The Natural Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 Detailed description of the new UFC intro and the fights in it: LAS VEGAS – The UFC is dumping its iconic “Gladiator” opening to its pay-per-view broadcasts and live shows and replacing it with an homage to the fighters who helped build the company. The open, which UFC president Dana White has named “Evolution,” was scored by Academy Award winner Hans Zimmer and produced by Digital Domain, a company founded by Academy Award-winning director James Cameron. The open, which White showed to reporters Thursday following the UFC 143 pre-fight news conference at Mandalay Bay, has highlight footage from 18 fights featuring all seven reigning UFC champions and six Hall of Fame members. It includes moves that represent all of the disciplines that make up mixed martial arts, and concludes by sweeping down a hall of flags from the countries where the UFC has held events, coming to a finish with the faces of the night’s main event fighters on a scoreboard. White would not disclose how much the company paid to have the new opening produced, but he said it was “an obscene amount” and “way, way more” than his new Ferrari. Producers culled through nearly 25 hours of highlights to come up with the finished product, which took six months to make. And even when White thought he was finished – and had spent enough – he learned there was more work to do and more money to spend. As he watched what he thought would be the final product, he noticed that UFC officials had not included video of former middleweight champion Rich Franklin in the reel. White felt Franklin was one of the men instrumental in the company’s rise after he and partners Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta purchased it in 2001 and felt he needed to include Franklin. “It cost us a [expletive]of money and a bunch of time to fix it and get Rich in there,” White said. “There was no way I was going to air this thing without Franklin being in there, too. It’s really a tribute to the fighters who helped us to get to where we are today.” The scene begins with Royce Gracie and Ken Shamrock, who met at UFC 1 in 1993, grappling in a dojo. All of the footage from the old UFC fights, which were recorded in standard definition, were digitally remastered to include minute details. White said it was a painstaking process, but he wanted it to be as perfect as possible. “These guys had to cut every one of those images out, frame by frame and do little things like the shadowing under the feet,” White said. “The detail in this thing is phenomenal. For most people, this thing is going to air on Saturday, they’re going to be like, ‘Ah, that sucked. It’s all hype.’ You know how the fans are. ‘That’s it?’ Some people will think it’s great, but you cannot imagine the amount of detail and the amount of work that went into this thing.” As Gracie submits Shamrock and Shamrock is tapping, the digitally created floor cracks and the scene shifts to a slam of Evan Tanner by Tito Ortiz. As the highlights advance, the Octagon begins to be built around them and the lighting grid goes up. The last highlight shows current middleweight champion Anderson Silva kicking Vitor Belfort in the face to win by knockout at UFC 126. After Silva’s foot connects, it morphs into a wide shot of the massive crowd of more than 55,000 who attended UFC 129 in Toronto. The UFC interviewed four companies before deciding on Digital Domain, but it also hired the company that produces its UFC Primetime show to make an open that will be used differently, perhaps on its television broadcasts. The funny post-script is that when White decided to change the popular gladiator opening, he searched for the actor who played the gladiator with the intent of creating a viral video. He was unable to find him, however. But he said the gladiator played a key role in bringing the UFC to where it is now. “[When we first bought the company], we went through so much [expletive] to try to figure out what the identity for this thing was going to be,” White said. “Then, when we got the gladiator, I was like, ‘This is it! This is perfect.’ At the time when the gladiator was there, it was awesome, and look what it built into. When we go live, and that show opens, no matter where you are in the arena, that [expletive] place goes crazy. “He was some actor. We tried to find him. We’ve been looking for him for a week-and-a-half. We were going to do this viral piece with him, but we couldn’t find him. He’s probably fat now, and out of shape.” Fights that were represented in the show are (in order of appearance): • Royce Gracie-Ken Shamrock, UFC 1 • Tito Ortiz-Evan Tanner, UFC 30 • Matt Hughes-Frank Trigg, UFC 52 • Chuck Liddell-Tito Ortiz, UFC 47 • B.J. Penn-Sean Sherk, UFC 84 • Georges St. Pierre-Matt Hughes, UFC 65 • Randy Couture-Tim Sylvia, UFC 68 • Rampage Jackson-Wanderlei Silva, UFC 92 • Mark Coleman celebratory shot • Brock Lesnar-Heath Herring, UFC 87 • Rich Franklin-Nate Quarry, UFC 56 • Junior dos Santos-Gilbert Yvel, UFC 108 • Dominick Cruz-Demetrious Johnson, UFC on Versus • Forrest Griffin-Stephan Bonnar, The Ultimate Fighter 1 • Cain Velasquez-Brock Lesnar, UFC 121 • Chuck Liddell celebratory shot • Frankie Edgar-Gray Maynard, UFC 125 • Jose Aldo-Mark Hominick, UFC 129 • Jon Jones-Stephan Bonnar, UFC 94 • Anderson Silva-Vitor Belfort, UFC 126 Credit: UFC on Yahoo Wanted Randy Couture vs. Pedro Rizzo from UFC 31 to be included but knew it wouldn't be. One of the best fights of all time from one of the greatest UFC shows in UFC history. Randy Couture vs. Tim Sylvia from UFC 68 is probably Couture's defining moment for all the reasons before the fight and how it turned out. I've got to assume the footage from that fight is Couture knocking down Sylvia with his very first punch. Thrilled Frankie Edgar vs. Gray Maynard II from UFC 125 makes the intro, not only was it 2011's Fight of the Year and it's one of the best fights in MMA history. Forrest Griffin vs. Stephan Bonnar from The Ultimate Fighter 1 finale had to be included and rightly so. Surprised Dan Henderson/Mauricio Rua from UFC 139 isn't included because some thought it was the best fight in UFC history. Be interesting to see how it looks and sounds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paid Members Egg Shen Posted February 3, 2012 Paid Members Share Posted February 3, 2012 hopefully it has a Baba O'Reilly type feel to it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trevor Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 I presume it's already been mentioned that this show will be free to watch on ESPN for everyone? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paid Members wandshogun09 Posted February 3, 2012 Author Paid Members Share Posted February 3, 2012 That new intro sounds epic. Only slight disappointment for me is Shogun vs Hendo didn't make it in. And also that Wandy gets no love, the only clip they have of him is him getting sparked by Rampage. They could have showed him mauling Jardine or rearranging Cung Le's nose. Or even just that shot of him sitting on the cage celebrating. Oh well. Sounds much better than 'Face the Pain'. Anyone see the press conference? Full vid is up on MMAMania. Diaz was very professional and respectful towards Condit. Even shook his hand at the staredown, a pre-fight handshake from Diaz is a fucking rare thing. Liked this quote from Diaz at the press conference too "With Georges St Pierre you're in danger of losing a decision....with Condit you're in danger of losing your teeth" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Natural Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 That new intro sounds epic. Only slight disappointment for me is Shogun vs Hendo didn't make it in. And also that Wandy gets no love, the only clip they have of him is him getting sparked by Rampage. They could have showed him mauling Jardine or rearranging Cung Le's nose. Or even just that shot of him sitting on the cage celebrating. Oh well. Sounds much better than 'Face the Pain'. See, further proof that Frankie Edgar vs. Gray Maynard II at UFC 125: Resolution was the 2011 Fight of the Year . It's a shame Wandy's apperance is taking punishment rather than dishing it out. I don't like Rampage's KO on Silva at UFC 92 for the additional punches Rampage threw. I noticed the late Evan Tanner makes the intro though it's a shame it's at the expense of Tito Ortiz knocking him out via slam at UFC 30. The new opening has to be expensive considering who made it and scored it. I like how the UFC paid to include Rich Franklin in it after forgetting him. I've listed the fights which made the credits and I've predicted what part from it will be in the intro: Royce Gracie vs. Ken Shamrock, UFC 1 (Gracie's rear naked choke on Shamrock) Tito Ortiz