‘Dark Side of the Cage’ Producer Reveals Why UFC and Dana White is Not Part of the Series

'Dark Side of the Cage' Producer Reveals Why UFC and CEO Dana White is Not Part of the SeriesIf you were hoping to get a ‘Dark Side of the Cage‘ episode about Dana White and the meteoric…

'Dark Side of the Cage' Producer Reveals Why UFC and CEO Dana White is Not Part of the Series

If you were hoping to get a ‘Dark Side of the Cage‘ episode about Dana White and the meteoric rise of the UFC, I’m afraid we’ve got some bad news.

Earlier this month, VICE TV debuted its latest ‘Dark Side’ series, this time focusing on the gritty world of mixed martial arts. The series, appropriately titled Dark Side of the Cage’ kicked off its 10-episode first season with the rise of backyard brawler Kimbo Slice. This week, fans got an inside look into the career of Diego Sanchez and his tumultuous relationship with self-described ‘guru’ Joshua Fabia.

Dark Side of the Cage

During an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda MMA, series producer Tim Healy offered some insight into why they opted not to feature White or the story of the UFC.

“No, we know enough about the UFC and Dana to know not to waste our time, right? Really, back to one of my original points is, it’s not a series about the UFC,” Healy said. “There’s no avoiding the UFC, the UFC is the UFC, right? They’re the pre-eminent promotion, and all the fighters spent their time in the UFC and crossed paths with Dana White and the Fertittas… We didn’t reach out to Dana and we didn’t reach out to the Fertittas because we weren’t telling the UFC’s story.”

Another reason Healy decided to exclude the MMA juggernaut from the series is that he’s already had the chance to cover the UFC’s emergence as part of his ‘Dark Side of the 90s’ mini-series which was also produced for VICE.

“My production company, Railsplitter Pictures, we produced ‘Dark Side of the 90s’ for Vice, and when we were brainstorming episodes, we came up with let’s tell the story of the UFC,” Healy previously told MMA Fighting. “So we did a two-parter, we did 2 hours on the dark side of the UFC, and it did really, really well. It was received really well.”

The success of his UFC two-parter is what ultimately led Healy to develop ‘Dark Side of the Cage.’

1720549267963 darksideofthe90ss32000x3000

‘Dark side of the cage’ will take a closer look at TUF

While the UFC won’t be explicitly covered this season, an episode focused on the promotion’s long-running reality TV series, The Ultimate Fighter, is scheduled to air on January 29.

Check out the full season one lineup of episodes below:

fxpgcgnv1sbe1

Dana White’s Latest Update On Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall Is A Promising One

Right at the top of every fight fans’ wish list for 2025 is the potential for a heavyweight title unification clash in the UFC. Jon Jones might be considered by many to be the greatest to ever do it but some still question whether he is the best in his current division. Interim champion Tom […]

Right at the top of every fight fans’ wish list for 2025 is the potential for a heavyweight title unification clash in the UFC. Jon Jones might be considered by many to be the greatest to ever do it but some still question whether he is the best in his current division.

Interim champion Tom Aspinall has a claim to be the best heavyweight in the world right now and his speed, power and age makes him such an interesting challenge for Jones to take on. The excitement around seeing them meet inside the Octagon has only increased following the comments that have been exchanged between them, specifically on the side of the heavyweight champion who hasn’t been overly interested in the fight.

Fortunately, Dana White is and though Jones has proven to be a stubborn negotiator in the past, the UFC clearly wants to make it happen and that’s a step in the right direction. With Aspinall saying that he has already agreed to everything on his side, there appears to be plans in motion.

White gave the same impression during a recent interview with Jim Rome where he spoke about the fight and his expectations of seeing it take place.

“We’re in the works, we’re talking on it. I mean, I’ve said that I’m very confident that fight happens this year.”

Without having a look behind the scenes, many will assume given the narrative surrounding the fight that getting Jones to sign on the dotted line will be the biggest hurdle. White said that despite this, he doesn’t believe there is a substantial barrier stopping this deal from getting across the line.

“Nothing. Nothing’s holding it up. It’s just a matter of getting it done. You know, this stuff, it’s not as easy to put these type of fights together as people think they are. They take time and we’ll get it done.”

