UFC CEO Dana White found himself on the receiving end of a public correction after making bold claims about a missed opportunity that allegedly “ruined” Holly Holm’s career trajectory.
During an appearance on The Jim Rome Show, White launched into a passionate critique of Holm’s management team, suggesting their decision-making cost the former champion a fortune. The UFC executive was discussing poor management decisions when he turned his attention to what he characterized as a catastrophic mistake involving the former bantamweight titleholder.
“These are the same guys that had Holly Holm and in my opinion ruined her life,” White declared during the interview. He went on to explain that following Holm’s knockout victory over Ronda Rousey at UFC 193, the promotion immediately sought to capitalize on one of the sport’s biggest upsets by arranging an immediate rematch.
According to White, the offer on the table was substantial. “She had the opportunity to rematch immediately Ronda Rousey and for unbelievable money,” he claimed. “They turned it down and they said we don’t want that fight. We’ll fight Miesha Tate for the same money we have now.”
The UFC boss painted a picture of frustrating negotiations, describing heated discussions with Holm’s representatives. “So big drama goes on between us all. I said so you want to fight the second-baddest woman in the world for the same money instead of fighting [Ronda Rousey]? Yes, that’s what we want,” White recounted.
White even claimed he predicted the eventual outcome with startling accuracy. “I told them in that meeting, ask my matchmakers, Lorenzo Fertitta, I said she’s going to lose by choke. She’s going to choke her out. That’s exactly what happened. For the same money, instead of fighting Ronda for life-changing money that would have changed her life.”
However, White’s version of events didn’t go unchallenged. Nakisa Bidarian, who was involved in the negotiations, took to social media to provide what he called a more complete picture of the situation.
“Almost accurate. What he fails to share is there was no timetable for Ronda’s return and the money we offered was not an unbelievable amount. It was good money, but not 1M PPV buys money in any way, shape or form,” Bidarian wrote in his response.
Bidarian’s account suggests the decision wasn’t as straightforward as White portrayed. According to his version, the uncertainty surrounding Rousey’s availability and the fighter’s desire to remain active played crucial roles in the decision-making process.
“Amanda Serrano and Katie Taylor both just made more money than what was offered or what Ronda even made,” Bidarian added, putting the financial aspect into perspective. “He did say Miesha would choke her out but Holly wanted to stay active and believed in her self.”
While White’s prediction about the outcome proved accurate – Holm did indeed lose to Tate via rear-naked choke in the fifth round – the circumstances surrounding the original offer appear more nuanced than initially presented.
Holm’s career following that pivotal decision saw her compete in three additional title opportunities. However, she never reclaimed championship gold before eventually departing the UFC in early 2025 to return to boxing under Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions.
