Dana White | UFC Betting Sites - The Best MMA Online Bookies

UFC CEO Dana White refused to fire Joe Rogan amid 2022 Spotify controversy: “When you’re with me, you’re with me’

Joe Rogan and Dana White Dana White is forever loyal to Joe Rogan. The longtime UFC commentator and popular podcaster made his promotional debut…

Dana White is forever loyal to Joe Rogan.

The longtime UFC commentator and popular podcaster made his promotional debut at UFC 12 in 1997, years before White and the Fertitta brothers purchased the UFC for $2 million. However, it was White who gave Rogan his first shot at the commentary table, booking the then-Fear Factor host for UFC 37.5 (yeah, that’s a thing) in 2002.

20 years later, Rogan found himself in a heap of hot water after multiple clips of him using racial slurs emerged online. Calls for Rogan’s cancellation grew, particularly as multiple music artists pulled their catalogs from Spotify — which had an exclusive deal with Rogan then.

During a recent interview with Lex Fridman, Dana White revealed that the UFC’s parent company had considered giving Rogan the boot amid growing backlash. White made it clear that if he had been forced to dismiss Rogan, they’d have to find themselves a new UFC CEO as well.

“Anybody who is with me, has been with me, knows,” White said. “When you’re with me, you’re with me. It’s a two-way street. It’s not a one-way street. I’m not one of these guys that is gonna roll over.

“It’s like going through COVID. I wasn’t laying [off] any of these people,” he continued. “Some of these people have been with me for 20 years. We’re gonna lay ‘em off? Uh uh. This motherf*cker will burn, burn before I would do that to my people. It’s just never — none of that type of stuff is ever going to happen while I’m here. I can’t say what’s gonna happen when I leave, but when I’m here, the people who are with me and have been with me they know exactly what’s up, and Joe knows what’s up. It’s a two-way street. Joe Rogan has been very loyal to me, and I am very loyal to Joe Rogan.”

Joe Rogan worked his first 13 UFC events for free

Sharing some insight into his relationship with Rogan and the ride-or-die friendship they share, White shared that Rogan worked his first 13 events as a commentator for free while the promotion was still working to become profitable.

“It’s a fact that he doesn’t care about money and he did the first 13 shows free for us,” White said. “That was at a time when we were hurting and he was like, ‘Wait a minute. You want me to do the commentary? You’re saying I get to sit in the best seat in the house and watch these fights for free? Yeah, I’m in.’ Then, obviously, when he turned things around, we made it up to Joe, but Joe is one of the things I loved early about [the UFC].”

Today, Joe Rogan has a net worth of roughly $200 million. In February, it was revealed that Rogan had signed a new deal multi-year deal with Spotify worth an estimated $250 million.

In February 2022, Spotify CEO Daniel Ek denounced the host’s use of racist language but said, “I do not believe that silencing Joe is the answer.”

NSAC withholds Igor Severino’s fight purse after being DQ’d for biting his UFC Vegas 89 opponent

Igor Severino has not been paid for his UFC Vegas 89 scrap with Andre Lima. Per a report from…

Igor Severino has not been paid for his UFC Vegas 89 scrap with Andre Lima.

Per a report from MMA Fighting, an anonymous source revealed that Severino’s fight purse has been withheld by the Nevada State Athletic Commission after biting Lima in the second round of their preliminary-card bout inside The APEX. There is no word on the amount as the NSAC does not publicly disclose salaries.

Immediately following Severino’s disqualification, Dana White revealed in a text message to combat sports journalist Kevin Iole that the Brazilian newcomer had been released by the promotion and likely faced serious consequences with the NSAC who oversaw Saturday’s event in Las Vegas. No word on what those repercussions will be, but a fine and potential suspension are likely.

Andre Lima cashes in on Igor Severino’s big bite

Lima, who was in good spirits despite brandishing a hellish-looking bite mark on his left bicep, later received the first ever “I got f*cking bit” bonus from the UFC CEO, who revealed that ‘Mascote’ would get an extra $25,000 for his trouble. However, White later doubled it to 50k after Lima hilariously had the bite mark tattooed on his arm.

Dana White gives Andre Lima 50k after getting bit by Igor Severino

Severino initially denied biting Lima before cameras closed in on the evidence he left on his opponent’s arm. He has not publicly commented on the incident or his prompt UFC release.

Though he didn’t get the win the way he had hoped, Andre Lima kept his perfect record intact, moving to 8-0 in his mixed martial arts career. Severino dropped to 8-1.

Dana White denies rumor Conor McGregor, Khabib Nurmagomedov were friends prior to UFC 229 title fight

UFC CEO Dana White says Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov were never friends. McGregor and Nurmagomedov fought at UFC…

UFC CEO Dana White says Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov were never friends.

McGregor and Nurmagomedov fought at UFC 229 and it is the biggest UFC pay-per-view of all time. The lead-up to the fight was full of trash-talk as the two did not like one another. Yet, before the fight, a picture of the two backstage at an event went viral and some fans claimed they used to be friends.

