MMA News

Tag: Dana White

  • TKO President Says UFC Has “Never Been Stronger” Despite Fans Complaining About Recent Fight Cards Quality

    TKO President Says UFC Has “Never Been Stronger” Despite Fans Complaining About Recent Fight Cards Quality

    Mark Shapiro is dismissing growing criticism surrounding the UFC’s recent run of events, insisting the promotion remains stronger than ever despite increasing complaints from fans about card quality.

    Over the past several months, frustration has steadily built online regarding UFC matchmaking, particularly with smaller Fight Night cards and the growing number of relatively unknown fighters appearing on major events. The criticism has only intensified since the UFC began its new broadcast era with Paramount earlier this year.

    Still, Shapiro made it clear during a recent TKO financial call that the company does not believe the product has declined.

    “Look, bottom line is we don’t buy it,” Shapiro said. “Let’s just start with this premise. The product is great at the UFC, the brand has never been stronger, our reach has never been greater, so the foundational elements of UFC are in concrete.”

    TKO Believes UFC Is Simply Entering New Era Of Stars

    Shapiro pointed to recent events like UFC 327 and the UFC’s Perth card as examples of why the company remains confident in the direction of the promotion.

    “Anyone that came to our last numbered fight in Miami, which was UFC 327, was flat-out blown away,” Shapiro said. “Or anyone that went to our last Fight Night, which happened to be last week in Perth, Australia.”

    Rather than seeing the current roster transition as a weakness, Shapiro argued that the UFC is in the middle of building its next generation of stars.

    “We are always building in the UFC,” he said. “We find the best up-and-coming talent around the world and we match them continually in the best fights.”

    Shapiro specifically highlighted rising names such as Joshua Van, Carlos Prates, and Michael Morales as examples of the promotion’s future direction.

    “There’s a huge movement right now with all these young fighters coming up in the ranks,” Shapiro said. “Many of them are taking over slots in the top 10 from guys that have been names in the rankings for years.”

    He also referenced the UFC’s upcoming White House event, UFC Freedom 250, which is expected to be one of the biggest cards of the year and will feature lightweight champion Ilia Topuria in the main event.

    “It’s all very cyclical,” Shapiro added while addressing the criticism. “With any sport, there’s natural ebbs and flows.”

  • Dana White Doesn’t Want Dillon Danis Anywhere Near UFC 328 Amid Khamzat Chimaev-Sean Strickland Fight Week Chaos

    Dana White Doesn’t Want Dillon Danis Anywhere Near UFC 328 Amid Khamzat Chimaev-Sean Strickland Fight Week Chaos

    Dana White has once again made it clear that Dillon Danis is not welcome anywhere near the UFC, especially during one of the most volatile fight weeks the promotion has seen in years.

    Speaking during a recent appearance on Nina Marie Daniele’s KICK stream, White joked — while also sounding genuinely cautious — about the possibility of Danis showing up at UFC 328 in Newark this weekend amid the already explosive tensions surrounding Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland.

    “Dillon, if you show up on Saturday, maybe the Muslim Brotherhood will be so focused on you they won’t be able to go after Sean,” White said.

    The comment comes as security has already been heavily increased throughout UFC 328 fight week following repeated hostile exchanges between Chimaev and Strickland.

    The two middleweights nearly erupted into a physical altercation during Thursday’s press conference, where “Borz” kicked Strickland during an intense faceoff that immediately triggered a massive security response.

    UFC 322 Crowd Brawl Still Hangs Over Dillon Danis

    White’s warning also ties directly back to the chaos that unfolded at UFC 322 at Madison Square Garden late last year.

    During the event, “El Jefe” became involved in a massive crowd brawl linked to members of Islam Makhachev’s entourage after allegedly provoking them cageside. Videos from the incident appeared to show multiple people throwing punches inside the packed arena.

    Several fighters connected to Team Makhachev were reportedly involved in the altercation, including Abubakar Nurmagomedov and Magomed Zaynukov, also known online as “John Pork.”

    The UFC CEO later publicly blamed Danis for the incident and announced that the polarizing fighter would never attend another UFC event again.

  • Dana White Provides Most Definitive Conor McGregor’s UFC Return Update Yet

    Dana White Provides Most Definitive Conor McGregor’s UFC Return Update Yet

    Dana White appears more optimistic than ever about Conor McGregor finally making his long-awaited UFC return later this year.

    After years of uncertainty surrounding the former UFC two-division champion’s comeback timeline, White delivered one of his strongest public statements yet during a recent appearance on The Jim Rome Show, insisting that the Irish superstar is on track to fight this summer.

    “Conor will fight this summer,” White said definitively.

    The statement marks a significant shift in tone compared to previous updates from the UFC boss, who had often stopped short of offering firm timelines regarding McGregor’s future. This time, White repeatedly emphasized his confidence that the Irishman is actively preparing for a return.

    “We’re in a great place with Conor,” White said. “I’m extremely confident that Conor will fight this year. I’m extremely confident that we’ll get him dialed in and ready to roll. He’s training. There’s footage out there of him training right now.”

    UFC 329 Increasingly Linked To Conor McGregor Return

    While White did not officially announce an opponent or event, speculation continues to intensify around a possible showdown between McGregor and Max Holloway at UFC 329 during International Fight Week in Las Vegas on July 11.

    “Blessed” recently acknowledged the rumors himself, admitting he has been preparing for the possibility of facing “The Notorious”, though he also noted that no contract had been finalized.

    McGregor has not fought since suffering a broken leg in his trilogy bout against Dustin Poirier back in 2021. Since then, repeated comeback discussions have failed to materialize into an actual booking.

    White admitted he believed a return would happen last year before plans ultimately fell apart.

    “I thought it would happen last year. It didn’t,” White said. “I’m extremely confident it will happen this summer.

    “He seems motivated, he’s training. There are a lot of other great things going on behind the scenes that make me very confident he’ll fight this summer.”

  • Dana White Explains Every Detail of UFC Freedom 250’s White House Setup

    Dana White Explains Every Detail of UFC Freedom 250’s White House Setup

    Dana White has laid out the full scope of UFC Freedom 250 on June 14, and the event extends well beyond the intimate White House South Lawn setup most fans have been picturing.

    Speaking with Lara Trump on Fox News, White explained that while the arena beside the White House will hold only 4,300 people with most of those seats going to military members, the surrounding public event at the Ellipse is designed to accommodate approximately 85,000 fans for free.

    “Across the street is the Ellipse. And for those who don’t know, the Ellipse is a massive park. That’s literally, you will be able to see the fight from the Ellipse. But we have screens, we got stages, we have music, we have activations over there. If you are a fan of the UFC and especially if you have never been to Washington D.C., we’re going to give away about 85,000 tickets. And you have to, there’s a process, you have to register for tickets, and they’re free.”

    The Ellipse, formally known as President’s Park South, is a 52-acre public park south of the White House fence that has hosted major public events for decades, including the National Christmas Tree tradition. Its size makes it a natural fit for the kind of large-scale fan experience the UFC is building around the card.

    The military-first approach to the White House arena seating is something White tied directly to the event’s broader patriotic theme and to Trump’s personal direction for the card.

    “He wants this to be mostly for the military. So there’s going to be 4,300 people there. I just literally went over it right now, 4,300 people. And most of them will be military.”

    When Lara Trump framed the allocation as a thank-you to service members, White was unequivocal.

    “100%. I mean, this is America’s 250th birthday. This is the event.”

    White also revealed that Trump has been fielding more ticket requests for this event than anything he has previously hosted, a detail that has come up in White’s conversations with the president during the planning process.

    “I’m meeting with the president. And he keeps telling me that he’s never had an event where people have asked him for more tickets. So I’m trying to figure out how to give him more tickets.”

    The concept originated in a casual conversation at a fight, according to White.

    “We were at a fight and he leans over to me and he says, we should do a fight at the White House. I was like, yes, yes, we should. And if he says it, consider it done. It starts blowing me up the whole next week to get this thing rolling. And we went in and we pitched him on the plan and he loved everything that we pitched to him.”

    Production preparations are already underway, with White describing UFC head of production Craig Borsari as having visited the White House repeatedly to map out the logistics of what is the most operationally complex event the promotion has ever attempted.

    “My head of production, Craig Borsari, is the best in the business. And it’s literally all he’s working on right now, 24-7. He’s been to the White House a million times. We’re already starting to move stuff in. We’ll start loading in, like really loading in a month before the show.”

    Weather remains the primary operational variable. White has already made clear the event will proceed through rain, wind, or snow, but lightning represents the one genuine threat to the schedule. He outlined the contingency planning in detail.

    “Outdoors is just way too unpredictable. And we’ve gone over this, if it rains, we’re going. If it snows, we’re going. The only thing that will stop us is lightning. But we’re working with the military. So the military knows the weather 10 days out. And they’ll notify us every two hours, 10 days out. Seven days out, they’ll notify us every hour. We also, there’s another company that does it for concerts and things like that. They’re very good, too. So what could happen is the only thing that kills us is lightning. So we could move the event two hours earlier, two hours after. So these are all things that we’ll be playing with the week of the event on top of all the other things that we’ll have going on. Which we never had to deal with.”

    White pointed to UFC 112 in Abu Dhabi on April 10, 2010, as the only previous outdoor UFC event he agreed to, noting the Middle Eastern weather made that decision straightforward. Washington D.C. in June is a very different proposition.

    UFC Freedom 250 is headlined by Ilia Topuria defending the undisputed lightweight championship against Justin Gaethje, with Alex Pereira challenging Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title in the co-main event.

  • Dana White Says He Doesn’t “Give A Sh*t” If UFC Faces Backlash Over Donald Trump Relationship

    Dana White Says He Doesn’t “Give A Sh*t” If UFC Faces Backlash Over Donald Trump Relationship

    Dana White isn’t losing sleep over whether his close ties to Donald Trump have impacted the UFC’s business.

    The UFC boss addressed the topic during a recent appearance on the Katie Miller Podcast, where he was asked if the promotion’s visible alignment with Trump has led to any financial consequences.

    With the US President remaining a polarizing figure in American politics, the question has lingered as the UFC continues to feature him prominently at events and collaborates on high-profile ventures.

    I don’t give a sht,” White said. “I don’t know the answer to that question. I’ve gotten to a point in my life, especially after COVID and all the nutty sht that went on during that time, that I only want to be in business with and talk to people that I’m aligned with.”

    Long-standing Relationship Between Trump And White Continues To Shape UFC’s Direction

    White and Trump’s relationship stretches back decades, well before Trump entered politics. The UFC CEO has often credited Trump for giving the promotion a platform during its early years, hosting events when the sport struggled to find mainstream acceptance.

    That loyalty has remained consistent throughout Trump’s political rise. White publicly supported him during multiple presidential campaigns and played a visible role in his most recent run, helping connect Trump with younger audiences through podcast appearances and digital platforms.

    Their alignment is now more visible than ever, with the UFC preparing to host UFC Freedom 250 on the South Lawn of the White House on June 14. The event, a first of its kind, further underscores the close relationship between the promotion and the president.

    The 79-year-old Republican leader has also become a regular presence at UFC events, often receiving a high-profile walkout and a strong reception from crowds. Despite that visibility, White has consistently maintained that the UFC operates independently of political agendas.

  • White House Shooting Triggers Lockdown Weeks Before UFC Freedom 250 Event On South Lawn

    White House Shooting Triggers Lockdown Weeks Before UFC Freedom 250 Event On South Lawn

    A shooting near the White House on Monday has placed renewed focus on security planning ahead of the UFC’s upcoming event on the South Lawn.

    According to the Secret Service, an armed individual was shot by law enforcement following a confrontation near the Washington Monument, just a few blocks from the White House complex. The incident prompted a brief lockdown, with reporters escorted inside as authorities responded.

    A bystander was also struck, while emergency crews transported at least one individual to the hospital. No injuries were reported within the White House itself, and scheduled activities continued.

