Delagrotte on Marcus Davis Rematch and B.J. Penn

MMA Insider caught up with Sityodtong head trainer Mark Delagrotte in Las Vegas as he assisted Frank Mir and Forrest Griffin for their upcoming fights.

Delagrotte suffered a disappointing loss last month at UFC 99 when prized pupil Marcus Davis lost a close decision to Dan Hardy in a heated grudge match. Afterwards, Davis lobbied the MMA media for an immediate rematch, but Delagrotte advised him against such a tact.

"I told Marcus I have a different view, a different perspective," said Delagrotte. "I have an emotional attachment, a financial attachment to Marcus. He's my guy. I've known him a long time, and he's a very close friend of mine. So, of course, when you have an emotional attachment and a financial attachment to the fighter--we both lost half our money that night.

"I went home in a Hilton bathrobe from Germany, I lost my shirt when I was there. But we never question judges; they're in their place to do what they do. They're there to protect the integrity of the sport. We agree with the decision. I saw the fight a little bit differently because of my involvement with Marcus.

"I told Marcus to try not make a big thing about it, to be humble and if we get that opportunity to redeem our self, we'll do so, if not, we're not going to waste our time looking at the past."

Another prized pupil, Kenny Florian, has a lot to look forward to when he gets his second title shot against current lightweight champion BJ Penn.

Recently, Penn waged a bland offensive over Florian's pre-fight rhetoric, issuing two video blogs on his website (shot in somebody's living room) that welcomed the UFC 101 fight.

Delagrotte hadn't kept tabs on the viral salvo and dismissed Penn's chatter.

"BJ gets very emotional and wrapped up in his opponents," said DeLagrotte. "He needs things to hate his opponents. He needs things to help him get up for a fight. Kenny doesn't need that. He doesn't need to like you or dislike you. He's just going to go in there, train hard, do his job, and get paid. We're looking to play the smart role and outwit BJ in this fight."

Even if there is post-fight trash talk, Delagrotte said there's power in numbers.

"I guarantee there will be a lot more Bostonians than there will be Hilo boys, for sure," he said.