Dana White Silences Doubters as UFC President Pushes Back Against ‘Disconnected’ Claims
Dana White has never been one to shy away from criticism, and as the UFC moves into a massive new era, the longtime president is making one thing crystal clear: he is not “disconnected,” and he certainly does not care any less about the sport he helped build into a global powerhouse.
Recent comments suggesting that White seemed disinterested in the UFC sparked plenty of debate within the MMA world. The narrative gained traction after MMA journalist Ariel Helwani claimed that White appeared “disconnected and disinterested” during certain interviews about the UFC product. The remarks raised eyebrows, especially given how early they came in a year that is shaping up to be one of the biggest in company history.
But White has now addressed the claims head-on — and he did not mince words.
“Come See What We Do in 2026 and 2027”
Speaking candidly in a recent interview with Sports Business Journal, White pushed back hard against the idea that his passion for the UFC has faded.
“Well, I’ll tell you what, here’s my answer,” White said. “Come see what we do in 2026 going into 2027, and you will find out that I care very much about the UFC.”
For White, the criticism seems to stem from a single CBS interview where his response didn’t land the way some expected. According to him, that one moment was taken out of context and blown completely out of proportion.
“So I did one interview with CBS and I didn’t answer the question the way they thought I should answer the question, so I don’t care about the UFC anymore?” White said. “It’s weird — one interview, one question, and suddenly people think I don’t care.”
To White, the conclusion feels not just unfair, but illogical.
A Packed Schedule Says Otherwise
If actions speak louder than words, then White’s recent workload tells a very different story from the one critics are trying to paint.
In just the past few weeks, White has been anything but idle. He officially launched Zuffa Boxing, a long-rumored project that finally came to life with its first-ever event. The move signals White’s ambition to expand beyond MMA while still maintaining his leadership role in the UFC.
At the same time, the UFC is preparing for one of the biggest shifts in its broadcast history. The promotion is rolling out a massive $7.7 billion broadcast partnership with Paramount+, marking a new chapter in how UFC content will be delivered to fans. Beginning with UFC 324, the organization will make its highly anticipated debut on Paramount+, with fights airing at 9 p.m. ET on Paramount+ and CBS moving forward.
Dana White UFC President Reaffirms Commitment While Leading the Promotion Into a New Era
Far from stepping away, White is deeply involved in overseeing this transition — a process that requires intense planning, coordination, and long-term vision.
UFC 324: A Statement Event
Saturday night’s UFC 324 is being positioned as a major statement for the promotion’s new broadcast era. The card is headlined by an interim lightweight title fight between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett, a matchup that blends established star power with mainstream appeal.
The event has already generated significant buzz, not just because of the fighters involved, but because it represents the UFC’s first major step into its new media partnership. From ceremonial weigh-ins in Las Vegas to packed press coverage, the promotion is going all out to make sure the Paramount+ debut lands with impact.
That doesn’t sound like a company led by someone who has checked out.
Responding to the “Disconnected” Narrative
White also made it clear that he doesn’t fully understand how the “disconnected” label even surfaced in the first place.
“I’m taking on more, not less,” he said, addressing the criticism. “I don’t even know what they saw in the CBS interview. I don’t even know how to answer that question.”
To White, the idea that he would suddenly stop caring about the UFC — especially at a time when the company is reaching new heights — is almost laughable. The UFC CEO has spent decades building the brand, navigating regulatory challenges, expanding internationally, and transforming MMA into a mainstream sport.
A Man Always Chasing the Next Big Thing
Those who have followed Dana White’s career know one thing to be true: he is constantly looking ahead. Whether it’s new broadcast deals, international expansion, or launching entirely new ventures like Zuffa Boxing, White has always thrived on momentum.
Even UFC fighters have weighed in on the future, with stars like Sean O’Malley openly expressing interest in headlining a Zuffa Boxing event someday — even though White has stated he prefers not to mix MMA with boxing’s “sweet science.”
The ambition is still there. The drive is still there. And by all indications, White’s influence over the UFC remains as strong as ever.
The Bottom Line
If anyone thought Dana White was checked out heading into 2026, his recent comments — and his packed schedule — tell a very different story. Between launching a new boxing promotion, overseeing a landmark media deal, and guiding the UFC into a new broadcast era, White appears more involved than ever.
Criticism may come and go, but for Dana White, the message is simple: judge him not by one interview, but by what the UFC becomes in the years ahead.
