Dana White News
Dana White explains why Michael Chandler got the call for UFC 254 instead of Tony Ferguson
Christopher Taylor - September 17, 2020
Dana White announced some huge news for UFC 254 earlier today, but it did not involve former interim lightweight title holder Tony Ferguson. Instead the brash UFC boss confirmed that the promotion had come to terms with coveted free agent Michael Chandler, who will now serve as the back-up for October’s Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Justin Gaethje lightweight title fight.
Dana White says Donald Cerrone "needs to win badly" at UFC Vegas 11
Adam Martin - September 17, 2020
UFC president Dana White says that aging warrior Donald Cerrone “needs to win badly” when he takes on Niko Price at UFC Vegas 11. Cerrone is one of the greatest fighters of all time and is a surefire UFC Hall of Famer when it’s all said and done. Just last year he was on a three-fight win streak against Al Iaquinta, Alexander Hernandez, and Mike Perry, but ever since then it’s been a tough go for “Cowboy.” Cerrone has lost his last four fights in a row against Anthony Pettis, Conor McGregor, Justin Gaethje, and Tony Ferguson, leading some to suggest he should retire.
Dana White working on "fun stuff" for Conor McGregor
Tom Taylor - September 17, 2020
UFC President Dana White says he’s working on some “fun stuff” for ostensibly retired former two-division champion Conor McGregor. McGregor, who previously ruled over the UFC lightweight and featherweight divisions, announced his retirement on June 6. That being said, there’s been widespread doubt that his retirement will stick, and it seems White shares that skepticism.
Dana White signs three more Contender Series fighters to UFC deals, including 1-0 fighter
Adam Martin - September 16, 2020
UFC president Dana White signed three more fighters to UFC contracts following the conclusion of Tuesday night’s Contender Series 33. White has been busy handing out contracts during the fourth season of the Contender Series. With the UFC doing a show every weekend and with so many fights falling out at the last minute, the promotion has had no problem giving out contracts to Contender Series talent, and this Tuesday’s edition of the popular show was no different.
Dana White praises Kevin Croom: “Those who take big risks get big rewards”
Harry Kettle - September 15, 2020
UFC president Dana White has praised Kevin Croom after his short-notice win in his UFC debut at UFC Vegas 10 this past weekend. Croom was a late addition to the card after previously being signed by the Ultimate Fighting Championship, only to be released without fighting for the promotion. This time around he was thrown in at the deep end, being given an incredibly tough test in the form of Roosevelt Roberts.
Dana White confirms he’s had discussions with lightweight free agent Michael Chandler
Harry Kettle - September 14, 2020
UFC president Dana White has confirmed that he has held talks with popular free agent Michael Chandler. Fans and media members alike have been speculating over the future of Chandler after it was confirmed he’d be moving into free agency following his last Bellator fight.
Video | Donald Trump praises UFC's White, Covington, Cejudo and Gaethje
Tom Taylor - September 14, 2020
UFC President Dana White recently attended a Donald Trump campaign rally, along with UFC stars Colby Covington, Henry Cejudo and Justin Gaethje. During his speech, Trump sang the praises of White, who he has long considered a friend, and also gave some shoutouts to Covington, Cejudo and Gaethje.
Dana White praises UFC fighters for performances during pandemic: "They're special athletes"
Adam Martin - September 14, 2020
UFC president Dana White praised the promotion’s fighters collectively for their incredible performances during the COVID-19 era. The UFC was forced to take a coronavirus-induced layoff from March to May, but since the Octagon has returned, the fighters have been putting on incredible fights for the fans. Even though fans haven’t actually been inside the venues, the UFC show has gone on without a hitch as the fighters have stepped up with some very memorable fights.
Dana White: Dustin Poirier off the table, Tony Ferguson will be booked for "another fight"
Tom Taylor - September 13, 2020
UFC President Dana White says that his promotion has given up on a widely rumored lightweight fight between former interim champs Dustin Poirier and Tony Ferguson. Poirier and Ferguson were linked to a fight at UFC 254 on October 24 for many weeks. Regrettably, this dynamite lightweight matchup hit a snag this week, when news surfaced that Poirier and the UFC could not come to an agreement on terms for the bout.
Dana White calls UFC Vegas 10 referee blunder "the worst I've ever seen"
Tom Taylor - September 13, 2020
UFC President Dana White wasn’t impressed by a perceived refereeing blunder in a UFC Vegas 10 light heavyweight fight between Ed Herman and Mike Rodriguez. Mid-way through the fight, Herman appeared to be dropped by a groin shot, and was given some time to recover by the referee. However, an instant replay of the sequence seemed to show that it was a body shot that caused Herman to double-over, not a groin shot. Nonetheless, Herman was given several minutes to recover, and ultimately ended up winning the fight by submission in the third round.