    The development comes just over a month before UFC Freedom 250, a first-of-its-kind event scheduled for June 14 in Washington, D.C. The UFC plans to stage the card inside a custom-built structure on the South Lawn, with approximately 4,300 attendees expected, the majority of them military personnel.

    Meanwhile, up to 85,000 fans are set to gather at the nearby Ellipse, where large screens, stages, and fan activations will be set up for public viewing.

    Given the scale and high-profile location, security has already been a central component of planning. UFC CEO Dana White previously confirmed coordination with military officials, who will monitor conditions closely in the lead-up to the event. White has also acknowledged the unpredictability of outdoor hosting, noting that the start time could be adjusted based on conditions during fight week.

    At this stage, there is no indication that Monday’s incident will impact the UFC card. However, it highlights the level of logistical and security coordination required for an event of this scale at one of the most closely monitored locations in the United States.

    The fight card is set to be headlined by Ilia Topuria defending the undisputed lightweight title against Justin Gaethje, with Alex Pereira taking on Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title in the co-main event, alongside five additional bouts scheduled for the card.

  • Dana White Reveals UFC White House Crowd Details: Military Take Priority, Fans Get Free Ellipse Tickets

    Dana White Reveals UFC White House Crowd Details: Military Take Priority, Fans Get Free Ellipse Tickets

    Dana White has confirmed the attendance breakdown for UFC Freedom 250 on June 14, revealing that the crowd inside the White House South Lawn will be made up primarily of military personnel with tickets unavailable for public purchase.

    Speaking on Fox News Channel’s My View with Lara Trump, White explained the breakdown directly.

    “Well, your father-in-law, he wants this to be mostly for the military. So there’s going to be 4,300 people there. I just literally went over it right now, 4,300 people, and most of them will be military.”

    Fans who want to be part of the experience will have an alternative option across the street. White confirmed that the Ellipse, a large park adjacent to the White House, will host approximately 85,000 people with screens, stages, music, and activations throughout the day. Those tickets will be free through a registration process.

    “Across the street is the Ellipse. For those who don’t know, the Ellipse is a massive park that’s literally, you’ll be able to see the fight from the Ellipse. But we have screens, we’ve got stages, we have music, we have activations over there. We’re going to give away about 85,000 tickets. And there’s a process. You have to register for tickets, and they’re free. But you should come to Washington, D.C. that week, the week of the fight. We’re going to be doing all kinds of things in D.C. for fans. It’s really a cool city.”

    The seven-fight card is headlined by Ilia Topuria defending the undisputed lightweight championship against Justin Gaethje, with Alex Pereira challenging Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title in the co-main event.

  • Dana White Reveals UFC White House Event Could Be Rescheduled During Fight Week

    Dana White Reveals UFC White House Event Could Be Rescheduled During Fight Week

    Dana White has revealed that the start time for UFC Freedom 250 on June 14 remains subject to change based on weather conditions, with the military playing a direct role in monitoring conditions in the days leading up to the event.

    Speaking on Fox News Channel’s My View with Lara Trump, White explained the specific protocol put in place to manage the unpredictability of hosting an outdoor event on the White House South Lawn.

    “I hate outdoors, outdoors is just way too unpredictable and we’ve gone over this and if it rains, we’re going, if it snows, we’re going, the only thing that will stop us is lightning. But we’re working with the military. So, the military knows the weather 10 days out and they’ll notify us every two hours 10 days out, 7 days out they’ll notify us every hour. There’s also another company that does it for concerts and things like that, they’re very good too. So what could happen is, the only thing that kills us is lightning so we can move the event two hours earlier, two hours later, so these are all things that we’ll be playing with the week of the event on top of all of the other things we’ll have going on.”

    White has previously noted that the only other time the UFC held an outdoor event was in Abu Dhabi, an experience he described as frustrating due to heat and insects. The White House card features seven fights, a leaner card than usual, which White indicated will lead to longer breaks between bouts similar to the pacing used at the UFC’s Sphere event.

    The main event features Ilia Topuria defending the undisputed lightweight championship against Justin Gaethje, with Alex Pereira challenging Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title in the co-main event.

  • Matt Brown Calls Out Dana White’s ‘Awesome’ Shooting Comment Using His Own Mass Shooting Survival

    Matt Brown Calls Out Dana White’s ‘Awesome’ Shooting Comment Using His Own Mass Shooting Survival

    Matt Brown has a very specific reason for criticizing Dana White’s description of the White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooting as “f***ing awesome,” and it stems from direct personal experience.

    White attended the dinner as a guest of President Donald Trump and was present when a gunman breached a security checkpoint and opened fire before being subdued. One police officer was shot but survived thanks to a bulletproof vest. In the aftermath, White told reporters he did not duck under a table and called the experience awesome, describing it as a unique moment he fully took in.

    Brown heard those comments and could not let them pass without a response, drawing on something he has rarely discussed publicly. In 2004, Brown attended a Damageplan concert in Columbus, Ohio, when Nathan Gale charged the stage and murdered guitarist Dimebag Darrell Abbott along with three other people before being shot and killed by an off-duty police officer.

    “I’m absolutely flabbergasted. I’ve been in a mass shooting before. I’ve been there when there was a shooting going on, which most people probably haven’t. It is not awesome in any sense of the word. It is not f*cking cool one bit,” Brown said onThe Fighter vs. The Writer. “A dude got shot. Maybe he survived but got shot. That’s a traumatic experience for him. There’s not a single fing thing awesome about that.”

    Brown described standing near the stage when Gale began shooting and watching the officer’s fatal response unfold in real time.

    “I watched Nathan Gale get his head blown off when Officer Niggemeyer shot him. He had to make a decision in about two or three seconds because the shooter had a hostage. He wasn’t even on duty. He comes in and his whole life changed right there. Someone got shot right next to me.”

    He was careful to separate his criticism of White’s word choice from a broader pattern of criticism of the UFC CEO’s public statements.