(White appears on the show and talks about the fight at around the 2:37:00 mark)

UFC CEO Dana White Slams ‘Piece of Sh*t Airline’ for Booting Khabib

Dana White Slams 'Piece of Sh*t Airline' for Booting KhabibDana White had some unkind comments for Frontier Airlines after the company booted lightweight legend Khabib Nurmagomedov from one…

Dana White Slams 'Piece of Sh*t Airline' for Booting Khabib

Dana White had some unkind comments for Frontier Airlines after the company booted lightweight legend Khabib Nurmagomedov from one of its flights.

Last weekend, a video clip of Nurmagomedov being removed from a Frontier flight from Las Vegas to San Francisco went viral. ‘The Eagle’ was reportedly sitting in an exit row where passengers are required to help other travelers exit the plane in case of an emergency. Despite confirming multiple times that he could speak English and was capable of assisting, Nurmagomedov was asked to either switch seats or deplane.

gettyimages 2170781414 612x612 1

“What the f*ck is he doing on Frontier Airlines anyway?” the UFC CEO said about the incident on Pardon My Take. “This kid’s got more money than anybody but that’s how humble he is. He’s flying on that piece of shit airline.

“I don’t know what you have to do to get kicked off Frontier Airlines. Listen, Khabib doesn’t fight anymore because he’s got shitloads of money. I’ve got to teach Khabib how to charter a plane, especially if you’re just going from Vegas to San Francisco” (h/t MMA Fighting).

If there’s anyone you want sitting in an exit row, it’s Khabib Nurmagomedov

Shortly after the incident made headlines, the Council on American-Islamic Relations called for an investigation into the situation questioning “whether religious or racial profiling played a role in his treatment.”

That prompted Frontier Airlines to issue a statement, dispelling any claims of racial profiling and adding that they had given Nurmagomedov and his travel mates full refunds.

gettyimages 2165151861 612x612 1

Still, White can’t fathom how Nurmagomedov was treated so poorly considering the responsibilities assigned to passengers sitting in those exit row seats, or as some have come to call them, “poor man’s first class.”

“That’s how dumb they are on Frontier Airlines,” White added. “If there’s anybody you want in that position, it’s Khabib Nurmagomedov. Good job, Frontier Airlines.”

gettyimages 1434811734 612x612 1

UFC CEO Dana White Slams ‘Piece of Sh*t Airline’ for Booting Khabib

Dana White Slams 'Piece of Sh*t Airline' for Booting KhabibDana White had some unkind comments for Frontier Airlines after the company booted lightweight legend Khabib Nurmagomedov from one…

Dana White Slams 'Piece of Sh*t Airline' for Booting Khabib

Dana White had some unkind comments for Frontier Airlines after the company booted lightweight legend Khabib Nurmagomedov from one of its flights.

Last weekend, a video clip of Nurmagomedov being removed from a Frontier flight from Las Vegas to San Francisco went viral. ‘The Eagle’ was reportedly sitting in an exit row where passengers are required to help other travelers exit the plane in case of an emergency. Despite confirming multiple times that he could speak English and was capable of assisting, Nurmagomedov was asked to either switch seats or deplane.

gettyimages 2170781414 612x612 1

“What the f*ck is he doing on Frontier Airlines anyway?” the UFC CEO said about the incident on Pardon My Take. “This kid’s got more money than anybody but that’s how humble he is. He’s flying on that piece of shit airline.

“I don’t know what you have to do to get kicked off Frontier Airlines. Listen, Khabib doesn’t fight anymore because he’s got shitloads of money. I’ve got to teach Khabib how to charter a plane, especially if you’re just going from Vegas to San Francisco” (h/t MMA Fighting).

If there’s anyone you want sitting in an exit row, it’s Khabib Nurmagomedov

Shortly after the incident made headlines, the Council on American-Islamic Relations called for an investigation into the situation questioning “whether religious or racial profiling played a role in his treatment.”

That prompted Frontier Airlines to issue a statement, dispelling any claims of racial profiling and adding that they had given Nurmagomedov and his travel mates full refunds.

gettyimages 2165151861 612x612 1

Still, White can’t fathom how Nurmagomedov was treated so poorly considering the responsibilities assigned to passengers sitting in those exit row seats, or as some have come to call them, “poor man’s first class.”