vs. Evan Tanner, UFC 30 (Ortiz slam KO) Matt Hughes -- Frank Trigg, UFC 52 (Hughes running the length of the Octagon slamming Trigg) Chuck Liddell vs. Tito Ortiz, UFC 47 (Liddell's KO) BJ Penn vs. Sean Sherk, UFC 84 (Penn's knee which ended the fight) Georges St-Pierre vs. Matt Hughes, UFC 65 (St. Pierre's head kick) Randy Couture vs. Tim Sylvia, UFC 68 (Couture knocking Syluva down with his first punch in the first ten seconds of the fight) Quinton Jackson vs. Wanderlei Silva, UFC 92 (Jackson's KO) Brock Lesnar vs. Heath Herring, UFC 87 (Lesnar punching Herring sending him backwards) Rich Franklin vs. Nate Quarry, UFC 56 (Franklin's one punch KO) Junior dos Santos vs. Gilbert Yvel, UFC 108 (??) Dominick Cruz vs. Demetrious Johnson, UFC on VS 6 (Cruz's suplexes) Forrest Griffin vs. Stephan Bonnar, TUF 1 Finale (Final exchange between the two) Cain Velasquez vs. Brock Lesnar, UFC 121 (Blow which sent Lesnar spinning across the Octagon) Frankie Edgar vs. Gray Maynard, UFC 125 (Tough one. Something from Maynard's dominant first round, Edgar's second round slam or the exchange near the end of the fight) Jose Aldo vs. Mark Hominick, UFC 129 (Aldo's knocking down Hominick or Aldo's leg kicks) Jon Jones vs. Stephan Bonnar, UFC 94 (Jones spinning back elbow) Anderson Silva vs. Vitor Belfort, UFC 126 (Silva's front kick KO) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
444 4444 Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 The Diaz v Condit primetime shows have been great. I loved the interview with Nate talking about wanting some nunchucks, so Nick just went and made them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MMA_Dan Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 That new intro sounds epic. Only slight disappointment for me is Shogun vs Hendo didn't make it in. And also that Wandy gets no love, the only clip they have of him is him getting sparked by Rampage. They could have showed him mauling Jardine or rearranging Cung Le's nose. Or even just that shot of him sitting on the cage celebrating. Oh well. Sounds much better than 'Face the Pain'. Anyone see the press conference? Full vid is up on MMAMania. Diaz was very professional and respectful towards Condit. Even shook his hand at the staredown, a pre-fight handshake from Diaz is a fucking rare thing. Liked this quote from Diaz at the press conference too "With Georges St Pierre you're in danger of losing a decision....with Condit you're in danger of losing your teeth" Yeh i caught the press conference, Nick was professional in the sense he turned up and shook hands ect.. but it was clear he didnt wanna be there as his answers to the presses/fans answers were very abrupt, fair play tho thats his personality and i love the guy for it. Did anyone else find the press conference very subdued, nearly everyone looked liked they didnt wanna be there, even Dana rarely looked up from his podium...huge contrast from the Evans vs Davis where everyone was up beat and cracking jokes Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Natural Posted February 4, 2012 Share Posted February 4, 2012 Found this on the mmaweekly.com forums: I've listed the fights which made the credits and I've predicted what part from it will be in the intro: Royce Gracie vs. Ken Shamrock, UFC 1 (Gracie's rear naked choke on Shamrock) Tito Ortiz vs. Evan Tanner, UFC 30 (Ortiz slam KO) Matt Hughes -- Frank Trigg, UFC 52 (Hughes running the length of the Octagon slamming Trigg) Chuck Liddell vs. Tito Ortiz, UFC 47 (Liddell's KO) BJ Penn vs. Sean Sherk, UFC 84 (Penn's knee which ended the fight) Georges St-Pierre vs. Matt Hughes, UFC 65 (St. Pierre's head kick) Randy Couture vs. Tim Sylvia, UFC 68 (Couture knocking Syluva down with his first punch in the first ten seconds of the fight) Quinton Jackson vs. Wanderlei Silva, UFC 92 (Jackson's KO) Brock Lesnar vs. Heath Herring, UFC 87 (Lesnar punching Herring sending him backwards) Rich Franklin vs. Nate Quarry, UFC 56 (Franklin's one punch KO) Junior dos Santos vs. Gilbert Yvel, UFC 108 (??) Dominick Cruz vs. Demetrious Johnson, UFC on VS 6 (Cruz's suplexes) Forrest Griffin vs. Stephan Bonnar, TUF 1 Finale (Final exchange between the two) Cain Velasquez vs. Brock Lesnar, UFC 121 (Blow which sent Lesnar spinning across the Octagon) Frankie Edgar vs. Gray Maynard, UFC 125 (Tough one. Something from Maynard's dominant first round, Edgar's second round slam or the exchange near the end of the fight) Jose Aldo vs. Mark Hominick, UFC 129 (Aldo's knocking down Hominick or Aldo's leg kicks) Jon Jones vs. Stephan Bonnar, UFC 94 (Jones spinning back elbow) Anderson Silva vs. Vitor Belfort, UFC 126 (Silva's front kick KO) Hope I'm accurate with my UFC 143: Diaz vs. Condit predictions like I was with the new UFC intro. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Magnum Milano Posted February 4, 2012 Share Posted February 4, 2012 Ended up putting a few quid on this card; did my usual weekend football coupons then decided to put what was left on an accumulator. Gone for Thompson, Brown, Poirier, Barao and Koscheck, wanted no part of the two main fights. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gladstones Bitch Posted February 4, 2012 Share Posted February 4, 2012 I presume it's already been mentioned that this show will be free to watch on ESPN for everyone? I've had ESPN free for the past month or so on Virgin but just checked there and it's saying I need to subscribe now Was hoping to record this event as well Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paid Members wandshogun09 Posted February 4, 2012 Author Paid Members Share Posted February 4, 2012 That's a pretty good bet I'd say Magnum. Deffo wise not to bet on the main event though. See, further proof that Frankie Edgar vs. Gray Maynard II at UFC 125: Resolution was the 2011 Fight of the Year . Nah they probably didn't wanna put Hendo/Shogun in cos every UFC would feel like a letdown after them highlights Yeah MMA Dan the press conference was pretty tame. Especially after last week's FOX one. I guess there isn't really any trash talkers on this one though, Diaz will talk a bit but it's clear he's got no beef with Condit so I expected a quiet one. Thank fuck he showed up though. Anyone see the weigh ins? Can't post pics right now but Mike Pierce's pisstake of Koscheck's hair was quality. I'm fully rooting for the upset, I was anyway though to be fair. Kos looked genuinely annoyed by it. Tonight's the night then for Diaz vs Condit, can't bastard wait. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pryko Posted February 4, 2012 Share Posted February 4, 2012 Anyone see the weigh ins? Can't post pics right now but Mike Pierce's pisstake of Koscheck's hair was quality. I'm fully rooting for the upset, I was anyway though to be fair. Kos looked genuinely annoyed by it. I'm the opposite. I hope Koscheck fucks him up big time now Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paid Members wandshogun09 Posted February 4, 2012 Author Paid Members Share Posted February 4, 2012 Haha yeah I forgot you were a Kos fan. I'd expect Kos to win tonight but this is a very risky fight. Pierce isn't a big name but he's a good wrestler and hits hard. If Kos wins this I wouldn't mind seeing him fight Johny Hendricks next. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimufctna24 Posted February 4, 2012 Share Posted February 4, 2012 If anyone gets a chance make sure you watch the last episode of Primetime before tonight, it is very good. The whole Primetime build has been decent, better than previous Primetimes like GSP vs Shields and even Lesnar vs Cain. Diaz is becoming the big star I predicted he would become once he had the UFC spotlight on him. I really hope he wins tonight, I like Condit but things will be more interesting if Diaz wins. Not just the fact they will set a massive buyrate/rating with GSP vs Diaz but with the way GSP is chunnering on and Diaz's fragile nature we could have one of the most heated and emotional grudge fights in years if Diaz and GSP face off. I think Diaz will win, he is too smart and focused to let the spotlight get to him inside the octagon and hinder his performance, even though he has a hard time handling the PR stuff out of it. Should be a barnburner of a fight, both men are rarely if ever in a boring fight. I like Diaz to win most of the exchanges on the feet and grind down Condit for a late stoppage or points win. Looking forward to this one! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MMA_Dan Posted February 4, 2012 Share Posted February 4, 2012 my predictions are Diaz Nelson Kos Herman Barao I'll probs have a cheeky bet later too If anyone has a link to the last episode of primetime that would be awesome Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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