Quinton Jackson Will Fight Despite Charges

UFC President Dana White has spoken out about Quinton "Rampage" Jackson and his status within the UFC.

There has been a lot of speculation amongst fans and the media about when Jackson will fight next, if he will fight again at all, due to the charges he faces regarding his traffic incident in July. Here is what Dana had to say about the issue:

“Of course he’ll fight,” White said. “If he was doing drugs, if he had been drunk, if he had gone out there and done what he did because he was pissed off at someone, that would be a completely different story. But he was ill. And in this company, we support our friends and anyone who works for us when they’re ill and have problems. He was ill, the incident occurred, and now he’s fine."

This is good news for Rampage fans. Rumors are currently circulating that he could be facing Mauricio "Shogun" Rua as early as November. Dana did clarify that he won't be facing Wanderlei Silva in his next fight.

UFC Looking to Expand Furter

In a recent interview, Dana White has spoken about the places the UFC is heading.

Firstly, he plans to hold an event in Mexico in the near future. Fighters like Diego Sanchez, Roger Huerta and Eddie Sanchez all provide an interest to fans there.

He also mentioned the Phillipines as a future destination. The Phillipines already airs UFC shows, and UFC fighter Brandon Vera has roots in the country, as well as a large fan base.

Canada is also in for some suprises. Dana explained that Canada has suprised them with their level of interest in the organisation, so they plan to head back there very soon.

The UFC is also working on legalizing MMA in New York and Massachussetts, but legislation issues have put there plans back and this won't happen until 2009 at the earliest.

Dana White Set To Make A Big Announcement

In an interview with ESPN magazine, Dana White said that he had a big announcement to make.

What he actually said was that he has an announcement that will blow your mind. Only he isn't going to tell us yet! How infuriating!

This announcement is apparently a done deal, but he hasn't told his staff yet. Dana's plan is to rent out a room somewhere and tell his staff. Then, later that day, he will tell the press. This event is believed to be happening next Thursday, so we will have to wait until then.

In the meantime, Fight Line have some more excerpts from the ESPN article here http://www.fightline.com/news/2008/65/dana_white_326010.shtml which might be of interest. There is news on a few potential fights in there that might keep you going until next week.

Dana White Answers Criticisms Over Roster Cuts

UFC President Dana White has answered criticisms from some fans regarding roster cuts at a UFC 84 press conference today.

White responded to comments by explaining that UFC fighters are the best in the worl;d, so people who start to lose need to go and prove themselves and come back again with a few wins under their belts.

Here is a quote from Dana:

"It's nothing abnormal at all. At the end of the day, the UFC, like I say all the time, it's the place where all the best fighters in the world fight. And after you lose a few, or whatever, you have to go back down and get some wins and come back.The guys who are really dedicated to this sport, and they make the cut, they go and get more wins under their belt and end up coming back. I can't keep everybody under contract because the way that we do our contracts, depending if you're one of our big stars, we'll have you locked up for six or eight fights, or whatever it might be. They're under long-term contracts.Other guys that are trying to make their way up to be Sean Sherks or B.J.s, or whatever it is, they're under a three-fight deal, or a two-fight deal. Some of them are under one-fight deals. It depends."

Thanks to MMA Weekly for this quote.

Kimbo Responds To Rumors From Dana White

In a statement made to press recently, UFC President Dana White reportedly stated that internet sensation/MMA fighter Kimbo Slice was knocked out during a sparring session with UFC Light Heavyweight contender Forrest Griffin.

Kimbo has hit back by saying “No, there is no truth to that at all. It’s bullshit and Forrest Griffin will tell you that it’s bullshit too. The fact is it was a good sparring session and I was training with Forrest and he was talking to me about defending yourself at all times and then he threw a big kick and I was like “WOAH I never even seen that coming” but no I never got knocked out. Even if I did get knocked out, saying that and putting that rumor out there just makes you a pussy.”

This statement comes as part of a long line of mudslinging between Dana White and Kimbo.