Things recently got heated between UFC CEO Dana White and the president of Showtime Sports Stephen Espinoza. The latter took a dig during the Canelo Alvarez vs. Jermall Charlo press conference, claiming that the UFC has never done a $20 million gate. Meanwhile, this statement led fans to share divisive reactions on social media.
Dana White and Stephen Espinoza are not on the best of terms. The UFC CEO recently took a jibe at Espinoza after reports came out regarding Showtime Boxing potentially shutting down in 2024. Similarly, the president of Showtime Sports retaliated with a few shots of his own. Let’s see what he had to say.
Stephen Espinoza claims the UFC never made a $20 million gate
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During the Canelo Alvarez vs. Jermall Charlo press conference, Espinoza claimed that there is a difference between the several disciplines of combat sports. He said, “Not all combat sports is the same. No disrespect to anyone, but there are levels to this.” Espinoza further noted that, since April, it will be the third time they secured a gate of $20 million. “This event will generate a gate of over $20million. Our third $20million+ gate in the last six months.”
Showtime’s Stephen Espinoza firing shots back at Dana White at the Canelo Alvarez vs Jermell Charlo press conference: “Not all combat sports is the same. No disrespect to anyone, but there are levels to this. This event will generate a gate (money from ticket sales) of over…
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) September 27, 2023
He then turned his attention to the UFC and took a brutal dig at it. Stephen Espinoza stated that Dana White’s promotion has never secured a total gate of $20 million or more since its inception. “the UFC has never done a $20million gate in its entire history,” said the Showtime Sports president. Let’s see what the fans had to say.
Fans share divisive reactions to Espinoza’s $20 million gate dig
The fans on Reddit assessed the statement made by Stephen Espinoza and had different takes on it. However, they were sure that Dana White must’ve been fuming after listening to what the Showtime Sports president had to say. Some believe that Dana White might call back Conor McGregor to fight at UFC 300 to spike the gate.
“You just know Dana is somewhere mad and taking this personal lol can’t blame him.”
“McGregor v Jesus Christ UFC300.”
Another fan mentioned how Dana White constantly keeps claiming about the UFC breaking gate records every other event. They believe that he could be bluffing similar to how he bluffed about Power Slap numbers.
“Seems like every press conference Dana is talking about how they broke the venues total gate record. Is Dana talking about UFC events only or are they using different arenas, or is Dana bluffing similar to how powerslap got 300 million downloads….”
“Dana is a habitual liar.”
Some fans claim that comparing the UFC to the sport of boxing may not be a fair comparison. It is because the UFC is only a promotion. Although some people believe boxing is still on top, others do not care about it at all.
“boxing and ufc should never be compared as one is a company and private promoter and the other is a sport .”
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“Yup, boxing is still on top. More fans and money in that sport. MMA is still growing. Give it another 20yrs.”
“I’m curious as well. I don’t know a single person who gives a sh*t about boxing or watches it.”
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The UFC has had an amazing 2023. They have broken several records, one of which has seen the promotion earn more than $600 million in the first half of the year. It remains to be seen how this beef between Stephen Espinoza and Dana White unfolds in the days to come. What do you think? Drop your comments below.
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