Dana White Ripped for Bringing UFC to Brink of ‘Death’ in America: “It’s Becoming WWE”

Former UFC heavyweight fighter slams promotional CEO Dana White for his inefficient media tactics, which is somewhat killing the sport.

Dana White Ripped for Bringing UFC to Brink of ‘Death’ in America: “It’s Becoming WWE”

Brendan Schaub believes Dana White's reliance on social media influencers is killing the UFC (via Imago)

🔍 Explore this post with:

ChatGPTPerplexityGrok AIGoogle AI

As Dana White aggressively pushes to expand UFC into new global markets, the promotion faces struggles in its home country. Despite dominating mixed martial arts for over two decades, UFC’s pay-per-view numbers are steadily declining, worrying many industry insiders. While there are many reasons for this, Brendan Schaub believes the main issue is something the UFC has constantly ignored.

With social media’s rapid rise, the UFC has shifted focus towards virality by collaborating with popular influencers and online personalities. White frequently involves influencers like the Nelk Boys to promote UFC events, backstage moments, and entertaining fighter interviews. However, Brendan Schaub recently criticized this direction, ranting about UFC prioritizing influencer culture over authentic mixed martial arts.

It’s becoming a gimmick, it’s becoming WWE. In order to get the f**king roots of the sport. It’s mixed martial arts not mixed martial entertainment. You’ve got to address this side of the fan base which actually give a flying f*** about the sport and pays for your terrible PPVs….The sport is dying in America, because you are focused on making money in the Middle East and in Russia.

Brendan Schaub via his Youtube Channel

Schaub argued the UFC severely lacked credible journalism, with no reporters asking important, hard-hitting questions during major events. He believes this growing absence of accountability damages the sport’s credibility, making casual audiences less likely to take UFC seriously.

The ex-heavyweight fighter also criticized UFC leadership for sidelining respected journalists who were crucial in promoting and legitimizing the sport in earlier years.

You didn’t do it alone. You did it with the journalists like Ariel (Helwani), like Luke Thomas, who busted their a** and started shouting. You are completing forgetting about them because they might ask you a question that you don’t like. The smartest minds in the sport can’t go to the f**king events.

Brendan Schaub continued.

Ariel Helwani was banned from UFC after breaking news of Brock Lesnar’s return before the official UFC announcement. Dana White accused Helwani of violating professional trust and leaking confidential promotional material, leading to his abrupt lifetime event ban. Since then, the ban was lifted, but Helwani refuses to go to events these days.

Additionally, UFC’s frequent mediocre fight cards with low-stakes matchups have contributed to declining fan interest and weaker pay-per-view sales. Compounding the issue, UFC continues losing blockbuster superstars who previously filled arenas and consistently delivered massive numbers globally.

Dana White’s biggest superstar is ready to make a grand comeback

Despite pay-per-view concerns, Dana White remains focused on organizing historic mega-events like the much-anticipated White House spectacle. Recently, President Donald Trump officially announced UFC’s involvement in celebrating America’s 250th Independence Anniversary with a massive fight card.

Conor McGregor is ready to return to UFC
Conor McGregor is ready to return to UFC (via X/Imago)

White has confidently promised that this monumental event will surpass the previous UFC Sphere card. As excitement builds, several UFC superstars have expressed interest in competing at the blockbuster White House event next year. Among them, former UFC champion Conor McGregor confirmed his comeback plans during a recent interview with The Schmo.

I’m going home, going to get the head down, going to rest. They’re testing me, I’m in the pool. So get ready! And stay ready, because damage will be done! Oval office, White House garden!

Conor McGregor via The Schmo

Besides McGregor, former heavyweight king Jon Jones has also returned to the testing pool after a brief retirement. Jones announced his intentions to compete at the White House event, calling it a monumental opportunity to showcase patriotism through sport. The veteran declared it would be an absolute honor representing his country at the largest combat sports event ever.

Also Read: