Tag: UFC 299

Nina-Marie Daniele comes UFC CEO’s defense amid Dustin Poirier drama: ‘Oil him up Dana White!’

Nina-Marie DanieleMMA journalist Nina-Marie Daniele came rushing to the defense of UFC CEO Dana White amid all the controversy surrounding…

Nina-Marie Daniele

MMA journalist Nina-Marie Daniele came rushing to the defense of UFC CEO Dana White amid all the controversy surrounding Dustin Poirier’s fight with Benoit Saint-Denis on March 9.

On Thursday, the MMA media went crazy as Poirier himself broke the news that his UFC 299 scrap with Saint-Denis was no longer on the docket. Roughly four hours later, ‘The Diamond’ backtracked by claiming that the fight was still on and his initial post was a “misunderstanding” between him and his manager.

During the four hours in between when all hell was breaking loose, Dana White went scorched earth on the MMA media via his Instagram stories. “You media guys are such pieces of sh*t,” Dana White posted on social media. “Writing whatever click bait u (sic) can to be first and not right. This is why NOBODY trusts or likes you. Guilherme Cruz.” 

Cruz, an MMA journalist who appears on MMA Fighting’s Portuguese-language podcast Trocação Franca, was the recipient of another direct insult from White after the UFC CEO seemingly believed that Cruz was the one who broke the Poirier/Saint-Denis news. “Hey Guilherme Cruz go f*ck ur (sic) self scumbag,” White added along with a screenshot.

Nina-Marie Daniele Comes Rushing to the Defense of Dana White

Daniel, a fast-rising journalist known online as Nina Drama, has developed a close relationship with the UFC and many of its stars, including former middleweight titleholder Sean Strickland. So naturally, she came to the aid of White in a post on X.

“Oil him up Dana White! @danawhite responds to Guilherme Cruz via Instagram story regarding Dustin Poirier vs Benoit Saint-Denis fight potentially being cancelled #MakeMMAMediaGreatAgain.

The entire situation appears to be a grand misunderstanding. Cruz previously revealed that Benoit-Saint Denis and his team had no idea they were going to fight Dustin Poirier until Dana White made the official announcement online. That on top of his reporting of Poirier’s comments that the fight was no longer happening seemingly got back to White, making the UFC CEO think that Cruz was the one who had reported the cancelation to begin with.

It was yet another example of White flying off at the handle and belittling trusted members of the MMA media without attempting to understand the facts first. Specifically, that his own fighter is the one who kickstarted the media frenzy in hopes of scoring a better deal for himself while Cruz was simply reporting on it.

Dana White rips ‘Scumbag’ media amid confusion over Dustin Poirier fight at UFC 299: ‘Nobody trusts or likes you’

Dana White rips scumbage MMA media amid Dustin Poirier fight confusion UFC 299 nobody likes you or trusts youUFC CEO, Dana White has ripped sections of the mixed martial arts media – including MMA Fighting reporter, Guilherme…

Dana White rips scumbage MMA media amid Dustin Poirier fight confusion UFC 299 nobody likes you or trusts you

UFC CEO, Dana White has ripped sections of the mixed martial arts media – including MMA Fighting reporter, Guilherme Cruz, labelling the revered Brazilian reporter a “scumbag”, as well as questioning the integrity of the media, amid continued confusion over Dustin Poirier’s on-then-off then on again fight with Benoit Saint-Denis at UFC 299.

Yesterday afternoon, former interim lightweight champion, Poirier revealed on his official X account how his slated five round co-main event fight with French contender, Saint-Denis was now off.

And further developments from the Lafayette striker confirmed how there was no “contractual agreement” between himself and UFC brass to take on Nimes native, Saint-Denis at UFC 299 in March.

Then claiming soon thereafter that his fight with the number eleventh ranked contender was now back on, Poirier claimed that a “miscommunication” with the promotion had been ironed out, and how he would be fighting Saint-Denis at UFC 299 after all.

“There was no contractual agreement before the fight was announced and we couldn’t come to terms,” Dustin Poirier wrote in a text message release received.

“Sorry folks, I jumped the gun, I couldn’t get a hold of my manager [Tiki Ghosn] for a few days,” Dustin Poirier posted. “I just spoke with him and Hunter [Campbell] (UFC Chief Business Officer). Misunderstanding on my part. Fight is on! See you Match 9th. Miami!!!”

However, the above-mentioned reporter, Cruz, revealed that during a recent interview with Saint-Denis coach Daniel Woirin, how the latter was surprised to here of his trainee’s set fight with Poirier at UFC 299 – as well as reporting how an announced main event bout between Sean Brady and Vicente Luque for a UFC Fight Night Atlantic City card, was also never officially a “done deal” to boot.

Dana White unleashes tirade on MMA media amid issue with UFC 299

Reacting to the uproar regarding Poirier’s fight with Saint-Denis at UFC 299, promotional CEO, White described Cruz as a “scumbag”, as well as releasing screengrabs of a text exchange with Saint-Denis, informing him of plans for him to fight Poirier in March.

