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UFC Conference Call: Still hope for Randy, still none for Sherk

The UFC held a conference call this afternoon with UFC 78 headliners Michael Bisping and Rashad Evans to promote Saturday's "Validation" pay-per-view (PPV) as well as address a variety of other hot topics.

Whether it's conservative optimism or grasping at straws, many in attendance took notice at the mention of contact between Randy Couture and UFC president Dana White.

According to White:

We officially offered (a title defense against top contender "Minotauro" Nogueira) and we haven't heard back yet. He texted me yesterday and said he wants to sit down and talk.

Interesting that Couture would be willing to have dialogue with the UFC after the recent smear campaign by both sides. While the rumor mill has Couture considering an offer from Mark Cuban to join the staff of HDNet Fights, a return to the company that he's recently dominated - even if it's just to fulfill the remaining fights on his contract - would be the happiest ending I can think of for all involved.

Then again that's probably just wishful thinking.

Also discussed were the lingering questions over Sean Sherk and his ongoing steroid appeal with the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC). Contrary to recent reports, White does indicate that he will strip Sherk of the title if found guilty by the CSAC.

Here's more:

BJ Penn and Joe Stevenson are going to fight for the interim title. We'll see what happens with Sherk. If he's found guilty, we'll support the (CSAC) and he'll probably be stripped of his title. If not, he'll keep his title, and it'll be champion versus champion.

Hopefully we'll know the answer to that on December 4th when the CSAC (finally) rules on Sherk's appeal.

In regard to the genesis of Bisping versus Rashad, White stated he had little choice after Hamill got injured and Tito declined the fight because of injury (that White claims was an excuse to film "The Apprentice" for Donald Trump).

As far as upcoming events, the UFC plans to air its next Fight Night on January 23 and is looking to hold a PPV in Florida at some point in 2008. White is also starting to turn his efforts toward sanctioning in the state of New York.

MSG in 2009, anyone?

When asked about a potential deal with CBS, White was tight-lipped about any negotiations, but teased with big things on the horizon for 2008 and beyond.

A reconciliation with Randy Couture would certainly be a step in the right direction.

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Would like to see this resolved with Randy for sure.

by Ink Machine Productions on Nov 12, 2007 6:47 PM EST reply actions  

Is Dana John Kerry? He will strip Sherk of the title, then he wont and now he will. Is that like voting for it before voting against it?

Will Randy’s position with HDNet be an executive or a fighter? At least Mark Cuban can back him in any lawsuits that the UFC brings if he does fight Fedor, which is what everyone wants anyway.

by Big Rush on Nov 12, 2007 6:49 PM EST reply actions  

Not sure which is more entertaining, Nog and Randy, or the fact that Dana may man up and do the right thing if Sherk is in the wrong (which I personally don’t think he is)

by Hitman 7.0 on Nov 12, 2007 6:50 PM EST reply actions  

Well that makes more sense. If Sherk is found guilty then the title should be stripped. If not, that would be sending the wrong – or at least a mixed message. Also, Randy should do his last two fights.

by JTK5 on Nov 12, 2007 6:58 PM EST reply actions  

It’s nice Dana is working in the interest of the fans regarding Sherk’s ruling later this year.

by LouisN on Nov 12, 2007 6:59 PM EST reply actions  

Dana and Randy will sit down, Randy will say what he wants and Dana WILL give it to him. Couture Vs. Nogueira isn’t that exciting to me.

by Lycan on Nov 12, 2007 6:59 PM EST reply actions  

Sherk should have been stripped months ago. Dana is using this “delay” to try to help his buddy out and try to get him to keep the belt.
He should be competly banned from the UFC forever…not because he uses steroids but because he is a boring fighter. Lay n’ Pray just isnt fun to watch.

by jjdnb on Nov 12, 2007 7:06 PM EST reply actions  

I’d bet that behind the scenes Lorenzo Fertitta has “had a little chat” with Randy. He’ll be back – Couture needs the UFC.

by Muscle Dolphin on Nov 12, 2007 7:29 PM EST reply actions  

I wonder if there was any word on the UFC coming to Montreal in early 08?

