Dana White’s Worst Fear Comes True as Scorned Referee Reveals UFC CEO’s Backstage Exploitations

“Sorry to bring up Dana White, but I think he’s exceptional at what he does. I often tell my team, ‘Pay attention to what they’re doing.’ From live streams and press conferences to graphics, branding, and even the overall look and feel of their events – they set a high standard. While I believe I’m the best promoter in boxing, Dana White is undeniably an icon in the business,” said British promoter Eddie Hearn, openly praising the UFC CEO’s business acumen and his transformative leadership during over two decades at the helm of the UFC.

Under White’s leadership, the UFC underwent a dramatic transformation. What was once a struggling MMA promotion buried in debt is now a global juggernaut valued at over $10 billion. Although the UFC is currently part of TKO Group Holdings, Dana White retains a 9% ownership stake and continues to play a hands-on role in its operations. His relentless drive has been instrumental in solidifying the UFC’s dominance, but his tenure has not been without controversy. Known for his uncompromising approach, the UFC boss has occasionally faced criticism for his management style.

One such critique came from former UFC referee ‘Big’ John McCarthy, a long-time official for the organization who later transitioned into broadcasting with Bellator. Speaking on former UFC fighter Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson’s podcast, JAXXON Media House, McCarthy shed light on some of the controversial tactics Dana White employed behind the scenes.

“If I ever had problems with the UFC—sure, there were times they weren’t happy with me, and I wasn’t happy with them,” McCarthy said. “Of course, there were disagreements. Dana is the kind of person who’ll say certain things at times. He would come up, sit there, and say, ‘Hey, that was a good call, but I’m gonna have to throw you under the bus.’” According to McCarthy, this allowed the UFC to deflect public backlash from fans and the media while maintaining its image.

Why should the words of a former referee carry weight? Simply because ‘Big’ John McCarthy isn’t just any referee—he’s a cornerstone of the combat sports world. Widely recognized as one of the most respected and credible figures in MMA history, McCarthy’s impact extends far beyond officiating. A former police officer, he was instrumental in developing the “Unified Rules of MMA,” which modernized and standardized the sport, replacing the original UFC rulebook. Throughout his career, McCarthy has been a steadfast advocate for the integrity of the sport and the welfare of its fighters, earning his reputation as a trusted voice.

Throwback: When ‘Big’ John McCarthy criticized Dana White for “Clickbait”

COVID-19 marked one of the most challenging periods in recent history, with almost every aspect of life grinding to a halt. The 2020 pandemic disrupted the world of MMA as well. At the time, the UFC had been preparing for one of its most anticipated matchups—Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Tony Ferguson. But the fight never came to fruition. With the former lightweight champ’s absence, Justin Gaethje stepped in to fight at UFC 249. Despite the challenges, the event continued, and Dana White’s determination to push forward with the promotion raised many eyebrows.

Media outlets and MMA pundits, including critics, questioned the safety of continuing the fights, given the lack of established protocols or safety guidelines from authorities. In response to the backlash, Dana White took to social media, releasing a video that targeted several key media members and commentators. Among the clips featured was a controversial snippet of Big John McCarthy from his Weighing In podcast with co-host Josh Thompson. The clip appeared to be taken out of context, fueling further controversy. McCarthy, however, wasted no time in setting the record straight.

“I don’t give a [expletive] about the media. First off, I don’t even look at us as media, but that’s okay. ‘I don’t give a [expletive] about the media,’ but then he always complains about clickbait. ‘These media guys and that clickbait [expletive] they do.’ What the [expletive] did you and your little team do, man? You little clickbait [expletive]. I just cracked up. I go, ‘You are so pathetic.’”, said the former referee.

What’s your take on Dana White’s strategy? Do you believe his efforts to amplify controversy and turn fights into major events have gone too far, particularly when he uses referees as scapegoats to avoid criticism? We’d love to hear your thoughts below.