UFC Moderator: Jennifer Wenk 05-15-08/3:00 p.m. CT Confirmation # 4414003 Page 1
UFC
Moderator: Jennifer Wenk May 15, 2008 3:00 p.m. CT
Operator: Good day everyone and welcome to today’s UFC84 conference call. One note that today’s
call is being recorded.
And now, I’d like to turn the conference over to Miss Jennifer Wenk, please go ahead.
Jennifer Wenk: Hi. Good afternoon everybody. Thanks for joining us for UFC84 pre-fight media
conference call.
We have Sean Sherk and BJ Penn on the line for you today and also UFC President Dana White
is on the call as well. So at this time, I would like to turn the call over to Dana to talk about UFC
84 and bring on BJ and Sean.
Dana White: Guys, thank you so much for your time and your support. We appreciate you calling in
today.
Exciting fight next weekend. I’m really, really genuinely excited for this next fight. The two best
lightweights in the world BJ Penn and Sean Sherk, probably the two best lightweights ever in the
sport and you know, it’s always exciting when you get to see the best face the face but in this
case, this two have a lot of animosity and don’t like each other which always makes the fight a UFC Moderator: Jennifer Wenk 05-15-08/3:00 p.m. CT Confirmation # 4414003 Page 2
little bit more exciting. Also, Wanderlei Silva and Keith Jardine on this card and Lyoto Machida
and Tito Ortiz. So, three very big fights for us and all of them are very competitive, exciting fights
and I’m fired up for it.
Let’s start some – let’s start questions.
Operator: Ladies and gentlemen, please press star one if you would like to ask a question at this time. If
you are using a speakerphone, please release the mute function. Once again, it is star one
please and we’ll pause for just a moment.
We’ll go first to Neil Davidson.
Neil Davidson: Thank you. My question is for BJ. BJ, there’s been a lot of talking prior to this fight.
When the fight ends on May 24th, do you think the two of you will shake hands and bury the
hatchet or is this a grudge match that is going to – there’ll be no end to?
BJ Penn: I definitely think that after the fight is done, we know – we have something about (04-32) letting
it all go on the ring and all that and I think it’s all flying everything that when it’s done, it’s done
and I feel confident about that.
Neil Davidson: So, I’m sorry, you feel that you guys will be able to shake hands after the fight then?
Male: Did you ask me?
Neil Davidson: I guess for BJ. I just wanted to clarify his response. You guys, think you’ll be able to
shake hands, BJ.
BJ Penn: Yes. You heard – could you hear me? UFC Moderator: Jennifer Wenk 05-15-08/3:00 p.m. CT Confirmation # 4414003 Page 3
Neil Davidson: I can hear you better now. Yes.
BJ Penn: OK. Yes. I just, you know, something about the definition of octagon and getting it on and just
letting everything go. You know, after that, you know and I can of, you know, I would have said
my piece with my actions and for me, it will be over there
Neil Davidson: Sean, could I get your answer please?
Sean Sherk: Yes, I mean, I’ve always been a class act. You know, I like to fight hard. I like to train hard.
And you know, we’re going to go out there. I think this is probably one of the best fights of the
year. Definitely. You know, this has been something people have wanted to see. There’s been
a lot of stuff said between us both. We’re going to go out. We’re going to have a great fight.
When it’s over, it’s over. You know, I’ve always carried myself with a lot of respect and with a lot
of class. And what happens at the Octagon stays in the Octagon.
Neil Davidson: Thank you.
Operator: And for the Yahoo Sport, Kevin Iole.
Kevin Iole: Sean, why did it become personal with you in the first place. I mean, was it because of the
comment BJ made about the steroids?
Sean Sherk: You know, I think that yes, definitely. I’ve never had an issue before that with BJ, you know.
So, you know, going through that whole thing, that whole appeal process with the commission
and having people take jabs at you at the same time, that’s not an easy process to have to go
through. So, that’s pretty much. I don’t really know exactly when this whole thing started but that
was the – that was the beginning of it. You know, so, it makes for a better fight. It makes for a UFC Moderator: Jennifer Wenk 05-15-08/3:00 p.m. CT Confirmation # 4414003 Page 4
better storyline. Everyone wants to see it and there’s going to be a lot of punches being thrown,
May 24th, for sure.
Kevin Iole: And Sean, you know, BJ has been through it before where there’s been trash talk to some of
his fights. And you know, he has had and I don’t know that you have. The fact that you guys are
so angry at his comments, you know, could one interpret that in – he got into you head and might
be able to throw you off your game plan and really just make you want to kill him as opposed to
fighting your fight.
Sean Sherk: No. Definitely no. You know, I mean I take control of my emotions. You know, I don’t let
my emotions get the best of me. I’ve been competing my whole life and you know, I’ve never
fought anyone that I just like use to wrestle guys I dislike all the time. You know, and I never let
the emotions get in the way, you know, I always compete with a clear conscious and a clear
head. So, I think I perform better when I’m angry. To be honest with you, I’ve never, I’ve never
performed poorly when I’m angry. So, I don’t think it will be an issue.
Kevin Iole: Thank you, Sean.
And BJ, to ask you, I was talking to one of the WEC fighters and he said he thought that Sean will
win the fight and his rationale was because Sean, no doubt is going to be in a better condition
than you and then you wouldn’t be able to finish him early and if he didn’t, you wouldn’t have any
answer for his (cardio lake). Can you respond to that?
BJ Penn: All I can do is get into the best shape that I can, you know, and do everything that I can do.
You know, you know, I did, you know, my aerobic, my aerobic, my muscular endurance. You
know, I try to do the best. I kind of did everything I possibly could do. You know, so, no matter
what happens, you know, I mean, different people can deal with pain in this and that but, you
know, I’m coming to win the fight and you know, what I can say. I mean, people can see this one, UFC Moderator: Jennifer Wenk 05-15-08/3:00 p.m. CT Confirmation # 4414003 Page 5
maybe all they want. Maybe this will be the fight that they finally turn around and say look, BJ,
finally got himself in shape.
Kevin Iole: Good luck, guys. Thank you.
BJ Penn: Thank you.
Operator: Next, we’ll hear from Marc Wickert from Knucklepit.com.
Marc Wickert: BJ, in your last fight, you were able to overpower Joe Stevenson and set the pace of the
best. Do you expect to be able to dictate the pace against Sean?
BJ Penn: Yes, that’s exactly what I’m going to do. You know, I’m going to come out as I’ve changed
nothing in my game. You know, it’s like fighting Chuck Ladell. You know what he’s going to do,
can he defend it? You know what Randy is going to do, can he defend it? Well, you know what
I’m going to do, I’m going to come at you. I’m going to try to punch you. I’m going to try to take
you down. I’m going to try to (submit) you from my back. I’m going to try to stand up. I’m going
to try to do everything you’ve ever seen me try to do in a fight. That’s all I’m going to try to do.
And you know, that’s on him to try and stop whatever he’s going to do but you know, I got to
change 100 percent of my game and I’ll never change my game plan. And I’m just going out at
100 percent. You know, this is the UFC, the Ultimate Fighting Championship, not mere boxing.
You know, starting from the first minute of the fight. I’m coming full speed and I’m going to try to
win the fight.
Marc Wickert: Thank you, BJ. And Sean, at UFC80, you said you thought your boxing was better than
BJ’s, will you be happy to stand and bang with him?
UFC Moderator: Jennifer Wenk 05-15-08/3:00 p.m. CT Confirmation # 4414003 Page 6
Sean Sherk: No, what happens out there. You know, I’m fully prepared to take this fight wherever it
needs to go. You know, my jujitsu game feels better than it never has. My wrestling feels better
and my boxing feels better. My conditioning is great. So, I’m not worried.
You know, I mean, I mean, comfortable with and the fight ends up. You know, I’ve been doing
this stuff for a long time. I’ve got 40 fights. I’ve been in bad positions. I’ve been in bad
situations. I’ve always fought my way out of them. So, I’m pretty comfortable with whatever, with
whatever happens.
Marc Wickert: Thanks. I have a question for Dana. Is that possible?
Dana White: Sure.
Marc Wickert: OK. Dana, the UFC is in the USA, the U.K. and Canada. Will France be next or what are
eyeing off, which country you’re eyeing off next?