Conor McGregor hits out at Khabib Nurmagomedov dead rats in the swamp anniversary of UFC fight — Mandatory Credit: Esther Lin – MMA Fighting

However, Dana White says the two were never friends and instead says there was a bit of mutual respect but once they knew they were on a collision course, everything changed.

“Their rise was at the same time, White told former New England Patriots star Julian Edelman on the Games With Names podcast (h/t talkSport). “The problem you are talking about when people say ‘they were boys’, they were never really boys it was like a mutual [respect], you are dealing with two hardcore f***ing alpha males. These guys are both killers. They both want to be the best. They both wanna win and they are both willing to fight anyone and do anything to be the best. So, when you get those two types of guys there’s no being buddies. Those two are on a collision course before they even knew they were.”

Of course, part of the reason for the two starting to dislike one another was at UFC 223 fight week when Nurmagomedov slapped Artem Lobov who was a close friend and teammate of McGregor. The Irishman then threw the dolly at the bus which led to the fighting later that year.

Conor McGregor targeting summer return

Conor McGregor has said it’s all systems go to return this summer against Michael Chandler.

McGregor hasn’t fought since July of 2021 when he broke his leg in the trilogy match against Dustin Poirier. Before that, he suffered a knockout loss to Poirier which was an upset at the time.

Conor McGregor provides new update on UFC return negotiations are ongoing I'm eager for a return — Mandatory Credit: Kate Green

The Irishman is just 1-3 in his last four with his lone winning coming by a 40-second TKO over Donald Cerrone and losing by submission to Nurmagomedov.

What are your thoughts on Khabib Nurmagomedov’s spat with Conor McGregor?

Demetrious Johnson claims UFC CEO Dana White refused to give PPV points to flyweight fighters: ‘I didn’t get any’

Despite defending his UFC flyweight title an unprecedented 11 times, Demetrious Johnson never received pay-per-view bonuses or incentives for…

Despite defending his UFC flyweight title an unprecedented 11 times, Demetrious Johnson never received pay-per-view bonuses or incentives for being the most dominant champion in promotional history.

From September 2012 to August 2018 defeated some of the biggest names in flyweight history, including Ian McCall, Joseph Benavidez, John Dodson, Kyoji Horiguchi, Henry Cejudo, and Ray Borg. He is undoubtedly one of the pound-for-pound greatest of all time. Unfortunately, Dana White and the UFC largely ignored ‘Mighty Mouse’ and his entire division because they didn’t have the drawing power of the lightweight or light heavyweight fighters.

As a result, Johnson was never given pay-per-view points for his time as the flyweight champion, which is something that fighters across the board are typically entitled to once they rise to the top of their respective division.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Demetrious Johnson responded to an interview where the UFC claims that DJ straight-up declined to receive points in favor of a lump-sum payout.

Johnson says that’s bullsh*t.

Demetrious Johnson talks about his feud with Dana White and the UFC:

“I fought and fought, they specifically said we don’t give PPV points to flyweight guys.

When Dana White says I didn’t want PPV points, that’s not true. I asked for PPV points.

Look at CM Punk. This guy comes… pic.twitter.com/8O3GtoC3bE

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) March 21, 2024

“I fought and fought, they specifically said we don’t give PPV points to flyweight guys, but if you’re a lightweight,” Johnson said. “A welterweight, a middleweight, heavyweight — I have been told that once they become champion, they get $500,000 flat and it went straight into their contract that they got pay-per-view points every single time. For me, it was never that.

“If I would have gotten pay-per-view points for every single time I defended my belt… 11 title defenses. You put me on three Conor McGregor cards…”When Dana White says I didn’t want pay-per-view points, that’s not true. I asked for pay-per-view points.”

Demetrious Johnson reacts to CM Punk’s reported purse for his two UFC appearances

Johnson also took exception to the fact that current WWE Superstar CM Punk received a more favorable payout during his less-than-stellar appearances inside the Octagon.

Demetrious Johnson comments on CM Punk's UFC run

Per a report from Bloody Elbow (before the pillaging of the once-great site), CM Punk received a base salary of $500,000 for both of his fights, though it was noted that the Second City Saint actually walked away with more than a million dollars for the ass-kickings he took against Mickey Gall and Mike Jackson.

“This guy comes in and gets a base salary of 500 f*cking thousand dollars and potential pay-per-view bonuses and other financial incentives in his contract,” Johnson exclaimed. “I defended the f*cking belt 11 times and I didn’t get any of this.”

Demetrious Johnson’s run in the UFC came to an end in 2018 after he surrendered his flyweight title to Henry Cejudo. ‘Mighty Mouse’ was then moved to ONE Championship in a historic trade that sent Ben Askren to the UFC. Upon his arrival, Johnson rattled off three straight victories to win the ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix Tournament, setting the stage for an epic trilogy with former ONE flyweight world champion Adriano Moraes.

Johnson also competed in a first-of-its-kind special rules bout against Muay Thai icon Rodtang Jitmuangnon under the ONE banner. With alternating rounds of MMA and Muay Thai, Johnson survived the first round before submitting ‘The Iron Man’ in the second via RNC.

