But I disagree that it means that the only fight he'll accept is a DC rematch. I think he's saying that in reference for the November window mentioned immediately before; he'd turn it around in that tight timeframe to get in the rematch before DC's retirement deadline but if it's any other situation he'll take the time off to be with his soon-arriving child–like he said he would even before the DC fight took place.
Of course it's not the only fight he'll accept. Stipe has no choice but to accept a different fight. However what he said is exactly what I wrote. Stipe's clinging to a wishful proposal which is the equivalent of asking DC to hand his belt back.
Yeah it's not going to happen.
Paraphrasing but it's a fair representation:
Ariel: But what if they come to you with
different fight...
Stipe: I want a rematch it's all I care about.
Ariel: that's the
only fight you're open too...
Stipe:
YEP.
Ariel: What if they don't give you the rematch?
Stipe: I better get it..
Ariel: Or else what?
Stipe: We'll find out.
Ariel: Does the fact that Dana said the fight is inked does that worry you?
Stipe: Nope we'll figure it out.
Yeah.....didn't take this out of context here.
, . When they speak in more general terms, notice Stipe gets vague and goes "we''ll see what happens." That isn't someone delivering an ultimatum; that's someone keeping his cards close to his chest in negotiating. It would be stupid to declare what you'll settle for, because if you do, sure as sure that's all you'll be offered.
This is the most armchair psychologist statement ever. Stipe gave direct answers, to Ariel's direct questions. He said "We'll figure it out" and asserts right after that he's confident it will happen, not a vague "we'll see what happens...." as you claim. You disagree because you created a fake scenario in your head, and believed it for the sake of being a contrarian.
C'mon admit it. Stipe isn't negotiating, he has no power whatsoever in DC's next fight. In other worlds the stage is set,
Stipe has no cards in this scenario.
But did Stipe say Lesnar was worthy of a title shot before? No, he said he'd love and be happy to fight him. That's a little different. Remember, Stipe never made any move to pick and choose his opponents, especially not when he was champ. He fought who the UFC lined up for him. So he'd never criticize the pick for his contender.
Me, I'd prefer that Stipe would shrug his shoulders and say "it sucks, but I knew Lesnar was likely for the next TS before I stepped in the Octagon so I'll have to live with it." But what he's saying now is not as hypocritical a turn as you insinuate.
Accepting a hypothetical Lesnar fight by extension directly implies that he could care less if he's worthy or not, he sees the dollar signs like everyone else. You love splitting hairs I see, look forward to unpacking the next response..