Jordan Breen reports on the unintentionally hilarious pre-fight press conference in Brisbane, for Impact FC's first event this Saturday, starring Josh Barnett, Karo Parisyan, and Sokoudjou:
"The puddle of water continued to hungrily devour the tile floor.
The Australian media were keen to ask about sporting crossover: Former UFC champion Carlos Newton was asked about the recent State of Origin, the nation's most beloved rugby league competition, while Ferreira was asked why Brazil's national side lost at the World Cup.
"DUNGA!" Ferreira exploded before his manager and translator Tiago Okamura even finished translating the question. "Dunga took the team down!" he added, giving the former Brazilian coach a literal thumbs down. As the soccer conversation went on, an anxious Parisyan drummed loudly on his thighs before standing up and saying quietly, "I can't sit down, man."
When Ferreira's opponent, Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou, spoke, it was again Barnett who took the media reins.
"Your background is in judo, but you prefer to use your muay Thai in fights," Barnett earnestly inquired. "Why do you not use the skills you've worked on your whole life?"
"Well, with fighters like Arona or Nogueira, if I throw them, they'll submit me. That's why I focus on striking, what I love to do," Sokoudjou explained. "With judo, you just throw, there's not so much ground game."
"Not exactly, but whatever," the roaming Parisyan interjected from the back of the room. The room fell silent. With no response, Parisyan rolled his eyes to discredit the Cameroonian, whom he actually beat in judo competition nearly a decade ago. Parisyan continued his stroll around the room before settling on the couch next to me.
"What are you writing?" he asked.
"I'm writing about you walking around, rolling your eyes," I smiled."
Photo: Sherdog