    “Dana says a lot of stuff I think that we could all have opinions about. I’m not very critical of it. I’m like he’s promoting a fight, what do you expect? But that one, I don’t have a lot of respect for. It was very tone-deaf. You just don’t say that. Even if you somehow oddly feel that, it’s just not what you say.”

  • Dana White Shares Account At White House Dinner Shooting

    Dana White Shares Account At White House Dinner Shooting

    UFC CEO and President Dana White was at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner at the Washington Hilton hotel on April 25, where shots were fired.

    According to multiple reports, a 31-year-old California man — who is now in custody — rushed a security checkpoint at the dinner before opening fire. The gunshots took place either near or inside the hotel’s ballroom.

    U.S. President Donald Trump was evacuated from the stage, as well as his wife, Melania. Both of them and all members of the Trump Cabinet are safe.

    Law enforcement officials quickly evacuated those present at the dinner, which was quickly canceled following the incident.

    One officer was shot in the incident but was saved by his bulletproof vest, according to President Trump.

    Dana White Says Shooting At White House Correspondents’ Dinner Was “Crazy, Unique Experience”

    White was one of those whom the media asked about his experience as events unfolded at the dinner. While other attendees talked about a scary scene, White seemed more upbeat.

    “All of a sudden, it started getting noisy,” White recalled. “Tables getting flipped over, guys running in with guns. They were screaming, ‘Get down!’ I didn’t get down. It was f****** awesome.

    “I literally took every minute of it in. It was a pretty crazy, unique experience. I was sitting right in front of the table — where the president was. Nobody got tackled, but guys came in looking for shooters. They came toward our table; I thought the shooter was over by us or something.”

    White has been a longtime close friend of President Trump, who is in his second term as U.S. President, following his 2017-2021 term.

    This incident occurred just under two months before the UFC hosts UFC Freedom 250 on the White House lawn — an event that will be part of multiple events for the 250th anniversary of the United States declaring independence.

    UFC Freedom 250 will be headlined by Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje battling to unify the UFC featherweight championship, and Alex Pereira taking on Ciryl Gane for the interim UFC heavyweight championship.

  • “Bad Move” – Darren Till Warns Tom Aspinall Over Eddie Hearn Deal

    “Bad Move” – Darren Till Warns Tom Aspinall Over Eddie Hearn Deal

    Eddie Hearn and Tom Aspinall

    Darren Till has a warning for his close friend Tom Aspinall about the management deal that has put the UFC heavyweight champion on Dana White’s bad side.

    Appearing on The Ariel Helwani Show on Monday, Till spoke candidly about Aspinall’s decision to sign with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Talent Agency last month. The two Liverpudlians have known each other for years, and Till said he would give Aspinall the same honest take in private that he was giving on camera.

    “If Tom was sat here with me now, me and Tom have had deep, deep convos all our life, if Tom was to say, ‘What do you think?’ I’d go, ‘I think it was a bad move, Tom, because it’s just going to put you in bad stead with the UFC,’” Till said. “Dana is going to get a mini cob on. They’re probably going to do little things just to [undermine you]. That’s how I see it. And I’m always going to speak.”

    Till Believes Aspinall Got Paid, But At a Cost

    Till stressed that Aspinall is not being played by anyone and likely extracted real value from the deal. The concern is what happens inside the UFC now that the champion has a powerful outside representative pushing his interests.

    “Tom’s not stupid. He hasn’t been used as a pawn because he’ll be doing what’s best for him moneywise as well,” Till said. “He’s got a family there. Tom will be getting the most out of it moneywise. But signing with Eddie might have been a bit… I think it’s going to put him in bad stead with the UFC.”

    The warning lines up with what has already happened. Aspinall received a text from White at 6pm on the day of UFC London in March asking if he wanted to attend, despite living five hours away. The heavyweight champion has also been passed over in promotion while Ciryl Gane and Alex Pereira fight for an interim title on June 14.

    The MMA-Boxing Trap

    Till also pushed back on the idea that MMA fighters can cross into boxing with minimal adjustment, a topic that has followed Aspinall since the Matchroom signing raised questions about a potential boxing move.

    “All of us are MMA fighters. If we switch over, we like to go, ‘Well, I’ve done boxing.’ No, you haven’t. You’ve done boxing for MMA. What does that mean? You’ve been in a wide stance. You don’t throw close-quarter shots. Only two guys, Max Holloway, Justin Gaethje, really use boxing for MMA. But MMA and boxing are two completely different things,” Till said.

    Aspinall is still not cleared for contact training following double eye surgery after the Gane fight at UFC 321 last October. Till has been through his own UFC-to-boxing pivot and is now moving on to BKFC, with his bare-knuckle debut set for May 30.

  • Darren Till Rips Dana White’s Ego: UFC Cards Are a “Can of Piss”

    Darren Till Rips Dana White’s Ego: UFC Cards Are a “Can of Piss”

    Dana White press Conference

    Darren Till does not watch the UFC anymore, and he wants Dana White to know exactly what he thinks of how the promotion is being run.

    Speaking with Ariel Helwani on The Ariel Helwani Show on Monday, the former UFC welterweight title challenger launched into an extended critique of White’s handling of the promotion, the state of the UFC product, and the culture of media scrums where he believes reporters are too afraid to ask real questions.

    “I do like Dana, but I just think Dana’s ego is getting a little bit too much out of control,” Till said. “I don’t even watch the UFC anymore. I couldn’t tell you half the people who fight on it. The events just aren’t juicy anymore. I think they’ve got very few stars left.”

    “Who Gives a Sh*t? I Give a Sh*t”

    Till saved his sharpest criticism for White’s habit of dismissing fan and media questions with the phrase “who gives a sh*t,” a line the UFC boss has used repeatedly in post-event scrums over the past year.

    “Every time Dana is in a scrum, it’s like these reporters are scared to say the real thing. And when they do ask questions, Dana’s all sort of like, ‘Who gives a sh*t?’” Till said. “We give a sh*t. I give a sh*t. So give us a sh*t answer, baldy. Take your ego away. I’m sorry to slag, I’ll go on one now, but I give a sh*t. What do you mean ‘who gives a sh*t?’ We give a sh*t. So give us some sh*t answers. What are you on about?”

