Dana White has spent upwards of two decades developing the UFC into the promotional giant it is today. Under White’s presidency, the promotion has established itself as a global pioneer for the sport of MMA. The 53-year-old has handled many huge stars ranging from Chuck Liddell and Brock Lesnar to Ronda Rousey and Conor McGregor.
While White does his fair share in promoting talent with flair, like McGregor, there are also technical powerhouses like retired former UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov who climb through the ranks. The presence of stars like these seems to be a constant in the promotion and White recently reflected on it.
White was recently addressing the media post the UFC 285 ceremonial weigh-in show. The UFC head honcho received a question about the Jon Jones – Ciryl Gane fight and how Gane represents a developed version of a fighter. His response also shed light on his vision regarding the future of the promotion.
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Dana White on fighters evolving over time
During the media scrum, one reporter asked White, “Do you think the fighters evolve?” White responded in the affirmative, emphasizing how it fascinated him to watch new and improved talent come through the UFC. He also added he had a talk about the same topic with Joe Rogan recently.
White’s response went- “Hundred percent. Rogan and I just had this conversation a week ago. A hundred percent. These guys just keep getting better and better and better… I continue to be surprised every single year. I mean, it’s just, it’s fascinating.”
While White shared his excitement for evolving talent, he recently showed no mercy for the talents that leave the UFC. In a recent interview, he overtly took a dig at recent high-profile exits from the UFC.
White’s stance on fighters leaving the UFC
The UFC lost a few high profiles in recent times, namely, Francis Ngannou and Nate Diaz. While Nate Diaz fought out his contract and left on his own terms, the former heavyweight champion, Ngannou, and the UFC could not come to an agreement after months of negotiation.
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Speaking of fighters that leave the UFC, White said, “The guys that leave are the guys that we’re ok with them leaving. The guys who leave are the guys who we’re ok with it.”
White showed no love for any fighters who left the promotion, highlighting his ruthless business tactics.
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What are your thoughts on White’s view of these situations? Do you think see fighters evolving over time and new talents being better than their predecessors? Let us know in the comments below.