Dana White Gets Real About Wanting to Squash Two Controversial Beefs

UFC head honcho Dana White revealed that he wants to squash beef with top MMA journalist Ariel Helwani and Jake Paul.

Dana White Gets Real About Wanting to Squash Two Controversial Beefs

Dana White wants to squash beef with Ariel Helwani and Jake Paul (via NY Times, Reuters, Independent)

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The MMA world is no stranger to rivalries that spill outside the Octagon, and one of the most famous has always been between Dana White and Ariel Helwani. What began as professional disagreements years ago turned into a feud. Now, with White hinting that he may want to squash the tension, the long-running conflict is once again back in the spotlight.

Helwani’s reputation as a fearless journalist made him one of the most respected names in combat sports, but it also placed him on a collision course with the UFC CEO. By breaking stories ahead of schedule and pressing for answers that the UFC preferred to control, Helwani disrupted the promotion’s narrative. White, never one to hold back, responded with public criticism that only deepened the divide.

While the UFC CEO never usually mentions their beef in any interviews or podcasts, he recently spoke about Helwani on the ‘IMPAULSIVE’ podcast hosted by influencer and WWE superstar Logan Paul. They discussed a variety of topics, including the UFC’s potential superstar problem. While White denied the issue, Paul highlighted that Helwani had spoken about it recently.

How’s he (Helwani) doing? I’m am upset about the relationship with the UFC, too. Maybe we can fix this thing, and we should all probably get back together.

Dana White via IMPAULSIVE

The two have called each other out on multiple instances publicly. The most recent example of this was when Helwani criticized White for making low-quality announcements. He spoke about the low-quality video the UFC CEO had released, announcing the Islam Makhachev vs. Jack Della Maddalena fight at UFC 322, taken from an airplane.

For the unversed, Helwani was famously banned from the UFC in 2016 after breaking the news of Brock Lesnar’s return to the Octagon before the promotion officially announced it. He also revealed that the rematch between Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz would take place at UFC 202. White and the UFC brass saw this as a breach of trust. They accused Helwani of leaking information that undermined their control.

For Helwani, the fight was less about winning favor and more about standing firm in his role as a reporter. Despite being shut out of events and ridiculed, he continued to push forward, strengthening his brand as someone who would not be silenced. However, it remains to be seen whether White will allow the Montreal native to return after his recent comments.

Dana White doesn’t mind squashing beef with Jake Paul

Away from his feud with Ariel Helwani, Dana White has also hinted at burying the hatchet with Jake Paul, another outspoken critic who has spent years clashing with the UFC CEO. Paul has repeatedly targeted White over fighter pay, healthcare, and business practices, turning their rivalry into one of the most visible in combat sports.

Dana White wants to end the beef with Jake Paul
Dana White wants to end the beef with Jake Paul (via The Playoffs, Men’s Health)

White even addressed the topic directly during his appearance on Paul’s IMPAULSIVE podcast, where he surprised many by speaking openly about reconciliation. He acknowledged that the rivalry had dragged on longer than necessary and hinted that moving forward might benefit everyone. The conversation also touched on Paul’s high-profile boxing ventures, including the upcoming Gervonta Davis fight.

I don’t hate your brother, though. He was always talking sh*t about the UFC and all that stuff. He is out there fighting Gervonta Davis. You all should go fight guys your own size. Yea, I can be cordial with your brother. We are in the fu***ng fight business. If I didn’t like your brother, I would say I don’t like your fu***ng brother. I wouldn’t be shy about it.

Dana White via IMPAULSIVE

Paul’s presence has undeniably reshaped the landscape. Once dismissed as an outsider, he has now positioned himself as both an entertainer and a self-styled advocate for fighters’ rights. While many remain skeptical of his true intentions, the fact that White is considering moving past their feud suggests a recognition of Paul’s growing influence.

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