Dana White: We’re focused on Germany, the Philippines and Australia next.
Marc Wickert: Australia as well?
Dana White: Yes.
Marc Wickert: Thanks a lot, gentlemen.
Dana White: Thank you.
Operator: Next, we’ll hear from Brad Young with VegasInsider.
UFC Moderator: Jennifer Wenk 05-15-08/3:00 p.m. CT Confirmation # 4414003 Page 7
Brad Young: Yes, questions for BJ Penn. This figures to be a ground wall or did you throw and his
wrestling ability. What is your biggest concern facing Sean Sherk? Is it his wrestling? Is it his
cardio?
BJ Penn: Honestly, you know whether Sherk is a great fighter or not. You know, I’m not concerned
about anything, you know. I’m going in there just be myself and do my thing. You know, I don’t
see myself walking in and being like oh, here is what I got to be afraid. It’s just that all I see is
here’s where I got to attack and here’s what I got to attack. If he puts me on my back, here’s
where I got to attack. When I get on top of him, here’s where I got to attack when I get on top of
him, here’s where I got to attack. And when we step in the pocket, here’s where I got to attack.
You know, so, it’s nothing to be concerned about. It’s just a fight and I’m just going, like is said,
I’m just going to attack.
Brad Young: Got you. Thank you. And Sean, you haven’t fought since July, how concern are you about
ring rest? And I know, you’re always known for your incredible cardio, have you done anything
different to prepare for this fight?
Sean Sherk: No. I’m not concern about ring rest. You know, I’ve been competing since I was seven
years old. I’ve got, you know, 500 competitions under my belt. You know, so ring rest isn’t going
to be an issue for me. You know, I mean, I trained for fights very single day. I don’t really take
any time off. It shouldn’t be an issue as far as preparation. You know, I took a little more time
and prepared myself in some areas where you know, I’m obviously game, come up with a better
game plan, things of that nature. And you know, I feel 100 percent confident and a 100 percent
prepared, mentally and physically, I’m ready to go.
Brad Young: Thank you, guys. And good luck on the 24th.
Sean Sherk: Thanks. UFC Moderator: Jennifer Wenk 05-15-08/3:00 p.m. CT Confirmation # 4414003 Page 8
Brad Young: Thank you.
Operator: Next, we’ll go to Ben Cohen from ESPN.com.
Ben Cohen: Hi, guys. A question for BJ. Hey, BJ. How are you doing?
BJ Penn: How is it going, man?
Ben Cohen: BJ, what made this fight so personal for you? Was it like a conscious decision to make it
personal?
BJ Penn: No. I think Sean Sherk hold s personal but for me, you know, where it’s hard for me, a guy
who has never used performance enhancement drugs before. You know, waking up day in and
day out and your body is in pain and you’re doing all these other things. You know, what I mean
and it just gets to you after a while. You know, when you find out that someone else is using
performance enhancement drugs and it’s just, you know, it’s just like, you know, it’s just
unbelievable. I’m really sure that I’m a purist and fighting is all I live for. The fight – I’m more of a
fighter than an athlete.
You know, and that’s how I feel, you know, that, it’s just like you take something so pure and you
want to go unperverted. And go an do all these other things. You know, whether the people out
there are doing growth hormone, EPO, blood dopamine or steroids or whatever it may be that
they’re choosing to do. You know, it just, you know, it just gets to you after a while when I just –
when I look at fighting and it’s just the most important thing in the world to me. And then,
someone else goes perverted, I can’t take it. I can’t handle it.
UFC Moderator: Jennifer Wenk 05-15-08/3:00 p.m. CT Confirmation # 4414003 Page 9
Ben Cohen: In terms of the actual fight, how have you planned to do with Sherk’s kind of phenomenal
strength and conditioning?
BJ Penn: I plan to use my phenomenal strength and my phenomenal technique and my conditioning that
I’ve improved.
Ben Cohen: And what kind of performance would you want to put on?
BJ Penn: A perfect 10. I mean, you know, I want to go out there. You know, a fight is a fight. I want to
go out there and I’m going to try to punch him as hard as I can and try to slam him on his head as
hard as I can and try to choke him as hard as I can. You know what I mean and that’s all that you
can really do. You know, this is the super bowl of martial arts, the UFC. And go hard or go
home. If you’re not here to give it all you got, and what the fuck are you doing there.
Ben Cohen: BJ, thanks very much. And a couple of questions for you, Sean, how are you?
Sean Sherk: I’m doing great, man.
Ben Cohen: Has anything BJ said, kind of affected the way you’ve been training?
Sean Sherk: No. You know, I mean, I prepare for the fighter and for the athlete, not for what the fighter
or the athlete thinks of me. You know, I prepare the same for all my fights. You know, I train
hard. I study videos just like everybody else, come up with game plans, try to get guys, you
know, to come in and mimic the guy I’m fighting, you know, the best I can. So, I’ll do the same
thing I always do. You know.
Ben Cohen: And do you think some of BJ’s comments had been unnecessary?
UFC Moderator: Jennifer Wenk 05-15-08/3:00 p.m. CT Confirmation # 4414003 Page 10
Sean Sherk: Yes. I mean, I know what I did and what I didn’t do? And I prove myself. You know, I went
above and beyond what it took for me to prove myself innocent, you know. Anyone who followed
my appeal and how it was handled and all the evidence would know if you actually do the
research. You know, I didn’t take anything and the California Commission I think knows that I
didn’t take anything too. You know, obviously they reduced my sentence in half because they
weren’t willing to overturn it because then that sets up a lawsuit, you know, so, I know what I did
and didn’t do. You know, so it’s a situation I’ve had to deal for nine months now, ten months
probably now. So, I’ve come to terms with it and there’s really nothing else I could do to prove
myself. So, there you heard it, so there you heard it, Sean Sherk has never done steroids in his
life. You just heard it right there. Yes, you heard it first. Right here.
Ben Cohen: Sean, just a – finally, how important is this fight for you?
Sean Sherk: This fight is really important, you know, this is a chance for me to get something back that I
feel like it still belongs to me. So, you know, this fight is really important. You know, I get to get
in there. I get to beat BJ. I get to get my belt back and become the two-time USC lightweight
world champion.
Ben Cohen: Thanks very much, Sean. Dana, come out and cover the questions?
Dana White: Sure.
Ben Cohen: What does this fight symbolize to the USC?
Dana White: It’s a big fight. This is the fight that I think, you know, whether you’re a hard core fan or
you’re somebody who just got interested in the UFC, people are pumped about this fight. Me, a
lot of other fighters and a lot of my staff is this is a big one, man. BJ and Sean Sherk are
undoubtedly two of the greatest lightweights ever and like I said, it’s always a very exciting rare UFC Moderator: Jennifer Wenk 05-15-08/3:00 p.m. CT Confirmation # 4414003 Page 11
moment when you actually get to see two of the best fighters in the world in their prime face off
and find out who the best is. I love it. I mean, this is what, seriously, this is what, what
professional sports and what fighting is all about when you’re able to make great fights like this.
Ben Cohen: What’s your take on the pre-fight banter between the two guys?
Dana White: You know, you never know what BJ is going to say. And you know, I’ve said from the
beginning. I’ve known Sean Sherk for a long time. I respect him as an athlete and as a man.
You know, BJ has his opinions of Sean and he’s going to let you know what they are. I mean,
this happens sometimes, guys.
Listen, in the sport of mixed martial arts, one of the cool things about it is you know, the
sportsmanship and everything else but, you know, sometimes guys rub each other the wrong way
and it happens. You know, I think that when – again, everything that I just said about the two
best fighters in the world facing each other in their prime, it doesn’t suck when they hate each
other either.
Ben Cohen: OK, guys. Thank you very much.
Dana White: Thank you.
Operator: And from the “Los Angeles Times,” Lance Pugmire.
Lance Pugmire: Hey, Sean. How is it going? How are you doing today?
Sean Sherk: Pretty good. Great.
UFC Moderator: Jennifer Wenk 05-15-08/3:00 p.m. CT Confirmation # 4414003 Page 12
Lance Pugmire: Hey, I just wanted to ask you, were you surprised by the backlash from BJ? Or did you
expect the sort of, you know, unanimous support from within the MMA fighters community to your,
you know, what you’re dealing with in California?
