's got the first question
07:25Want to start with the champ Alex, please?
07:28Alex yesterday Yuri said that he doesn't believe he really needs to change his strategy in this fight that he just needs to execute better
07:35Do you believe him that he's not going to change his strategy?
07:38And if so, what do you make of those comments?
07:40Alex, yesterday Yuri said in an interview that he thinks he doesn't need to change his strategy
07:45He just needs to execute the strategy and everything will be fine. Do you think that's the case?
07:49Do you think that he's not going to change his strategy and do the same thing?
07:53Well, I think it's hard to answer for him, that's his opinion, that's his strategy
07:59But I think there can be some changes, we're talking about a high level, he's always studying, we'll see
08:19You've had a lot of rematches between your MMA and kickboxing career, so what do you find the biggest key is to repeating the success of the first fight in the rematch?
08:49I'm going to approach this fight as I've never fought him before
08:55I know it's going to be a hard fight, I know he's going to be prepared, I'm going to prepare, it's going to be a great fight
09:03And for Yuri if I could, this is a short notice fight of course, but you wanted it for a long time, you fought before
09:09How much time would you say you spent training, preparing for Alex in this rematch before it was booked?
09:16Three weeks, the last three weeks I spent training, the last two weeks I was finishing the preparation
09:27So it doesn't matter, for me it doesn't matter, the chance is here and the asking came
09:35So I'm here, I want to show my best, that's all, that's my answer every time, let's go for that
09:46And Yuri, yesterday you were breaking down Alex and you said his focus is what makes him so dangerous
09:51How do you combat that focus, how do you combat that trait, do you have to break his focus or do you have to have more on your own?
10:00No, it's about the focus in a hard situation, in the highest performance
10:07That was the second round for me last time and like I said I was not in the best shape
10:14Last time in New York a lot of sickness, that was not good shape in New York
10:23But it doesn't matter for now, right now I feel great and I'm very happy for that
10:28And tomorrow, no, Saturday I want to show that I'm the champion
10:37Question for Brian Ortega, all the way in the back right here
10:40You've been in the top 5 at featherweight for years and years, you've sought the best of the best
10:44You fought former champions, number 1 contenders, but now you're fighting someone outside the top 10 on relatively short notice
10:50So I guess what does a win over Diego Lopez do for you in your career moving forward?
10:54Just another win man, that's it
10:59And historically when you get two high level grapplers in there, it can kind of turn into a striking battle
11:04So I'm curious, when you do break down Diego's game plan and skill set, what kind of fight are you expecting from him?
11:10He's a tough guy everywhere man, you know, on the feet, on the ground
11:14It's going to be one of those, we have to get in there and feel for it
11:18And get a feel of what it's going to be like
11:20And then once we're throwing those gloves, then we're going to find out what kind of war you guys are going to get
11:27Question for Diego, obviously like I said Brian's fought the best of the best at featherweight
11:33You seem to be the fan favorite coming in, so I'm curious, what kind of fight do you expect from Brian in this fight?
11:56I think it's going to be a lot of Mexican grit, I think it's going to be a great fight on Saturday, that's where you can be
12:03Question for MVP, Michael yesterday at the media day you said that if you were fighting Ian out of the UFC
12:08People would be calling this another can that you've beaten
12:11If you're using the word can, does that mean you think this is going to be an easy fight?
12:24Yo, nah nah it's not an easy fight at all, I'm saying that in terms of the perspective of other people
12:31I just find it weird, but for me I always train for any of my opponents as if they're the best in the world
12:36So I come out and make sure that I'm the best in the world when I'm in their cage, so that's it
12:43Yesterday Ian was saying he doesn't really feel excited to fight you, you know you're ranked below him
12:47There's not a lot in this for him, do you kind of agree with that assessment?
12:50Or do you think a win over you would still push him up those rankings?
12:54Michael
12:59Question for Ian, Ian yesterday you described yourself as the new generation of striker
13:05Michael didn't really agree with that assessment, what is it that he isn't seeing in your skills that he's going to find out on Saturday?