    The frustration connects to a broader point Till made about how UFC cards used to feel. He pointed to co-main events like Robbie Lawler vs. Rory MacDonald and Conor McGregor vs. Jose Aldo as examples of fights that carried genuine weight, contrasting them with what he sees on cards now.

    “The fights back then just had a different thing to them,” Till said. “I just look at the card now and I just think, a load of can of piss.”

    Till Says Arman Tsarukyan Is Being Buried

    The Liverpudlian also called out what he views as selective treatment of the promotion’s current stars, pointing specifically to Arman Tsarukyan as a fighter the UFC should be building into a headliner.

    “Why is Arman Tsarukyan not getting the love he deserves? See what he’s doing? They’re mad at him because he gets crazy. He’s headbutting people, hitting fans on the way out. But he’s box office,” Till said. “I must have just passed my mind, Jon Jones has done all madness, Conor has done all madness, why [the different treatment]? Maybe they’ve got a personal vendetta.”

    Till is set to make his BKFC debut at BKFC 90 in Birmingham on May 30, fighting Aaron Chalmers. It is a long way from Madison Square Garden, but for Till, it beats watching a UFC card he no longer recognizes.

  • Dana White Debunks Title Eliminator Label For UFC White House Fight

    Dana White Debunks Title Eliminator Label For UFC White House Fight

    Dana White has pushed back on the idea that Sean O’Malley’s UFC White House fight against Aiemann Zahabi carries a guaranteed title shot for the winner.

    Zahabi made headlines when he described the June 14 matchup as a title eliminator, claiming the UFC had confirmed as much ahead of the event. White dismissed that framing at his post-fight press conference following UFC Winnipeg on April 18.

    “These guys are put in these positions with great opportunities. Let’s see what the fight looks like,” White said. “Let’s see how they perform. Just to throw out there, ‘Whoever wins is gonna get it,’ that’s not really what happens here. Perform, let’s see how you look, and then we’ll make that decision.”

    The bantamweight title picture is complicated heading into the summer. Merab Dvalishvili has claimed the UFC assured him his next fight will be a trilogy with Petr Yan, who ended Dvalishvili’s championship reign in December 2025. Umar Nurmagomedov is also positioning himself as a contender, having defeated Mario Bautista and Deiveson Figueiredo in his recent run.

    O’Malley last held the bantamweight championship before losing it to Dvalishvili at Noche UFC 306 in September 2024. A win over Zahabi at the White House would rebuild momentum, but White’s comments make clear the path back to the title is not as direct as Zahabi suggested.

    UFC Freedom 250 takes place June 14 on the White House lawn in Washington D.C.

  • UFC Breaking Its Own Rule at White House Event as Dana White Makes Announcement

    UFC Breaking Its Own Rule at White House Event as Dana White Makes Announcement

    Dana White has revealed that the UFC White House event on June 14 will feature something the promotion has not done in over two decades: a live performance of the National Anthem.

    Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, White confirmed that country music star Zac Brown will perform the anthem at the historic event on the South Lawn of the White House. It marks the first time the UFC has included a National Anthem performance since UFC 33, which aired in the double-digit numbered events era.

    White was candid about why he normally avoids the tradition entirely, and why this occasion warrants an exception.

    “We don’t do the National Anthem. So one of the things that drives me crazy about boxing is they have to sing two National Anthems and all the stuff before the fight starts. We’re an international business, we have people from everywhere.

    We could end up singing two National Anthems that are not even from this country and the whole world is watching us, we’re in over a billion homes worldwide, so I don’t do it,” White said. “This will be the first time in a very long time since UFC double digits that we’ve done the National Anthem.”

    The UFC White House event is headlined by Ilia Topuria defending the lightweight championship against Justin Gaethje, with Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane fighting for the interim heavyweight title in the co-main event. White had previously indicated that fighters would walk out from the Oval Office, though it is now expected that only the main event fighters will make that walk.

    UFC Freedom 250 takes place June 14 on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington D.C.

  • UFC’s Chief Content Officer Defends AI Use Despite Backlash

    UFC’s Chief Content Officer Defends AI Use Despite Backlash

    The UFC is not backing down from its use of artificial intelligence in content creation despite ongoing fan backlash, and the promotion’s Chief Content Officer has made the company’s position clear.

    Craig Borsari addressed the controversy in an interview with the New York Post, framing AI not as a replacement for creative work but as a tool that amplifies what the team is already doing.

    “The way we look at AI is not a substitute for content creation, but rather a way to amplify it. So if there are things that we can do utilizing AI, it’s no different than maybe using a green screen. I mean, it’s a technique and technology that is evolving at a credible rate, and I like to tell my team, ‘If we’re not pushing the envelope and looking for different ways to do things and storytelling, then we’re not doing our jobs. So the last thing I want my team to be is stagnant and play on our heels and play it safe,’” Borsari said.

    He was equally direct about the promotion’s intentions going forward.

    “We will continue to look for ways to not only use AI, but other technological advances and push the envelope in the way we present our product — both on the original production side, as well as the live event side. We’re still relatively in the early stages of AI, and the way we will work with AI isn’t just to put in some prompts and take whatever product is spit out and move on. Our editors, our producers, we’re going through color-correction, they’re using it as a tool to create content.”

    UFC CEO Dana White had previously addressed the fan backlash following the promotion’s AI usage after UFC Seattle with considerably less diplomacy.

    “AI is coming, and if we’re using AI, who gives a shit? How about this: Shut the f**k up and watch the fights,” White said at the time.

    Borsari also noted the UFC is exploring advances beyond AI, including new audio technology, as part of a broader push to stay at the forefront of sports media production.

  • Paddy Pimblett Calls Dana White and Eddie Hearn Feud ‘Very Teenage Girlish’

    Paddy Pimblett Calls Dana White and Eddie Hearn Feud ‘Very Teenage Girlish’

    Paddy Pimblett has been watching the Dana White and Eddie Hearn feud unfold with amusement, and he has some pointed observations about what it says about both men.

