"Someone is going to have bragging rights. Floyd won't quit without a fight. The man is all about getting paid and proving his skills in the ring and in the business world. He is one smart guy that I really respect. The same can be said about Dana White. It will be very interesting to see what happens," stated billionaire Mark Cuban as he shared his thoughts on boxing going head-to-head with mixed martial arts on September 19th when Floyd Mayweather Jr. faces Juan Manuel Marquez and the UFC heads to Dallas, Texas for UFC 103 at the American Airlines Center, home of Cuban's Dallas Mavericks. Check out what Cuban had to say about HDNet Fights, boxing, the UFC, the Dallas Mavericks, his Dancing with the Stars advice for Chuck Liddell and much more.
PC: How are you doing Mr. Cuban?
MC: Doing great!
PC: It's the offseason for your Dallas Mavericks and I know you have a ton of other business ventures going on, but what do you do in your spare time away from the hardwood?
MC: I watch a lot of HDNet Fights, workout, play with my kids; there is always something fun to do.
PC: I'm still waiting to see you on an episode of How'd you get so Rich. Your story is amazing. Did you ever think you would be where you are today?
MC: No. I don't think anyone can seriously say they planned on being a billionaire. I was ready to work my ass off to be successful, but for a middle class kid from Pittsburgh, to get here is beyond anything I dreamed of.
PC: You're the most vocal owner in the NBA. You never bite your tongue and you have been fined tons of money. Where does that competitive edge come from?
MC: I bite my tongue a lot. If I get fined, you can bet it was planned. It's never an outburst that costs me money. It was a comment that I knew would get a response from the NBA and would serve a purpose, either for the greater good of the Mavs, the NBA or our fans. It's just that sometimes the NBA, particularly in the past, responded better to what the media picked up than any face-to-face conversations. I only get fined when I think I'm going to get my money's worth.
PC: I see what you're saying. How would Mark Cuban fair inside of an Octagon? Could you hold your own?
MC: I have zero skills, so I would get my ass kicked. I may be bloodied and beaten, but you wouldn't see me quit. They would have to drag me out.
PC: I could believe that (laughing). Your HDNet station is a mainstay for MMA. Have you been a fight fan and do you watch boxing also?
MC: I like most combat sports, from MMA to K-1 to wrestling and boxing. I really got into MMA back when HDNet started broadcasting WEC. Reed Harris did a great job building that organization and getting it rolling
PC: During your stint on Dancing with the Stars, you became friends with Floyd Mayweather Jr. Floyd will be going head-to-head with UFC 103, which will be in Dallas at your American Airlines Center. You are a very smart business man. Was it a good idea for boxing to go against a UFC event?
MC: It's a great test. Someone is going to have bragging rights. Floyd won't quit without a fight. The man is all about getting paid and proving his skills in the ring and in the business world. He is one smart guy that I really respect. The same can be said about Dana White. It will be very interesting to see what happens.
PC: Speaking of Dancing with the Stars, Chuck Liddell will become the first MMA fighter to appear on the show. What's the best advice you can give Chuck?
MC: Be ready to practice 8 hours a day or you will embarrass the shit out of yourself. Ballroom dancing is about all the little things you never paid attention to, which makes it hard for a lot of guys.
PC: What type of turnout are you expecting to fill the American Airlines Center on September 19th?
MC: I expect a sellout. Dallas is a great fight town. We did well with our HDNet Fights events at the AAC and the UFC will blow that away. I can't wait!
PC: Was it a no-brainer to bring the UFC back to Texas?
MC: It's a no-brainer to say yes to anyone who wants to pay me money to rent the AAC!
PC: You and Shaq seem to have a pretty fun-filled relationship. Is there any chance we could see you in his Shaq vs. show and doing what?
MC: I would kick Shaq's ass in everything but eating. And even then, I could probably take him out. He is afraid of me and he knows it.
PC: Which Dallas Maverick do you think will make for the best UFC fighter and what NBA player in general do you see having success in the fight game?
MC: I would go back and get Danny Fortson. The guy is tough.
PC: It's an honor to conduct this interview with you Mr. Cuban. I think your attitude towards the sport of basketball and your team is a breathe of fresh air; you literally put your money where your mouth is and that's a good thing. Is there anything you want to say in closing?
MC: Make sure to catch Friday Nights on HDNet. Inside MMA, the ultimate news source for MMA fans, starts the night and from there, we have more live FREE fights than all other networks combined. Check your local listings for channel numbers. If you don't get HDNet, call your local cable or satellite company and get it today. It's a fight fan's dream. Thanks.
[ Follow Percy Crawford on Twitter @MrLouis1ana ]