OTTAWA — As we get set for the first UFC event in our nation’s capital Saturday at The Arena at TD Place, Sportsnet caught up with a number of fighters who were made available to the media.
Here’s what they had to say.
Rory MacDonald
The Canadian star talks about his main event tilt with Stephen Thompson, how training with Raymond Daniels helped his camp, and gives his thoughts on Robbie Lawler vs. Tyron Woodley.
Stephen Thompson
“Wonderboy”(12-1) discusses his upcoming fight with Rory MacDonald, calling it the toughest matchup of his career.
Joanne Calderwood
The Scottish star spoke about competing in the UFC’s first women’s flyweight bout and how she managed her diet and training at Tristar Gym.
Zach Makovsky
The UFC flyweight contender will be in Calderwood’s corner on fight night. He spoke about training with the Tristar team, what’s next for him in the Octagon and the upcoming season of The Ultimate Fighter, which feature a cast of flyweights with the winner earning a title shot.
Valerie Letourneau
Canadian star Letourneau (8-4) discusses her fight with Calderwood and taking advantage of the new weigh-in regulations.
Mike Brown
The American Top Team coach and former WEC featherweight champion talks about Letourneau’s training camp and what she has improved on in recent months.
Patrick Cote
“The Predator” discusses his conditioning, fighting close to home and what his post-fight celebration might be after his matchup with Donald Cerrone.
Donald Cerrone
“Cowboy” (29-7-1) will be looking for the finish against the ultra-durable Patrick Cote.
Brandon Gibson
Cerrone’s striking coach spoke about the exciting matchup with Cote. The Jackson-Winkeljohn striking instructor thinks Cerrone has more tools on the feet.
