LOS ANGELES – UFC TONIGHT host Kenny Florian and guest host Brian Stann preview UFC 199: ROCKHOLD VS. BISPING and catch up with Luke Rockhold, Michael Bisping, Dominick Cruz and Urijah Faber before their fights. Paige VanZant also joined in studio. Karyn Bryant adds reports.
UFC TONIGHT host Kenny Florian on Michael Bisping going into UFC 199: “His confidence is huge. He’s on a three-fight win streak. I love his approach. He just beat one of the best in all history. Bisping took the fight to Anderson Silva and really pursued him and won the fight. You talk about his heart and determination, but I was impressed with his ability and skill and way he adapted round after round. And it shows he can beat a southpaw. His keys are he needs to push the pace, get on the inside in boxing range, and use his footwork against Rockhold.”
UFC TONIGHT guest host Brian Stann on Luke Rockhold: “This champion is so dynamic: he can strike, he can grapple and he can wrestle. He can do all those things very well. It’s rare to see someone with this reach and power and really run through guys in this division. But I want to see where’s his head is at now. There’s a difference being the challenger and being the champion, going after it and defending it. As we know, in this game, it’s more mental than physical.”
Rockhold on Bisping’s performance against Anderson Silva: “Bisping stays true to who he is. He always fights to the best of his ability. Bisping was dominating. This is a completely different fight. Anderson Silva isn’t on my level. He never was. Bisping doesn’t know the jump I’ve made. I’ve learned more. I’ve gained more. He’s the same man.”
Rockhold on if he had to change his game plan for the late replacement Bisping: “Not a bit. I don’t change my game. I’m the most well rounded guy in this game. I don’t focus on what they’re doing. I focus on what I’m doing. He’s still an orthodox guy, more tactical. He’ll try to close the distance. I’m a counter striker. When he pushes in I’m going to make him pay. I’m going to find my openings and finish it.”
Rockhold on Bisping saying he’s better now than the first time they fought: “He can talk himself up anyway he wants. Weidman doesn’t have a chance and he doesn’t have a chance. None of these guys have a chance. I’m going to find my mark.”
Rockhold on Bisping continuing to trash talk: “He can keep using that to build himself up. I relish pressure. I relish the opportunity to shut his mouth. I live for this.”
Rockhold on if his media obligations as a champion are bothering him: “Media is not that bad when you’re on top of the mountain. I enjoy it and try to control it as best I can and make it easy. As long as the paycheck is there in the championship fashion, we’re happy. Hopefully Bisping can keep running his mouth and get people excited and keep putting money in my pocket.”
Rockhold on Bisping’s son picking him on the Embedded series: “I think both of his sons picked me. The kids are realists. They see what’s going on. They know what’s happening.”
VIDEO: Interview: Rockhold
Michael Bisping on getting a title shot as a late replacement: “I’ve worked a lifetime for it. Two weeks, two days, two years. I’ll take it. I’ve trained my entire life. I just fought Anderson Silva. I don’t need a whole camp. This is the most important thing. I’ve really made leaps and bounds in my mental game lately. I used to think it was about being emotional and being angry. But you’re never best version of yourself if you’re angry. I’ve really got a handle on it now.”
Bisping on if he’ll target Rockhold’s bad knee: “I want him at full speed. I don’t want any excuses. He’s already beat me. Last time I had the wrong game plan. I’m going back to how I fought early in my career. I’ll close the distance to take away his reach advantage and kicking advantage, push him up against fence and take him out just like I did with Anderson Silva.”
Bisping on if he’s close to retiring: “I’ve got four more fights on my contract. When I win this fight, that’s when the real payday starts. I’m not going to bow out when I really start to make money.”
Bisping on how this is a different fight: “I’ve never fought for a title. I know I’m not the best athlete in the world. But my heart and my will get me through fights. I want to see the belt. I want to know what’s available to me. All I’ve got to do is go out there and fight my ass off on Saturday night like I’ve never done before and it’s mine. And I’m going to do it.”
VIDEO: Interview: Bisping
http://www.foxsports.com/ufc/video?vid=697082947764
Florian on Cruz vs. Faber: “It’s so impressive the way Cruz came back and won the belt against TJ. It shows other people still have a lot of catching up to do to get to Cruz. He does very unusual things. You attack him and he dances around you and you can’t hit him. You sit back and he takes control of the fight. He’s got dominant wrestling and striking ability. He’s one confusing guy to fight. For Faber, if there’s one team that could prepare him for Dominick Cruz, it’s Team Alpha Male. I think it’s going to be a good fight.”
Urijah Faber on being a California native and who’s getting booed walking out: “I think nobody is getting booed. Dominick has earned respect. He’s grown up a lot. But the doors to the Octagon are going to close and it’s going to get nuts in there between us.”
Faber on retirement: “I would like to go out holding the belt. I could see myself winning the belt, going up to 145, then coming back to 135. I’m not near retirement. I’m just thinking about fighting the best and beating the best.”
Dominick Cruz on how important it is to beat Faber: “All these fights matter. All are as big as this one. I’m always fighting for the belt. Each is as important, except I enjoy punching him more.”
VIDEO: Cruz and Faber Interview
VIDEO: Paige VanZant Interview
http://www.foxsports.com/ufc/video?vid=697179715816
For notes, coverage, bios, photography and more, visit the FOX UFC page on FOX Sports Press Pass.
UFC TONIGHT
UFC TONIGHT is the official weekly news and information show of the Ultimate Fighting Championship on FS1. Veteran UFC fighter and multiple title contender Kenny Florian, light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier and veteran combat sports journalist Karyn Bryant bring you all the news and analysis.