    Pimblett was in attendance at Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing event in Liverpool to support close friend Molly McCann and found himself in the middle of the latest chapter of a promotional rivalry that has seen the two executives trade insults publicly, float the idea of fighting each other, and take shots at each other’s businesses across multiple platforms.

    His verdict on the behavior was delivered without much diplomacy.

    “It’s hilarious, but you know, first and foremost Dana’s an MMA promoter. First and foremost, Eddie’s a boxing promoter. They’re having a little bit of a mad spat at the minute. Without being disrespectful to either of them, it’s very teenage girlish, but they’ll get over it. They’re both going to end up being sweet, so we crack on for now,” Pimblett told iFL TV.

    When asked which way he would lean if the fight somehow materialized, Pimblett acknowledged the obvious size and reach advantage Hearn would hold while making his loyalty clear. “I’ve seen it all, it’s f—ing madness, isn’t it? I don’t know. It’s not going to happen. Dana’s not going to box Eddie, I think it’s a bit of a mad situation. Eddie’s got the reach on him, but Dana’s my boss, I’m backing Dana. Dana’s going to spark him out. At the same time, it’s not going to happen.”

    The sharpest part of Pimblett’s commentary came when he turned his attention to what the fight would actually pay out compared to what either man pays the athletes on their rosters.

    “The funniest thing is if they fought each other, they’d get paid well more than what the fighters getting paid,” Pimblett said. “Thirty mil each, no boxers getting that under Eddie Hearn and no UFC fighter’s getting that under Dana. They’d earn more dough than the fighters fighting, you know what I mean? That’s the funniest thing about it. And they’ve got nothing on any fighter they’ve got, but you know, that’s just the way the world works.”

    White was at UFC Winnipeg on Saturday and addressed Hearn’s ongoing fight tease by calling him “a f—ing bum” who “says a lot of dumb shit,” while also describing himself as “old.” Hearn had claimed at the Liverpool event that their bout would do over a million pay-per-view buys.

    The feud has its roots in real business competition. White signed Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing fighter Conor Benn for Zuffa Boxing, and Hearn responded by securing a management deal with UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall through Matchroom Talent Agency.

  • Dana White Fires Back At Critics Of UFC Freedom 250 Event At White House – ‘It Has Nothing To Do With Politics’

    Dana White Fires Back At Critics Of UFC Freedom 250 Event At White House – ‘It Has Nothing To Do With Politics’

    Dana White has pushed back strongly against claims that the upcoming UFC Freedom 250 card carries any political agenda, insisting the historic event is meant to celebrate the United States rather than promote any ideology.

    The one-of-a-kind event is scheduled for June 14 on the South Lawn of the White House, marking a centerpiece attraction for America’s 250th anniversary celebrations.

    While the involvement of US President Donald Trump has fueled speculation about political undertones, White has been clear about the promotion’s intent.

    Dana White Shuts Down Political Narrative Around UFC White House Card

    Speaking during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, the UFC CEO addressed the growing perception that the event is politically driven.

    “One of the myths that I would like to crush is I don’t care if you’re far right, far left, right down the middle… this isn’t about politics,” White said.

    “This is about the United States, what this country is about, how it was built, where we all came from.”

    White also emphasized that the UFC is fully funding the event, shutting down any concerns about public spending.

    “We’re paying the entire bill on all of this… Not one tax dollar will go into this. This is the UFC’s gift for the 250th birthday of America.”

    Despite the political figures expected to be in attendance, including Trump himself, the UFC head honcho maintains that the setting does not change the purpose of the event.

    “It has nothing to do with politics. We just happen to be on the White House lawn, and the President will be there.”

    Stacked Fight Lineup Set For Historic Night In Washington

    Beyond the controversy, UFC Freedom 250 is shaping up to be one of the most unique events in the promotion’s history. The card is expected to feature seven fights, headlined by a lightweight title unification bout, as reigning champion Ilia Topuria faces interim titleholder Justin Gaethje.

    Meanwhile, the co-main event will include an interim heavyweight title clash between Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane.

    The event will take place inside a custom-built structure on the White House lawn, with the UFC investing heavily to ensure a unique viewing experience that incorporates the iconic backdrop.

  • Chael Sonnen Slams Jon Jones For Retirement U-Turns, Supports Dana White’s Freedom 250 Snub: ‘What Good Is Your Word?’

    Chael Sonnen Slams Jon Jones For Retirement U-Turns, Supports Dana White’s Freedom 250 Snub: ‘What Good Is Your Word?’

    Chael Sonnen has weighed in on the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Jon Jones, backing Dana White’s decision to keep the former two-division champion off the highly anticipated UFC Freedom 250 card.

    “Bones” once again stirred confusion over the weekend after indicating he would remain retired, before quickly reversing course a day later. The latest flip-flop has only added to a long pattern of indecision, and Sonnen made it clear he’s had enough.

    Chael Sonnen Questions Jon Jones’ Reliability Amid Retirement Flip-Flops

    Sonnen recently criticized Jones’ back-and-forth stance on social media, arguing that inconsistency at that level damages trust.

    “Jon Jones publicly retired on Friday, which is enough, per the rules, to have yourself removed from the testing pool,” Sonnen said. “Jon Jones, on Saturday, came back and said he is not officially retired, which, per the rules, is enough to reinsert yourself into the testing pool.”

    “The Bad Guy” didn’t stop there, raising a deeper concern about credibility.

    “When you put out a statement on Friday and the exact opposite statement on Saturday, there is a simple question… what good is your word?”

    Sonnen emphasized that being a champion requires more than just skill inside the cage.

    “If you’re the baddest dude in the world and you’re going to be the world champion, you’ve got to be a man. And nobody’s going to mistake you for a man… if they can’t trust you.”

    Chael Sonnen Backs Dana White’s Decision To Leave Jon Jones Off UFC White House Card

    The former title challenger also agreed with the UFC CEO’s stance on not booking “Bones” for the high-profile White House event set for June 14, pointing to his unpredictability as a major issue.