Sean Sherk: No. I mean, I wasn’t surprised, you know what I mean, I know BJ would drop in the
lightweight. He was looking to fight for the title. So, I thought that kind of, you know, kind of went
hand in hand. You know, I’ve got a good amount of support, you know, I’ve got my loyal fans,
people that stand by me.
I’ve got people that believe me that I didn’t take anything and obviously, you know, those people I
don’t believe me because of the way I look. You know, all in all, I look the same, man. I don’t
look any different than I’ve looked in the last 10 years. You know, you’re telling me that I’ve been
taking steroids for 10 years, you know, you’re telling me that I’ve been taking steroids for 10 years
and shit, men, I’ve dropped down to 155 and look exactly the same as I did when I was fighting
70. You know, what I mean, nothing has changed. I look the same. I perform the same. I’m not
doing anything different than I’ve ever done. You know, so like is said before, I left the people to I
guess do the research and just cover the facts and decide whether or not they want – what they
want to think of the whole situation.
Lance Pugmire: OK. Great. And Dana, I just wanted to ask you. At this point, you know, the fight has
yet to take place but from your perspective, what is (Theodore Tee)’s future in the UFC?
Dana White: You know, I think Tito has made it very clear when he talks to everybody what his future in
the UFC is. Listen, the UFC is where the best fighters in the world fight and you know, you put all
the animosity aside between me and him and realistically when was the last significant fight that
Tito Ortiz won? I mean, he beat Ken Shamrock three times. He fought, you know, Rashad
Evans to withdraw. He fought Forest Griffin when Forest just came out of the Ultimate Fighter
and barely beat him. A lot of people think Forest won that fight. So, in my opinion, the last UFC Moderator: Jennifer Wenk 05-15-08/3:00 p.m. CT Confirmation # 4414003 Page 13
significant fight Tito Ortiz won was when he beat (Victor Belfor). He’s not in anybody’s top 10
anymore. So, Saturday night is going to be a big night for Tito. You know.
Lance Pugmire: What if he looks impressive in the end?
Dana White: Well, you know what, to be honest with you, I have no interest whatsoever being in the Tito
Ortiz business anymore.
Lance Pugmire: OK. All right.
Dana White: You know.
Lance Pugmire: Thanks. Yes, thanks a lot, Dana. I appreciate it.
Dana White: All right. Thank you.
Operator: And from AOL Sports, Michael David Smith.
Michael David Smith: Yes. Hi. I wanted to start with Dana. You had mentioned Germany, Philippines,
and Australia.
Dana White: Yes.
Michael David Smith: Where does Brazil fit in? And how important is it that five of the 10 fighters on the
main card at UFC84 are Brazilian?
Dana White: Yes, you know what’s funny, I had – recently, probably about three weeks ago I did an
interview and said you know what, Brazil isn’t even in our radar right now. And that’s changed UFC Moderator: Jennifer Wenk 05-15-08/3:00 p.m. CT Confirmation # 4414003 Page 14
actually in the last three weeks. We’re seriously looking at Brazil right now. There’s a lot of
interesting economical things going on down there right now. And we’re interested.
Michael David Smith: And to BJ, I know you have some experience, could you talk about in Brazil, how is
the sport received in Brazil and would you like to see UFC have a card their that you could fight
on?
BJ Penn: You know, that will be cool. Because the – this type of mixed martial arts, you know, it starts –
a lot of it got a start. You know what I mean in Brazil and everything and it will be good. You
know, kind of like a going home, you know, for the UFC. And that will be cool and you never
know what Dana could work something out to have on the card down there and you know, that
would be awesome if all that could take place.
Michael David Smith: Thanks.
Operator: Next, we’ll hear from George Willis with the “New York Post.”
George Willis: Hi, Dana.
Dana White: Hey, buddy.
George Willis: Just a follow-up on Lance’s question about Tito. Are you sort of resigned that there are
going to be instances where fighters believe they’re bigger than the sport and the organization?
Dana White: Listen, the way that this thing works – there’s a lot of misconceptions about me out there.
You know, everybody likes to say, all he cares about is the UFC and he doesn’t care about the
fighters and this and that. But the reality is you know, the UFC brand plus big stars equals
success for everybody. And a lot of stars are built inside this brand. And I don’t think that, listen, UFC Moderator: Jennifer Wenk 05-15-08/3:00 p.m. CT Confirmation # 4414003 Page 15
there’s going to be guys that are – right now, we have probably, I don’t know, 11 or 12 guys that
are really big superstars. And it’s a good thing. I’m, you know, there’s never been a time where I
said, oh, anybody thinks they’re bigger than this or that.
Tito is a fucking idiot. He’s one of the dumbest human beings I’ve ever met. Every thing that
comes out of his mouth makes no sense. And I just have no interest in being in the Tito Ortiz
business anymore. Listen, I put up with his shit when he was a good fighter, you know. I put up
with his shit when he was a good fighter. He’s not anymore and I’m just – I’m done.
George Willis: So, CBS is going to have a show on May 31st Elite XC. Do you think that’s a good thing
overall for the sport? How do you view that? You guys are still the big dog.
Dana White: Yes. Listen, there’s a lot of other – there’s a lot of other competitors out there. And you
know, a lot of people to put on shows. I need these people to exist. That’s another big
misconception that I don’t want any competition. OK. The reality is I have about 250 fighters
under contract. All right. And I can’t have everybody in the world. And there’s a lot of guys out
there coming up and mixed martial arts is the fastest growing sports in the world. There needs to
be a place where these younger fighters can get experience, make some money and work their
way up. And everybody wants to work their way up to the UFC because all the best in the world
fight here.
To have CBS, you know, a big network like that, move forward with a guy like Kimbo Slice
headlining it. I mean, there’s no secret that’s what I try to stay away from. You know, Kimbo
Slice isn’t in the mixed martial arts. This guy was fighting in your backyard. You know, three
months ago and now he’s going to be headlining on CBS. Personally, I think, it sucks.
George Willis: OK. Thanks.
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Dana White: Thank you.
Operator: Next, we’ll hear from Doug Jeffrey with “Ultimate Grappling Magazine.”
Doug Jeffrey: Hey, thanks for your time. You guys, I appreciate it very much. I want to start with Sean
and ask him what his biggest concern with BJ is.
Sean Sherk: You know, I mean, to be honest with you. I don’t think BJ poses any extra threat than
anyone poses. You know, I mean, I fought great boxers. I fought great wrestlers. I fought great
jujitsu guys, you know. I think BJ is good in all areas. I don’t see a weakness in his game. You
know, so, you know, that poses a threat that I think he’s strong in every area. You know, as far
as big concern, I guess, I don’t really have one. You know, I think. I’ve got a game plan. I’m
sure BJ has got a game plan too and we’re both going to go an try to execute our game plan and
find out who the champ is, I guess, you know.
Doug Jeffrey: OK. Question for Dana, can you talk about the long term effects MMA could have on a
fighter? Do you – I mean, I guess what I’m asking is the priority you guys put on fighter safety,
how important is that to you?
Dana White: Very important. I mean, if you look at, you know, the track record we have in the nine and a
half years that we’ve been in this business alone, there’s never been a death or serious injury in
the UFC. I don’t even know if (Bad Mitten) can say that. OK. Even if you look at the UFC back
in the crazy days. You know, same thing, there’s never been a death or serious injury. Now, let’s
say, you know, obviously, since we’ve taken overall we’ve done is run toward regulation. We
want to get, you know, all the states regulated and even when we go over to the U.K. where the
commission isn’t overseeing is, we overdo it with medicals before.
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I’m a huge advocate of all these smaller shows. These guys that fight in these smaller shows
have to fight in shows that are, you know, in states that are sanctioned where you have to get
medicals done before the fight. You know, EKGs, CAT scans, MRIs, et cetera, et cetera. Believe
me, I’m all about safety.
Most of the guys, listen – most of the guys are fighting in this sport are my friends. I like these
guys and I care about them. You know, I don’t ever want to see anybody get hurt in this sport.
Doug Jeffrey: OK. And for BJ, do you ever – does it ever cross your mind about the long term impact
with MMA may have on you, whether that’s a knee injury or maybe that’s a closed head injury, do
those things ever enter your mind at all or you strictly focus on fighting in the next opponent?