13:13Michael has an incredible skill set, his striking is world class and we all know this
13:19But I've said it, so am I, it's my job to go out there and prove that I'm younger, I'm faster
13:25I'm more talented, more technical and there's a reason why I'm hyped as one of the best prospect in sports ever seen
13:37Question again for MVP, you know like Ian just said he's ranked above you, he believes he's better than you
13:46Do you believe he's underestimating you going into Saturday?
13:52Yeah I think that's a, I don't believe he's actually underestimating me at all
13:58I think it's more a case of trying to belittle what he knows is a dangerous thing
14:03Make it feel smaller because it's going to help him with his confidence, confidence is a big part of his game
14:09I don't think I've ever had a confidence in my life, problem with confidence has never been an issue for me
14:15I understand your skill set but I'm just out here to prove that I'm better than you pal
14:20Alright, I need subtitles, I can't hear him
14:24I do not underestimate you, I just know I'm better than you, is that clear enough?
14:30Well done bro, well done
14:35And for Ian, you said you've already taken out MVP in your mind, how does it go down on Saturday?
14:45Mentalization and focus and everything that goes on in your head is so important
14:49And I just don't see a way where he's able to keep up with my speed, my cardio
14:53I think he's going to get desperate in the second round and I should be following him in the third
15:05Go ahead brother, go ahead
15:07Yesterday you said that Myra doesn't have the right mindset right now
15:11And she's kind of a mess, would you mind to explain a little bit more why do you think she doesn't have the right mindset
15:17And how are you planning to take advantage of?
15:21I've been doing a lot of mindset work the last almost two years now
15:25I had a lot of time off and I just really believe on humility and being humble as a part of code of ethics
15:33Doing the right thing all the time
15:35This division is getting stirred up and I love it
15:39You never know what's going to happen at this point and we really need it for the 35 division
15:43And mindset is everything, I know these girls are good
15:46And I think it's going to be a battle of mindset
15:50Chitaram, in your last fights we've seen a few exchanges between you, Raquel and Juliana
15:56For this fight it looks like you guys are more calm, you respect Mace more than the other opponents
16:02And how do you respond to what she said about you?
16:09Back with your opponents, back with Raquel Pennington and other fighters
16:12But this one it seems like you respect her, I mean there's nothing going on, no animosity
16:16Do you respect Mace more than you respect the others?
16:19I'd like you to comment on her answer
16:24No respect and no disrespect because I don't know who's her
16:30Alex, Boateng, one last question
16:38Boateng, Jiri said you're using magic and some kind of spiritual help
16:43A simple question, what do you think you're using?
16:47What would you say to him and what's your answer?
17:00What would you like to comment on that?
17:02I think we all have a spirit, I think we don't just live by our bodies
17:08I think maybe he hasn't found his, and like I said yesterday, it's not my fault
17:15You know I think everyone has a spirit, we don't just live in a body
17:20If he hasn't found his spirit yet, it's not my fault
17:25Thank you
17:31Sorry, this is not the question about who I believe, if I am self-confident or not
17:36I am 100% self-confident, but this is to speak about some dirty practice
17:43And all these things are behind that
17:47I just want to keep that in a clear way, that's all, that's all what I'm talking about
17:52In his name
17:57Alright, go ahead
17:58Dana, actually a question for you, fantastic rematch in this main event
18:03But you also have a rematch with Michael Rubin tomorrow at UFCX
18:08Pack Fight 2, Fanatics Live, just wondered what your thoughts are about that
18:12And if you have a message for Michael
18:14Yeah, so one of the cool things about this, obviously all the things that are going on UFC this weekend
18:20We do these unboxings of their cards, and these cards are actually expensive
18:23There's some good ones that pop up, and all the ones that we unbox and open tomorrow at UFCX
18:28We're giving away to the fans, so
18:31If you guys are at UFCX, check out the unboxing tomorrow, all those cards go to you guys
18:36So it's fun, I actually enjoyed doing it last time
18:40Great stuff, question for Anthony Smith
18:42Anthony, I feel like you're the ultimate company man
18:46Short notice, change of opponent, can you just describe the mindset when these opportunities present themselves to you
18:52Man, I've been saying for a long time, I'm a fighter's fighter, I just show up when they call
18:56I've been doing this shit since 2008, it has nothing to do with being a company man
19:01There's opportunities in front of me, I'm gonna take every single one of them
19:04Once upon a time, my history was gonna be, maybe I'd be the best guy working in the factory
19:10So, I'm gonna take every fucking opportunity that they give me
19:13Great stuff
19:15Roman Delizze, Roman, not a lot of people may know this, but you were a footballer before you found MMA
19:22The Euros are taking place right now, if you could just give me your thoughts on Georgia taking on Spain on Sunday
19:29It was a big win for Georgia, we made a history
19:33And I want to congratulate my country, we are all very happy and proud
19:38Georgia, thank you for everything
19:40And one more question for Michael Venom Page, London's finest MVP right there
19:45Michael, last time you walked out to a remix of the Undertaker theme
19:50This time around, you created a special song for the walkout, you've released it
19:55What was the mindset and the inspiration behind that one
20:00It's just about having a little bit of fun, a little bit of banter
20:03So go check out the new track on Spotify, BBL Gary, that fake guy over there
20:10Question for Dana, I know you guys have some crazy days behind the scenes at the UFC every day
20:16So how satisfied are you standing up there right now, being able to deliver this amazing card for us on Saturday
20:22That question for me, is that what you said?
