Frank Mir turned down a fight against Fabricio Werdum in Brazil, and will instead face Cain Velasquez at UFC 146 on May 26 in Las Vegas, USA. The problem was not so much the opponent, as the place. Mir explains in the interview with CraveOnline (4:57 mark).
"I think (Werdum) is a phenomenal fighter. I think he has greatly improved stand-up. And I think his jiu-jitsu is some of the best in the world: multiple Abu Dhabi champion, and a world champion with the gi mundial. The guy is awesome.
"The only reason why I at first said, 'hmmm, maybe not a good idea' (was) when I found out he wanted to fight in June in Brazil. I was like, 'Ah, I don't know if that would be such a great idea, I don't know if I'm gonna be that well received there.'
"I'd have to go there for a whole week with my family, my wife and my children ... I don't think I'm in (Chael Sonnen's) boat yet. But at the same time if I go to a restaurant and someone is a Nogueira fan, what are they gonna do to my food? Brazilian fans, fans in general, can be kinda crazy ... I've received quite a few crazy Emails ... Google translate is a phenomenal thing but it kind of makes you cringe a little bit when you see what people wanna say."
"For example, Dos Santos and I, when he did his last Q&A here in Vegas, we did a couple of pictures a couple of days before at a fundraiser. They were posted up on Twitter. He and I were doing to do a video (shoot) for THQ, for the coming out of UFC (Undisputed) 3. About an hour before I get a phone call that he can't do it with me. He said basically he had too many threats from his own countrymen, saying how dare you be in a picture with Frank Mir!!?!"
"Now if he has problems with his countrymen just being in a picture with me, I'm not sure I am travelling down there to fight a guy who is a hero down there. Probably not the best idea."
Captain_Underpants - I find it funny that everyone is on the Diaz brothers nuts and saying pay them and blah blah bullshit. But apparently Jon can't negotiate a deal because he's the champ? Dana said he's negotiating a new deal, not about the Gus fight, so everyone assumes he's ducking. Which is stupid because Gus would've called Jones out on it if that was the case.
And people throwing out the "he has an obligation as the champ to fight." Who said he's refusing to fight? When Renan came out and Aldo came out and said they were underpaid, everyone in this board was saying that they should be paid more and they should negotiate a new deal. But now that it's Jon that's doing it, suddenly he's ducking?
To dislike a fighter is cool guys, I can't stand the Diaz brothers as people outside the octagon but respect them as fighters. But when you let the hate out so hard like everyone does for Jones, it makes you look stupid
not me, i fucking hate the Diaz bros. I used to think Nate was OK, but now I think he is just as bad as Nick.
Thuggish, brawling on TV, fighting in hospitals, always unproffesional, complain and make every excuse for a loss(blaiming everyone under the sun except themselves). can't fucking stand them.
Herring In A Fur Coat - He made a mistake IMO, Werdum is a much better fight for Mir than Cain.
It's easier, but can't blame him for taking the higher profile fight. If he beats Cain he will get a title shot. If he loses, oh well, it was expected. If he beats Werdum he sits still in the rankings but if he loses he free falls to permanent gatekeeper status. forever
Both are tough fights. Cain is the more dangerous opponent and has the higher payoff if Frank pulls it off. Werdum is arguably the easier opponent but would produce many more distractions leading up to the fight. Frank has said before that he prefers to fight in Vegas because his home, family, and camp are there. I would be interested in seeing Frank's record of Home vs Away fights.
I find it funny how a lot of people on this board are scared senseless by the world outside their home town. Mir easily could've gone to Brazil, there'll be no serious trouble whatsoever for Chael, fans on this board could go to Brazil and likely be fine.
I've been to Brazil, other South American countries, several African countries, several Asian countries, a bunch of Eastern Euro countries. The world isn't that dangerous if you take a few precautions...
Eric Bloodaxe - I find it funny how a lot of people on this board are scared senseless by the world outside their home town. Mir easily could've gone to Brazil, there'll be no serious trouble whatsoever for Chael, fans on this board could go to Brazil and likely be fine.
I've been to Brazil, other South American countries, several African countries, several Asian countries, a bunch of Eastern Euro countries. The world isn't that dangerous if you take a few precautions...
No offense meant to you, I am sure you had enlightening experiences but why would you want to go outside the USA in the first place ? thats something I just dont get, we have the best of everything here already why go anywhere else for second best ?
I appreciate the effort, Sir. But I'm afraid I'm familiar with your work.
InspiritMick - Fucking Brazilians and everyone else have been dealing with American home field advantage for years. Welcome to global sport America....