BJ Penn: Yes, the long effects that I think about are glory and memories and all happy thoughts. So, I
mean, I’m sure I’m going to, you know what I mean, get my fair share of (picking) but even going
through life, you’ll get your fair share of that. So, any of my long term I just see, you know, just
the positive of what MMA can offer me. If it wasn’t for this sport, I’d be a bum right now, taking up
there at the beach,. You know what I mean.
Dana White: And you know what, to add to that. You know, this fight on Saturday between Sean and BJ
is one of those things that I’m talking about. You know, and the guys hear me talk about all the
time is your legacy. You know, like I said earlier, when you got two great athletes, two great
fighters like this who actually get to square off and fight in their prime. You know, this is about
history. You know, people will be talking about this 50 years from now. You know, who was the
greatest – will this lightweight today beat the lightweights of yesterday. You know, these guys are
– this is seriously going to be a legendary fight on Saturday night. And that’s what most of these
guys are in it for. I know guys who in construction their whole life and have their knees busted
up, bad back and everything else. This guy and just like BJ said, these guys are warriors. It’s
about the glory. UFC Moderator: Jennifer Wenk 05-15-08/3:00 p.m. CT Confirmation # 4414003 Page 18
Doug Jeffrey: OK. Very good. And one final question for Dana. How soon is Brazil a possibility?
Dana White: I don’t know. We just started talking about it. The Philippines is definitely happening.
We’re working on that right now. Australia and Germany, those three are right now. And now,
we’re starting to focus on doing something in Brazil.
Doug Jeffrey: OK. Great. Thank you very much.
Operator: We’ll next hear from Elias Cepeda with “Inside Fighting.”
Elias Cepeda: Well, Dana, I got a couple of questions for BJ. And BJ, thanks for taking time. Same with
Sean and Dana. Sean, are you telling me that you just saw some (quit) in you and I think you
mean this to be more psychologically. It‘s up there on the site now, check it out. But I spoke with
(Deporche Rudy also) and asked him. If, you know, about that. If he acknowledges that maybe
in the past, just like you were to me, like maybe the same pier fight. You know, things may be
starting to get a little rough, you take a little time rustling the cage and things like that but Rudy
said, he was very concern about this, for many reasons, he feels that this time out is actually
going to be no quitting you, no getting tired, wrestling (gets the case) hooking up the clock and I
just you to comment on that. Will you be ready for a 5-5 round mentally, not just physically, if you
can, you know, take him on that first round?
Sean: Are you talking to me?
Elias Cepeda: No. I’m talking to BJ. I’m sorry.
Sean: Oh, OK. There’s going to be no quitting in me.
UFC Moderator: Jennifer Wenk 05-15-08/3:00 p.m. CT Confirmation # 4414003 Page 19
Elias Cepeda: Yes, is that correct? Do you say, you know, that you know, that you’re a different man
and I respect that, you know, if you can’t finish them fast, you’re not going to just you know, just
screw it and just kind of look at the clock. Did this time around there’s actually no (quitting) you?
BJ Penn: Yes. And the reason why, you know, I put so much into this thing now. Before I used to have
(oust) it and used to do all these things. So, it shows in the ring. You know, I’m looking for ways
out. I look at the clock. You know, see how seconds left. You know, what I mean? You train
how fast, you fight how fast. You know, and that’s the difference with me now and that’s the
difference that you see with me fighting (James Pulver) and Joe Stevenson. You know, I’m not
doing this thing halfway. I’m going full speed. You know, everything but, you know what I mean,
I mean, I don’t want to sound cliché but I’m doing everything but steroids, you know, for this fight.
I’m not stopping. I’m running. I’m just doing everything I possible can, you know what I mean, to
do this and how can you quit when you put something that much into something. You know, and
there’s no stopping. There’s no giving up.
Elias Cepeda: I want to ask you also, how important is tit for you to get – to at least feel that you got a
psychological advantage over opponent going into a fight. I used to have some things that
seemed to be just be directed at Sherk to get a ride out of him, make him look bad. Steroid
aside, use of stuff like, you know, same (pier), sent him down to a lightweight division, which you
know, is just not factually correct. I mean but it seems like, you know, it gave him a (sip) of the
big party or game? Is that correct BJ, do you like to try and get inside your opponent’s head
before a fight?
BJ Penn: I mean, it is game but is just say what’s on my mind and I say what I really feel, you know, I
feel that you know what I mean, you’re a coward if you take steroids in fighting in mixed martial
arts. I feel that and I see it. You know, and if I fight someone else, who I feel that they have been
on steroids or using performance enhancement drugs or haven’t been playing by the UFC’s rules.
You know, the UFC tries its best and the Nevada State Athletic Commission try its best but these UFC Moderator: Jennifer Wenk 05-15-08/3:00 p.m. CT Confirmation # 4414003 Page 20
people, you know, whatever they do they these stuff from their doctors. They know how to beat
the test. They know what they’re doing. You know what I mean and all we can do, you know, all
I can do is show up beat these people, you know. Sean – I’m starting with Sean. We’ll beat
these people and you know, show the kids, you know, there is another way that you can do this.
You just work, you train hard. You know what I mean.
I don’t think that (trainers) already done these things but I know the other stuff that he does too.
You know, but besides that you know, it’s out there. That’s why it’s going to be a historic night.
You know, the kids are going to go out there and they’re going to know. You can get this far.
You can be the road champ. You know, just train hard and just, you know, work hard and you’ll
get there.
Elias Cepeda: So these exciting fights really quickly, is it – I’ve heard that you’re making an endorsement
for a mayoral candidate in (Hewald) is that correct? You’re getting behind one of the candidates
out there?
BJ Penn: Yes. I’m actually behind my friend (Billy Canoi). Yes, local Hawaiian guy who grew up over
here. So, yes, I’m definitely supporting (Billy Canoi).
Elias Cepeda: Well, it seems like you guys, you know, you talked about this, setting examples for kids
and stuff and you’ve been really seemingly getting, you know, getting ingrained in your Hawaiian
culture there. And I’m just wondering, and you know, you were in the capital recently. I know,
you and your brother receiving an award and congratulations on that. Does that become a larger
part of you mentality trying to leave a legacy not only with what you do in the ring but your
involvement in the community?
BJ Penn: Without a doubt, you know, I want to give, you know, mixed martial arts is the biggest sport in
Hawaii and rightfully so. You know, Hawaii isn’t like any of these other states, you don’t see UFC Moderator: Jennifer Wenk 05-15-08/3:00 p.m. CT Confirmation # 4414003 Page 21
people. You know, like (Fullon), you know, die hard. You know, you don’t see people out there
like, yes, man, I’m from Colorado and you’re dead and you know, I’m from Tennessee, you know
what I mean. And it’s because we’re so isolated out here. And it’s right that martial arts should
be the biggest sport out here because Hawaii is like nowhere else. You know what I mean and
that’s all – and instead of looking up to other people now saying I want do basketball or football or
all these other things. Now, they’re saying I want to be mixed martial arts and I want to show
these kids that you can do it. You know, all these kids, in Hawaii, they grow up, either fighting
with their brothers or friends and this and that. And you know, if they can see one kid do it from
Hawaii, why can’t they.
Elias Cepeda: One last quick question. I also heard from people out there in Hawaii a couple of
occasions that since (Don Holden) you actually are probably the most popular and most famous
Hawaiian there in the island? You know, is that true? Do you think your level of popularity out
there that big?
BJ Penn: I don’t know.
Dana White: Hey, BJ. Does this guy work for BJ Penn.com?
Elias Cepeda: I mean, it was a pretty good statement so I want to put BJ on the spot and ask him about
that?
BJ Penn: I don’t know. I guess I’m pretty well know. People say hi when I walk on the street and stuff.
Elias Cepeda: Well, thanks, BJ. I appreciate your time.
BJ Penn: Thank you, man. Take it easy.
UFC Moderator: Jennifer Wenk 05-15-08/3:00 p.m. CT Confirmation # 4414003 Page 22
Operator: We’ll go next to Jose Rodriguez with the “Sun Media Canada.”