20:23Yeah
20:24What's the question, am I excited about this event?
20:26Well, given the crazy events, how satisfied are you being able to deliver this card after the fallout from the main and co-main
20:32I mean, when you look at this business and what we do, and the fighters that we deal with on a daily basis
20:39The fact that all these people are sitting up here right now after the shit show that was this last month
20:45These people are incredible, they're amazing, and I mean, you all know what's gonna happen
20:52The card is awesome, and I've been saying this now for a week
20:56The co-main and main event, the question is which one of those two is gonna be fight of the night
21:01It's almost a guarantee that one of those is fight of the night, it's a coin toss
21:06I'm very excited
21:10Question for MVP, when you made your debut you fought another fan favorite in Kevin Holland
21:15This time it looks like you're gonna be the unanimous fan favorite on Saturday night
21:18We have some MVP chants going on, how does that feel to hear that in your second fight inside the UFC?
21:25Yeah, you know I appreciate going anywhere and receiving love
21:28I love that kind of energy, it helps me during the fight, it helps me in the build up
21:33But at the same time, if the crowd's against me, trust me, I always change minds
21:41And question for Ian, it seems like you've embraced this villain role
21:44If all goes well for you on Saturday, would you like to take on another villain again in Colby Covington?
21:51I have not embraced the villain role, I'm being myself
21:53And everyone who boos and everyone who says shit just hasn't done their fucking research
21:57And it's pretty stupid
21:59The truth is I don't care who I fight
22:01I'm gonna run through MVP Saturday night, I'm gonna fight anybody who's next
22:04You give me Coben, you give me Usman, you give me Shavkak, I've told you
22:08I need to be one of the greatest to ever do this and I need to take out the guys at the top
22:14One for Anthony Smith
22:16Anthony, you have been in long pursuit of that championship belt
22:19How motivating is it to look over and see Alex and that title just sitting a few feet away from you?
22:24Yeah, I mean I think in the past I've let the title fight kind of blind me a little bit
22:29So I'm not really moving and grooving with the title being the thing that makes the decision
22:33So I just gotta win the next fight
22:35And I think if I keep putting the next fight together
22:38I'll find myself in a title fight
22:40So I'm just focused on Roman Dolidze right now
22:43And just one for you Dana, you just said you don't know which one is gonna be the fight of the night
22:47Of the main and the co-main
22:49How about for International Fight Week would you put up two fight of the night bonuses?
22:52How about what?
22:54Would you put up two fight of the night bonuses for International Fight Week
22:57Since you said you don't know which one is gonna be
23:00Make them $303,000
23:04Make them $303,000
23:09Yeah, fuck it, I'll do it
23:13Let's go
23:15Not $303,000
23:17But two for two bonuses
23:21Yeah, boo you
23:24One more, yeah go ahead sir
23:27One question for Ian, I think your success has necessitated all the confidence in the world
23:31But to play devil's advocate
23:33When you describe yourself as so much better than MVP
23:36If you lose on Saturday, how do you pick yourself up promotionally, mark?
