— Those of you who bought the UFC photography book Octagon when it was in its $2,500 limited-edition form are going to be kicking themselves right now. The coffee-table tome is now selling in a scaled-back trade edition for just $40, and UFC fighters will be making appearances this evening at Barnes & Noble locations in 20 cities to sign copies. The full list of cities/guests is here. Biggest name: Chuck Liddell representin’ in his hometown of San Luis Obispo. Smallest name: Eddie Sanchez holdin’ it down in Irvine. Sanchez still has a job? Irvine has bookstores?
— Despite the recent drama between his camp American Kickboxing Academy and the UFC, heavyweight up-and-comer Cain Velasquez will fight next at UFC Fight Night 17 (February 7th; Tampa, FL) against an opponent to be named later. Velasquez is currently 4-0 (2-0 UFC), with all wins coming via first-round TKO.
— Royce Gracie will appear as a playable character in the UFC’s upcoming 2009 Undisputed video game (Man, they’re really stretching to find guys who will sign that video game agreement.) Hopefully, other unlockable players in the game will include Art Jimmerson, Bruce Buffer, and the Just Bleed guy.
— Efrain Escudero on who he’s looking forward to fighting in the UFC: "If I had to pick an opponent within a year, I would say Roger Huerta. I think me and him would make a good match up, just because I’m a gamer. I go in there and I study guys. I stick to my game plan from one end to the other. When he fights, he’s ready to give war.”
— Dave Chappelle on who he’s looking forward to fighting in the UFC: "It doesn’t really matter to me man…It would be pretty fun to fight Rogan though. I know he trains and is a badass. He is pretty big, but it would still be fun. I’d like to fight Kat Williams too. Yeah, I’d really like to fight him." Apparently, Chappelle trains at Xtreme Couture and ATT whenever he’s in the area. Who knew?
Sherk signed my book and gave me some pointers…then under the table he gave me a needle and syringe.