Jose Rodriguez: Hi, guys. Thanks for taking the time. My first question was for BJ. BJ, you seem to be
very much pulling on sort of a righteous thing in your fight for this, for the belt, in saying that you
want to be a role model for the children and you want to force being clean. In an interview, I
recently had with Sean Sherk, he said that you know, what kind of role model are you when
you’re going around beating cops outside of bars and you have some recreational habits that
people also frown upon. Just your thoughts on that?
BJ Penn: Well, the more, you know what, things happen in life. The most important thing to me is mixed
martial arts. And when I see someone perverting that thing, you know what I mean, this is the
thing that brings us money. You know, I mean that brings us, you know, all the great things that
us fighters enjoy in life, you know, what I mean. And when you take money out of someone
else’s hands, you take food out of someone else’s table because you’re cheating. You got a
couple of aces up your sleeve. What happened back in the day, a couple of aces off your
sleeves, wild west, you just shoot a guy right there for cheating. You know, what I mean. So, you
know, it’s, you know, it’s a totally different thing, you know. I mean, I’m not proud of you know,
what happened in the past and these other things but you know, when it comes down to honor
and glory and walking in the sport and then even having the balls to walk in or even if this guy is
not the really champ, to me that’s just crazy.
Jose Rodriguez: Fair enough. So, you feel that …
BJ Penn: You know, one more thing. You know, people can go and take steroids around town an dup
their sleeves, whatever. You know, I got friends who do it. You know, what I mean but they’re
not standing across the ring from me, fighting for money with me. You know what I mean. So,
you know, people take steroids whatever. It happens all the time but they’re not standing across
the ring trying to take my money. UFC Moderator: Jennifer Wenk 05-15-08/3:00 p.m. CT Confirmation # 4414003 Page 23
Jose Rodriguez: So, then getting back to your calling on the role model thing that you were to be role
model for the kids and stuff like that, is it what you bring in to the Octagon that would enhance or
detract from your performance? Is that what you were referring to specifically or is it other
lifestyle related items?
BJ Penn: Exactly, you know, me, growing up is exactly like all the thing you cited. I am just like all these
kids, older brother or older cousin, you know what I mean. In all the exact same stuff as me and
if they can see me who is a kid just like them, you know what I mean, work hard and get
somewhere, that’s a ((inaudible)) to and they can take their life and get far. You know what I
mean because they’re just like me and I’m just like them. We all grew up in Hawaii with the same
thing. We have the same tendencies.
Now if they can see me get up, stand up, and achieve something and why can’t they. I’m not
here to tell them, hey don’t do this, hey don’t do that. I’m here to tell them, hey look what you can
do. You know what I mean. And that’s what it’s about.
Jose Rodriguez: Thank you very much for taking the time on that. My next question was for Dana.
Dana, how are you doing?
Dana White: Good. How are you doing?
Jose Rodriguez: Oh, excellent. When we were in Montreal, you said that you were still toying with the
idea of a GSP Silva fight and I asked you whether or not you’d let guys go around collecting belts.
And now, I know BJ is listening intently because he’d love nothing more than run up and run
down and collect a bunch of belts but have you made a decision on that yet.
UFC Moderator: Jennifer Wenk 05-15-08/3:00 p.m. CT Confirmation # 4414003 Page 24
Dana White: Don’t go starting shit with BJ and get him pretty moving all around the place. This is what I
said. What I said about that was listen, Anderson Silva has completely dominated that division.
And I said, there are some interesting fights out there possibly but we never talked about
Anderson moving to another weight division. You know, and realistically GSP has a few more
fights before he – has considered cleaning out the division. You know, what I mean?
If you look at things hypothetically speaking, you know, if BJ should beat Sean Sherk, you know,
on Saturday, he’d have a couple more guys to fight before he could think about moving. I’m a
firm believer that you have to clean out a division before you even think about going anywhere
else, you know. And this fight coming up on Saturday, you know, like is said earlier, two of the
best lightweights, not right now, ever, are facing off. It’s a big fight. You know, and whoever wins
that fight has a couple more fights before it will be considered cleaning out the division. And as
far as GSP goes, he’s got some fights too, still at 170.
Jose Rodriguez: Fair enough. But I guess, if the perfect storm presented itself …
Dana White: I mean, I think …
Jose Rodriguez: … will you allow a guy to …
Dana White: A lot of mega fights we can make out there. You know, there’s a lot of big fights that we
could do.
Jose Rodriguez: But you would be open, I guess, if the perfect storm happen to potentially one …
Dana White: I’d be open to anybody moving around after they’ve done what they needed to do with their
division.
UFC Moderator: Jennifer Wenk 05-15-08/3:00 p.m. CT Confirmation # 4414003 Page 25
Jose Rodriguez: Awesome. Well, thanks very much and thanks for taking the time and good luck
Saturday, guys.
BJ Penn: Cool.
Dana White: Thank you.
BJ Penn: Was that guys from seansherk.com?
Operator: We’ll now hear from Carlos Arias with the “Orange County Register.”
Carlos Arias: Dana, how are you doing?
Dana White: Good, how are you doing?
Carlos Arias: All right. Can you talk about the Wanderlei Silva-Keith Jardine fight? Talk about the
importance for Wanderlei to get back in the saddle and get a win here.
Dana White: Yes, absolutely. You know, Wanderlei has lost three in a row and he’s one of these unique
fighters, who looks like and Arturo Gaddi type fighter, who, you know, people just love to watch
him fight because of his mentality on fighting.
When I first sat down and when we signed Wanderlei, this is what he said to me, he stood up and
he said, this is my first fight in America and I don’t care if I win or lose. In this sport, you win, you
lose fights. It happens. It’s part of the business. What I want to do is I want to come in here and
I want to show all the American people who I am, who Wanderlei Silva is and how I fight. You
know, imagine if boxers still thought that way. Imagine if that was still the mentality in boxing
where would boxing be right now? UFC Moderator: Jennifer Wenk 05-15-08/3:00 p.m. CT Confirmation # 4414003 Page 26
Wanderlei Silva obviously though has to get a win. I mean this guy has to win some fights here to
stay, you know, in the UFC and stay at the top of the 205-lb division and Keith Jardine is one of
these guys who has had some very notable wins and you know, he’s had kind of a tough road.
You know, he bought, you know, he beat Forest Griffin and now Forest Griffin is looking at the
title shot, you know. So, I look at the road that Keith Jardine has had very Chuck Liddell-ish
because you know back in the day when Tito was fighting Elvis Sinosic and Evan Tanner and
guys who were a lot smaller than him, Chuck was knocking off all the top guys at 205. And long
term, it ended up paying off for Chuck, you know, he became one of the most respected fighters
in the business. So, it’s a big fight for both guys, you know, one to get back into the winning
ways, in the top of the 205-lb division and the other one to get the respect that he’s looking for.
Carlos Arias: And one more thing, can you give an update on Chuck and how his injury is doing and
when he could he be possibly be back.
Dana White: Yes. His injury is not good. His leg is, you know, he can barely bend over and tie his shoe.
He tore his leg real bad. It’s pretty nasty so I don’t know. You know, I know that the doctor told
him to kind of play it by it ear. It’s one of those things that could heal and fix days or it could heal
in 16 weeks. You know, the doctor doesn’t really know, it depends on how fast Chuck can
recover and his body really.
Carlos Arias: All right. Thanks a lot, Dana.
Dana White: Thanks, buddy.
Operator: From the “Rochester Post Bulletin,” we’ll go to Ben Pherson.
UFC Moderator: Jennifer Wenk 05-15-08/3:00 p.m. CT Confirmation # 4414003 Page 27
Ben Pherson: Hey, guys. My first question is for Sean. Sean, you’ve been through a really rough time in
your life here with the steroids allegations can or has anything good came out of the whole
ordeal?
Sean Sherk: Well, you know, I guess I found out who my real, loyal, true fans and friends are. You know,
I mean, outside of that, no, nothing good has came out of it, you know, I lost something I worked
hard for. Now, I’m going to climb my way back up the ladder. Lost a lot of momentum I had so
nothing good came out of it, you know. You know, if I win this fight Saturday night, and then
something great will come out of it. You know, a two time UFC lightweight world champion, that’s
a pretty big deal. So, we’ll see. You know, I’m still working on it.