by tripleainto on Nov 12, 2007 7:37 PM EST reply actions  

To be honest I do hope Randy repents for his sins and finishes his contract. I personally would stop calling him a coward and opportunist and congratulate him on correcting the biggest mistake of his career. Supporting a fighter everyone had tagged “washed up” only to have him quit at his peak(for petty reasons)is a hard pill to swallow.

by Nine Duce on Nov 12, 2007 7:51 PM EST reply actions  

sounds good that randy wants to talk one on one to dana, it looks like randy would end up deciding to still fight if their talk will go on randy’s terms..

by mad_drummer on Nov 12, 2007 8:35 PM EST reply actions  

A little off the tangent. Couture vs Fedor…..If Fedor had any balls this whole situation with UFC/Dana/Randy would have been avoided. No one in MMA history has been offered more than Fedor (in money terms, respect terms and the ability to display his talents to the world type terms) to fight Randy. The ONLY reason why the fight never took place…..Fedor is scared. Is there any other reason???

by Rilly on Nov 12, 2007 8:56 PM EST reply actions  

dana should be charlie brown for every halloween.

by COR on Nov 12, 2007 8:59 PM EST reply actions  

UFC in MSG in 2009 if that happens i deff am going

im going to 78 i feel i got a lil screwed by Skerk and Tito

i live in New York and i will be at that UFC if its at MSG

by Michael on Nov 12, 2007 9:01 PM EST reply actions  

First, this title is stupid mania!?!?!?!
No hope for SHerk?
COME ON!?!?!

He and Randy got just as much a bit of hope

mania and you don’t say that the ebay auction for Randy’s H2 is for his GI Foundation

AND
DANA White is again AGAIn a lier!
What gives?
NO HOPE FOR DANA WHITE THE TITLE SHOULD READ

by GORANDY on Nov 12, 2007 10:22 PM EST reply actions  

why can’t randy comment for the ufc and for HD’s stuff
oh and how do i who haas direct tv get hd net and does anyone know if it is good i mean fdoes it provide good mma stuff news and matches??
thanks!

by GORANDY on Nov 12, 2007 10:28 PM EST reply actions  

WHat is DANA white :
STEVE JOBS?!?!?!??!
NOT!

by GORANDY on Nov 12, 2007 10:28 PM EST reply actions  

MANIA!!!!
WHERE CAN WE GET FOOTAGE OF THIS TELECONFERENCE?!?!?!

by GORANDY on Nov 12, 2007 10:29 PM EST reply actions  

MANIA!!!
YOU HAVE NOT TOLD ABOUT DANA WHITE WILL BE APPEARING ON VS channel THIS WEEK !!!!
I emailed you last week but no response …
He’ll be on dennis Millers new Sports show that was excellent last week…
Dennis really did a greaat jobb about how sports has turned into this political money making thing and not about the player or person
kurt schilling was saying that the main reason besides the money he resigned with Boston red sox was because of the extra little things that the boston organization does for him ……like what randy was talking about

Someone needs to grill dana white, and why did u change ur site really?i bet the ufc hated your name

by GORANDY on Nov 12, 2007 10:33 PM EST reply actions  

Grilled Dana White would be delicious. I hear he tastes like greed.

by MyQuit on Nov 12, 2007 10:58 PM EST reply actions  

where is the footage?

by tony on Nov 12, 2007 11:38 PM EST reply actions  

First, this title is stupid mania!?!?!?!
No hope for SHerk?
COME ON!?!?!

He and Randy got just as much a bit of hope

mania and you don’t say that the ebay auction for Randy’s H2 is for his GI Foundation

AND
DANA White is again AGAIn a lier!
What gives?
NO HOPE FOR DANA WHITE THE TITLE SHOULD READ

Is this Sunny Santoro?

by Jesse Holland on Nov 12, 2007 11:41 PM EST reply actions  

where is the footage?

Conference call…just picture Dana talking into a phone for an hour…

by Jesse Holland on Nov 12, 2007 11:44 PM EST reply actions  

Chill GORANDY, jeez. We get it already. You like Randy and you think Dana is Hitler. Noted – now move on.

