Dana White and UFC fighters explain why they love Burt Watson

Did you ever wonder how fighters are always in the right place and right time when their walkout music starts at UFC events? Or how weigh-ins are as well-timed as a Swiss watch? Or how fighters can focus on their fights and forget about the logistics of fight weekends?

It doesn't take an army of drones with clipboards and walkie-talkies for the UFC to make this happen. It takes Burt Watson. Fighters -- including Georges St-Pierre with a hilarious impersonation -- explain why they respect and appreciate Watson.

Are you surprised by the one fighter who said he didn't like Watson's yelling?

Thanks, MMA Fighting.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/dana-white-ufc-fighters-explain-why-love-burt-132739136--mma.html

Andre Amade  Dean Amasinger  Jimmy Ambriz Matt Andersen  Alex Andrade 

Tito Ortiz talks about UFC 148, the Hall of Fame and the next chapter

It's going to be an eventful summer for Tito Ortiz, a man who was recognized as one of the most important fighters in the growth of the UFC when the promotion decided to induct him into their Hall of Fame. He will fight Forrest Griffin on July 7 at UFC 148, making it the third time the pair will meet. After that bout, Ortiz plans to retire.

"I've done everything," Ortiz told Cagewriter. "My body has taken the toll. (back injury, acl replacement) My body just can't train, and training is hard on your body, so I wanted to go out on my own terms."

But before retirement, he will fight Griffin. The pair first faced off at UFC 59. It was a close fight won by Ortiz and was considered one of the best fights of 2006. Griffin took the rematch by split decision at UFC 106. Though they've fought each other for six rounds, Ortiz said he still is studying Griffin because it's part of the job.

"Gotta do your homework. I've got to do as much homework as I possibly can. I see mistakes that he does," Ortiz said. "It doesn't matter that it's my last fight. I'm still pushing my hardest."

He was touched by the UFC deciding to make him a Hall-of-Famer.

"It means all the hard work that I did means something. I've worked really hard in this business for 15 years. I've gotten to succeed, to be very successful, at mixed martial arts in the UFC."

Because he has been in the fight game for so long, he has not had as much time to spend with his family as he would like. He has three sons, and is happy the next stage in his life will involve plenty of time with them.

"First thing is being a full-time father. Being with my kids every single day. I'm starting the second chapter of my life, and it's truly about family."

Follow Tito Ortiz on Twitter for more as he prepares for UFC 148.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/tito-ortiz-talks-ufc-148-hall-fame-next-231744942--mma.html

Hiroyuki Abe Cyril Abidi  Daniel Acacio Bernard Ackah  Terrance Aflague

Alistair Overeem: ?I?m all natural?

UFC heavyweight Alistair Overeem really wants the world to believe he is a clean fighter, even though he is currently suspended for having elevated testosterone levels before his planned fight with UFC champ Junior dos Santos.

Earlier this week, Overeem tweeted he will be back in December, but UFC executive Lorenzo Fertitta said not so fast. Overeem responded by tweeting about a drug test.

"I'm doing a drug test today to build confidence with the Nevada state athletic commission and because I respect and appreciate the UFC," Overeem wrote. "And to let junior know I am a clean fighter, I'm all natural Junior.. and I am coming for you."

Well, that's a nice gesture, Alistair, but guess what? You're supposed to be clean. You don't get any medals for testing clean on random date of your choosing. This is the equivalent of teenager cleaning the house after being grounded. Though the parents may be pleased to come home to a sparkling house, they're not going to forget about the raging party that happened there days before.

The NAC isn't going to forget about his suspension, and the UFC isn't going to forget how he derailed the main event of one of their biggest cards in 2012.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/alistair-overeem-m-natural-134150719--mma.html

Bernard Ackah  Terrance Aflague Yoshihiro Akiyama  Gilbert Aldana  José Aldo 

Chael Sonnen could sell you the shirt off your back

When not preparing for his UFC 148 rematch with Anderson Silva, Chael Sonnen is filming a commercial that WILL sell you a Nexersys. He uses the age-old sales technique of saying you can't have the product. Well-played, Chael. Well-played.

Thanks, MMA Fighting.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/chael-sonnen-could-sell-shirt-off-back-124937341--mma.html

Terrance Aflague Yoshihiro Akiyama  Gilbert Aldana  José Aldo  John Alessio