23:41It's never a case
23:43It's not in here
23:45Look, I'm so talented
23:47This guy couldn't win a world title at Bellator
23:49And he's trying to come over here
23:51And he's trying to do something different
23:53What he's doing in the UFC is trying to legitimize his career
23:55I'm gonna put an end to his career on Saturday night
23:57I'm gonna finish him and I'm gonna send him back to London
23:59He's gonna be on his own, he's gonna be in his head
24:01I've already broke this man's confidence down so much
24:05He knows I don't need to say what I'm talking about
24:07You know exactly what I'm on about
24:09Your self confidence is fucked
24:13You know what I'm talking about
24:15And it will come out, it'll come out kid
24:17But your brain is fucking scurrying for excuses
24:20Yo, this guy is hilarious
24:22You wanna say it or will I?
24:24You wanna say it or will I?
24:26What am I talking about?
24:28Tell the people
24:30Did you and your team offer thousands of dollars
24:32To get information in Shoot the Box
24:34From my boys
24:36Did you send someone a message
24:38And offer thousands for information
24:40And you couldn't infiltrate the camp
24:42You couldn't get into it
24:44The Shoot the Box family is too tight
24:46You're not gonna get in
24:49The Shoot the Box family is too tight
24:51Your little fucking rat, Jiu Jitsu coach, home on
24:53Offered money to one of my Brazilian friends
24:55And you got nothing
24:57Saturday night you're fucked
25:01Anyway
25:03All I know is
25:05The one and only
25:07MVP is here now
25:09At the UFC
25:11And I'm about to make some noise
25:13You and your Jiu Jitsu coach are getting suspended for life
25:16Bitch, he can't understand you bro
25:18Shut the fuck up
25:20Calm the fuck down
25:24Alright
25:26So
25:32Say it
25:34I'm gonna put him to sleep on Saturday
25:36Say what you want
25:38Keep going boys, call his name
25:40When I knock him out and I put him unconscious
25:42Everyone's gonna be fucking screaming
25:46Alright, ladies and gentlemen
25:48Enjoy everything here this week
25:50At Fight Week
25:52There's a free concert tonight down on Fremont Street
25:54I'll see you down there
25:56We're gonna rip this out of here and square these guys off
25:58Thank you very much, have a great day
26:15Let's go
26:46Let's go
26:48Let's go
26:52Let's go
26:54Let's go
26:56Let's go
27:16Let's go
27:18Let's go
27:20Let's go
27:22Let's go
27:24Let's go
27:26Let's go
27:28Let's go
27:30Let's go
27:32Let's go
27:34Let's go
27:36Let's go
27:38Let's go
27:40Let's go
27:42Let's go
27:44Let's go
27:48Let's go
28:04MVP
28:06MVP
28:10MVP
28:12I've never watched a fucking fight like this in my life, I've never watched a guy do it.
28:29I know.
28:30You're good, you're good.
28:31Alright, buddy.
28:32Have a great night.
28:33Yeah, thanks for having me buddy.
28:42Thank you, ladies.
28:49Thank you, ladies.
28:58Have a good night.
29:07Thank you.
29:14Roman, I'll let you know when.
29:24Alright?
29:43Thank you, gentlemen.
29:45Have a great day.
29:46Alright.
29:47Have a great day.
29:48Have a great day.
29:49Have a great day.
29:50Have a great day.
29:51Have a great day.
29:52Have a great day.
29:53Have a great day.
29:54Have a great day.
29:55Have a great day.
29:56Have a great day.
29:57Have a great day.
29:58Have a great day.
29:59Have a great day.
30:00Have a great day.
30:01Have a great day.
30:02Have a great day.
30:03Have a great day.
30:04Have a great day.
30:05Have a great day.
30:06Have a great day.
30:07Have a great day.
30:08Have a great day.
30:09Have a great day.
30:10Have a great day.
30:11Have a great day.
30:12Have a great day.
30:13Have a great day.
30:14Have a great day.
30:15Have a great day.
30:16Have a great day.
30:17Have a great day.
30:18Have a great day.
30:19Have a great day.
30:20Have a great day.
30:21Have a great day.
