“I Haven’t Cut Anyone’s Money”-Dana White Speaks Out on Fighter’s Demanding More Money”

Dana White did media rounds in preparation for the UFC’s return to the Octagon this weekend. Ahead of UFC Fight Night Woodley vs Burns, White spoke to the MMA media at a scrum.

The UFC president spoke out on various topics, prominent among which was the issue of fighter’s pay. The fighter’s purse is always a point of discussion and White had plenty to contribute. In other words, Dana White was being himself.

When asked whether fighters like Conor would take pay cuts during the current extenuating circumstances, he had this to say “I highly doubt it. I got guys hammering me for more money right now! Apparently they don’t watch the news and know we’re in a pandemic. That isn’t their problem.”

Fighter pay is explicitly the topic of discussion these days. For instance, White and Jon Jones are going back and forth over the same. Dana’s comments were duly noted as it gives an insight as to the possible occurrence of big fights in these times.

Fight Island has been set to debut sometime in July. Speculations have been rife as to the possibility of seeing massive super fights taking place there.

Dana White: Business as usual?

As the COVID-19 situation has hampered financial prosperity everywhere, it remains to be seen how the UFC will go about its business.

If Dana White is to be believed, it’s business as usual for the company. “I am the guy that assumes all the risk. When we came out in this pandemic, it was my job to figure it out.

“I haven’t cut anyone’s money and haven’t asked one fighter to take anything less. In fact, it’s the complete opposite they’re asking for more money.”

Although these sentiments seem positive, much remains uncertain. White candidly stated that he is taking things one month at a time. Only with the announcements of future bouts will it be clear if the UFC can entice the stars to enter under the bright lights. Coupled with the fact that the UFC is the first live sport to return, it has been rather the aggressive expansion to entice casual viewers.