Anderson x Jones, international expansion, TUF: find out Lorenzo Fertitta's plans for the UFC

Lorenzo Fertitta opened the game with internet users on Twitter. Photo: Disclosure

Lorenzo Fertitta is one of the most important men in North American sport. The UFC CEO, alongside his brother Frank, holds 81% of the shares of the largest organization in the world. But this Friday, the director, who doesn't give many interviews, got off the defensive and had a long chat with internet users from all over the world on Twitter.

Through the microblog, Lorenzo spoke about the future of the UFC, commercial interests and possible clashes between the organization's stars. Check out.

Beyond the main duels previously announced, Lorenzo Fertitta also confirmed the date for the third meeting between Dominick Cruz e Urijah faber. The TUF 15 coaches will face each other on July 7th, probably at UFC 148.

The president also spoke about some super fights that populate the fans' thoughts. About the possible duel between Anderson Silva e Jon Jones, Fertitta maintained the suspense: “Maybe”. On the other hand, Lorenzo told another fan that he thinks a superfight between José Aldo e Frankie Edgar if the current lightweight champion goes through Ben henderson in Japan. Lorenzo just didn't say whether the fight would be in Aldo's category, Edgar's or in combined weight.

News was also released about the reality show The ultimate fighter. Fertitta said that TUF Brasil will be shown on the official UFC website for free. On the other hand, TUF 15 will not have the same fate, being restricted to broadcast on television in the USA. Lorenzo closed the TUF topic with the information that Canada will receive an edition of the program.

About the controversial case Nick Diaz, the UFC owner said that, while the suspension defined by the Nevada Athletic Commission (NSAC) lasts, Nick Diaz He will not be able to fight even in countries that do not have regulatory bodies, such as Brazil. On the other hand, the fighter will normally return to the UFC after serving the punishment.

In relation to the interim welterweight belt, in possession of Carlos Condit, Lorenzo said there is still no concrete position on a possible defense of the interim belt before the unification fight with champion Georges St-Pierre. If Condit makes a defense before unifying, Fertitta said that John hendricks e Jake ellenberger, in the event of victory next Wednesday, are legitimate candidates for the position of challenger.

International expansion was another topic discussed, mainly by European and Asian fans. To them, Fertitta said that he is thinking about holding events in New Zealand, Spain, Italy (even defining the location, Milan, in 2013) and France (in Paris). The year 2013 will also mark the debut of the event in China and India.

Asked if he would still hire Fedor Emelianenko for a price he considered fair, Fertitta didn’t hesitate and replied: “Of course!” The CEO said that the UFC is interested in signing the Bellator middleweight champion Hector Lombard, as well as current challenger Alexander Shlemenko, who won two editions of the category tournament in the rival event.

When asked about the fight he most enjoyed watching in the UFC, Fertitta replied: “A fight I just watched on TUF Brazil and Matt hugs vs Frank Trigg 2”. Regarding the best fighter pound for pound and his favorite fighter, Lorenzo named Anderson Silva and Chuck Liddell, respectively.