During the press conference following UFC’s Winnipeg event, UFC CEO Dana White made some comments about boxing promoter Eddie Hearn while also taking aim at the growing number of combat sports podcasters and online analysts.
When White was asked to respond to Hearn’s recent comments following the contract extension of Conor Benn, he stated, “Listen, Eddie says a lot of dumb s**t. Eddie said that me and him are the biggest matchup in boxing. Therein lies the problem with boxing.”
He then escalated the criticism with a direct jab at Hearn.
“You’re a f**king bum,” he said. “I’m old and we don’t even deserve to be on a card with a bunch of real boxers.”
White didn’t stop there. He went on to include online commentators and media personalities who position themselves as industry insiders, questioning their credibility and influence in the sport.
“Just because you have $35 and can start a f**king website and do a podcast means you’re some type of expert,” he said. “You guys should be running Bellator and PFL and OneFC. Go help these guys out, man. Help these guys.”
He continued with a heavy dose of sarcasm aimed at critics of the promotion.
“You guys are brilliant geniuses. You know everything about the business,” he said. “Why aren’t you running one of these other failing organizations?”
The press conference also touched on the future of veteran welterweight Gilbert Burns, who appeared to signal a possible retirement following his main event loss. White spoke warmly about Burns.
“He’s a tough, durable guy. Great human being. Done some big things,” White said.
When asked what stands out most from Burns’ tenure with the company, White said, “One of the things that stands out to me, the only thing that really matters is that he’s a really good person and I like him a lot.”
