There was a palpable tension in the air as combatants Matt Serra and Matt Hughes faced the media heading into UFC 98.
It was another fun-filled day in Las Vegas. From the UFC 98 press conference to a media excursion at Wanderlei Silva's gym, it was a roller coaster of a day in Sin City.
The anticipation of seeing Matt Serra and Matt Hughes together, in the same room was difficult to stomach. Both fighters are professionals, as are their camps, but seeing all parties in the same room I had an eerie feeling tensions would erupt.
Other than a few glances at one another, the camps were on their best behaviour, as were Hughes and Serra. For his part Hughes barely spoke and chose not to engage in any trash talking. Serra was far more verbal, and he had those in attendance in stitches with his humour.
When they finally squared off, both welterweights were visibly annoyed with being that close to one another. It must have felt like an eternity for both of them but it was just a preview of what will happen at the weigh-ins. Once you add thousands of screaming fans cheering (and booing), it may just spark one of them to react. We will see if this is the case tomorrow.
As for the main event, UFC light-heavyweight champ, (Sugar) Rashad Evans was all business. He was the only fighter there not dawning a shirt showcasing logos or sponsors. Instead, he chose to show up in a black suit, fitting for an ambassador and champion of the sport.
His opponent, Lyoto Machida was all business and very respectful. He said his piece and addressed the media with conviction. He was polite and direct. On Saturday night, he will let his fighting do the talking.
Evans and Machida showed a great deal of respect for one another. Unlike the Hughes and Serra fight, this one is not personal. In fact, it's not just business, it's about mixed martial arts and everything it represents. Honour, respect and which style works best when two elite fighters are encapsulated in a showdown.
After the press conference, I sat down with UFC president Dana White. As always, White is gold for a quote or three. I fired off at least 15 questions his way and each one of his answers raised the eyebrows of everyone in the room. I believe we aired some of his answers on Connected but look for each one of his responses to air on "MMA Connected" over the next few weeks.
The highlight of the day was a trip to Silva's gym, where after a workout he addressed all of the media. We were granted an exclusive sit-down with The Axe Murderer and it will be a moment I will never forget.
I've interviewed him before, but never under this type of situation. Silva is genuine. There is no beating around the bush with him. You will get the truth, whether you like it or not. He will make you laugh, surprise you with his candor but above all, he gets it.
He signed autographs, answered every question and shared his feelings on the sport, being an ambassador and that being a pro fighter is privilege and not a right. He had choice words for Anderson Silva but also words of advice for the future generation of fighters.
Over the next few weeks, we will have much more Wanderlei on "MMA Connected" as he prepares for his UFC 99 bout with Rich Franklin.
In the meantime, it's time to prepare for the UFC 99 weigh-ins, as well as some sit-down interviews with Jon Fitch, Amir Sadollah, as well as the UFC Octagon girls.
