A lineup along the sidewalk wrapped around one side of the Bell Centre Friday afternoon as fans and members of UFC Fight Club, some who arrived early in the morning, eagerly awaited for a chance to do Q&A with UFC president Dana White. The doors opened at 2 p.m. ET and once people got in and were seated, thousands had the opportunity to come to a microphone over the course of an hour.
As much as fans love the fighters, it was clear that the UFC prez was as popular as a rock star. Wearing a Canadiens jersey with the number 83 (for obvious reasons) -- a gift from the folks at Gillett Entertainment Group -- certainly helped endear him to the Montreal crowd (Especially considering he's from Boston).
White revealed that he had actually been physically sick the past few days (and not because he knew he would have to don the Habs logo). But you wouldn't know it as he was his usual exuberant self, and took lots of time to answer questions, sign autographs, and even take pictures -- the latter mostly with the ladies.
Here's a small selection of some of the questions posed:
What do you think about Kimbo Slice?
"He's training in mixed martial arts, but I don't think Kimbo's good. I think he could be beat by a lot of people. That's why you seem him fight Tank (Abbott). … If he came to the UFC, fighters would walk right through him."
Can we expect to see (Montreal's) David Loiseau back in the UFC?
"I love Loiseau, I've always gotten along with him, but he's lost a few fights."
What about Matt Lindland?
"I've seen stuff where people have said I hate Matt Lindland and I think he's boring. I like Matt Lindland. Believe me, if Tito Ortiz can fight in the UFC, anybody can fight in the UFC."
Can I get an exclusive interview with you and how?
"Sure, you just have to talk to our PR director."
Every time he gave a crowd-pleasing answer, the fans went nuts, and there were plenty of them -- fans and crowd-pleasing answers.
Even as organizers announced there would be only one last question, White must have answered "one last question" a dozen times. He just couldn't deny anyone a chance to interact.
White predicted a while ago that when the UFC finally came to Montreal, it would be insane. That's what it felt like on Friday.
One fan near the end helped solve his jersey dilemma. Seeing as he must be a Bruins fan, she asked if she could have his jersey.
"Sure," he said as he removed it and handed it over to her.
Oh, Dana, always looking to please.
Following the Q&A were the official weigh-ins. You can also read Jason MacDonald's thoughts on the fans.
For UFC 83 predictions from James Brydon and other media personalities, click here.
it's all good, that's why he's aiming to please! positive feedback from fans, sold out houses wherever he takes his cards....