MANIA!!!
YOU HAVE NOT TOLD ABOUT DANA WHITE WILL BE APPEARING ON VS channel THIS WEEK !!!!
I emailed you last week but no response …

And stop telling Mania what he has to put on his site like you run the show. He probably didn’t respond to you because you TYPED THE WHOLE EMAIL IN ALL CAPS LIKE THIS WHICH IS OBNOXIOUS!!

by EdenMachine on Nov 13, 2007 12:23 AM EST reply actions  

I’d bet that behind the scenes Lorenzo Fertitta has “had a little chat” with Randy. He’ll be back – Couture needs the UFC.

Probably, I dont care who you are, if your surrounded by people who are constantly giving you advice and making suggestion of what you should and what you shouldnt do, it takes effect you start believing things that maybe before you wouldnt have. Im sure Randys wife is trying to look out for randys best intrest but im starting to believe the people surrounding randy are definitely in his head like people have been saying.
You cant force yourself to be something youre not. Go ahead randy try different things, like acting and running your business and supporting the troops and keep doing all the great things your doing but dont ever forget who you are and where you come from at the end of the day your a fighter a warrior and your office is the the octogon in the UFC

by dia Mette on Nov 13, 2007 2:01 AM EST reply actions  

but dont ever forget who you are and where you come from and what got you to where you are today at the end of the day your a fighter a warrior and your home is the octogon in the UFC

that sounds better

by dia Mette on Nov 13, 2007 2:06 AM EST reply actions  

A little off the tangent. Couture vs Fedor…..If Fedor had any balls this whole situation with UFC/Dana/Randy would have been avoided. No one in MMA history has been offered more than Fedor (in money terms, respect terms and the ability to display his talents to the world type terms) to fight Randy. The ONLY reason why the fight never took place…..Fedor is scared. Is there any other reason???

I wish Randy vs Big Nog fight will take place in Feb. ‘cos I bet Big Nog would win that fight. Then there won’t be any need for Randy to meet Fedor…

by zheka on Nov 13, 2007 2:34 AM EST reply actions  

probably right randy had talked to fertitta he probably apologized to randy on dana behalf, kissed his ass, fight your last fight or two then bail on ufc. but if randy is planning on throwing the title fight to minotaur then don’t even bother in coming back

by bryant on Nov 13, 2007 3:08 AM EST reply actions  

To be honest I do hope Randy repents for his sins and finishes his contract. I personally would stop calling him a coward and opportunist and congratulate him on correcting the biggest mistake of his career. Supporting a fighter everyone had tagged “washed up” only to have him quit at his peak(for petty reasons)is a hard pill to swallow.

What?? Is this a moment of weakness?….c’mon.. don’t go soft on Randy now.. What’s this forum coming to?‘’’

by Thorazine on Nov 13, 2007 4:24 AM EST reply actions  

Whatever influenced Couture to publicly say what he did, needs to be put aside, he has to be objective and ‘man up’ apologize if needed to White & Fertitta’s… doesn’t mean he should lose his negotiating backbone, just make it work…

Maybe ask for extra publicity/adverstisment $$$ spent and a strong ‘fight card’ maybe another championship fight with it.. and marque names only, ’afterall he does get PPV%.

by Thorazine on Nov 13, 2007 4:34 AM EST reply actions  

Mildly off subject: What’s with these guys TEXTING each other?You’d think they were teenagers. Hey, I text too. Just not over world championships, millions of dollars, reputations and legacies. A lot can be lost in a text message guys, sit down and talk this over like men.

by James Smith on Nov 13, 2007 8:01 AM EST reply actions  

Hopefully Dana and Randy can work something out. Maybe work out something with M-1 to make his last fight with Fedor.

by jimmy_dean on Nov 13, 2007 8:02 AM EST reply actions  

MANIA!!!
YOU HAVE NOT TOLD ABOUT DANA WHITE WILL BE APPEARING ON VS channel THIS WEEK !!!!
I emailed you last week but no response …
He’ll be on dennis Millers new Sports show that was excellent last week…
Dennis really did a greaat jobb about how sports has turned into this political money making thing and not about the player or person
kurt schilling was saying that the main reason besides the money he resigned with Boston red sox was because of the extra little things that the boston organization does for him ……like what randy was talking about

Someone needs to grill dana white, and why did u change ur site really?i bet the ufc hated your name

its nice to see you learned how to use the shift key, thanks for the information, but mania is doing a great job and i’m not sure but i think now that it’s not titled ufcmania he can sponsor fighters in ufc and get his name out better GREAT job mania love the work (I KNOW HOW TO USE CAPITAL LETTERS)

by ufcmn89 on Nov 13, 2007 9:02 AM EST reply actions  

Mildly off subject: What’s with these guys TEXTING each other?You’d think they were teenagers. Hey, I text too. Just not over world championships, millions of dollars, reputations and legacies. A lot can be lost in a text message guys, sit down and talk this over like men.

