“Respect for not allowing media to bully him” – Team Nate Diaz heaps praise towards UFC boss Dana White for keeping free speech alive in company

UFC CEO Dana White's commitment to free speech lauded by Jake Shields, amidst controversy surrounding Sean Strickland's anti-LGBTQ remarks at UFC 297.

“Respect for not allowing media to bully him” – Team Nate Diaz heaps praise towards UFC boss Dana White for keeping free speech alive in company

Jake Shields from Team Diaz praises Dana White (Image via: IMAGO, Instagram)

UFC 297 recently concluded with a huge reception from the fans. The main event fight between Sean Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis entertained the fans. It also got the Fight of the Night bonus. UFC CEO Dana White was more than happy with the performances except that of Movsar Evloev and Arnold Allen. Strickland’s personality was one of the reasons why the event got a huge reception in Canada. However, his remarks anti-LGBTQ remarks garnered controversy.

At the post-fight press conference of UFC 297, Dana White stood by Sean Strickland. Dana White went off at a reporter who used the word ‘long leash on fighters,’ which White did not like. White replied to the reporter that he firmly believed in free speech. White’s stance garnered huge appreciation from fans and fighters alike. It certainly did not go unnoticed by former UFC fighter Jake Shields on X. This is what Shields tweeted in support of Dana White.

Massive respect to Dana White for allowing free speech in the UFC and not allowing the media to bully him.
Jake Shields via X
YouTube video

Shields is a member of the Nick Diaz Army, the infamous MMA team led by none other than Nick Diaz, the former UFC title challenger. Former UFC title challengers Nate Diaz and Gilbert Melendez are also in the Nick Diaz army.

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Like Dana White, Jake Shields also firmly believes in free speech. He is very active on social media platform X, where he frequently criticizes the IDF and Israel, along with his constant criticism of LGBTQ and Wokeness. Shields recently interacted with streamer Sneako, with whom he talked about conspiracy theories related to 9/11.

Related: “This feels absurdly racist” – Dana White teasing UFC Africa event only after Dricus du Plessis win despite years of African dominance has fans upset

Johnny Walker praises Dana White for defending free speech

Johnny Walker fought in the first main event of 2024. Unfortunately, he suffered a knockout loss in the second round against Magomed Ankalaev. The fight was a rematch of their fight that ended in No Contest at UFC 294. Nonetheless, Walker took to social media after the loss to ensure fans that he was okay.

Johnny Walker praises Dana White
Johnny Walker praises Dana White (via Instagram)

Now, Walker has praised Dana White with a tweet on X for defending free speech. This is what Walker tweeted about it.

Yes uncle @danawhite you are the man.
Johnny Walker via X

In addition to Jake Shields and Johnny Walker, many others supported the UFC CEO for his statements. Donald Trump Jr and Alex Jones also showered huge praise on White for the statement that shut up the Canadian journalist. Nonetheless, White also garnered criticism for not taking the stand for free speech concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

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