“You media guys are such pieces of sh*t,” Dana White posted on his official Instagram Stories. “Writing whatever click bait u (sic) can to be first and not right. This is why NOBODY trusts or likes you. Guilherme Cruz.” 

“Hey Guilherme Cruz go f*ck ur (sic) self scumbag,” Dana White posted.

Dustin Poirier reverses claim that Saint-Denis fight at UFC 299 is off, Dana White goes scorched earth MMA media

Dustin PoirierFirst, Dustin Poirier was fighting at UFC 299. Then he wasn’t. Now he is. It’s been a busy Thursday…

Dustin Poirier

First, Dustin Poirier was fighting at UFC 299. Then he wasn’t. Now he is. It’s been a busy Thursday afternoon for ‘The Diamond’ on social media.

Last month, Dana White announced that Poirier would square off with rising lightweight contender Benoit Saint-Denis on March 9 when the promotion returns to Miami one month before its massive landmark event in Las Vegas. Fight fans were genuinely amped up for the scrap as it represented a fresh matchup in a division that has seen the top fighters round-robin each other for the last few years. However, disaster seemingly struck when Poirier took to social media writing, “My fights off but still working.”

Ariel Helwani, host of The MMA Hour, reportedly spoke to Poirier who revealed that “there was no contractual agreement before the fight was announced and we couldn’t come to terms.”

The immediate question that arose was, why is the UFC announcing fights they have yet to sign? Truth be told, it is a fairly common practice within the promotion, but it appears that in this instance, it came back to bite them on the a**.

As the events continued to unfold, Dana White saw another opportunity to slam the MMA media by accusing outlets of producing clickbait despite the fact that Poirier himself was the one who revealed that the fight was off. He also shared a conversation with Saint-Denis’ fight team confirming details of the bout.

Saint-Denis’ acceptance of the fight was never in question, so why White chose to share this particular screenshot is nothing short of baffling.

Dustin Poirier Reverses Stance, Says Fight with Saint-Denis is Back On After ‘Misunderstanding’ with his manager

In yet another twist to the story, Dustin Poirier reversed his position shortly after announcing that the fight was off.

“Sorry folks, I jumped the gun, I couldn’t get a hold of my manager for a few days,” Poirier wrote on X. “I just spoke with him and Hunter. Misunderstanding on my part. Fight is on! See you March 9th Miami!!!”

It didn’t take long for everyone to read between the lines and see that Poirier was simply “playing the game” by going public to get the deal that he wanted out of the stingy UFC back office.

“Dustin finally going public got him what he wanted,” Helwani reported on social media. “That’s the biz. Good on him. Doesn’t change the fact that up until an hour ago he didn’t agree – remember he broke this story, no one else – and when this was announced almost a month ago he hadn’t agreed. No one is denying that BSD agreed, which his team has confirmed.”

So it appears that all of this was nothing more than a game of cat and mouse between Poirier and the promotion with the MMA media being used as bait.

Well played, Mr. Poirier. Well played.

Dustin Poirier reverses claim that Saint-Denis fight at UFC 299 is off, Dana White goes scorched earth MMA media

Dustin PoirierFirst, Dustin Poirier was fighting at UFC 299. Then he wasn’t. Now he is. It’s been a busy Thursday…

Dustin Poirier

First, Dustin Poirier was fighting at UFC 299. Then he wasn’t. Now he is. It’s been a busy Thursday afternoon for ‘The Diamond’ on social media.

Last month, Dana White announced that Poirier would square off with rising lightweight contender Benoit Saint-Denis on March 9 when the promotion returns to Miami one month before its massive landmark event in Las Vegas. Fight fans were genuinely amped up for the scrap as it represented a fresh matchup in a division that has seen the top fighters round-robin each other for the last few years. However, disaster seemingly struck when Poirier took to social media writing, “My fights off but still working.”

Ariel Helwani, host of The MMA Hour, reportedly spoke to Poirier who revealed that “there was no contractual agreement before the fight was announced and we couldn’t come to terms.”

The immediate question that arose was, why is the UFC announcing fights they have yet to sign? Truth be told, it is a fairly common practice within the promotion, but it appears that in this instance, it came back to bite them on the a**.

As the events continued to unfold, Dana White saw another opportunity to slam the MMA media by accusing outlets of producing clickbait despite the fact that Poirier himself was the one who revealed that the fight was off. He also shared a conversation with Saint-Denis’ fight team confirming details of the bout.

Saint-Denis’ acceptance of the fight was never in question, so why White chose to share this particular screenshot is nothing short of baffling.

Dustin Poirier Reverses Stance, Says Fight with Saint-Denis is Back On After ‘Misunderstanding’ with his manager

In yet another twist to the story, Dustin Poirier reversed his position shortly after announcing that the fight was off.

“Sorry folks, I jumped the gun, I couldn’t get a hold of my manager for a few days,” Poirier wrote on X. “I just spoke with him and Hunter. Misunderstanding on my part. Fight is on! See you March 9th Miami!!!”

