In the wake of UFC President Dana White’s vitriolic comments directed at famous MMA trainer Greg Jackson – including calling him a “sport killer” and a card “murderer.” Jackson took to the “MMA Show” with Mauro Ranallo to defend himself. The famed trainer spoke to Ranallo about White’s comments, taking a fight on short notice, and Chael Sonnen.Jackson on short notice fights:
“I was asked if it was smart to take a fight on three days notice and I don’t think it’s smart to do that. Three days to fight a guy that caliber is not a smart thing to do. I’m not trying to ruin the sport or cancel an event. I don’t know about that stuff, but thought it wasn’t a wise course of action. [You] need to have a full training camp. That would seem smart to me. Fighting on three days notice isn’t taking [the sport] seriously to me.”
On Dana White:
“I really like Dana and respect him…there is no ill feelings. I’m more confused than anything else. It’s a serious fight with serious ramifications. I don’t think I need to reach out to Dana. I didn’t mean to cancel an event and was asked to give an opinion and I gave it. We all got together and are on the same sheet of music. These guys are professional promoters and that’s what they do, I didn’t know they had it all riding on one fight. It’s one of those things…as a trainer. I’ll give you my opinion. I’m not a yes man…I do what’s best for my guy. I’m surprised by the veracity of [White's] response but that’s my opinion.”
Jackson went on to say they had no objection to fighting Sonnen if he had been presented as an opponent for UFC 152. Said Jackson:
“In this case [short notice fight], it’s a world title fight in the best sport in the world on three days notice. This isn’t backyard brawling…it’s a professional sport. I think Chael is brilliant. He circumvented an entire division…went right from Anderson [Silva] to Jon. It’s brilliant…he’s got nothing to lose and everything to gain. I’m always impressed by him.”
No comments:
Post a Comment