(Video) Dana White Mistakes English for Spanish in Major Blunder at Lincoln Memorial Press Conference

UFC CEO Dana White mistakenly asks for a translation of Diego Lopes' answer at the UFC Freedom 250 press conference.

(Video) Dana White Mistakes English for Spanish in Major Blunder at Lincoln Memorial Press Conference

Dana White makes a hilarious mistake at UFC Freedom 250 event (via MMA Fighting)

The UFC officially kicked off UFC Freedom 250 festivities with an entertaining press conference at the Lincoln Memorial. CEO Dana White served as the centerpiece as fighters answered questions and kept the atmosphere lively in Washington, DC. However, White made a blunder when he asked for a translation of Diego Lopes‘ answer, even though the Brazilian star was already speaking English.

White has spent weeks traveling in and out of Washington, DC, while overseeing preparations for the historic event. The UFC boss has monitored construction of the Claw structure on the White House South Lawn and helped coordinate major production efforts. He has also worked with meteorologists ahead of June 14, with forecasts showing hot temperatures and possible thunderstorms.

Lopes is set to face #9-ranked featherweight Steve Garcia at UFC Freedom 250 in a key matchup. A reporter asked whether he planned another explosive performance after competing at UFC 300 and UFC Noche. The Brazilian star expressed confidence in his style and promised a knockout on June 14. However, White appeared confused and asked for a translation, even though the answer was in English.

Hey wait up, we translating that or what? Where is our translator at?… That was English? It was Spanish to me.

Dana White via UFC Freedom 250 press conference

The translator mix-up is not the first time White has been involved in a memorable UFC media moment. At UFC 279, he was forced to cancel a press conference after backstage altercations involving multiple fighters and teams created chaos behind the curtain. The UFC CEO’s UFC 303 press conference was also abruptly interrupted by a low-flying helicopter, forcing proceedings to pause temporarily.

The press conference was also delayed by rain, adding another obstacle to the UFC’s packed schedule in Washington, DC. While the disruption frustrated many in attendance, White reiterated that weather would not stop UFC Freedom 250 from moving forward. He has repeatedly stated that the event will proceed unless lightning creates a direct safety concern, with contingency plans already in place.

As UFC Freedom 250 draws closer, White’s attention remains fixed on delivering a landmark event for the promotion. From overseeing construction and production to handling unexpected delays, he has played a central role throughout fight week. The translator mix-up may have provided a memorable laugh, but Dana White’s primary focus remains ensuring the historic White House card unfolds as planned.

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Dana White and United States Secretary of State set major viewership expectations for UFC Freedom 250

UFC Freedom 250 is shaping up to be one of the most expensive events in company history, with the budget reportedly set at $60 million. Ever since President Donald Trump announced the event in 2025, Dana White has worked relentlessly to turn the ambitious vision into reality. That effort has included countless trips to Washington, DC, and months of planning with officials and production teams.

Dana White
Dana White (via NY Times)

White and Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently signed a memorandum of understanding focused on sports diplomacy. The agreement aims to use major sporting events to strengthen international engagement and expand American influence abroad. Following the announcement, Rubio made a bold prediction that UFC Freedom 250 could attract more than one billion viewers worldwide.

The White House is the people’s house. It belongs to the people of the United States. The American 250 celebration belongs to the people of the United States. This one will have people watching, probably over, what, a billion people all over the world. A billion people all over the world will be watching America celebrate its 250th birthday with the White House in the background and some of the best athletes in the world in that Octagon.

Marc Rubio via White House press conference

If UFC Freedom 250 comes close to the audience figures predicted by Dana White and Secretary Rubio, it would become the most-watched event in UFC history. UFC 324 averaged nearly five million viewers globally, while UFC 326 peaked at more than three million viewers on CBS. A billion-viewer audience would dwarf those figures and place UFC Freedom 250 in a category of its own.

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