Dana White Reveals $100 Million Demand From Justin Gaethje’s Coach for New UFC Gloves to Prevent Eye Pokes

UFC CEO Dana White reveals the whopping price tag which prevented a deal for the ONX sports gloves to be introduced in the UFC.

Dana White Reveals $100 Million Demand From Justin Gaethje’s Coach for New UFC Gloves to Prevent Eye Pokes

Dana White reveals why Trevor Wittman's gloves did not work (via Bloody Elbow, Instagram)

Since taking control of the UFC in 2001, Dana White has helped transform the promotion into a multi-billion dollar global powerhouse. However, criticism surrounding UFC gloves has remained a recurring issue, with fighters often raising concerns about eye pokes. Trevor Wittman sought to solve that problem with his own design, but the UFC boss recently revealed why the UFC never adopted it.

Wittman is best known as the longtime coach of stars including Justin Gaethje, Kamaru Usman, and Cory Sandhagen. Beyond coaching, he develops training equipment through ONX Sports and created an alternative MMA glove design. Unlike traditional gloves, Wittman’s design features a natural curve that keeps fighters’ fingers lowered, aiming to reduce eye pokes while improving hand safety and comfort.

Wittman recently appeared on The Joe Rogan Experience alongside Gaethje following the American star’s UFC Freedom 250 lightweight title victory. During the appearance, Wittman brought one of his gloves and demonstrated its design, earning praise from Joe Rogan for the concept. However, White later addressed why the UFC never adopted the gloves during the UFC Vegas 119 post-fight press conference.

We’ve been talking to Trevor for years. Rashad Evans, whom I love and respect, came to me and said, ‘Hey, listen. I’m invested in this thing. We think that we have a great product here.’ So we looked at [it]. I literally told my finance team, ‘Get this deal done. Don’t care what it takes.’ They wanted like 100 million dollars for the glove. So the deal never happened. So, that deal should have been done a few years ago. I wanted to do that for Rashad. So we’ll see.

Dana White via UFC Vegas 119 press conference

UFC gloves have faced renewed scrutiny in recent months amid concerns over eye pokes. The debate intensified after Tom Aspinall‘s title defense at UFC 321 ended in a no contest following a double eye poke from Ciryl Gane. The issue gained further attention when Rose Namajunas called for stricter rules after being eye poked and requiring medical treatment following her bout against Natalia Silva.

In 2024, the UFC introduced a redesigned glove featuring curved fingers, revised padding, and an updated wrist support system. The changes were aimed at reducing eye pokes and hand injuries, but the gloves quickly became a topic of debate. Several fighters complained of discomfort and reduced flexibility, while many observers also noted a noticeable decline in knockout finishes during the period.

Dana White’s comments also reflected his respect for former UFC champion Rashad Evans, who has heavily invested in Wittman’s glove project. Although the reported price tag prevented a deal, the design remains relevant amid continued concerns over eye pokes. As fighter safety remains a major focus, Trevor Wittman’s gloves may still prove a worthwhile long-term investment for the UFC.

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Dana White reveals why the Colosseum is not a feasible venue

The UFC recently staged one of the biggest events in its history with UFC Freedom 250 at the White House, a card reportedly carrying a $60 million price tag. The historic event followed another major production at the Sphere in Las Vegas, which reportedly cost around $20 million. While both events showcased the UFC’s willingness to spend heavily, the promotion continues exploring other investments.

Dana White's UFC Freedom 250 numbers revealed
Dana White’s UFC Freedom 250 numbers revealed (via LA Times)

In 2023, talks of a fight between Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk generated global attention, with Dana White heavily involved in efforts to promote the potential matchup. Plans were reportedly discussed for the Colosseum in Rome, but the fight never materialized. White recently revealed that the event’s enormous projected cost was a major reason the spectacle was never feasible.

It’s impossible [to do an event there]. I was negotiating the deal for Zuckerberg and Musk… those two were gonna put up the money for the Colosseum.

Dana White via UFC Vegas 119 press conference

Dana White’s remarks offered a rare look into the financial realities behind some of combat sports’ most ambitious proposals. Although the UFC remains willing to pursue unique opportunities, he suggested there are limits to what the promotion can justify spending on. The comments ultimately explained why one of the most talked-about crossover events never moved beyond the planning stage.

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