Ben Pherson: Second, obviously this is the biggest fight of your life and you’re not looking ahead but win,
lose, or draw on the 24th, how important is it for you to be fighting in August when the USC
comes here to Minnesota?
Sean Sherk: That would be great. That’s like a dream come true, you know, I was born and raised in
Minnesota. I wrestled here my whole life and I fought here probably 10 times out of my 40 fights.
You know, I get a lot of attention here just like I’m sure BJ gets a lot of attention in Hawaii, you
know. So, I need to be a part of (hardwood) would be like a dream come true for me.
Ben Pherson: And to Dana – Dana, how important is it to you to get him on that card?
Dana White: Yes, I mean, it would be grand. I’m sure Sean would love to have the opportunity to fight in
the first big show we have there. Yes, I swore to God, you know, I’m not even thinking about that
right now. He has a fight this Saturday and two of the best lightweights ever in the sport are
going to face off on Saturday. I’m not even thinking about what Sean is going to do other than
Saturday.
UFC Moderator: Jennifer Wenk 05-15-08/3:00 p.m. CT Confirmation # 4414003 Page 28
Ben Pherson: Have you thought about anybody else for that card?
Dana White: Yes. I mean, you’re talking about the Brock Lesnar card, right?
Ben Pherson: Right. I mean.
Dana White: Another fight that if you look it, if you look it right now is the best time ever to be a mixed
martial arts fan. The fights that we have already had this year and lined up the rest of the year
are incredible. I mean, when you think about the fights in, I know a lot more than you guys do,
about what’s going to happen this year. It’s a lot of good stuff but I can tell you this, honestly, I’m
really fired up about the Kenny Florian fight. It’s a great fight.
Ben Pherson: Are you looking at other Minnesotans, you got some other Minnesotans under contract,
some other ones that are doing well or anybody else that you’re looking at.
Dana White: That’s all we’re talking about right now, are those two fights.
Ben Pherson: All right. Thanks, guys.
Dana White: Thanks, buddy.
Operator: Next, we’ll hear from Todd Martin, CBS Sportsline.
Todd Martin: Good afternoon, gentlemen. Question for Sean, obviously this is – well, I mean, in my
opinion, it’s the biggest fight of your career as far as profile, do you feel any added pressure to
not only win but to have a very exciting fight that raises your stock going forward?
UFC Moderator: Jennifer Wenk 05-15-08/3:00 p.m. CT Confirmation # 4414003 Page 29
Sean Sherk: Yes, I mean there’s always pressure, you know, but for the most part, I’m the underdog.
You know, I’m the guy that – I’m not the champ. I’m the underdog, you know, I don’t have any
pressure on me. All the pressure is on BJ, you know, everyone expects him to, you know, a
phenomenal performance. BJ says he’s going to finish me in the first round. You know, he’s the
favorite to win. I don’t – I really don’t feel any extra pressure. You know, I mean …
Todd Martin: What about the pressure that you’re not going to be on the (deuce) this time, do you feel
that pressure or what?
Sean Sherk: Yes. Anyway, yes but yes, so now I don’t feel any extra pressure man. You know, I’m just
trying to like I can only do and just mentally and physically get myself ready just like I always do,
you know, when it comes fight night, we’ll find out who the champ is.
Todd Martin: And question for Dana along similar lines, since you and the (Partidos) bought the
company, your big money divisions have been 205 and then later 170. With 155, this is probably
your biggest fight as far as being able to sell pay per view, how important is it for this fight to
really get people excited in the lightweight division and what are you going to do going forward to
try to keep 155 as a division people will pay money to see going forward?
Dana White: I think, when you have, you know, it’s all about having the best, having the best fighters in
the world. And like I’ve been chirping in this whole conference call, people who are real fight
fans. I mean, people who really do love the competition and love the sport. You know, combat
sports. It’s so rare, it’s so rare that you get two of the greatest fighters ever in the weight division
in their prime, you know, and you get to watch them square off and see who the best fighter in the
world is. This is the kind of stuff that’s literally in the fight game, it’s historical type stuff. It’s a big
fight, man. I’m excited.
UFC Moderator: Jennifer Wenk 05-15-08/3:00 p.m. CT Confirmation # 4414003 Page 30
I think these two facing each other right now at this point in their career, you know, as Sean Sherk
who’s always been a hard working, devoted, dedicated machine to this sport. He competed and
did very well at 170 lbs. and has competed and done very well at 155 lbs. against a reborn, re-
energized, dedicated BJ Penn. You know, somebody that everybody on the planet talks about
being a complete freak of nature. You know, if the kid could ever take it serious and get his head
into the game. God knows what he could end up accomplishing. Now, we have him. He’s here.
He’s `dedicated. He’s back. I mean, seriously, this is goose bumps shit right here. This is a big
fight. It’s big for the UFC lightweight division and for the sport.
Todd Martin: And final question, BJ. A lot of – obviously, you’ve heard a lot from Sean Sherk about
trying to protest his innocence over the steroid charges and being very vehement about it, would
it be safe to say that you don’t believe him in that regard so.
BJ Penn: Well, we’ll just do it like this. Sean Sherk, did you take any steroids for this fight?
Sean Sherk: That means negative.
BJ Penn: What about growth hormones? What about growth hormones? You took growth hormones for
this fight?
Sean Sherk: You know what.
BJ Penn: Huh?
Sean Sherk: Answer your question, BJ.
BJ Penn: What about blood doping? You took any blood doping, Sean, for this fight?
UFC Moderator: Jennifer Wenk 05-15-08/3:00 p.m. CT Confirmation # 4414003 Page 31
Sean Sherk: Answer your question, buddy?
BJ Penn: Let me know. Let me know. If (you hard to tell) and when me and you are starting on the other
side of the ring from each other, let me know, man.
Sean Sherk: Next question.
BJ Penn: OK. What’s the question? What’s the question?
Todd Martin: Well, I just asked if you believe Sean Sherk didn’t take steroids for the last fight. I mean,
you’ve pretty much answered that. But that’s all I have.
BJ Penn: I mean, if he didn’t then he’d probably test the same then. His levels will probably test the
exact same because that’s his normal testing level then. If he didn’t, he’ll probably test positive
again for the same level. You know, because that’s what his test out, I guess.
Operator: And our next question comes from Pat Steinberg with Calgary Sports Radio.
Pat Steinberg: BJ, this question is for you. I guess, I talked to (Joe Loss) on a couple of weeks ago and
he put over how hard core your training was for the Joe Stevenson fight. It’s been a couple of
months now, what’s the training been like for this one?
BJ Pen: Yes, I’ve trained as hard as I could. I’ve done everything I can, you know. I’m just you know,
I’ve done, three hours in the morning and two hours I night. I eat, train three hours, eat, eat, eat.
Train two hours, eat, eat, go to sleep and do it again the next day. It’s all I’ve been doing.
Pat Steinberg: And Sean, what about for you? We know how legendary your training has been, what’s
the training been like for this fight? UFC Moderator: Jennifer Wenk 05-15-08/3:00 p.m. CT Confirmation # 4414003 Page 32
Sean Sherk: As always, same way I’ve been doing since I started this. You know, it’s a 24-hour
commitment, seven days a week. You know, I mean I train hard and I focus and study and spend
a lot of time in the gym. You know, I mean, what else can I say, everyone knows how I train and
that’s how I’ve always done it. So, I’m not going to change anything now.
Pat Steinberg: And Dana, I do have a question for you, now, I know that a lot of people will say that
lightweight fights in the 155 division will give you some of the best fights you’ll see. From your
perspective, what makes the lightweight division so exciting?
Dana White: Obviously, the athletes, the level of athletes that we’re talking about here for the fight on
Saturday plus, you know, the smaller guys go after it from the minute the bell rings. You know,
it’s non stop action. These guys, you know, mentally right and physically right. BJ Penn is one of
the most gifted, talented fighters anybody has ever seen. Sean Sherk has always been dominant
no matter what weight he fought at and is always in excellent condition and a hard worker. And I
mean, when you have a big fight like this fight, it’s definitely great for the 155 lb division. I don’t
think that anybody is wondering if that’s going to be an exciting fight or not.
Pat Steinberg: All right. Thanks, guys. Really appreciate that.
Dana White: Thanks.
Operator: And we’ll go back to Neil Davidson.
