UFC 120: Storylines

MMAPayout will be taking a look at the storylines heading into UFC 120: Bisping vs. Akiyama, which will be held at the O2 Arena in London, England on Saturday, October 16, 2010.

UFC President Dana White talks ‘University of Life’ in Oxford Union address

It is 10 years next January since White and his partners, the Fertitta brothers Frank and Lorenzo, bought the UFC, for $1 million US dollars. Forbes now estimates the company’s wealth at closer to $1.5 billion, while they hold a 90 per cent controlling arm around the mixed martial arts industry.
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In an address lasting ten minutes, followed by a video clip of fights, punctuated with a series of stand-firsts of ground-breaking headline facts, White talked of expansion into India and China, and how UFC events reached 500 million homes. “We have some business going on right now, and we will have a billion households worldwide getting UFC when the deal is done.” (Telegraph)

UFC UK’s Zelaznik Discusses Media Coverage in Europe, New Markets in 2011

MMA Fighting spoke to UFC UK president Marshall Zelaznik following Thursday’s UFC 120 press conference about Saturday night’s event, the media coverage MMA receives around Europe and the organization’s expansion plans for 2011. (MMA Fighting)

Zelaznik: UFC title fights not necessarily impossible for future European cards

According to all measurable statistics, Saturday’s “UFC 120: Bisping vs. Akiyama” event likely will be an astounding success for the world’s largest mixed-martial-arts promotion.

Returning to England for the first time in 11 months, UFC officials have declared The O2 sold out for UFC 120 and predict a record live gate. (MMAJunkie)

Michael Bisping says he’s ready for the title, and this time he means it

“In the past, I’ve talked about how I was going to be the world champion,” said Bisping on a recent teleconference. “If I’m honest, maybe I didn’t truly believe it.

“I was just saying it because it was the thing you were supposed to say.” (Las Vegas Sun)

Best of British: Bookies make Bisping favourite for UFC betting success

The main event will see Michael Bisping take on Asian sensation Yoshihiro Akiyama in what promises to be a tactical encounter.

Bisping goes into this fight off the back of an impressive victory over middleweight contender Dan Miller at UFC 114; as a result, bookmaker Sky Bet has the Brit as the clear favourite in their UFC betting odds, offering a price of 1/3 for the win. (Sky Sports)

UFC 120: Hathaway gains fan in Chelsea football star Florent Malouda

John Hathaway, the welterweight prospect who faces Mike Pyle at UFC 120 at the 02 Arena, London, on Saturday night, has found an unexpected fan in Chelsea football star Florent Malouda.

The Premier League footballer, who also plays on the left wing for the French nationa team, requested tickets for the sold out – 18,000 seats have been assigned – 02 Arena in order to support former rugby academy player Hathaway… after training the grappling art Brazilian Jiujitsu with him at London Shootfighters training centre a couple of months ago. (Telegraph)

UFC 120: Dan Hardy’s secret weapon will have ‘massive impact’ against Carlos Condit

“I’ve come back with a whole new skill set,” explained Hardy. “Things I’ve not necessarily used in the past. I have had added technical assistance from a new secret weapon, new skills which will not work in Condit’s favour on the night.”

The “new person” in the camp, is Victor Estima from Gracie Barra Jiu-Jitsu. Estima has been working with the entire Rough House team. (Telegraph)

Hardy wanted to punch Condit in press conference

Dan Hardy claims only the threat of being arrested stopped him punching Carlos Condit at the UFC 120 press conference.

Hardy was a frustrated figure during Thursday’s media session. With his training done and his weight bang on course, he had little to occupy his mind for the final 48 hours prior to fight night. (ESPN UK)