Dana White calls out ESPN over ‘crazy’ Gina Carano snub in All-time WMMA list 

UFC CEO Dana White slams broadcasting partner ESPN for not putting legendary Gina Carano in the all-time WMMA list.

Dana White calls out ESPN over ‘crazy’ Gina Carano snub in All-time WMMA list 

Dana White didn't like Gina Carano’s exclusion from ESPN’s all-time WMMA list (via Imago/X)

MMA is a relatively new combat sport that initially featured only men. As it grew, promotions introduced talented female fighters. Dana White’s UFC has greatly benefited from women’s MMA in the 2010s. However, recent developments have sparked controversy, creating an unwanted situation that challenges the legacy of women’s MMA, particularly that of Gina Carano.

To celebrate Women’s History Month, UFC’s official broadcasting partner ESPN decided to give a tribute to the best women’s MMA fighters. They created a list of fighters who against all odds and stereotypes made name for themselves in MMA. The 10-person list featured many big names exclusion Gina Carano. This didn’t go well with UFC CEO Dana White who made his disappointment public. 

@ginajcarano not being on the list is INSANE.

Dana White via Instagram comments 

The list featured some of the most decorated women’s fighters of all time including Holly Holm, Megumi Fujii and Miesha Tate. It also had Zhang Weili, Rose Namajunas, Joanna Jedrzejczyk, Valentina Shevchenko, Ronda Rousey, Cris Cyborg, and Amanda Nunes.

Rousey and Cyborg are absolute legends and popularized WMMA back when the UFC didn’t even women fighters. Nunes, on the other hand, has multiple title belts and defended them against many tough opponents.

While all these women had incredible careers with multiple title wins, White and many other fans wanted Carano on that list. Other than White, many other fans had the same opinion. They made it clear that ESPN had made a huge mistake by not adding Carano’s name. The WMMA fighter also noticed the post and definitely wasn’t happy with it.

Gina Carano reacts to getting snubbed from the All-Time WMMA list

Gina Carano played a crucial role in popularizing women’s MMA, becoming its first mainstream star and drawing massive audiences. Her striking skills, charisma, and the fight against Cris Cyborg helped legitimize women’s MMA, paving the way for future generations. Carano’s presence on major promotions like EliteXC and Strikeforce proved that women’s fights could attract viewers.

Gina Carano reacts to ESPN’s all-time WMMA list
Gina Carano reacts to ESPN’s all-time WMMA list (via Instagram)

Her success automatically influenced organizations to invest in female divisions, opening up new opportunities. Beyond fighting, her Hollywood transition further expanded MMA’s reach, inspiring female athletes to pursue combat sports and entertainment careers. After the post went viral, Carano went online to share her views and called out ESPN for their mistake. 

You think @espnmma Do not have qualified journalists who know real WMMA history or are they trying re-write history by keepin me out of it? Even Dana @danawhite called them out. No, they will not be re-writing my history. If anything they’re writing themselves into mine. When I get through this I think jaws will drop. Thank you everyone for the support.

Gina Carano via X

Despite past tensions, Dana White has praised Carano’s influence, recognizing her as a pioneer who helped legitimize women’s MMA. However, Carano has claimed a controversy against her by ESPN, which is owned by Disney. This could stem from the dispute between her and the billion-dollar company.

The ugly relationship between Gina Carano and Disney 

Gina Carano has had a successful career in Hollywood and one of her most memorable role was in Disney’s The Mandalorian. Carano’s dispute with Disney began after controversial social media posts led to her firing from the series in 2021. Disney and Lucasfilm cited her posts as “abhorrent,” claiming they violated company values, while Carano argued it was politically motivated censorship.

Gina Carano in The MandoMandalorian
Gina Carano in The MandoMandalorian (via ScreenRant)

She accused Disney of targeting her political views while tolerating similar statements from other actors, fueling a broader cancel culture debate. After her firing, Carano partnered with The Daily Wire to produce films, emphasizing her commitment to free speech advocacy. Given his affinity towards free speech, it could be the main reason why Dana White supported Carano.

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