Randy Couture says UFC has already been sold, criticizes Dana White

UFC Hall of Fame legend Randy Couture spoke with ESPN1100 on Friday in Las Vegas and was asked to comment on the reported sale of the UFC.

The two-weight UFC world champion opened up on what he has been hearing and his sources have told him that the deal was already finalized last week.

“I’ve heard a strong rumor that it is sold,” Couture said (transcribed by lvsportsnetwork.com). “It’s done. It was done a day or two ago. Lorenzo’s (Fertitta) out. Dana (White) is still in. I heard that from fairly reliable sources that that’s happening.”

Couture then went on to talk about UFC President Dana White and his role and image that is currently tied to the brand.

“I hear the company that bought it is keeping him on as the president. And if the UFC has a problem right now as a brand, it’s an image problem. How they act and how they treat the fighters. The things that they do with their fighters that are in their stable,” Couture said. “And lot of that trickles down from (Dana White). His attitude when he does interviews. His attitude when he deals with the media. His attitude when he deals with his fighters.”

Couture says that if he was the one who purchased the company, he would not be keeping White around.

“If I bought the company and wanted to change that or take it to the next level, I’m thinking you need a change of face. You need a change of image,” Couture said.

Couture also brought up the treatment of the media, as MMA journalist, Ariel Helwani was recently kicked out of UFC 199 for breaking fight news announcements before the UFC.

“He’s treating the media just like he treats a lot of the fighters. If you’re not his boy. If you’re not the guy that’s going to sign away all your ancillary rights and let him control you head to toe, then he’s going to find a way to put his thumb on you.”