Randy U R a gr8 guy. Want 2 fight Nog? Are we still BFF? LOL :) XOXO Dana

by pw on Nov 13, 2007 9:34 AM EST reply actions  

To be honest I do hope Randy repents for his sins and finishes his contract. I personally would stop calling him a coward and opportunist and congratulate him on correcting the biggest mistake of his career. Supporting a fighter everyone had tagged “washed up” only to have him quit at his peak(for petty reasons)is a hard pill to swallow.

Nobody cares who you are or what your opinion of Randy is. Don’t change your tune every week like some people here do.
Stay true to your ignorance. It gives me something to laugh about. A bit part in “The Unit” and “Scorpion King” HARDLY qualifies as petty. Those projects will generate TONS of cash and publicity. I think YOU just got “duced”!

by MyQuit on Nov 13, 2007 10:48 AM EST reply actions  

Sherk should have been stripped months ago. Dana is using this “delay” to try to help his buddy out and try to get him to keep the belt.
He should be competly banned from the UFC forever…not because he uses steroids but because he is a boring fighter. Lay n’ Pray just isnt fun to watch.

Sherk is the last thing from lay-n-pray. Lord, have you watched him fight? That is laughable, lay-n-pray.

by muto on Nov 13, 2007 11:21 AM EST reply actions  

Sherk is the last thing from lay-n-pray. Lord, have you watched him fight? That is laughable, lay-n-pray.

You’re right. I wouldn’t really classify getting tooled by Hughes and GSP as “lay-and-pray”.

by Pat on Nov 13, 2007 11:31 AM EST reply actions  

Infamous Double Talk.
Does he keep the title or not.

by KTOWN on Nov 13, 2007 12:38 PM EST reply actions  

UFC MSG = BIG MONEY

by Michael on Nov 13, 2007 1:49 PM EST reply actions  

I wonder if there was any word on the UFC coming to Montreal in early 08?

Anybody ???

by kickinthehead on Nov 13, 2007 1:56 PM EST reply actions  

dana should be charlie brown for every halloween.

ROFL

by kickinthehead on Nov 13, 2007 2:25 PM EST reply actions  

Infamous Double Talk.
Does he keep the title or not.

It sounds like Sherk keeps the title, and BJ and Joe Daddy fight for the interim title. If Sherk is cleared he fights the Penn-Joe Daddy winner to unify the LW title again. If Sherk’s positive test is upheld then Sherk is stripped and the Penn-Joe Daddy winner is the real LW champ.

by pw on Nov 13, 2007 2:34 PM EST reply actions  

Anybody ???

It will likely be Spring 2008 for GSP’s title shot.

by Pat on Nov 13, 2007 2:42 PM EST reply actions  

And stop telling Mania what he has to put on his site like you run the show. He probably didn’t respond to you because you TYPED THE WHOLE EMAIL IN ALL CAPS LIKE THIS WHICH IS OBNOXIOUS!!


So, what do you think man?
Stop hating on me for using caps or not who the heck cares?!?!?
The point is do you think Dana is double talking on a consistant basis or not?
AND…
Why doesn’t mania put up here that dennis Miller will interview Dana White this week?
AND…
SO what…i helped a few people catch Dana White on vs channel
Did you know that?
Why u so mad?

by GORANDY on Nov 13, 2007 3:48 PM EST reply actions  

First, this title is stupid mania!?!?!?!
No hope for SHerk?
COME ON!?!?!

