Dana White UFC president has a piece of advice for UFC fighters demanding big money fights.
White is aware of the “money fight” demands of many on the UFC roster including welterweight Tyron Woodley and Demetrious ‘Mighty Mouse’ Johnson.
Dana White found himself confronted by a question about ranking, following UFC Fight Night 124 event in St. Louis, on January 14- White said it is all about fighters learning how to promote themselves efficiently.
“Build yourself into a star, and you won’t be talking about money fights,” White said in a media scrum after the UFC’s event in St. Louis on Sunday (via MMAjunkie). “It’s getting to a point where Conor McGregor has exploded and become so huge that this whole money fight thing came about. And even if you’re not fighting Conor McGregor, you want to be on Conor McGregor’s card. Become a star.
“Don’t worry about Conor McGregor or fighting on Conor McGregor’s card. Become a star yourself.”
“The only reason there are ‘money fights’ is because of the rankings. A guy gets into the top 10, and then a guy breaks into the top five,” White said. “When a guy breaks into the top five, that’s when everybody is interested in him. And when guys talk about money fights, it’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard.”
White continues telling fighters if they just promoted themselves they would never lack. Those who are worthy of fights with lucrative paydays are those who are high up in the rankings.
“The only reason there are ‘money fights’ is because of the rankings. A guy gets into the top 10, and then a guy breaks into the top five,” White said. “When a guy breaks into the top five, that’s when everybody is interested in him. And when guys talk about money fights, it’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard.”
“You know what’s a money fight? Any fight with Conor McGregor is a money fight. There are certain people. Ronda Rousey – any fight with Ronda Rousey is a money fight.”
Recently Tyron Woodley pointed out the recurring trend of how fighters get their name out using bullying and self-marketing, as opposed to fighting their way up the ladder.
Do you agree with Dana White’s recent comments?
