Dana White News
Dana White says International Fight Week in July is "doubtful"
Adam Martin - April 17, 2020
UFC president Dana White updated fighters on the state of the promotion during the coronavirus pandemic, saying International Fight Week is “doubtful.” The UFC schedule is currently on hiatus as the coronavirus crisis ravages the world. White and the UFC tried to put on the UFC 249 card in Tachi Palace but ESPN and Disney’s head executives told him to stand down and postpone the event. The UFC is now slated to hold UFC 250 on May 9 at a location that is currently undisclosed but there’s no sure thing that card will happen, either.
UFC files trademark for "Fight Island"
Tom Taylor - April 17, 2020
The UFC has failed 22 new trademarks: 11 for “Fight Island” and 11 for “UFC Fight Island.” “The filings were made based on an ‘intent to use’ FIGHT ISLAND as the name of a mixed martial arts competition and for branded goods such as clothing and jewelry,” explained attorney Josh Gerben on Twitter (h/t MMA Mania).
Despite Dana White's plans for fights at UFC APEX, NSAC director says "we are closed until further notice"
Tom Taylor - April 17, 2020
Dana White is hoping to start producing live UFC fights at the promotion’s APEX facility in Las Vegas next month. Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) Executive Director Bob Bennett, however, is noncommittal on whether or not live combat sports will be allowed in the state at that point. “We will see what the data reveals based on the science of COVID-19 and move forward accordingly,” Bennett said to MMA Fighting via email.
Nate Diaz Top 5 fights
Natasha Hooper - April 16, 2020
Today marks the birthday of one of the UFC’s most celebrated fighters, Nate Diaz. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the 35-year old is no doubt having a quiet celebration in lockdown. To honor the ‘Stockton slapper’, we have compiled his top five fights to celebrate his birthday in ultimate BJPenn.com style! Donald Cerrone The UFC veterans collided in the co-main event of UFC 141 in 2011. The fighters vented their frustration in an all-out war, but the bad blood started long before they entered the Octagon. Diaz previously slapped his opponent’s hand when Cerrone attempted to introduce himself. He also knocked the “Cowboy’s” hat off his head during a press conference.
Dana White: Revamped UFC 249 card 'could get better'
Tom Taylor - April 16, 2020
UFC President Dana White is working on orchestrating a triumphant return for the promotion on May 9. He’s already stacked this revamped UFC 249 card with three title fights, and from the sounds of it, it could get even bigger “It could get better,” White told Yahoo! Sports of the May 9 event. “It really could. You look at that card and it’s stacked, but I have some fights I’m working on, if I get them done, this card is going to be absolutely crazy.”
Cris Cyborg says Dana White should do something other than worry about himself and MMA fights
Natasha Hooper - April 16, 2020
Bellator featherweight champion Cris Cyborg has called out her former boss Dana White and his proposed “fight island.” In response to the coronavirus pandemic, all Bellator and UFC fights have been postponed. However, that hasn’t stopped the UFC president from doing whatever it takes to resume business. White has even claimed he’ll host several upcoming events on private island. He says it is currently in the works and expects to host live events from the island as soon as next month.
Dana White admits May 9 event will prove “very expensive” for the UFC
Cole Shelton - April 15, 2020
Dana White says the scheduled May 9 event will be very expensive for the UFC. The promotion was forced to postpone UFC 249 and the subsequent events following due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, White recently revealed a stacked card for May 9, but he won’t reveal where the location is.
Brendan Schaub reacts to UFC 249 cancelation, guarantees fights will go ahead in May
Mike Pendleton - April 15, 2020
Former UFC heavyweight turned combat sports analyst Brendan Schaub recently commented on the cancelation of UFC 249 and Dana White’s plans to resume business despite the coronavirus pandemic. Schaub weighed in on the topic during his podcast “Below The Belt” saying that a move like ESPN and Disney stepping in to cancel fights is the downside to the deal that the UFC has with these companies.
Valentina Shevchenko praises Dana White's "Fight Island"
Natasha Hooper - April 14, 2020
UFC women’s flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko is ready to touch down on the organization’s “fight island.” In fact, the 125-pound queen wants to commit 100% by training and even living there. Recent UFC fight cards have been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. The UFC president Dana White believes the best way to resume action is to set up events on a private island. According to White, his fight island venture is in the works. Multiple fighters are jumping at the opportunity to step foot on the island’s soil, and that includes Shevchenko.
