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KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – APRIL 15: Dana White addresses the media after UFC Fight Night Kansas City on April 15, 2023, at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Matt Davies/PxImages/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – APRIL 15: Dana White addresses the media after UFC Fight Night Kansas City on April 15, 2023, at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Matt Davies/PxImages/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
In the world of mixed martial arts, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) stands as the pinnacle of combat sports. The exhilarating clashes that occur within the octagon often spark discussions that extend far beyond the arena. Recently, Aljamain Sterling raised eyebrows by insinuating that Sean O’Malley’s shot at the title could be linked to what he identified as “Dana White privilege,” rather than O’Malley’s prowess in the Octagon. But is it true?
In the midst of the controversial hubbub initially instigated by Tony Ferguson way back around UFC 262 and continued by Aljamain Sterling, Dana White found unexpected support from a former UFC fighter who comprehended the matter and stated his viewpoint.
Darren Till defends Dana White amid controversial UFC 262 Fallout
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Darren Till, when discussing this matter, pointed out the simple fact behind this much-debated term. He emphasized that if fighters increase their viewership and bring in the numbers, the UFC will push them forward. He expressed “Everyone upset about this so-called Dana white privilege. You either bring the numbers in or don’t. Guess what’s gonna happen when you do? The UFC gonna push you more”
Everyone upset about this so called Dana white privilege. You either bring the numbers in or don’t. Guess what’s gonna happen when you do? The UFC gonna push you more. It’s business it’s not friendship. So keep crying all you little lick ass trolls and lick ass fighters. Bums the…
— D (@darrentill2) August 21, 2023
He further contemplated the matter, stating that it was simply business, and he called out everyone who was upset about this trivial issue. He stated, “It’s business it’s not friendship. So keep crying all you little lick-a** trolls and lick-a** fighters. Bu*s the lot of yas. So am I so f**k it. “
There’s no such thing as Dana White’s privilege
Dana White has often faced accusations of showing favoritism towards certain fighters. During the press conference for UFC 262, Tony Ferguson accused White of favoring specific fighters, referring to it as ‘Dana White privilege.’ Ferguson pointed out that Michael Chandler, who had only secured one victory in the organization, namely against Dan Hooker at UFC 257, was granted the opportunity to face Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight championship. Aljamain Sterling continued this by stating that the same treatment is occurring with Sean O’Malley.
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NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – MAY 04: UFC president Dana White hosts the UFC 288 press conference at Prudential Center on May 04, 2023 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
However, after Sean O’Malley TKO’d Aljamain Sterling in the UFC 292 main event, White came forward and answered that there is no such thing as Dana white privilege in the institution. O’Malley secured the title shot through his deserving efforts.
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White’s approach to promoting fighters like O’Malley has led to fans questioning if the UFC truly is a meritocracy. However, many, like Darren Till, have argued that it’s all about business and numbers – fighters who bring in viewership are promoted.
White, however, has always denied the existence of such a privilege. After Sean O’Malley defeated Aljamain Sterling, White asserted that O’Malley earned his title shot.
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What do you think? Is Dana White privilege real? What do you make of Till’s statement? Do tell us in the comments below.
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