While the UFC’s inaugural event on Fox Sports appeared to be a success with fans, UFC President Dana White continues to be a hit or miss with critics.
Following the event, White publicly criticized former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez after his performance against Junior dos Santos. The highly anticipated title bout served as the main event, which saw dos Santos knock out Velasquez in only 64 seconds to be crowned the new UFC heavyweight champion.
Needless to say, White wasn’t impressed and did a poor job of promoting either competitor during the post-fight press conference:
“Listen, I’m no strategist and I’m nobody’s coach but I don’t understand why they didn’t go for the shot early. They should have shot in on Junior Dos Santos knowing that he has the power early in the fight and tries to knock you out. But the truth is that Junior Dos Santos gets tired at the end of fights, you know? Here he is standing right in front of him trying to trade and bang with Junior Dos Santos and gets hit with that big right hand right behind the ear and down he goes. Down goes his heavyweight championship. I’ll say it again, not saying that I’m some strategy coach but I don’t know why they wouldn’t take the shot on him and wrestle early.”
White’s remarks certainly indicate as if Velasquez had no real game plan in mind and that dos Santos is not as credible as he looks; he ultimately hurt both fighters’ reputations—and credibility—among the media and fans.
Not to mention, White is one of the central figures of the company and while the UFC did their best efforts to attract a new fanbase, the UFC boss’ words are able to sway the casual fans opinion’s in order to become less invested into two of the company’s attractive stars.
This isn’t the first time White’s comments have come into question regarding his professionalism as a promoter. If the UFC expects to attract a new fanbase and become accepted by mainstream media, the outspoken boss should reaffirm his stance and focus on other priorities of his job than just being seen as a public figure.
Although White’s colorful personality might offend some people, it is part of his image. His image has helped the UFC gain a national fanbase. It has earned the company a reputation for being edgy and real.
However, if White is unable to remain unbiased and create a positive outlook to help build the fighters into stars, and allow fans to become interested for themselves rather than influencing them with his opinion, then maybe White isn’t the right man to lead the company in the right direction.
White should step back and control the UFC how he envisions it, but leave the promotional aspect to the fighters because his current position is hurting the company’s image.
Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com