Just wanted to recap my time in Atlantic City with the team and give the forum some insights on the event:
- I knew from the beginning that Pedro would take Barnett down. Pedro was ready for this fight and really wanted to prove that he should get another shot at the heavyweight crown. We had some discussions with the UFC (after the fight) about fighting Couture on the May card for the championship. Looks like its going to happen.
Overall, Pedro was embarrassed by his performance. He was disappointed that he didn't take him out in the 1st round. Barnett is a classy guy. He came into our dressing room after the fight to congratulate the team and ask Pedro for some fighting tips. He asked if his kicks and punches had much of an effect. Pedro told him "no" because he didn't use his hips to give the strikes power. Again, Barnett is a class act.
- The moment I saw Tiki backstage, I knew he would lose. Right before the fight, it was obvious he was too cocky and more worried about doing interviews than the fight.
- I agree with forum members that Ortiz got a little carried away after he disposed of Tanner. But Tito is, overall, a class guy. I think he got too caught-up in the moment and let his adreneline get the best of him. After the fight, he was pretty laid back. Since Horn lost, I don't know who his next opponent will be. I think it will be Randleman.
- Spoke with Don Frye at the post-fight party at the Hard Rock Cafe. He is a big dude! And a nice guy! He asked for a picture with Pedro and Marco and told them how much respect he had for their style of fighting.
You'll like this one! His t-shirt said, "I killed Kenny". We all got a big laugh out of that!
- This was the most well-organized UFC I've experienced. The new ownership did an excellent job and will help bring MMA to the forefront of athletics. Unfortunately, they only allow two people in the corner per fighter, so I was stuck in the seats!
Later,
Hitch.....
- I knew from the beginning that Pedro would take Barnett down. Pedro was ready for this fight and really wanted to prove that he should get another shot at the heavyweight crown. We had some discussions with the UFC (after the fight) about fighting Couture on the May card for the championship. Looks like its going to happen.
Overall, Pedro was embarrassed by his performance. He was disappointed that he didn't take him out in the 1st round. Barnett is a classy guy. He came into our dressing room after the fight to congratulate the team and ask Pedro for some fighting tips. He asked if his kicks and punches had much of an effect. Pedro told him "no" because he didn't use his hips to give the strikes power. Again, Barnett is a class act.
- The moment I saw Tiki backstage, I knew he would lose. Right before the fight, it was obvious he was too cocky and more worried about doing interviews than the fight.
- I agree with forum members that Ortiz got a little carried away after he disposed of Tanner. But Tito is, overall, a class guy. I think he got too caught-up in the moment and let his adreneline get the best of him. After the fight, he was pretty laid back. Since Horn lost, I don't know who his next opponent will be. I think it will be Randleman.
- Spoke with Don Frye at the post-fight party at the Hard Rock Cafe. He is a big dude! And a nice guy! He asked for a picture with Pedro and Marco and told them how much respect he had for their style of fighting.
You'll like this one! His t-shirt said, "I killed Kenny". We all got a big laugh out of that!
- This was the most well-organized UFC I've experienced. The new ownership did an excellent job and will help bring MMA to the forefront of athletics. Unfortunately, they only allow two people in the corner per fighter, so I was stuck in the seats!
Later,
Hitch.....
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