Here is a brief recap and highlights of noteworthy items coming out of today’s call, featuring all four of the aforementioned fighters:

–A brief recap of the efforts to legislate mixed martial arts is discussed by the brass from the FedEx Forum. BJ Penn is seen yawning in the background while Diego Sanchez fidgets in his seat.

–The Tennessee athletic commissioner comes out and says he feels like Diego Sanchez and breaks into a “YES!” chant. “Nightmare” is not amused. Sanchez stares into the camera without blinking. A “Heaven’s Gate” reference is inevitable.

–UFC President Dana White gives the requisite roll call introducing BJ Penn, Diego Sanchez, Frank Mir and Cheick Kongo.

–Kongo gets called to the lectern to a Doppler effect of limp applause. He says “Thanks” like Hightower when he got his medal at the end of Police Academy.

–Frank Mir gets his turn on the mic and is surprisingly soft-spoken. He gives a few props and takes his seat.

–Dana’s back and he pimps the evolution of BJ Penn. He also states that Diego Sanchez is never in a boring fight, conveniently forgetting his UFC 69 snoozer against Josh Koscheck.

–Diego says he’s the official “Duckmaster.” (Peabody Duck March) He also says he’s prepared for Saturday.

–BJ gets called up to a “Whooo” from the background. Is “The Nature Boy” in the house? He warns Sanchez that he’s not fighting Florian or Stevenson and he will see “The Prodigy” inside the cage.

Q: BJ, did stress cause you to change?

Penn: Opportunities are few and far between, wanted to make the best of them and enjoy them, wants to be the best fighter he can be, wasn’t stress that prompted a change.

Q: Cheick and Frank, please explain the bad blood:

Mir: I talk a lot and Kongo didn’t like hearing it. Frank says not personal but he ruffles feathers.

Kongo answers and I can’t understand him.Not trying to be a smartass but his accent and the distance of the mic was not helping. Something about Mir being a former champ but not letting him get treated like shit. People whistle and clap.

Q: Dana, what changes do you see in Mir?

White: Post-motorcycle career is different than pre-motorcycle career. Frank hates Brock and likes to talk. Kongo didn’t want to hear what he had to say.

Q: Diego, BJ called you weird.

Sanchez: He’s right. I am what I am, that’s all that I am. I don’t care what people think. Be yourself and have fun. Starts screaming YES! and it gets a little uncomfortable.

Q: Dana, what are the goals of 2010?

White: We’re going to Australia, Abu Dhabi, Boston and a lot of markets we’ve never been both here and abroad including New York.

Q: BJ, rumor has it you’re sick. Are you not feeling well?

Penn: Not sure where that rumor came from but I’m fine and wouldn’t tell you if I wasn’t.

Q: Dana, when will you bring MMA to Hawaii?

White: We had that tax issue but it’s resolved. Hawaii is soon, maybe next year.

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