    “When we end up in a situation like this with Jon, where he’s in and he’s out… you can’t count on a guy like that,” Sonnen said on YouTube. “From what we’ve been told, the entire knock on Jon, and why he didn’t get on the White House card, is because they couldn’t count on him.”

    According to Sonnen, this inconsistency has followed Jones for years and continues to impact how the UFC does business with him.

    “It creates a very unusual and difficult position,” he added. “You can’t count on him. When he shows up, is it fun? Sure, but you know the result ahead of time. It’s very difficult.”

    Sonnen even contrasted Jones’ situation with UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov, highlighting the respect that comes with certainty.

    “That’s not how men talk,” Sonnen said. “There was never a doubt when Khabib said, ‘I’m done’… we knew that his word meant something.”

  • Dana White Announces Lewis vs. Hokit Added To UFC Freedom 250

    Dana White Announces Lewis vs. Hokit Added To UFC Freedom 250

    Despite the previous announcement that there will be six fights for the UFC Freedom 250 card, a seventh has been added tonight after the UFC 327 performance of Josh Hokit.

    In an announcement posted to social media during the event, UFC CEO and President Dana White announced that Hokit will compete on the UFC Freedom 250 card, taking on Derrick Lewis.

    Derrick Lewis vs. Josh Hokit Added To UFC Freedom 250 At White House

    Hokit competed in just his third UFC bout during UFC 327, going toe-to-toe with Curtis Blaydes. The two put on a bloody heavyweight slugfest, with the two wobbling one another throughout. Hokit landed the more effective strikes and got the win via decision.

    Hokit, a former NFL player, won a UFC contract on Dana White’s Contender Series last year. He then scored first-round finishes of Max Gimenis and Denzel Freeman in his first two UFC fights.

    Lewis is 3-2 in his last five. He’ll enter this fight off a loss to Waldo Cortes-Acosta at UFC 324.

  • UFC Releases Video Promo, First Look At Stage For UFC Freedom 250

    UFC Releases Video Promo, First Look At Stage For UFC Freedom 250

    With U.S. President Donald Trump in attendance at UFC 327 in Miami, the UFC released the first video promo for the UFC Freedom 250 event that takes place on June 14.

    The promo included a first glance at the setup for how the UFC “arena” will look like on the White House lawn. The Octagon can be seen in the middle of the stage, surrounded by seats on all sides, under a pair of Americana-decorated arches.

    The video has the arena appear to overtake a significant area of the White House front lawn.

    UFC Release First Promo Video, Stage Look For UFC Freedom 250 At The White House

    UFC Freedom 250 will be headlined by Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje battling to determine the undisputed UFC lightweight champion.

    The co-main event will see Alex Pereira move up to heavyweight to take on Ciryl Gane in an interim UFC heavyweight title fight. With a win, Pereira will become the first fighter in UFC history to claim UFC titles in three different weight divisions.

    UFC Freedom 250 will consist of six fights and begin at 8pm ET/5pm PT on June 14, which is a Sunday. June 14 is Flag Day and the 80th birthday of President Trump. The event is being held as part of the celebrations for the Semiquincentennial of the United States.

    UFC Freedom 250 will also feature Sean O’Malley vs. Aiemann Zahabi, Mauricio Ruffy vs. Michael Chandler, Bo Nickal vs. Kyle Daukaus, and Diego Lopes vs. Steve Garcia.

  • Dana White Drops Major Update On EA UFC 6 Release With Multiple Covers In Works

    Dana White Drops Major Update On EA UFC 6 Release With Multiple Covers In Works

    Dana White has officially confirmed that EA Sports UFC 6 is set to release later this year, putting an end to months of speculation surrounding the next installment in the franchise.

    The announcement came during a recent appearance on Adin Ross’ livestream on Kick, where White also revealed that key elements of the game have already been finalized.

    Dana White Confirms UFC 6 Release And Multiple Covers

    While discussing the upcoming title, White disclosed that the cover work has already been completed and that fans can expect more than one version of the game.

    “Did we announce the covers yet?” White said. “I was working on a cover that we were gonna do, but then we ended up going with the original plan we were going to go with.”

    He further clarified that the process had just recently wrapped up.

    “I didn’t even know it wasn’t announced yet… I literally just got done with it three days ago.”

    White then confirmed the key detail fans had been waiting for.

    “Yeah, [we’ll see UFC 6 this year], and there will be two covers.”

    Although no official names have been confirmed, speculation around the cover athletes is already gaining traction.

    During the stream, Ross guessed that Alex Pereira and Islam Makhachev could be featured. White’s reaction strongly hinted that the guess wasn’t far off.

    Pereira, a former two-division champion, was recently seen filming promotional content with EA Sports, further fueling speculation about his involvement.

    The update aligns with recent online reports of the game appearing for pre-order in select international markets, suggesting that an official rollout could be approaching sooner than expected.

    As per Mike Straw of Insider Gaming the UFC 6 could feature changes to certain gameplay mechanics, while the grappling system is expected to remain largely similar, likely with refinements rather than a complete redesign.

    What To Expect From UFC 6 After UFC 5’s Evolution

    The previous installment, EA Sports UFC 5, launched in October 2023 and introduced several notable upgrades that elevated the gameplay experience.

    The game featured cinematic replays that highlighted key fight moments with improved lighting and visual fidelity. It also brought in new animations for ground-and-pound sequences, including elbows and body strikes, along with expanded striking options such as spinning attacks and calf kicks.

    Additionally, the Frostbite engine played a major role in enhancing realism, delivering more detailed fighter damage and a more immersive presentation overall.

    With UFC 6, expectations are that EA Sports will build on that foundation rather than overhaul it completely. Early indications suggest a major shift in gameplay mechanics, while the grappling system may remain largely similar with refinements for smoother transitions.

  • Trump Confirmed for UFC 327 in Miami This Saturday

    UFC CEO Dana White confirmed via streamer Adin Ross that President Donald Trump will attend UFC 327 this Saturday in Miami.

