The presser begins with UFC an attendance announcement of 14,412 for a gate of $1,522,600 a complete sell out at Key Arena. Yves Edwards earns Knockout of the Night for his first-round finish of Jeremy Stephens. Scott Jorgensen took home both Submission of the Night and Fight of the Night for his show-opening battle with John Albert. Seven fighters were in attendance Benson Henderson, Nate Diaz, Rory MacDonald, Matt Brown, Alexander Gustafsson, Yves Edwards and Scott Jorgenson. BJ Penn was transported for observation at a local hospital after his fight with Rory MacDonald. Shogun Rua was not transported to the hospital but was on his way back to the hotel obviously disappointed in his performance but was not transported to the hospital according to the promotion.

Rory was  questioned why he didn’t go for the finish in the 3rd round even though it seemed like he injured BJ Penn’s rib but MacDonald responded by stating:

“ BJ’s a dangerous guy and it would be an amateur mistake if I just jumped on him with everything I had and then get clipped.”

“BJ is no stepping stone. He’s just another fight in my career.”

Another statement that stood out from Rory is his comment about GSP during the post-fight press conference was….

“I don’t feel like I need to fight George. I don’t feel it’s going to happen. It won’t happen. Me and him are friends. He has done a lot for me. I’m very grateful for him. I’m not gonna stab him in the back and I don’t want to wreck my opportunity training at TriStar they’ve done a lot of things for me.”

155 lbs champ Ben Henderson explained why he wasn’t surprised on the class Nate Diaz showed after the fight.

“I think a lot of media and fans give Nate[Diaz] a little bit of a hard time. He might come across a certain way you guys [media] paint him in a different light but Nate’s a good dude. He’s an emotional fighter. We’re all emotional fighters….”

The toothpick issue was brought up by the press. Ben initially didn’t confirm or deny it but later on fessed up he always fought with a toothpick in his mouth.

Ben Henderson has no preference who to fight next he would like to beat up everyone in the 155 lbs division.

Alexander Gustafsson was asked if he sees any weakness in Jon Jones’ game:

“I’m ready for a title shot whoever has the belt. Whenever I get a chance to fight for the title –I’ll be more than ready.”

Matt Brown told the press the victory over Mike Swick is just another fight for him and is glad to fight on a big stage like Fox with a lot of people to see it hoping this will move him up somewhere.

Scott Jorgenson was bummed to be on facebook.

“I have a number of fights now under Zuffa. I do not disappoint when it comes to fights – I come to fight. People know out of me I do not come to leave it all out there in the cage win, lose or draw. Coming off my last 2 fights I wanted to get a big victory and make a statement. It felt good to be in front of millions and I’m glad they played it on FX and the bonuses don’t hurt. This is my 1st time wining double bonuses and hopefully this won’t be the last.”

Nate Diaz:

“I didn’t perform as good as I should’ve. I got punched in the eye early in the fight. Things were blurry and it never came back. I was waiting for it to recover and when it did I was gonna come back strong but it never did. Ben did great he landed a good shot early. I waited and I think if I tried any harder it could’ve been worse for me. I did what I could.

“It was blurry[Nate’s vision] I was screwed but I gotta do what I gotta do. I’m a soldier trying to represent for my team[Gracie Fighter/Cesar Gracie Jiu Jitsu] trying to stay in there strong and if I was gonna get finished. I was gonna get finished. I think I have it in there enough to stay strong…..”

“No one is stopping Gilbert Melendez. Rhonda[Rousey] definitely deserves that championship belt. She’s awesome. She did great at Strikeforce she’s a champ. I don’t think there’s any reason why Gilbert Melendez- I think he showed enough over the years and I think he has a perfect record, he beat all the best guys and I definitely thinks he’s the next guy in line though it’s not my call.”

“Soon as this eye heals up. I’m ready to go.”

“I love it, man[Nick and Nate Diaz fan base]. Anyone who supports us is awesome. I see a lot of people out there that do their best to get fans and I don’t think I put a lot into it and they still support and I appreciate it. Anyone out there showing love even the people out there that are hatin’ – they’re supporting to by paying attention.”

I appreciate the love and support. And my brother – I’m sure he does to but I can’t speak for him but you guys are hardcore supporters out there for the people who are.”

Watch the full version of the UFC on Fox 5 Post Fight Press Conference below:

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