Dana White Rejects Possible Favoritism Suspicions in UFC

The Ultimate Fighting Championship is one of the top fighting organizations in the world right now. Mixed martial arts are gaining a lot more popularity recently, and may just overcome boxing in the near future. Names like Connor McGregor, Ronda Rousey, Anderson Silva, and Jon Jones, are now household names, on par with Mike Tyson, Tyson Fury, and even football stars like Tom Brady. However, in recent years, many allegations have been thrown around regarding certain UFC practices. 

Controversies

The Ultimate Fighting Championship has become embroiled in quite a few controversies lately. First and foremost is the problem with UFC fighters’ pay. Obviously, the top tier fighters are making stacks. However, the lesser-known names have expressed quite a bit of concern regarding their paycheck. But it doesn’t end there. Many UFC fighters express less than progressive opinions on politics, religion, and culture, which rubs many fans the wrong way. 

However, ultimately the beliefs of the fighters are irrelevant to their performance, and to the fans’ entertainment. What does matter is whether or not UFC management favors certain athletes over others. And it is precisely that allegation that is getting thrown around recently. Sports analysts and fans believe that the company is snubbing certain fighters, in favor of others who may not be as deserving.

Allegations of Favoritism 

Dana White and the UFC have been accused of blatant favoritism regarding the promotion of certain fighters. Mixed Martial Arts is a growing sport, and online betting websites are covering it with increasing frequency. For example, Fitzdares sign up offers are an excellent way to get into MMA betting, as newbies can get bonuses just by signing up. However, if you look at the favorites to win matches, and the promotions, of the fighters, they often don’t jive.

The most recent example we see of this comes from just a month ago. Eugene Bareman, Israel Adesanya’s coach, accused the company of unfairly and unjustly pushing Alex Pereira towards a title shot. Another accusation came in regards to Khamzat Chimaev. The Chechen-born, Swedish fighter has been getting quite a lot of push lately, and many believe that it is undeserved and actively screws over other combatants. 

A fighter who has come under heat for “undeserved pushing” and favoritism is Paddy “the Baddy” Pimblett. Pimblett has risen through the ranks very quickly, becoming one of the UFC’s biggest stars today. Fellow lightweights have said that UK-based fighters like the Baddy are shown special care, and that in order to get a push you must have a “Brit accent” (to paraphrase). 

Dana White’s Retort 

For his part, UFC’s president, Dana White, of course, denies any allegations of favoritism or bias. Him and Paddy Pimblett shut down the idea in a recent interview. Dana White appeared in a recent episode of Chattin Pony with Paddy the Baddy, a podcast hosted by Pimblett himself. In the episode, The Baddy went off on all the people complaining, saying that the reason he gets pushed is because his content is entertaining, and his fighting skills are top notch. He went on to say that he simply produces better shows, so even if he is getting pushed, it isn’t unfair.

Dana White agreed with many of Paddy Pimblett’s points. And while he couldn’t be as boisterous as the fighter, he did claim that everything Pimblett said was on point. He went on to say that certain fighters have a sort of “IT factor” (implying Pimblett is one of them), whereas others lack it. In this group he lumped in Conor McGregor and “Sugar” Sean O’Malley.

Is Favoritism a Problem?

To an extent, favoritism would be a problem if it was down to nationalities like some have claimed. However, non-UK based fighters are getting quite a bit of push. We already mentioned that the Chechen-born, Swedish fighter, Khamzat Chimaev has come under fire for favoritism. Alex Pereira is another “favorite”. And even the last fight night confirms that any favoritism the UFC might have is not down to nationality or ethnicity.

The company’s job is to generate revenue. So, of course they will push the fighters that fans want to see. And in some cases, this might come to the detriment of fighters who deserve it more. Of course, this is not fair and should change. But, the problem doesn’t seem to come down to UK-based fighters are favored more. After all, let’s not forget that the most famous fighter in the world today is an Irishman.