“It was the best decision I’ve ever made in my whole entire career,” Johnson said of his move to ONE. “If I could do it again, I would do it ten times. And here’s the thing — I have nothing against Dana White. I am a man who is happy. I’ve been successful and I believe in my skill set.”

Johnson still sits as the reigning ONE flyweight titleholder, but he has not yet decided if he will return to defend his title or retire from MMA altogether.

UFC CEO Dana White postponed the birth of his son for a Chuck Liddell fight: ‘I said that ain’t gonna work’

You could never accuse Dana White of not being a dedicated businessman. In 2001, White became the president of…

You could never accuse Dana White of not being a dedicated businessman.

In 2001, White became the president of the UFC after his childhood friends, Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta, purchased the company for $2 million. In the 23 years since White has helped the Las Vegas-based promotion grow to previously unimaginable heights. Today, the Ultimate Fighting Championship is estimated to be worth a whopping $12.3 billion with White himself carrying an estimated net worth of over half a billion dollars.

But to get there, White had to work his ass off and make a lot of sacrifices — even if that meant putting off the birth of his son.

During a recent appearance on the Pound 4 Pound podcast with former UFC champions Kamaru Usman and Henry Cejudo, Dana White revealed that the birth of his son Aidan conflicted with a fight card headlined by UFC Hall of Famer and one of the sport’s biggest icons, Chuck Liddell.

For most people, seeing their child being brought into the world would take precedence over work. But not for Dana White.

“My son Aidan, his due date was Chuck Liddell versus somebody,” White said. “I moved the date of his birth for the Chuck Liddell fight. I said, ‘Yeah, that ain’t gonna work. We got a big f*cking fight coming up,’ so my wife had a C-section.”

“Talk about a businessman!” Usman said in response to White’s admission.

Dana White loads UFC 300 with 12 current or former world champions

Dana White is currently gearing up for what will be the biggest card in UFC history. On Saturday, April 13, the promotion will present UFC 300, live from the familiar confines of T-Mobile Arena. Loaded from top to bottom with 12 former and current world champions, fans will be treated to three title fights.

In the main event of the evening, UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira puts his belt on the line for the first time against returning former champion Jamahal Hill.

In the co-main event, strawweight queen Zhang Weili meets Yan Xiao Nan in an all-Chinese clash. And then in the people’s headliner, BMF titleholder Justin Gaethje puts his bragging rights belt on the line against former featherweight champion Max Holloway in what is sure to be a strikers delight — for as long as it lasts.

Check out Dana White’s full appearances on the Pound 4 Pound podcast below:

Kamaru Usman branded the best welterweight of all time by UFC brass: ‘You cannot deny that, he’s the greatest’

While many fans likely place former two-weight champion, Georges St-Pierre atop their respective lists as the greatest welterweight fighter…

While many fans likely place former two-weight champion, Georges St-Pierre atop their respective lists as the greatest welterweight fighter to ever grace the Octagon, UFC CEO, Dana White has claimed it’s “undeniable” ex-champion, Kamaru Usman is the greatest of all time.

Usman, a former undisputed welterweight champion and prior pound-for-pound number one, has been sidelined since he co-headlined UFC 294 back in October, suffering a controversial majority decision loss to unbeaten middleweight contender, Khamzat Chimaev in a short-notice clash in the pair’s co-main event.

Kamaru Usman plays down 'Nothing special' Khamzat Chimaev you all build him up UFC — Mandatory Credit: Giuseppe Cacace

And still retaining his rank as the number one ranked welterweight contender during is time away from the Octagon, Auchi native, Usman is riding a two-fight loss at 170 pounds – in the form of a blistering high-kick KO loss to Leon Edwards, and a trilogy rubber match decision loss last March in the UK.

Dana White brands Kamaru Usman as best welterweight ever

Weighing up his next move to the Octagon as he claims he can still reclaim welterweight gold if he simply puts his mind to it, ONX Labs staple, Usman has been branded the best welterweight to ever step foot in the sport, by the above-mentioned, White.

“When you talk about a Kamaru Usman,” Dana White said during an appearance on the Pound-4-Pound Podcast. “Who went through ‘em (contenders) twice – you might not like Kamaru, you might not – whatever it is that you don’t like about him, but you cannot f*cking deny that he is the greatest welterweight of all time.”

“You can’t deny it, you cannot deny it,” White explained. “Listen, don’t like Kamaru all you want – whatever it is that you don’t like about him, that’s your f*cking deal.”

Kamaru Usman denies suffering knee injury ahead of UFC 294 how could you hear — Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger – Zuffa LLC

White’s latest praise about Usman comes hot on the heels of recent claims from the ex-champion’s manager, Dominance MMA leader, Ali Abdelaziz that the Nigerian was comfortably the promotional leader’s favorite fighter to ever compete inside the UFC

Do you agree with the stance that Kamaru Usman is the man to beat in the welterweight debate?