Lorenzo Fertitta gives a ton of new information into the UFC’s future

Published on: 22nd March, 2009

Lorenzo Fertitta gives a ton of new information into the UFC's future  | read this item

UFC owner confirms UFC 102 Couture vs Nogueira in Portland, UFC 101 August 8 BJ Penn vs Kenny Florian, talks Japan, France and Chicago too…

UFC owner Lorenzo Fertitta has been traveling the world in order to spread the brand name for the world’s biggest MMA company. Fertitta spoke about future UFC plans in an online Q&A session.

On the Underground Zuffa and UFC CFO Lorenzo Fertitta held a Q&A session with fans and answered questions about a possible return to Chicago in the near future.

“Definitely want to return to Chicago.  Thinking United center on the back end of 09.  Great city, however a bit disappointed in the turnout for the rosemont show.”

Many fans this week were vocal about a report that questioned if UFC 101 would take place in Philadelphia, once again skipping a possible Portland event. Fertitta dropped a clue that the Randy Couture vs Antonio Minotauro Nogueira bout could take place and confirmed the (UFC 102) .

Couture vs Nogueira UFC 102?

August 29 date for the Rose Garden

“Portland RoseGarden August 29th. Looks like portlands favorite son in a megafight with a brazilian legend who spent his career in japan”.

When asked about a possible “Comeback”show like the Ultimate Fighter season 4 where veterans like Din Thomas and Matt Serra returned, Fertitta said that would not happen but hinted at a possible surprise for TUF 10.

“Were not real big into amateur MMA, not cause we don’t appreciate it just don’t understand how its controlled/regulated.  No comeback plans for TUF something better that will completely blow everyone’s mind! “

Fertitta confirmed that the UFC is attempting to have BJ Penn defend his Lightweight title against Kenny Florian and spoke about long term plans in France and overseas.

UFC 101 on it's way to Philly?

“Philly august 8, working on bj/kflo historic lightweight fight but not quite done yet!
Holding a Dublin date for st. paddy’s next year but keeping options open.  Maybe Boston would be better.
France is a long term investment.  First show on RTL9 was second highest rated show for the night in the country.  they definitely like ufc and it keeps growing.”

Fertitta was overwhelmed with questions from fans, but reiterated Dana White’s sentiments that a possible UFC show in Japan was plagued with problems and probably would never happen.

“Japan is impossible to do business with!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  UFC will probably never happen”"Most anticipated fight has to be liddell/silva 1. years in the making insane electricity and a great fight.”

This has probably been the most information filled Q&A session I have ever seen, Fertitta filled us in on a lot of new information. The best part 2 UFC shows in August.

Fertitta also spoke about having Fedor in the UFC, but I will put the quote in a separate post.

 Alberto Martinez "The Narcisist" is the founding owner of URDirt.com. If you would like to post on the front page or in our New "Fan Jab" section all you need to do is register. Read more from this author

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