LOS ANGELES, CA – On this week’s “UFC Tonight,” Host Todd Harris and Analyst Kenny Florian break down the newly announced Middleweight Championship fight between Anderson Silva and Chael Sonnen. Insider Ariel Helwani has the latest on a former contender who is moving up in weight class. Plus, special guest and legendary UFC Cutman Jacob “Stitch” Duran talks about his most memorable KO and his experiences in the red corner.
Quote of the Week: “UFC Tonight” Analyst Kenny Florian on UFC 147 Silva vs. Sonnen:“Without a doubt this will be the biggest fight in UFC history. The arena in Brazil seats at least 80,000 people. That alone makes it the biggest event in UFC history. Silva, pound-for-pound the best fighter in the world and the biggest trash talker in the world, Sonnen. This is a huge event. I can’t wait to see it.”
“UFC Tonight” Insider Ariel Helwani on Silva vs. Sonnen: “I spoke with Chael’s manager Mike Roberts who told me when they go back to Brazil he thinks everything will be alright come June. They don’t expect any problems. Silva’s manger said everything will be ok, but he does think it’s time for Chael to back-up everything he has said about Brazil. I think it’s going to be the biggest fight in UFC history.”
Florian on the Ortiz vs. Griffin trilogy: “Ortiz has to get out on the punches and get the respect from Griffin early in the fight. For Forrest, he has a high volume striking game, he is a heavy kicker, he can go upstairs, downstairs and he is very diverse. For him, if he can get in on the body shots, he will take out a guy like Ortiz.”
Florian on Ortiz’ last fight: “We know that this is Ortiz’s last fight. He wants to go out on top. I think he really deserves it. For Griffin, he wants to get back on track and establish himself as the top light heavyweight of the world.”
Florian on who should fight Jose Aldo: “Hatsu Hioki should be the contender. He is the number-two featherweight in the world. He has the reach, length and experience to give Aldo a hard time.”
Helwani on who should fight Aldo: “Hioki doesn’t want the fight. I think the UFC should wait for the FUEL TV fight with Chan Sung Jung vs. Dustin Poirier to happen and if Poirier wins on May 15, he should fight Aldo on July 21.”
Jacob “Stitch” Duran on his most memorable KO: “Barry with Kongo. Kongo got knocked out, then Barry was knocked out. Pat Barry asked me what happened and I told him ‘you got knocked out,’ and he asked again what happened and I told him, ‘you got knocked out.’ Then he asked a third time and then he understood.”
Florian on “Stitch” in his corner: “I remember when I fought Sean Sherk and when I hit him on the forehead, he was bleeding so bad that I thought I was bleeding. “Stitch” was cleaning me up with a towel, and then we realized, I wasn’t even cut, but there was that much blood.”
“Stitch” on what it’s like in the red corner: “I get to see the agony of defeat and the thrill of victory. It’s tough either way. Winning you have to give them support, losing you have to give them support.”
“Stitch” on the biggest wimp in the UFC: “There are no wimps in this game. These guys are all gladiators. I do remember one time, I wrapped BJ Penn’s hands, and then he started complaining because tape was pulling on his hair. I thought that was funny, but there are no wimps in this game by any means.”
“Stitch” on which boxer would be the best UFC fighter: “Evander Holyfield. He is such a stand up fighter and he could bang against just about anyone.”
Florian gives his opinion on judging in MMA: “It needs to be more clear what winning a round really means, which will make it less open to interpretation. Let’s force these judges to educate themselves. Anyone who wants to be a judge needs a year of apprenticeship in the sport at a pro level. Third, let’s give them a way to block out crowd noise. Drunk fans ‘oooing’ and ‘ahhing’ shouldn’t have an effect on judges’ perception. Finally, we to need require TV monitors across the board. Judges sitting Octagon side can’t get all the angles. Every aspect of the system can and should be improved. It’s the ugliest part of this great sport and it’s time we start judging the judges.”
“UFC Tonight” is the official weekly news and information show of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, airing every Tuesday night at 10:00 PM ET on FUEL TV. The show is co-hosted by veteran UFC fighter and multiple title contender Kenny Florian and former UFC host and WEC Announcer Todd Harris. Two-time World MMA Awards Journalist of the Year Ariel Helwani adds insider news.