US president Donald Trump adds Dana White and Vince McMahon to economic task force
Adam Martin - April 14, 2020
US president Donald Trump has added Dana White and Vince McMahon to his team of advisors helping to restart the American economy. White, the UFC president, and McMahon, the WWE chairman and CEO, are part of a large group of pro sports league heads that will team up on the advisory board for president Trump as he looks to help America rise from the ashes after the coronavirus pandemic has destroyed the world economy.
Breaking: UFC to hold next event on May 9, multiple bouts already in the works
Cole Shelton - April 14, 2020
The UFC was forced to postpone UFC 249 and all events moving forward due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but they have their targeted return date. Dana White revealed to Brett Okamoto of ESPN the plan is to return on May 9 at a location to be announced. May 9, of course, was scheduled to be UFC 250. So, whether that will be the name of the event is unknown at this time. But, White revealed some matchups that will take place on the card like Tony Ferguson vs. Justin Gaethje, Henry Cejudo vs. Dominick Cruz, Amanda Nunes vs. Felicia Spencer and Francis Ngannou vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik.
Florida’s new essential services guidelines allow for the UFC to hold events
Natasha Hooper - April 14, 2020
Florida has outlined new guidelines that could allow the UFC to hold events during the coronavirus pandemic. In an April 9 memo published by the office of Governor Ron DeSantis, the definition of “essential services” has been expanded to include professional sports. The definition now includes “employees at a professional sports and media production with a national audience — including any athletes, entertainers, production team, executive team, media team and any others necessary to facilitate including services supporting such production — only if the location is closed to the general public.”
Greg Hardy praises Dana White for being "bold enough" to attempt to promote UFC 249
Tom Taylor - April 10, 2020
Greg Hardy appreciates the effort Dana White put in to make the UFC 249 card a reality during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Hardy, a former NFL player and current UFC heavyweight contender, was originally expected to return to the Octagon against Yorgan De Castro at UFC Columbus on March 28. When that card fell through, however, Hardy and De Castro’s collision was relocated to the UFC 249 card, which was scheduled for April 18.
Ronda Rousey shares informative video on the Coronavirus and how to slow its spread
Natasha Hooper - April 10, 2020
Ronda Rousey has gone from judo expert to COVID-19 expert. She’s shared some important information regarding the ongoing pandemic. To prevent the spread of coronavirus, individuals have been advised to self-isolate and stay indoors. The former UFC champion has been sharing her quarantine tips from her Youtube channel and social media.
Jessica Andrade reacts to UFC 249 cancellation, rewards herself with a massive bag of McDonalds
Natasha Hooper - April 10, 2020
Jessica Andrade has celebrated the cancellation of UFC 249 in style by ordering a heaping serving of McDonalds. The former UFC champion was scheduled to make an appearance on the revised UFC 249 card. The upcoming event faced major changes including the fight card and location, all due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Dana White says "Fight Island" will happen in a month to continue live events
Cole Shelton - April 9, 2020
Dana White believes ‘Fight Island’ will happen in a month to continue on with live events. Earlier on Thursday, White announced UFC 249 is canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. All UFC events are indefinitely suspended as well. But, the UFC boss doesn’t expect to be out of business for long, as he says Fight Island will happen very soon and it will be a place for fighters to train as well.
Fighters react after Dana White announces UFC 249 cancellation
Chris Taylor - April 9, 2020
Earlier this afternoon Dana White broke the unfortunate news that the promotion has decided to cancel UFC 249 which was set for April 18. The pay-per-view event was originally slated to take place in Brooklyn and feature a lightweight title fight between Tony Ferguson and Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Dana White explains why UFC 249 was canceled, tells fighters not to worry about money
Adam Martin - April 9, 2020
UFC president Dana White explained on Thursday why UFC 249 has been canceled and why all other events have been postponed until further notice. The UFC bossman made the disappointing announcement to ESPN on Thursday that UFC 249 — which just saw the full card announced — had to be canceled. He later explained in detail why the UFC was forced to do it.