    The event takes place April 11 at the Kaseya Center, the same Miami venue where Trump attended UFC 314 last April, becoming the first sitting president to attend a UFC event.

    UFC 327 is headlined by a vacant light heavyweight title fight between Jiri Prochazka and Carlos Ulberg, with the flyweight title on the line in the co-main as Joshua Van defends against Tatsuro Taira. The card is one of the most stacked of 2026.

    Trump’s relationship with the UFC runs deep. White introduced Trump at the 2024 Republican National Convention, and the two are currently co-planning UFC Freedom Fights 250 at the White House on June 14, set to coincide with Trump’s 80th birthday and America’s 250th anniversary.

  • Jake Paul Calls Dana White ‘Not Smart Enough’ to Fix UFC

    Jake Paul Calls Dana White ‘Not Smart Enough’ to Fix UFC

    Jake Paul has intensified his public criticism of UFC president Dana White, claiming White is “not smart enough” to fix what Paul perceives as the UFC’s declining brand value.

    The social media star-turned-professional boxer made the comments as part of his ongoing campaign to improve fighter compensation in mixed martial arts. Paul has repeatedly positioned himself as an advocate for MMA fighter pay despite competing primarily in boxing.

    Paul’s Criticism of UFC Leadership

    Paul’s latest remarks represent his sharpest attack yet on White’s leadership of the UFC. The 29-year-old has previously called for fighters to unionize and criticized the promotion’s revenue-sharing model with athletes.

    White has largely dismissed Paul’s commentary in the past, occasionally firing back with brief responses during media appearances. The UFC president has maintained that fighter compensation is competitive and that the promotion takes care of its athletes.

    “Not smart enough,” Paul said of White. “Just look at what he’s doing! You don’t get Jon Jones on the White House card? First of all, Justin Gaethje is going to lose to Ilia [Topuria], on the White House card. So you have a Spaniard beating a white American on the patriotic White House card? Big mistake. Why are you not going to pay Jon Jones? They’ve gotten greedy, and they’ve forgotten their hearts as a company.

    “It’s dying, because the best people in the sport become wrestlers and they just hold on,” Paul continued. “Look at Khabib, Khamzat. Boring! No one wants that…who has Paramount?”

    Ongoing Feud Between Paul and White

    The tension between Paul and White dates back several years, with Paul frequently using his platform to highlight disparities between boxing and MMA fighter pay. Paul has signed several former UFC fighters to his promotional ventures, including Amanda Serrano and others.

  • Dana White Candidly Admits He’s No Longer Involved In UFC Fighter Contracts – ‘This Isn’t Fun Anymore’

    Dana White Candidly Admits He’s No Longer Involved In UFC Fighter Contracts – ‘This Isn’t Fun Anymore’

    Dana White has taken another step back from day-to-day UFC operations, revealing that he is no longer involved in negotiating fighter contracts.

    For years, the UFC CEO was seen as the central figure in contract discussions, often playing a direct role in some of the promotion’s biggest deals. However, as the organization has grown into a global powerhouse, his responsibilities have gradually shifted.

    Dana White Steps Away From UFC Fighter Contract Negotiations

    During a recent appearance on SPEED with Harvick and Buxton, White explained that the decision was intentional and long overdue.

    “I have completely removed myself from the negotiating part of fighter contracts,” White said. “I got to a point where, ‘This isn’t fun anymore, man.’ I’m lucky that I’m at a point in my life and in my career where I can just deal with the fun stuff that I like to do.”

    The change reflects how much the UFC has evolved from its early days. The 56-year-old American businessman recalled a time when the promotion operated on a much smaller scale, allowing him to build close personal relationships with fighters such as Chuck Liddell, Matt Hughes, and later stars like Conor McGregor and Ronda Rousey. Back then, fighters often turned to him directly, not just for business matters, but for personal support as well.

    Today, with the UFC managing a massive roster and operating under the TKO Group umbrella, contract negotiations have been delegated to other executives within the company. While White did not specify who now handles those responsibilities, the shift signals a broader restructuring behind the scenes.

    Despite stepping away from negotiations, the UFC head honcho remains heavily involved in shaping the promotion’s direction. He continues to serve as the public face of the UFC and plays a key role in major decisions related to events and overall strategy.

    At the same time, this is not the only area where White has taken a step back. Earlier this year, it was reported that he is no longer actively involved in UFC matchmaking either, further highlighting his move away from operational duties that once defined his role.

  • Jake Paul Offers to Sell MVP to Dana White: ‘We’ll Help You Guys Not Be Idiots’

    Jake Paul Offers to Sell MVP to Dana White: ‘We’ll Help You Guys Not Be Idiots’

    Jake Paul recently extended a surprising offer to UFC president Dana White, saying he’s willing to sell Most Valuable Promotions after criticizing White’s early mistakes with Zuffa Boxing.

    During an appearance on Theo Von’s podcast, Paul addressed White’s recent venture into boxing. The YouTuber-turned-boxer specifically called out White’s decision to pay Conor Benn $15 million for a single fight against Regis Prograis.

    “They just started, and they are already making a lot of mistakes. They are quite basic. Like, you don’t wanna pay Conor Benn $15 million to an easy-ass fight against Regis [Prograis] right off rip, because your whole UFC model 1/3 of that, max. They already fu**ed up bad.”

    Jake Paul Proposes Partnership With Dana White

    Paul further made an unexpected pitch to the UFC president, offering to either sell MVP or partner with White’s new boxing venture.

    “If they were to buy us or partner with us, they would have such a better outcome. I’m open to it. Buy us! We’ll help you guys not be idiots.”

    The 29-year-old highlighted his willingness to work with anyone, including his long-time rival.

    “I don’t have an ego, bro. I’ll work with anybody.”

    MVP’s Transition to MMA

    Paul launched Most Valuable Promotions alongside Nakisa Bidarian in 2021, quickly establishing the company as a major player in boxing. The promotion announced its transition to MMA in 2026.

    MVP MMA 1 is scheduled for May 16 in Inglewood, California, featuring a stacked card. Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano will headline the event, with former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou facing Philipe Lins in the co-main event.