He and Randy got just as much a bit of hope

mania and you don’t say that the ebay auction for Randy’s H2 is for his GI Foundation

AND
DANA White is again AGAIn a lier!
What gives?
NO HOPE FOR DANA WHITE THE TITLE SHOULD READ

Settle down Beavis.

by Nine Duce on Nov 13, 2007 4:57 PM EST reply actions  

What?? Is this a moment of weakness?….c’mon.. don’t go soft on Randy now.. What’s this forum coming to?‘’’


You’re right Thor I shouldn’t give any credit back to Randy if he does the right thing because once you make a mistake there is NO forgiveness. Hardcore Haters unite!

by Nine Duce on Nov 13, 2007 5:23 PM EST reply actions  

I really wish that Dana will keep his random opinions to himself. Why does he always have to sling his shit everywhere, even if it’s probably right? Tito may have been feining injury to go on the apprentice, but maybe not. It seems silly to always bring it up, and it makes him a difficult person to deal with. It’s no wonder people hate dealing with him.
It’s good to see that they still are offering Couture a title fight, even after everything that has been said.

oh yeah, please block gorandy. There’s life beyond MMA dude. go find it.

by dave on Nov 13, 2007 6:05 PM EST reply actions  

I wish Randy vs Big Nog fight will take place in Feb. ‘cos I bet Big Nog would win that fight. Then there won’t be any need for Randy to meet Fedor…


Dude Randy would kill Big Nog. Since you are such a Fedor expert then you should remember that Fedor barely beat cro cop. What has cro cop done in the UFC besides get his ass beat.

by jimmy_dean on Nov 13, 2007 6:20 PM EST reply actions  

Dude Randy would kill Big Nog. Since you are such a Fedor expert then you should remember that Fedor barely beat cro cop. What has cro cop done in the UFC besides get his ass beat.

your reasoning dose not make any sense, randy has lost plenty of fights, shit ricco rodriguez beat his ass as did barnett so what does that mean. randy would have a hard time with nog or fedor probally lose to both.

by roy on Nov 13, 2007 7:58 PM EST reply actions  

your reasoning dose not make any sense, randy has lost plenty of fights, shit ricco rodriguez beat his ass as did barnett so what does that mean. randy would have a hard time with nog or fedor probally lose to both.

also chuck knocked out randy twice dose that mean he can beat any heavey weight that randy can beat.

by roy on Nov 13, 2007 7:59 PM EST reply actions  

You’re right. I wouldn’t really classify getting tooled by Hughes and GSP as “lay-and-pray”.

I guess he “just” L&P’ed in the other 31 fights? Right?

What does it say about your boy GSP getting destroyed by Matt Serra? GSP has ZERO standup!

by muto on Nov 13, 2007 8:20 PM EST reply actions  

I guess he “just” L&P’ed in the other 31 fights? Right?

What does it say about your boy GSP getting destroyed by Matt Serra? GSP has ZERO standup!


haha that was just a lame comeback off subject and you had nothing else to say to actually defend sherk. Please, GSP’s standup is awsome, flukes/mistakes happen, GSP will beat Serra if they ever fight again. Which I doubt, Serra will lose to Hughes.

by The Anomaly on Nov 14, 2007 12:08 AM EST reply actions  

Dude Randy would kill Big Nog. Since you are such a Fedor expert then you should remember that Fedor barely beat cro cop. What has cro cop done in the UFC besides get his ass beat.

Barely???

by zheka on Nov 14, 2007 1:35 AM EST reply actions  

I guess he “just” L&P’ed in the other 31 fights? Right?

What does it say about your boy GSP getting destroyed by Matt Serra? GSP has ZERO standup!

Sherk lays and prays whenever he faces anyone that has a chance of beating him. Am I supposed to be impressed with all the minor league wins he has? Who has he beat in the UFC that was in his prime? Compare that with the resumes of guys like GSP, Hughes, and BJ.

And yes, GSP has ZERO standup. His stand-up is as non-existent as BJ’s BJJ or Randy’s wrestling.

by Pat on Nov 14, 2007 3:04 AM EST reply actions  

haha that was just a lame comeback off subject and you had nothing else to say to actually defend sherk. Please, GSP’s standup is awsome, flukes/mistakes happen, GSP will beat Serra if they ever fight again. Which I doubt, Serra will lose to Hughes.

Obviously you cant “read between the lines”. GSP having zero stand up is equivalent to saying that Sherk has zero ground game or he just lays-n-prays because he is one of the most active g-n-p’ers out there.

by muto on Nov 14, 2007 8:33 AM EST reply actions  

Anybody ???

forget montreal what about Dublin Ireland

by moro on Nov 19, 2007 11:18 AM EST reply actions  

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