Speaking with media members prior to this weekend’s UFC 165 in Toronto, UFC president Dana White gave his take on an incident involving Chael Sonnen earlier this week. On Monday night’s edition of FOX Sports Live, Sonnen made an ill attempt at humor, landing him in hot water with FOX executives. White, while towing the line for FOX, seemed a bit more forgiving.
“It’s at the point where I’m not upset, but Chael is a smart guy, he’s a funny guy. He’s a talented guy and has a huge future. He’s just got to stop, you know?”
“First of all, the joke wasn’t that funny. He’s not a comedian, and you can’t make fun of domestic violence or any other thing. He’s a sports commentator now and he’s got to knock that s**t off. He’s got to stop. He’s got to stop, or it’s not going to be good.”
Although White has repeatedly insisted Sonnen is a rockstar for FOX, he’s also been quick to discourage his fighters from cracking wise, just ask Miguel Torres. White has also participated in his fair share of infamous bits gone wrong. Appearing in a comedy sketch for FOX NFL Sunday last December, White was portrayed as a homeless gentleman bearing a sign reading: “Please Help!! Need Food AKA Booze.” I guess Dana’s really going to have to deliver the goods during his Sept. 25 appearance for FXX’s The League.
5 MUST-READ STORIES
UFC 165 Predictions. Luke Thomas breaks down this weekend’s card before making his picks.
Deadline. After being sidelined with injuries for nearly two years, Dana White says Dominick Cruz could be stripped of his title. “It’s getting to the point now where it’s just like, if he can’t fight at the beginning of the year, we’ve got to pull the trigger.”
Pena. Our Ultimate Fighter blogger Julianna Pena recaps a hectic episode 3 with Shaun Al-Shatti. Also, make sure to drop her a line in the comments if you’d like her to answer a question next week.
Do or die. With veteran heavyweights Frank Mir and Alistair Overeem both on losing skids, it could be a case of ‘loser leaves town’ at UFC 167.
Challenger. While overshadowed by the light heavyweight main event, Jack Slack expertly dissects the dynamic striking of bantamweight challenger Eddie Wineland.
MEDIA STEW
Dana White UFC 165 media scrum.
Free Fight: Wineland vs. Campuzano.
Renan Barao pre-fight interview.
Super Fight League 25.
Tommy Toe Hold is back.
Bellator 100 promo for tonight.
New Fedor highlight? Sounds good.
TWEETS
A Vine within a Vine.
Jones vs Gustafsson https://t.co/czgiA5ZIlx
— Dana White (@danawhite) September 19, 2013
Pretty big deal.
It’s the training you do outside the Octagon that makes you who you are inside it. @JonnyBones #WinFromWithin pic.twitter.com/SRo6JTF0BE
— Gatorade (@Gatorade) September 20, 2013
Cyborg is ready. (Possibly NSFW)
Ready… 146lbs! #lionfight #checkweight #ready #muaythai #invictafc #happy #champion #inspiration #jesuschrist… http://t.co/OA7OnFp3Fp
— Cris Cyborg (@criscyborg) September 19, 2013
Beard talk.
@dc_mma @roynelsonmma I’d pull some of his whiskers out!
— Ben Askren (@Benaskren) September 19, 2013
Very intriguing.
Interesting news coming soon!
— Alpha Cat Zingano (@CatZingano) September 19, 2013
Nutrition.
Breakfast. Looks like someone threw up in a bowl. Tastes good though. pic.twitter.com/gkWyCcRbUI
— michael (@bisping) September 19, 2013
On the other hand…
You ever need to smile get done chocolate cover bacon 😉 pic.twitter.com/jsTO6rEXVx
— Bart Palaszewski (@Bartimus7) September 19, 2013
The good old days.
Back in 07/08 I was the 1st MMA fighter 2 have his own shoe deal… (Those boys r a Lil beat up now… http://t.co/VUBb0PZIBm
— Quinton Jackson (@Rampage4real) September 19, 2013
Swick looking huge.
So I am playing golf when I hear yelling coming from behind me. I turn around and see this barefoot… http://t.co/CUIVrGwCMP
— Mike Quick Swick (@officialswick) September 19, 2013
Leg day.
Just sayin… All natural baby! http://t.co/wSjDmOfNBx
— Phil Davis (@PhilMrWonderful) September 19, 2013
That’s one upside.
So I’m filling out my national fighter license form and it asked for hair color…think @ufc wants brown or bald? #nohairproblems
— Shawn Jordan (@savageshawn) September 19, 2013
At least for a walkout … or Halloween.
I think I found my new look pic.twitter.com/1rcoaZhuec
— Mitch Clarke (@MitchClarkeMMA) September 19, 2013
Don’t even have to leave home.
Playing #GTA5 & I spent all my money in the strip club. I think I might have a problem.