Neil Davidson: Yes, thank you. My question is for Dana. Dana, as the Sean Sherk drug test allegation
was drawn out at the beginning, you said that you stood by Sean. That you’d always be the
stand up guy, he’s always look like that. It put you – it must have put you in a difficult position
when the test content the commission did not change things. And you were forced to strip him. UFC Moderator: Jennifer Wenk 05-15-08/3:00 p.m. CT Confirmation # 4414003 Page 33
Can you talk about that? Did you find yourself in a difficult position, where your hand’s tied? …
Dana White: No.
Neil Davidson: … in terms if you had to do something. Or where do you stand now?
Dana White: No, not at all. I mean everybody knew where I stood you, know the day it happened and
that’s where I stood the entire time that the whole thing went out. I agree, I’d like to say I’ve
known Sean for 10 years. He doesn’t look any different than he did 10 years ago.
You know I’ve seen guys in the UFC who abused steroids before. And in other places you know,
other sports or whatever it is. And you know, guys get hugged and you know go from fat to huge
to fat you know, or skinny to big, skinny. You know you see a difference in the body. I’ve never
seen that in him you know.
And all I can say is the kid’s always been a stand up on the sky with me. His always done
everything you say he’d do. He’s a good guy so I’ve stood by him then, I stand by him now.
Neil Davidson: Can I ask you a question just following up on UFC 83. Can you say in the scheme of
things, how that there was a huge caught in terms of gate and audience, so as we know. Can
you tell how that stocked up in the scheme of things in the pay per view, some kind of – some
kind of ranking number?
Dana White: The Montreal event?
Neil Davidson: Yes.
UFC Moderator: Jennifer Wenk 05-15-08/3:00 p.m. CT Confirmation # 4414003 Page 34
Dana White: Yes, the Montreal event was big all the way around. I mean we broke – we broke records
you know. It would – the venue, I think we broke every record in the venues history. We, you
know the pay per view did work very well. Everything was good.
You know it was – the whole event was a complete slum dunk, home run, whatever you want to
call it. It was awesome. The stands were amazing, it was an incredible event.
Neil Davidson: And just one final follow up I made. Is there an ongoing sort of pruning of your roster right
now? (Would) there been some fighters have been let go; Travis Lutter, (Joe Dirkson, Jacob
Bryan) is a – how would you describe this? Is this a business as usual or did you just get to the
point where you had to reduce – is it more change than normal?
Dana White: Yes, you know it’s nothing abnormal at all. At the end of the day, you know the UFC like I
say the whole time. It’s the place where all the best fighters in the world fight. And after you
loose a few or whatever, you have to go back down and get some wins and come back you know.
The guys where really dedicated to the sport and they get the cut. They go and they get a few
more wins under the belt and end up coming back.
But I can’t keep everybody under contract you know. Because the way that we do our contracts
depending if your one of our big stars, well have you, you know locked up to six or eight fights or
whatever it might be. They’re under long term contracts.
And other guys that are trying to make their way up to be you know, Sean’s or BJ’s, or whatever it
is. You know they’re under a three-fight deal or a two-fight deal or some of them are under one-
fight deals, it depends.
UFC Moderator: Jennifer Wenk 05-15-08/3:00 p.m. CT Confirmation # 4414003 Page 35
Neil Davidson: And your relationship with Tito, was that one event that where the (warm) term so to
speak, or is this just months, and months, and months?
Dana White: It’s been forever. I mean it’s not even the months; it’s been years you know. Tito Ortiz, first
of all Tito Ortiz is a liar. Tito Ortiz is a selfish, you know Tito always gives out there and, “I’m
doing this the truths and I’m doing this for..”, you know his always doing it for everybody other
than Tito. The only one Tito cares about is Tito.
Tito doesn’t give a shit about anybody but himself. He’s proven that to me a million times. I –
you know he – you know you see him talk publicly about whatever, about old (Lorenzo) and
(Frank), and this and that, but tell you what, back when he was crying on TV, “(hu hu hu) I
crashed my car into a tree and my life was over.” (Frank) and (Lorenzo) didn’t bring him back into
the UFC, I did.
I brought him back into the UFC, and you know he just never a guy that we’ve been able to do
business. Listen, with Sean Sherk and BJ Penn are on the phone the other day, they are my
partners, these guys are my partners. We work together and you know I do my job, they do
theirs, and the UFC and mix martial arts grows and becomes more successful.
Tito Ortiz was a never a partner to anybody other than himself.
Neil Davidson: And what do you think will happen between Ortiz and Machida?
Dana White: Let me tell you what, I have 250 guys under contract pretty much all the time, and when two
guys – and even everybody knows my relationship with Chuck Liddell, OK.
UFC Moderator: Jennifer Wenk 05-15-08/3:00 p.m. CT Confirmation # 4414003 Page 36
And when Chuck goes into the fight, I don’t win or loose fights for anybody. I sit there and I watch
and I see what happens and we from there. So never at any time I’m going to, “I hope this guy
looses”.
But I can tell you what I’ve never wanted to see anybody get their ass get kicked of course, and I
wanted to see Tito get his kick on Saturday night.
Neil Davidson: Thanks, Dana.
Dana White: Yes.
Operator: And from Excelsior, let’s hear from Ricardo Ivarra.
Ricardo Ivarra: Hey, Dana, how are you?
Dana White: Good. How are you?
Ricardo Ivarra: Fine. Thank you.
Dan White: Good, now, good.
Ricardo Ivarra: Hey, Dana, I have got a couple of questions. The first one is what’s happened with the
situation of Chuck Liddell when a – (kind off) – would cover for the injury?
Dana White: Yes. He’s got a pretty bad injury and the doctor said he doesn’t know this thing. It depends
on Chuck’s ability to heal right now. I mean it could take six days, it could take 16 weeks. He
doesn’t know. ((inaudible)) that one by year.
UFC Moderator: Jennifer Wenk 05-15-08/3:00 p.m. CT Confirmation # 4414003 Page 37
Ricardo Ivarra: The next one is, what’s happened with the winner of this incredible match (BJ
Penn/Sherk)? What’s happened for next fight?
Dana White: Well I think you know, listen, like I said earlier, I like to see guys clean out of division and
there’ll be no doubt who the best 155 pound or 170, 185 pound or et cetera. You find out who the
best is because these guys cleaned out of division.
I think the winner of the fight on Saturday, there’s another fight between Roger Huerta and Kenny
Florian, OK.
I think the winner of that fight will fight the winner of this fight. And, let’s say it’s BJ or Sean, I
would consider that cleaning out the division.
And then, I’d sit down to either one of them to talk to them about what they, where they wanted to
go from there.
Ricardo Ivarra: And then, the next question is for BJ Penn.
BJ, do have a pressure about these fights? Or, what’s your practice for these huge fights?
BJ Penn: You know what, go to this training camp and kind of get being around and getting the (belt)
back and all these stuff you know. Honestly, I just feel I just come back into the UFC.
You know I’m – I’d like – I don’t walk around, I don’t feel like I’m the champion, where you know
like where – when I was young or have the (belt) before, I’m just, honestly I’m just happy to be
here man.
UFC Moderator: Jennifer Wenk 05-15-08/3:00 p.m. CT Confirmation # 4414003 Page 38
I’m just happy to be here. I’m just happy to be about a – you know put on a show and be about a
– to perform in front of people. You know I’m just happy to be here.
Ricardo Ivarra: Thanks for you.
BJ Penn: Thank you.
Ricardo Ivarra: Thanks, Dana.
Dana White: Thank you.
Operator: And Kevin Iole, please go ahead.
Kevin Iole: Hey, Dana, I just want to ask you a couple of questions and then the fighters. On a boxing
conference call last week, (Tim Y Wiki) said, you were going to put a fight in Berlin at the new O2
arena, in the new (AG) arena in Berlin for the grand opening. When is that supposed to be? Do
you know?
Dana White: No, we’re working on it right now, I don’t know. Like I said, I’ve been telling everybody for
the last four or five months, I’m working on Germany. Germany is what we’re looking out next
and we’re looking at the Philippines hard right now. We’re going down to Australia but it’ll be
Germany first. And we’re still trying to figure it out. I don’t have anything done yet.
Kevin Iole: Is it going to definitely be in that arena or just …
Dana White: I don’t know.
