Notes from UFC 115 News Conference

• Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson, introduced as a key figure that helped greenlight the UFC into the city, explained that the sport has been approved by the Vancouver City Council on a two-year trial basis. Robertson said Vancouver residents are “hungry” for the UFC and MMA.

• Newly hired UFC Canada head Tom Wright said the UFC would most likely hold one of its three annual Canadian cards in Vancouver and that the promotion will begin bringing “Fight Night” shows to the area as well in the coming months. Wright said MMA is regulated in six of Canada’s 10 provinces (Ontario, Saskatchewan, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland don’t allow MMA).

• UFC President Dana White said the promotion is not deterred by the difficulty it had securing an event in the city and the steady political opposition it’s received this week in the media upon its arrival. White said that on Sunday, Vancouver business owners will be singing the promotion’s praises.

• White said that although the promotion had to pay higher-than-usual insurance premiums to host the event there, he’s willing to meet the extra demands to introduce the promotion in the province. “After we leave on Sunday, we won’t have the insurance issues or mystique issues ever again. I guarantee it,” said White.

• Rich Franklin said although Liddell is known for his knockouts, his wrestling and jiu-jitsu is underrated and he has to be prepared for everything.

• White deflected questions that Liddell is in a “must-win” situation to keep his career going. “My big beef with Chuck was his lifestyle. He’s changed his lifestyle,” said White. “We’ll see what happens on Saturday.”

• The 40-year-old Liddell left little doubt of his career intentions moving forward: “I’m looking for the title. That’s what I’m here for.”

• Franklin will be rewarded for his brief few-day coaching stint on “The Ultimate Fighter 11” after replacing an injured Tito Ortiz. “He probably will get a car,” said White. “That’s Tito costing me more money.”

• White hinted that “The Ultimate Fighter” was about to “re-up” its contract with Spike TV to keep running past its 12th season. Season 12 began shooting in Las Vegas this week.

• Pat Barry continued to show his unparalleled enthusiasm for opponent Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic, whom he noted as a trailblazing striker that forced the sport to evolve. Barry said win or lose, he’ll always be able to say that he’s fought one of his heroes. Barry also asked when it would be appropriate for him to request Cro Cop’s autograph. Filipovic cracked a slight smile to Barry’s unending adulation.

• A tongue-in-cheek Cro Cop said he’d try to give Barry at least one “autograph” in the Octagon on Saturday. Then he’d try to get Barry the one he requested afterward.