UFC-Tonight-logoOn UFC TONIGHT, guest hosts Daniel Cormier and Brian Stann join Kenny Florian and Karyn Bryant in studio. The crew interviews Tim Kennedy and Eddie Alvarez before their bouts at UFC 178. Plus, No. 3-ranked lightweight Khabib Nurmagomedov joins the team in studio. Bryant and Helwani provide additional reports.

UFC TONIGHT Guest Host Daniel Cormier on the just announced CB Dollaway vs. Lyoto Machida: “When you ask for a big fight, you get what you ask for. Dollaway earned this fight. I believe he’s ready for this fight. It’s a huge opportunity for him to make a statement in the middleweight division.”

UFC TONIGHT Host Kenny Florian on Dollaway’s move up the division: “He’s always been a great middleweight, but he just didn’t always believe it. It’ll be a fun middleweight fight.”

UFC TONIGHT Guest Host Brian Stann on Mark Hunt vs. Roy Nelson: “Mark Hunt’s confidence could not be higher going into this fight. Nelson won’t take him down. You’re going to watch one of the best in the division in Mark Hunt. He says he’ll knock Roy out in round 3 or round 4.”

Cormier on Roy Nelson: “He’s a phenomenal athlete. Even when he misses you with his punch, you here the wind go by your head. He throws his whole body into every punch. Roy Nelson will test that chin of Mark Hunt. He has the more well-rounded ability. He can stand with Mark Hunt and will win by taking him down and out-grappling him.”

Florian on Nelson: “I think Nelson has more ways to win. His knockout power and his Brazilian Jiu-jitsu black belt skills, which we haven’t seen in a while. People forget how good he is on the mat.”

Tim Kennedy on taking down the Olympic silver medalist Yoel Romero: “I don’t think I’ll have a problem taking him down. I don’t care where the fight goes. I want to beat him on the feet. I’m a much more technical striker. I have very good head defense. If he tries to use his wrestling, I’m good enough to stop his takedowns. I want to beat him up on our feet.”

Kennedy on if this is a bad style matchup for him: “It seems like people say that every time. People said that about my last fight with Bisping, but I destroyed him for five rounds. Then they said that about Roger Gracie, and I murdered him on the ground. This is no different. I’m fighting a very, very talented athlete and gifted wrestler.”

Kennedy on how the fight ends: “I’ve got to put pressure on him from start to finish. He’s super talented when he can dictate how he wants the fight to go. I can’t let him do that. He’ll want range, be explosive and close the distance and dictate timing, but I’m going to be in his face bell to bell looking for a finish at every single moment in the fight.”

Cormier on what Kennedy needs to do against Romero: “Tim Kennedy is better when he’s controlling the pace and getting on top. He can’t stand with Romero. Kennedy won’t be able to match him on the feet, so he has to make it ugly and dirty, get in his face and stay on him.”

Stann on Eddie Alvarez vs. Donald Cerrone: “Eddie’s been around the block for a long time. He’s good everywhere and fought in numerous organizations. He’s got the integrated skill set that can give Donald Cerrone some problems. But he can’t stand and strike with him. Striking with Donald is always a problem.”

Eddie Alvarez on how he’ll fight Donald Cerrone at UFC 178: “I can’t disclose that sort of info. I’m excited. I’m training my butt off and getting ready. If you want to know what I’m going to do, tune in on the 27th.”

Alvarez on if he’s getting tips from Rashad Evans, who used to train with Cerrone:“Rashad has been very helpful, but he’s been neutral. I understand his situation. He’s been helpful in me bringing the best out in myself, without disclosing every ounce of info about Cowboy. He’s a Blackzilian and I know who he’s riding with.”

Alvarez on if there are extra nerves fighting in the UFC for the first time: “No added nerves, just some added excitement. I’ve fought everywhere and I’ve fought some of the best guys in the world. I’ve learned what’s important. The lights don’t bug me anymore. It’s just about me and Donald Cerrone that night.”

Alvarez on how the fight happens: “It’s a high-paced, violent fight. I try to bring that every time. I throw caution to the wind, like a young guy. You can feel my excitement to the sport. That’s what fans can expect.

Khabib Nurmagomedov on who he wants to fight next: “After Gilbert Melendez, I’m the next number-one contender. I’m 6-0 in UFC, 22-0 overall. I deserve my title fight.

UFC TONIGHT Insider Ariel Helwani on some heavyweight news: “Travis Browne is switching up his camp and training with Ronda Rousey’s coach Edmond Tarverdyan. Ben Rothwell didn’t break his forearm in his last fight and in perfect world would like to fight on January 31, either against Junior dos Santos, Stipe Miocic or and Andrei Arlovski. Now I’ve heard that Stipe will fight JDS on FOX in December. Matt Mitrione feels like Andrei Arlovski makes best sense for him next, but he doesn’t want to call him out because he respects him too much. But Arlovski might have a broken wrist from his last fight. He’s not sure if it’s a bruise or if it’s broken.”

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