Kevin Iole: … ((inaudible)) or possibility of a different city in Germany? UFC Moderator: Jennifer Wenk 05-15-08/3:00 p.m. CT Confirmation # 4414003 Page 39
Dana White: Yes, I don’t know. I don’t know. I can’t talk about that kind of stuff ‘till it’s done. It just
makes getting deal done so much harder.
Kevin Iole: Well, as (Tim Y Wiki) talked as if it was done because he said it was done.
Dana White: Yes. No, it’s not done yet.
Kevin Iole: All right. Also, can I ask you this question without meaning any disrespect towards Sean?
But you know Sean was been a (lightweight) most of his career. You’re (hyphen) the fight as you
know two of the greatest lightweight of all time. He only had two lightweight fights. I mean, is it
fair to call Sean, with two fights at that division, one of the greatest lightweights ever.
Dana White: Absolutely. Are you kidding me? This guy was reckoned people at 170 and so as BJ.
These are two guys who can bounce up and down from 170 to 155. I mean any guy who can
come in and make 155 yet compete with the best in the world at 170. There’s no doubt – I don’t
think you’ll get an argument from anybody ever. That BJ Penn and Sean Sherk are two of the
greatest lightweights ever.
Kevin Iole: Well – and I’m not disputing his ability. You know I have great respect for what he has
accomplished. I’m just saying that he’s only fight twice in the division.
Dana White: Yes. I agree. He was at 170. I think – I don’t think when you look at, you know a guy like
BJ Penn and a guy like Sean Sherk. At either way right now, I mean at 170, these guys, Sean
Sherk was blowing through everybody at 170 pounds.
The guy was destroying everybody, a lot of great fighters. And at 155 pounds, he’s even stronger
and more powerful. I mean everything about him, at 155 pounds is better than at a 170. UFC Moderator: Jennifer Wenk 05-15-08/3:00 p.m. CT Confirmation # 4414003 Page 40
I don’t think other than BJ Penn, I don’t know who else messes with Sean Sherk at a 155 pounds.
There’s no doubt about it.
Kevin Iole: All right. Thanks, Dana. And then, I want to ask both of the fighters to react to Dana’s
comment earlier when he kind of said you know he was trying to keep things like (Kimble Slice)
from fighting on (CBS) from happening. The fact that (Kimble) is a main event in the first
nationally televised (MMA) on network TV. What do you guys think of that? Do you think it’s
good for the sport? Bad for the sport? Or is it in different?
Male: You know to be honest with you I didn’t really – well crazy about the idea you know. I’d think if
want to headline a big, you know main event, main stream type, thing like that, you should have
the credential to follow it you know.
I mean I would have like to seen a more established fighter. Somebody who would maybe
represent the sport a little better. Because if you’re tuning in the (CBS) for the first time and you
catch this, you know you catch the street fighter guy on TV, I think that’s going to give us a bad
name. And you know I think it maybe sets us back a couple of steps.
So I wasn’t crazy about the idea. That’s all.
Male: BJ, what do you think?
BJ Penn: You know he’s an athlete, I’m a street fighter, I love street fighters, and you know what I mean?
You know I’m just, you know, for – it’s like being steady notes. It’s great to have all these other
shows out there because UFC can’t have everybody in their contract. Like you said he’s got 250
guys under contract. There’s thousands of fighters out there. They need (stations) to fight you
know. UFC Moderator: Jennifer Wenk 05-15-08/3:00 p.m. CT Confirmation # 4414003 Page 41
So – but I mean me, I’m a (Kimble Slice) fan. I’m a street fighter. You know that’s where I draw
my thing for my – I don’t draw my fight from athletics or from sports or I used to wrestle, I used to
box, no, I used to fight you know. So, me, I’m a (Kimble Slice) fan. I like fighting but you know I
see where Dana is coming from and that his opinion and I respect his opinion but for me, I’m a
street fighter, I like their kind of stuff.
Male: Hey (JB), put BJ on the phone.
Kevin Iole: Lastly, can I ask BJ one last question? You know I know Dana cringes when you talk about
different ((inaudible)), have you consult yourself to the fact that doing what he said and trying to
clean out the division and you know if your fortunate enough to beat Sherk, to fight the winners,
say Florian and Huerta and do those kind of things.
BJ Penn: You know what I don’t even want to get into that stuff right now and you know I just – I got to
concentrate on Sean Sherk. You know I can’t even think about Florian and Huerta or anyone
else. I just, you know, Sean Sherk is, “I am a Tyson”, and that’s Sean Sherk I know.
Kevin Iole: Thanks, and good luck.
Dana White: Thanks, Kev.
Jennifer Wenk: I’ll say – this is Jennifer. If you have any last call, let’s take the last call. It’s been a full
hour. It’s been a great call. So, we need to wrap this up. If there’s a last call, let’s do that now.
Operator: (Are there any one)?
Male: Yes. So, Dana, do you have the UFC image at all when Sean first results all what first disclosed? UFC Moderator: Jennifer Wenk 05-15-08/3:00 p.m. CT Confirmation # 4414003 Page 42
Dana White: Say that again.
Male: Do you have the UFC image at all when Sean’s negative result was first disclosed?
Dana White: Yes, listen, the way that I look at this thing, you know we invest a lot of money into this thing
and put on these fights and guy wins the title and everything else. It’s definitely, it’s never good.
You know it’s never a positive thing when it happens. But it something that happens you know.
Listen what, we’ve got 250 guys that fight for us all the time you know, there’s always 250 guys
under contract and people make mistakes and things happen and you know there’s always going
to be issues to deal with when you’re dealing with human beings, always.
Male: You have mentioned some time last year, you’re planning on meeting in October with a guy to
discuss steroids and that other issue. Do that ever take place in?
Dana White: Yes, we did it. It was – it went well. I thought it wasn’t real. Positive meaning for everybody
and it was more – it wasn’t really just about steroids, it’s about a lot of things. I mean we covered
pretty much everything in the business. But we covered steroids still.
Male: And recently, you got – maybe a share on (Galo) vision Spanish television doing free some of the
fights. How important is that for the future of the company, to tap into that market, and you know
start expanding into a lot of American markets?
Dana White: It’s important you know, I mean the Hispanic markets, very important to me, it’s one of the –
it’s the market that’s kept boxing alive the last 10 or 15 years. And you know what, we’re not just
focusing on you know a lot of America. We just went up north to Canada or in the UK. We’re
going out into Germany and a lot of other countries. UFC Moderator: Jennifer Wenk 05-15-08/3:00 p.m. CT Confirmation # 4414003 Page 43
This is a sport that crosses all cultural barriers, all language barriers you know. Think about this,
think about how big the (NFL) is. I don’t give a shit if you didn’t watch one football game all
season, everybody watches a super ball, everybody, it’s huge. They’ve been spending billions of
dollars to try to break into Europe and they haven’t been able to do it because nobody gives a shit
about football in Europe.
OK. It’s like seeing cricket is going to be big over here someday, it’s never going to happen. But
I think two guys and put them in the octagon and they can use any martial art they want, people
get it. Fighting is in our DNA, as human beings we – there’s something about fighting that we
like, we get it. And it doesn’t have to be explained to us. We don’t have to learn the rules or
anything else. We get it, we like it.
This sport is going to be the biggest sport in the world and it’s going to be global.
Male: I appreciate that. Thank you, Dana.
Dana White: Thanks.
Jennifer Wenk: All right, Sarah, let’s go ahead and wrap up the call and let Dana make his closing
remarks.
Dana White: That’s it. It’s a great call I appreciate all your support. And I thank everybody for calling in
today. Like I said, two, you know, two of the greatest lightweights ever in the history of sport are
going to face off on Saturday, Wanderlei Silva, Keith Jardin, Tito Ortiz, Lyoto Machida, and a
stock card full of great fighters.
Look forward to seeing you guys there, and thanks for your time. UFC Moderator: Jennifer Wenk 05-15-08/3:00 p.m. CT Confirmation # 4414003 Page 44
Thanks, BJ. Thanks, Sean. I appreciate that.
Male: Thank you, Dana.
Dana White: Have a good day.
Operator: Ladies and gentlemen, that does conclude today’s conference. And thank you for your
participation. Have a great rest of your day.
END