“That’s how dumb they are on Frontier Airlines,” White added. “If there’s anybody you want in that position, it’s Khabib Nurmagomedov. Good job, Frontier Airlines.”

gettyimages 1434811734 612x612 1

Dana White Reacts To Viral Video Of Khabib Nurmagomedov Being Kicked Off Frontier Flight: ‘That’s How Humble He Is…’

Dana White recently tore into Frontier Airlines after their staff removed Khabib Nurmagomedov from one of their flights. This past Sunday, the UFC Hall of Famer found himself embroiled in a tense dispute with a flight attendant aboard a flight from Las Vegas to San Francisco. The footage captured Nurmagomedov being asked to change seats, […]

Dana White recently tore into Frontier Airlines after their staff removed Khabib Nurmagomedov from one of their flights.

This past Sunday, the UFC Hall of Famer found himself embroiled in a tense dispute with a flight attendant aboard a flight from Las Vegas to San Francisco. The footage captured Nurmagomedov being asked to change seats, allegedly due to concerns over his English communication skills in a potential emergency — an aspect tied to a strict Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulation for passengers seated in the exit row aisle.

Even after the request, Nurmagomedov remained steadfast, seemingly adamant in his refusal to cooperate. This prompted the flight attendant to suggest involving a supervisor, who could have him escorted off the plane. Ultimately, “The Eagle” made the decision to leave the aircraft of his own accord.

During a recent appearance on Pardon My Take, White reacted to Nurmagomedov’s removal from a Frontier Airlines flight. The UFC CEO didn’t hold back, ripping into the airline and humorously remarking that the undefeated Dagestani should have known better than to choose such a service for someone of his stature.

“What the f**k is he doing on Frontier Airlines?” White said. “This kid’s got more money than anybody, and that’s how humble he is — he’s flying on that piece of sh*t airline. What do you expect? … I don’t know what you have to do to get kicked off Frontier Airlines, but yeah, listen, Khabib doesn’t fight anymore because he’s got sh*tloads of money. Yeah, I gotta teach Khabib how to charter a plane.”

White continued his tirade, taking aim at the airline and asserting that, in his view, there was no one more suited than “The Eagle” to handle any potential emergency.

“That’s how dumb they are on Frontier Airlines. If there’s anybody you want in that position, it’s Khabib Nurmagomedov. Good job, Frontier Airlines.”

Following the polarizing incident, the former UFC lightweight champion took to social media to share his perspective. He asserted that, while he believed he had approached the conversation with courtesy, the flight attendant’s behavior was “very rude.” Additionally, he voiced concerns about whether the altercation had been spurred by “racial” bias.

In response, Frontier Airlines released a statement unequivocally denying any allegations that Nurmagomedov was singled out due to his ethnicity. The airline instead argued that the retired mixed martial artist had initially failed to respond when asked if he could assist other passengers seated in the exit row.

Mark Zuckerberg On UFC CEO Dana White Joining Meta’s Board Of Directors: ‘His Ability To Build Such A Beloved Brand…’

Mark Zuckerberg announced on Monday that UFC CEO Dana White has become a member of Meta’s board of directors. The two business men have struck up a relationship in recent years due to their mutual interest in each other’s companies which has seen Zuckerberg sit cage-side for multiple UFC events. At one point, there was […]

Mark Zuckerberg announced on Monday that UFC CEO Dana White has become a member of Meta’s board of directors. The two business men have struck up a relationship in recent years due to their mutual interest in each other’s companies which has seen Zuckerberg sit cage-side for multiple UFC events.

At one point, there was even talks of White promoting a fight between the Meta CEO and Elon Musk although that eventually dissolved.

This move presents a new challenge for White who is always looking to challenge himself. Of course, the financial gain in becoming a part of a massive organization like Meta is sure to be a motivating factor also with White set to reportedly receive a retainer of at least $50,000 after joining the board alongside two other new members.

Zuckerberg and Meta have been specifically linked to the UFC in recent times following White’s comments on the way that the promotion creates its ranking system for the fighters. He has spoken about wanting to use AI in order to take opinion out of the conversation following his criticism throughout 2024 regarding the current method.

“I’ve never been interested in joining a board of directors until I got the offer to join Meta’s board,” White said in a statement. “I am a huge believer that social media and AI are the future.”

Zuckerberg is also excited to see the value that White can bring to Meta as in his own statement. As an avid mixed martial arts fan, he praised the UFC boss for the work that he has done to transform the promotion into a major player in sport which in turn, has made MMA into a mainstream product.

“(White) has built (UFC) into one of the most valuable, fastest growing and most popular sports enterprises in the world,” Zuckerberg wrote on Facebook. “I’ve admired him as an entrepreneur and his ability to build such a beloved brand.”