Today the UFC will be hosting a conference call to promote the UFC 140 event next weekend headlined by Jon Jones defending his light heavyweight belt against Lyoto Machida. Starting at 2 PM ET/11 PM PT, the following UFC stars will participate: UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones; former UFC light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida; former UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir; former UFC interim heavyweight champion Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira; former UFC light heavyweight champion Tito Ortiz; UFC light heavyweight contender Antonio Rogerio Nogueira.
For live updates follow Matthew Roth on twitter (@mattroth512) and afterwards the tweets will be posted here. I’ll also post any major news or notes coming away from the conference call.
UFC 140 will be the UFC’s return to Toronto, Canada and takes place December 10th at the Air Canada Centre.
UPDATE: NOW WITH 100% MORE TWITTER UPDATES AFTER THE JUMP
Jon Jones
– I look at the fight with the same mentality as I had with my UFC debut. Fight the body not the name.
– I’ve learned a lot about Machida and myself. I’ve grown so much with the Shogun, Rampage, and Machida camps.
– I’m embracing the role and want to elevate the UFC and the sport with new demographics.
– They’ve found a place to meditate for UFC 140 in Toronto
– I think it’s important to be yourself. I don’t worry about my image too much. I’m just myself.
– The UFC is catching up fast to the NBA and NFL. I want major companies to know we are quality guys. We’re professionals.
– I’m surrounded by a team of winners for the most part. Jackson is a smart coach. They inspire me more than anything.
– Dodson has been working hard for so long. I’m proud of him. Brandao talks to me all the time about where he came from.
Lyoto Machida
– King Mo came down and helped me out
– It was difficult with winning the title and then losing the belt and then losing to Rampage. I am a completely different fighter now
– This is a great time for MMA in Brazil. New sponsors and Globo brings more fans and access.
Frank Mir
– If I’m victorious next weekend that’s three wins in a row and I think I’m up there for a shot at the title.
– The UFC offered me this fight and there were circumstances with the last fight that create unfinished business.
– His confidence is definitely high with the win in Brazil.
– After I paid everyone out I may as well have fought for free in my first fight.
– The last time we were helping guys from the show prepare for fights. There were distractions. This time there’s no distractions.
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira
– Thanks to Junior’s title, Brazil is in a great place. Lyoto has a chance to bring a fourth belt to Brazil right now.
– We’re supporting all Brazilian fighters now.
– There’s been no distractions and I’m more focused with my training camp in Brazil. Better camp in Brazil than last one in US.
Tito Ortiz
– It comes down to being healthy. I’m able to train like I did when I didn’t have any injuries.
– My first fight in the UFC I fought as an amateur and fought for free.
– After the Bader fight, I was recovered the next day. The Rashad fight I think bruised my heart with the knee. Different every fight.
– It’s hard emotionally to get in the gym 5-6 days a week. I need to put in the right work. I think I’ve done that for this fight.