Dana White comments on sexual assault allegations against Conor McGregor
Tom Taylor - September 13, 2020
On Saturday night, UFC President Dana White commented on the recent allegations of sexual assault against former two-division UFC champ Conor McGregor. Over the weekend, McGregor was detained in the French region of Corsica after being accused of sexual assault and indecent exposure. After being interviewed by local officials, the Irishman was released without being charged. His legal team and management have both released statements vehemently denying the accusations against him.
Scott Coker calls Dana White a liar, remains adamant that Bellator has "the best 205-pound division on the planet"
Chris Taylor - September 11, 2020
Bellator President Scott Coker has fired back at Dana White for suggesting that ex-UFC fighters who have joined Bellator were let go by the promotion. Back in August, Coker made headlines when he proclaimed that Bellator had the best light heavyweight division in all of mixed martial arts. In his defense, Coker’s comments came immediately following the news that longtime UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones was vacating his title in order to move up to heavyweight.
Henry Cejudo begs UFC President Dana White to allow him to introduce the world to C4
Harry Kettle - September 10, 2020
Former two-weight UFC champion Henry Cejudo has begged Dana White to allow him to try and win another title in the promotion. Cejudo has been enjoying retirement ever since he successfully defended the Bantamweight Championship against the returning Dominick Cruz in May. Still, while he may have “retired”, he hasn’t really stopped campaigning for a big fight if and when he decides to return to the Octagon.
Dana White reacts to COVID-19 shakeups on recent UFC cards
Tom Taylor - September 9, 2020
UFC President Dana White has reacted after the lineups for several recent UFC cards have been walloped by coronavirus-related shakeups. Last weekend’s UFC Vegas 9 card was particularly hard-hit by the COVID-19 induced lineup changes, and ultimately went down with far fewer fights on the bill than originally anticipated. This weekend’s UFC Vegas 10 card has also been banged up by the virus, as the originally scheduled Thiago Santos vs. Glover Teixeira light heavyweight main event was cancelled when the latter tested positive.
Dana White confirms The Ultimate Fighter 29 will start filming soon, coaches TBD
Adam Martin - September 9, 2020
UFC president Dana White confirmed that The Ultimate Fighter 29 will commence filming soon, but the coaches are still to be determined. White has been teasing the return of TUF for the last several months, but the coronavirus pandemic delayed its start. It now appears that the UFC is ready to get filming again. Speaking to the media following Tuesday’s edition of the Contender Series, White confirmed that the UFC plans on starting filming for TUF 29 in Las Vegas in November.
Dana White explains why Khamzat Chimaev has two fights booked at once: "It's fun"
Adam Martin - September 9, 2020
UFC president Dana White explained why Khamzat Chimaev has been booked for two fights at once, saying quite simply that “it’s fun.” White recently revealed that Chimaev, a super prospect who many say is a future UFC champion, will fight Gerald Meerschart on September 19 in Las Vegas in a middleweight fight. Chimaev is then expected to fight welterweight veteran Demian Maia a few weeks later. It is rare for a fighter to be booked for two fights at once, which has led some fans and media scratching their heads. As well, Meerscahert called the move “disrespectful.”
Dana White reveals special start time setup for UFC 254: Khabib vs Gaethje
Harry Kettle - September 9, 2020
UFC president Dana White has seemingly confirmed that UFC 254 on Fight Island will feature a special start time. The plan appears to be for the UFC 254 card, which will be headlined by Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Justin Gaethje for the UFC Lightweight Championship, to be broadcast in the afternoon in the United States – allowing for European fans to watch it in primetime.
Video | Dana White reacts to Tafon Nchukwi's insane head kick KO on Contender Series
Adam Martin - September 8, 2020
UFC president Dana White had a memorable reaction to Tafon Nchukwi and his insane head kick KO in the main event of the Contender Series. A top light heavyweight prospect, Nchukwi landed a ridiculous head kick to knock out Al Matavao in the headlining fight on Tuesday’s edition of the Contender Series. Nuchkwi is just 25 years old and the victory over Matavao improved his record to a perfect 4-0. Considering he just turned pro in 2019, it is incredible what he has achieved in such a short period of time in the sport. Take a look at the Nchukwi head kick KO below via ESPN.