30:22Have a great day.
30:23Have a great day.
30:24Have a great day.
30:25Have a great day.
30:26Have a great day.
30:27Have a great day.
30:28Have a great day.
30:29Have a great day.
30:30Have a great day.
30:31Have a great day.
30:32Have a great day.
30:33Have a great day.
30:34Have a great day.
30:35Have a great day.
30:36Have a great day.
30:37Have a great day.
30:38Have a great day.
30:39Have a great day.
30:40Have a great day.
30:41Have a great day.
30:42Have a great day.
30:43Have a great day.
30:44Have a great day.
30:45Have a great day.
30:46Have a great day.
30:47Have a great day.
30:48Have a great day.
30:49Have a great day.
30:50Have a great day.
30:51Have a great day.
30:52Have a great day.
30:53Have a great day.
30:54Have a great day.
30:55Have a great day.
30:56Have a great day.
30:57Have a great day.
30:58Have a great day.
30:59Have a great day.
31:00Have a great day.
31:01Have a great day.
31:02Have a great day.
31:03Have a great day.
31:04Have a great day.
31:05Have a great day.
31:06Have a great day.
31:07Have a great day.
31:08Have a great day.
31:09Have a great day.
31:10Have a great day.
31:11Have a great day.
31:12Have a great day.
31:13Have a great day.
31:14Have a great day.
31:15Have a great day.
31:16Have a great day.
31:17Have a great day.
31:18Have a great day.
31:19Have a great day.
31:20Have a great day.
31:21Have a great day.
31:22Have a great day.
31:23Have a great day.
31:24Have a great day.
31:25Have a great day.
31:26Have a great day.
31:27Have a great day.
31:28Have a great day.
31:29Have a great day.
31:30Have a great day.
31:31Have a great day.
31:32Have a great day.
31:33Have a great day.
31:34Have a great day.
31:35Have a great day.
31:36Have a great day.
31:37Have a great day.
31:38Have a great day.
31:39Have a great day.
31:40Have a great day.
31:41Have a great day.
31:42Have a great day.
31:43Have a great day.
31:44Have a great day.
31:45Have a great day.
31:46Have a great day.
31:47Have a great day.
31:48Have a great day.
31:49Have a great day.
31:50Have a great day.
31:51Have a great day.
31:52Have a great day.
31:53Have a great day.
31:54Have a great day.
31:55Have a great day.
31:56Have a great day.
31:57Have a great day.
31:58Have a great day.
31:59Have a great day.
32:00Have a great day.
32:01Have a great day.
32:02Have a great day.
32:03Have a great day.
32:04Have a great day.
32:05Have a great day.
32:06Have a great day.
32:07Have a great day.
32:08Have a great day.
32:09Have a great day.
32:10Have a great day.
32:11Have a great day.
32:12Have a great day.
32:13Have a great day.
32:14Have a great day.
32:15Have a great day.
32:16Have a great day.
32:17Have a great day.
32:18Have a great day.
32:19Have a great day.
32:20Have a great day.
32:21Have a great day.
32:22Have a great day.
32:23Have a great day.
32:24Have a great day.
32:25Have a great day.
32:26Have a great day.
32:27Have a great day.
32:28Have a great day.
32:29Have a great day.
32:30Have a great day.
32:31Have a great day.
32:32Have a great day.
32:33Have a great day.
32:34Have a great day.
32:35Have a great day.
32:36Have a great day.
32:37Have a great day.
32:38Have a great day.
32:39Have a great day.
32:40Have a great day.
32:41Have a great day.
32:42Have a great day.
32:43Have a great day.
32:44Have a great day.
32:45Have a great day.
32:46Have a great day.
32:47Have a great day.
32:48Have a great day.
32:49Have a great day.
32:50Have a great day.
32:51Have a great day.
32:52Have a great day.
32:53Have a great day.
32:54Have a great day.
32:55Have a great day.
32:56Have a great day.
32:57Have a great day.
32:58Have a great day.
32:59Have a great day.
33:00Have a great day.
33:01Have a great day.
33:02Have a great day.
33:03Have a great day.
33:04Have a great day.
33:05Have a great day.
33:06Have a great day.