Dana White Remains King of MMA Business: Insights from UFC Vegas 67 Press Conference
The UFC’s first Fight Night of 2023 just wrapped up, and as always, UFC President Dana White faced the media afterward with his signature no-nonsense style. Following an action-packed card at the UFC Apex facility in Las Vegas, White addressed several burning questions that have MMA fans buzzing.
The Slap Gate Aftermath: White Addresses Recent Controversy
I couldn’t help but notice White seemed more subdued than usual during this press conference. Just weeks after the public incident with his wife on New Year’s Eve in Mexico, the UFC boss faced reporters with a slightly different demeanor.
When asked about the slapping incident, White kept it brief: “I’ve said what I needed to say about that situation. We’re moving forward as a family and focusing on the business at hand.”
Despite speculation about potential repercussions, White confirmed he wouldn’t face any disciplinary action from the UFC’s parent company, which raised eyebrows among some media members present.
Vegas 67 Performance Bonuses: White Rewards the Warriors
The night belonged to Sean Strickland, who dominated Nassourdine Imavov in the main event after stepping in on short notice. White praised Strickland’s performance, calling him “one of the most reliable fighters on the roster.”
Performance bonuses ($50,000 each) went to:
- Dan Ige (KO of the Night)
- Roman Kopylov (Performance of the Night)
- Abdul Razak Alhassan (Performance of the Night)
- Allan Nascimento (Performance of the Night)
“These guys came to fight tonight,” White said. “That’s what we expect at the UFC. Come in, give the fans a show, and you’ll be rewarded.”
What’s Next: White Hints at Major Matchups for 2023
During the press conference, White dropped some breadcrumbs about what fans can expect in the coming months. When asked about Alex Pereira’s next title defense, White suggested we might see the rematch with Israel Adesanya sooner rather than later.
“Listen, that first fight was incredible. Izzy was winning until he wasn’t. I think fans deserve to see them run it back, and I’m working on making that happen.”
As for Jon Jones’ heavyweight debut, White remained characteristically cagey: “It’s happening, but I’m not announcing anything tonight. When we have something locked in, you’ll know.”
| Upcoming UFC Events White Mentioned | Tentative Timing |
|---|---|
| UFC 284: Makhachev vs. Volkanovski | February 11, 2023 |
| UFC 285: Potential Jones Heavyweight Debut | March 2023 |
| UFC International Fight Week | July 2023 |
Fighter Pay Discussion Shut Down
In typical Dana fashion, when a reporter brought up the ever-contentious topic of fighter compensation, White wasn’t having it.
“Next question,” he snapped, before adding, “Look, we’ve built this company into what it is today. Our fighters are making more money than ever before. The opportunities we’re creating for these athletes go beyond just fight night payouts.”
Power Slap League: White Defends New Venture
Despite recent criticism, White doubled down on his new Power Slap League venture, which is set to debut on TBS later this month.
“People can say whatever they want, but this is entertainment. There’s a market for it, there’s regulation in place, and the athletes know exactly what they’re signing up for. It’s going to be big, mark my words.”
The Big Picture: White’s Vision for UFC in 2023
If there’s one thing clear from the press conference, it’s that White remains firmly in control of the UFC’s direction despite recent personal controversies. His focus on international expansion was evident as he mentioned plans for more events in Europe, Australia, and potentially Saudi Arabia.
“We’re just getting started,” White said with the confidence that’s defined his two-decade tenure. “2023 is going to be the biggest year in UFC history. We’ve got more events, bigger fights, and we’re reaching more fans globally than ever before.”
My Takeaway
Love him or hate him, Dana White continues to be the driving force behind the UFC’s global dominance. The Vegas 67 press conference showed a slightly more restrained version of the UFC boss, but his vision and control of the organization remain as strong as ever.
While the slap controversy isn’t fully in the rearview mirror, White’s approach seems to be full steam ahead with the UFC’s ambitious 2023 plans. For fans, that means more fights, more content, and more of the Dana White we’ve come to expect – unapologetic, focused on business, and always thinking about the next big move.
What do you think about Dana White’s press conference comments? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!
Source: Forbes/UFC