Dana White’s apparently pretty angry about Frank Mir’s comments about Brock Lesnar. Here is what Mir said (in proper context):
“I like to think that just for the reason that I’m pretty candid when I speak about things. A lot of individuals are so worried about being politically correct and you know a lot of fighters you know we’re all together I hear them, “Oh, don’t say that because you know the fans won’t like you!” I’m like you know what dude, I’ve realized a long time ago you’re going to have fans who love you and fans that hate you and I’d rather go ahead and say what’s on my mind than to sit there and come up with some PC you know “Oh you know the guy’s a great fighter and I have a lot of respect of him!” And if I don’t mean it, then why is it even coming out of my mouth because whose interested in hearing that?
You see the same cookie cutter responses. “Oh, who do you want to fight next? Well, whoever the UFC deems me, I just want to fight anybody!” I’m like man, I’ve heard that a thousand times! I want to fight Lesnar. I hate who he is as a person, I want to break his neck in the ring, I want him to be the first person that dies due to Octagon-related injuries. That’s what’s going through my mind.”
In context the quote is referring to his mindset going into fights and the way he answers questions in interviews. Really, it’s not that bad, but the real problem is that taken out of context his quotes give opponents of MMA in New York and around the world a hatchet to attack the sport with. No wonder Dana White is so mad. Here are two questions to ponder:
1: Will the UFC use this radio interview to promote a possible third fight on their countdown show?
2: Is the above quote worse than the following quote from a UFC champion that the UFC used to promote one of their biggest fights of all time just one year ago?
“Georges Im gonna go to the death and Im going to try to kill you and Im not joking about this.”
[UPDATE] by Nick Thomas – UFC Statement regarding Frank Mir:
“I was disappointed by Frank Mir’s comments,” said Dana White. “Frank’s been with the UFC a long time, he’s a two-time heavyweight champion and a commentator for the WEC. I think his emotions are running high right now, he has a big fight coming up next month and he’s still upset about his loss to Lesnar. He’s been talked to, he regrets what he said, and he won’t be saying anything like that again.”
“I would like to apologize to Brock Lesnar, his family, the UFC and the UFC fans for my stupid remarks,” said Frank Mir. “I respect Brock, all the other fighters, and the sport of mixed martial arts. I’m sorry that I stepped out of line.”
[UPDATE] 2 by Nick Thomas – Shane Carwin comments on Frank Mir:
“I did not see the interview so I can’t comment on what he might have said. I can tell you that ANY athlete wishing death upon a competitor is either a terrible human being or mentally unfit to fight. That type of talk and if it ever happened will take this sport backwards. Frank has been a part of the stone ages of MMA and it makes no sense why he would want or make comments that might damage a lot of the good HE has participated in adding to this sport over the years.”
“Brock is a heel in the ring but at home he is a human, husband, father and friend to many. Wishing death or harm upon him doesn’t serve any purpose. I will do my best to make Frank’s dream of fighting Brock come true, unfortunately for them it will be a three round fight as I plan on winning both of those belts.”
HT: ufc.com