UFC CEO Dana White has come under fire by the fans for his absence from UFC Vegas 85. White, the face of UFC, took a detour from his usual role overseeing MMA events to attend a DAZN Boxing event headlined by Conor Benn and Peter Dobson in Las Vegas. The unexpected appearance raised eyebrows, leaving fans disappointed at his presence at the boxing spectacle instead of the UFC event.
As such, social media reactions by the fans highlighted their disapproval of White’s attendance at the event. White’s unexpected appearance at the DAZN Boxing event was also slammed by the community as they claimed it was a sign of the “downfall” of Apex as a venue for the promotion!
Dana White spotted at DAZN boxing event instead of UFC Vegas 85
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UFC Vegas 85, featuring the Roman Dolidze vs. Nassourdine Imavov middleweight main event, was underway at the UFC APEX and simultaneously, the world’s fight capital showcased a DAZN Boxing event too. White, spotted sitting ringside at the boxing match, not only engaged in business with promoter Eddie Hearn, but also had the opportunity to meet Irish boxing superstar Katie Taylor!
The UFC CEO also shared an update on social media where he stated, “The fight was awesome, matchmaking was awesome on this fight too. And yeah, I had a blast here. Thank you to Eddie Hearn for the hospitality.”
However, this isn’t the first time White has diverted from UFC events. Over the past several years, he’s been absent for various reasons, ranging from attending his kids’ activities to spontaneous trips worldwide.
🤝 @danawhite meets @KatieTaylor ringside before #BennDobson 🤝 pic.twitter.com/Sbreng5Em6
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) February 3, 2024
But his praise for the event and absence from the Apex Arena may have caused more problems than he anticipated as fans were quick to comment on social media and state their disapproval of the move by the UFC boss! Let’s take a look at what the fans had to say!
Fans left angry and disappointed with White and UFC Apex events
Fans claimed that ‘PowerSlap’ was an early indicator of White’s “boredom” with the UFC along with his absence from the Apex arena
When I said PowerSlap was proof that Dana is bored with the UFC I got cooked.. Now he ain't event attending his own events In his hometown.
— ChampCha (@ChampChaz02) February 3, 2024
The quality of the ‘Fight Night’ cards was also a point of scrutiny for the fans
These Fight Night cards have been absolutely terrible.
I rarely if ever miss a card and I've legit fast forwarded through more than half of this snoozefest.
— TooLateBlue (@TooLateBlue) February 4, 2024
While others claimed White’s absence from the UFC was a result of him trying to avoid an announcement for the highly anticipated UFC 300 card’s main event
He’s just trying to duck out of announcing the UFC 300 main event
— tactics (@tactics1018) February 3, 2024
Some stated that while they weren’t fans of White, the quality of UFC events recently has been questionable
No fan of Dana but the card is awful, as well, as is common these days.
— Reviewing All (@ForteanReality) February 4, 2024
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Fans also pointed out that White may be seeking a better experience than the Apex provides
Apex's downfall, even Dana seeks emotion of live fights
— Carmelle (@Carmellepeni_) February 3, 2024
While others bluntly stated their disapproval with White’s absence from the event
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Thats fucking low
— Scarhead (@scarhead786) February 3, 2024
In conclusion, fans’ disappointment with UFC CEO Dana White’s absence at UFC Vegas 85 and his attendance at a boxing match echoes a broader sentiment of dissatisfaction with the recent Fight Night cards and the perceived decline in the quality of UFC events. Overall, the reactions highlight concerns about the current state of UFC events and the leadership’s engagement, creating a sense of disillusionment among the fanbase.
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What are your thoughts on UFC events held at the Apex Arena in Las Vegas? Share them with us in the comments below!
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