During a media day for UFC Fight Night 217, Dana White, the president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), stated that he does not anticipate facing consequences following the release of a video showing him involved in a physical altercation with his wife earlier this month.
When questioned about possible consequences from the company, White replied, “What consequences should there be? I’ll let you decide. Should I take a 30-day break? How would that negatively affect me?”
My departure causes harm to the company, my employees, and the fighters. However, it does not harm me.
“What consequences will I face? This is my penalty: I must continuously walk for the duration of my life…and this is the label I am given.”
I am facing consequences for my actions and must take responsibility for them.
In the footage captured by TMZ, White and his spouse, Anne, are shown engaged in a heated dispute before physically striking each other at a nightclub in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico on New Year’s Eve. No legal action has been taken against either White or his wife in relation to this altercation.
White stated that discussions had taken place among himself, Endeavor CEO and UFC owner Ari Emanuel, and broadcaster ESPN regarding the appropriate course of action.
“We have had numerous internal discussions with Ari and ESPN, and unfortunately, nobody is satisfied,” stated the 53-year-old. “No one is pleased with this situation, including myself. However, it cannot be changed now.”
White also stated that he was not attempting to justify his actions and reaffirmed his position on domestic violence.
“There’s never an excuse … There’s no defense for this and people should not be defending me over this thing, no matter what.”
The California Legislative Women’s Caucus penned a public letter to Emanuel and Endeavor, urging for the replacement of White as the president of UFC.
The letter states that due to Mr. White’s past comments regarding domestic violence, it was assumed that Endeavor and the UFC were also dedicated to promoting safety, respect, and accountability.
Despite the video of UFC president Dana White striking his wife at a New Year’s Eve celebration being released, you have not addressed the situation. This lack of response is concerning and disappointing.
“We demand that Mr. White be removed from his position as president of UFC without delay.”
CNN contacted Endeavor for a statement but did not receive a prompt reply.
Upon request for a response, ESPN provided a brief statement stating that they have been reporting on the story since it first emerged and will continue to do so across their platforms.
The premiere of Dana White’s reality series, Power Slap: Road to the Title, on TBS has been pushed back one week to January 18. Both TBS and CNN are part of the Warner Bros. Discovery network.
