Home/UFC

via Imago

via Imago

It’s tough to imagine a pre-fight press conference without UFC president Dana White. White is someone who makes sure that he is present at any important event related to the UFC. However, Dana White won’t be present at the UFC 291 pre-fight press conference. White’s absence from a pre-fight press conference is something that rarely happens. Also, UFC 291 is an important event for the promotion as it has some thrilling matchups that fight fans are eagerly waiting for. Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje are set to headline the event and the rematch between the two will decide the new BMF champion of the promotion. In the co-main event, fans will witness the debut fight of the former middleweight champion, Alex Pereira, in the light heavyweight division against Jan Blachowicz.

UFC 291 is considered one of the biggest fights of the year, and hence the MMA community expected White’s presence in the pre-fight press conference. At the moment, it is decided that the long-time UFC commentator Jon Anik will replace the UFC boss and take over the duties.

Jon Anik replaces the UFC boss, Dana White

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

MMA journalist Mike Bohn took to his Twitter handle to inform people of White’s absence. He wrote, “With Dana White vacationing in Italy, I’m told @Jon_Anik will host today’s #UFC291 pre-fight press conference.White is currently in Italy, and hence it is understood that Anik is getting ready to look after the broadcasting duties. When the fans came across the news, they were quick to react to it. Surprisingly, most of the fans were happy about Anik replacing the UFC boss.

READ MORE: 18 Years Since His Biggest Success, Dana White Opens Up on $10 Billion UFC’s Ignorance by Mainstream Media

Jon Anik is someone who has been an integral part of the UFC broadcasting team for a long time. Many are already in love with the way he presents things to the public. In light of this, a fan commented that Anik would be the next UFC president.

 

One of the fans indirectly mentioned that Jon Anik is better than Dana White because he doesn’t leave good questions unanswered. Anik makes sure that he gives a proper answer to the questions put forward by the press.

 

Some of the MMA fans felt that White chose to stay away from the pre-fight press conference of one of the most important events of the year. They feel that the fights at the event are highly thrilling compared to fights that are headlined by fighters like Holly Holm.

A fan claimed that UFC 291 would be one of the biggest cards of the year as top UFC fighters Justin Gaethje and Dustin Poirier would come face-to-face. Even the co-main event is equally exciting, as it’s the first fight for Pereira in a completely new division after losing against Israel Adesanya at UFC 287.

One of the fans was happy that White wouldn’t be there at the UFC 291 pre-fight press conference. The fan also added that it would be better if White was mostly absent from the UFC events.

Dana White and Conor McGregor share a great relationship, and they often praise each other at public events. The UFC boss has always made sure that he gives great opportunities to the Irishman. Hence, a fan poked fun at the situation by saying that White is with ‘The Notorious.’

 

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Similar to many others, a fan pointed out how the UFC boss chose to go on vacation in the middle of a fight week.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

From the reactions of the fans, it is clear that most of them were rooting for Jon Anik. However, some fans mocked Dana White for choosing to go on a vacation to Italy during an important fight week.

Watch this story: Conor McGregor Being the “Best Daddy” in the World