It didn’t take long for everyone to read between the lines and see that Poirier was simply “playing the game” by going public to get the deal that he wanted out of the stingy UFC back office.

“Dustin finally going public got him what he wanted,” Helwani reported on social media. “That’s the biz. Good on him. Doesn’t change the fact that up until an hour ago he didn’t agree – remember he broke this story, no one else – and when this was announced almost a month ago he hadn’t agreed. No one is denying that BSD agreed, which his team has confirmed.”

So it appears that all of this was nothing more than a game of cat and mouse between Poirier and the promotion with the MMA media being used as bait.

Well played, Mr. Poirier. Well played.

Breaking – Dustin Poirier reveals clash with Benoit Saint Denis axed from UFC 299: ‘My fights off but I’m still working’

Dustin Poirier reveals Benoit Saint Denis fight is off UFC 299 I'm still workingFormer interim lightweight champion, Dustin Poirier has revealed his planned five round clash with surging division contender, Benoit Saint…

Dustin Poirier reveals Benoit Saint Denis fight is off UFC 299 I'm still working

Former interim lightweight champion, Dustin Poirier has revealed his planned five round clash with surging division contender, Benoit Saint Denis – slated for the co-main event of UFC 299 in March is off, however, claims he is still “working” to make his first Octagon walk since last summer.

Poirier, a former interim lightweight titleholder and current number two three ranked divisional challenger, has been sidelined since he took main event honors at UFC 291 back in July of last year.

Dropping a stunning rematch loss to fellow former interim gold holder, Justin Gaethje, Lafayette native, Poirier was stopped with a spectacular second round high-kick KO loss to the Arizona native in the pair’s symbolic BMF title clash.

Dustin Poirier claims UFC 299 fight is off

And slated to co-headline UFC 299 in Miami, Florida this weekend in a pivotal lightweight scrap over the course of five rounds, Poirier has now revealed his set fight with French contender, Saint Denis is now shelved.

“My fights off but I’m still working,” Dustin Poirier posted on his official X account on Thursday evening.

Riding a five-fight winning spree into his planned UFC 299 co-headlining slot with Poirier, Nimes native, Saint Denis most recently turned in a devastating high-kick KO win of his own back in November at UFC 295, landing a first round win over Matt Frevola. The victory came off the back of recent stoppages of both Thiago Moises, and Ismael Bonfim. Saint Denis’ winning spree of five fights has earned him the number eleven rank in the official lightweight rankings. 

UFC 299 is slated to take place on March 9. from the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida – with an undisputed bantamweight championship rematch between incumbent gold holder, Sean O’Malley, and incoming challenger, Marlon Vera slated to take headlining honors on ‘The Sunshine State’ card. 

Do you think Dustin Poirier remains on the UFC 299 card?

Cory Sandhagen eyes title clash with Sean O’Malley after UFC 299: ‘It’s one of the most exciting fights you can make’

Cory Sandhagen calls for Sean O'Malley title fight after UFC 299 It's one of the most exciting you can makePerennial bantamweight contender, Cory Sandhagen claims he should be ready to make his return to the Octagon by mid-summer…

Cory Sandhagen calls for Sean O'Malley title fight after UFC 299 It's one of the most exciting you can make

Perennial bantamweight contender, Cory Sandhagen claims he should be ready to make his return to the Octagon by mid-summer this year, and during his time away from the Octagon, is cooly plotting a title charge against current divisional champion, Sean O’Malley after UFC 299 in March.

Sandhagen, the current number four ranked bantamweight contender, is in the midst of a three-fight winning spree since his interim title fight loss to former undisputed gold holder, Petr Yan back in 2021. 

Most recently landing a unanimous decision win over Rob Font in a short-notice UFC Fight Night Nashville main event after an injury ruled the unbeaten, Umar Nurmagomedov from a fight with Sandhagen. 

Cory Sandhagen eyes title fight with Sean O’Malley after UFC 299

And holding a standout decision win over incoming UFC 299 headliner and title challenger, Marlon Vera, Colorado contender, Sandhagen has staked his claim for a championship shot against Dana White’s Contender Series veteran, O’Malley in his return – touting how exciting the showdown is on paper.

“I beat ‘Chito’ (Marlon Vera) less than 365 days ago,” Cory Sandhagen told MMA Fighting. “Me and (Sean) O’Malley is definitely one of the most exciting fights that you can certainly make in the UFC, like in the top five, top-10 of most exciting matchups you can make.”

“That would be awesome matchup,” Cory Sandhagen explained. “So I have a lot of hope, man. I feel like the fans really wanna watch me and O’Malley fight, if he comes out with the win [at UFC 299]. And then if ‘Chito’ wins, that’s an easy argument for myself [to fight him next], too. Given that I 5-0ed him, you know?”

Making his first attempted defense at the bantamweight limit, O’Malley sprung a massive title win at UFC 292 back in August, stopping the record-setting streak of Aljamain Sterling with an impressive second round knockout. 

Who wins in a future title fight: Sean O’Malley or Cory Sandhagen?