Dana White Gets Criticized on Multiple Fronts for Ignoring Boxing Superfight and Comments on Anderson Silva

As UFC CEO, Dana White oversees fighter negotiations, event promotion, and the organization’s business operations. Throughout his tenure, he has faced criticism over fighter pay and contractual disputes with several athletes. One of his longest-running tensions has been with UFC legend Anderson Silva. The Brazilian superstar recently blasted White’s comments about their strained relationship.

Silva’s legacy in the UFC remains unmatched by many fighters who followed him. The ‘Spider’ captured the middleweight title, recorded a historic 16-fight UFC win streak, and had the most dominant middleweight title reign. After competing in the promotion for nearly 14 years, Silva’s UFC career officially ended following a knockout loss to Uriah Hall in October 2020.

Despite suffering three consecutive defeats near the end of his UFC tenure, Silva remained vocal about continuing his career. White recently discussed how fighters often want to compete even after losing 8 or 9 bouts, citing Silva as an example of someone who did not want to leave the sport. Those remarks resurfaced their disagreement, with the Brazilian legend recently pushing back against White’s version.

I’ve been out of the organization for many years already, but apparently neither the current fighters nor the bald guy can forget my accomplishments. Deep down, the bald guy knows that with me there was no whining; everyone went in to throw down, and I saved the event more than once. And just so it’s on record, the bald guy apparently doesn’t know how to count.

Anderson Silva via Instagram

Anderson Silva fired back at Dana White after Dana revealed Silva won't talk to him anymore 👀

🗣️ Dana: "Anderson Silva lost like 8, 9 or 10 in a row. That guy won't talk to me to this day because I said 'it's over.' And he was in his 40s."

🗣️ Silva: "The bald guy saying… pic.twitter.com/TIoO6jaOES

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) May 29, 2026

White also revealed that Silva still does not speak to him because he would not allow ‘The Spider’ to continue fighting into his forties under the UFC banner. However, one of the main points in Silva’s criticism was that he did not retire on a lengthy losing skid. Before dropping three bouts following his loss to Israel Adesanya at UFC 234, Silva had earned a decision victory over Derek Brunson at UFC 208.

This is far from the first time Silva and White have publicly found themselves at odds. Over the years, the Brazilian veteran has criticized the UFC head honcho and promotion for limiting opportunities available to fighters. Silva has also maintained that he felt disrespected by how he was treated during the final stages of his UFC career, a grievance that continues to fuel their long-running feud.

Anderson Silva’s feud with Dana White reflects a wider pattern of the UFC CEO clashing with fighters after they leave the promotion. Francis Ngannou is another example, departing the UFC after contract disputes over pay and fighter freedom. He later joined the PFL and boxed Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. These cases highlight ongoing tension between UFC leadership and elite fighters after their departures.

Ducking accusation leveled against Dana White for not speaking to undefeated boxing superstar

David Benavidez is an undefeated boxer who competed primarily at super middleweight before moving to light heavyweight. He became WBC super middleweight champion by defeating Ronald Gavril in 2017 and Anthony Dirrell in 2019. In 2023, he put on a punishing performance to stop Demetrius Andrade. In 2024, he moved up and stopped Oleksandr Gvozdyk to win the WBC interim light heavyweight title.

Jai Opetaia has built a strong reputation as a leading cruiserweight fighter in boxing. However, his career has faced controversy after he was stripped of the IBF title for failing to make a mandatory defense.

The undefeated boxer later defeated Brandon Glanton to become the Zuffa Boxing champion. Recently, influencer 2ToneDaSupastar claimed Dana White and Opetaia have avoided attempts to secure a fight.

Jai Opeteia, stop ducking David Benavidez. Jose Benavidez has been calling your manager, calling Dana White, calling Zuffa, trying to get the fight between you and David Benavidez, and right now you are absolutely ducking this man.

2ToneDaSupastar via X

Jai Opetaia Stop DUCKING David Benavidez…. Dana White Not Answering The Phone pic.twitter.com/Cze22BqhIf

— 2ToneDaSupastar (@2ToneDaSupastar) May 28, 2026

David Benavidez has long pursued a superfight with Canelo Alvarez, with discussions and callouts spanning several years. However, Alvarez recently confirmed that the matchup will not materialize due to their current career paths. In that context, promotions could build a major matchup between David Benavidez and Jai Opetaia, with both fighters carrying undefeated momentum into a high-profile clash.

Also Read:

• “Most Unlikeable Person” – Ronda Rousey Rudely Dismissing Holly Holm Rematch Sparks Fury from MMA Community
• UFC Legends Discuss Justin Gaethje Not Fighting Again After Ilia Topuria Showdown at the White House