UFC light heavyweight Tito Ortiz had some harsh words for UFC President Dana White and hinted that he might eventually start his own fight promotion when he leaves the UFC. Ortiz discussed both topics while a guest on today’s “Howard Stern Show,” which airs on Sirius as satellite radio’s most popular program.
Ortiz said the White is an egotistical egomaniac and wishes to be a fighter and superstar. He states that he has worked so hard for the UFC, fighting in pain, with injuries, risking his career many times and feels he isn't appreciated, saying Dana White is just like Don King.
Ortiz has one more fight left on his contract and is very open that it may be his last fight. He's scheduled to fight Lyoto Machida on May 24th and will test the free agent market after that. He also hinted that he would like to start his own fight promotion.
The UFC makes approximately $43 million for each pay per view, and an additional $5 million at the live gate. These figures don't include merchandise sales at the events. Ortiz says considering how much the UFC is bringing in, the fighters should be better taken care of given the nature of their sport.
Ortiz has a very valid point. I keep saying this but there's a reason so many vets have been speaking out against Dana White. The one thing Ortiz has to remember is it's their choice to be a fighter so in that respect, you have to be thankful that there's a sport to participate in at all. However, it's also a sport that at any given moment, during any fight, their career can be over in a flash so they should be compensated accordingly.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Tito Ortiz Blasts Dana White
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
You can look at it both ways.....yes, the UFC is a place for fighters to fight so they (the fighters) should be grateful, but the reverse is true as well.......without the fighters, the UFC doesn't exist. And its not fair for Dana White to take advantage of the fighters and not take good care of them when its these very fighters that he is making his living off of. If the fighters don't train hard, fight through injuries and put on a good show, ticket sales go down and so does Dana Whites income. When fighters show dedication and heart and commitment to the UFC, they should be compensated accordingly. (hows that for a rant?) Something is obviously very wrong because many top MMA fighters are now speaking out against the UFC. Very unfortunate!
Absolutely, but where does it end? For every vet that leaves, there's a young guy who knows he can make it in the UFC and will do whatever it takes. Honestly, they need a union. This way they have people who can lobby for them, running the numbers and showing how poorly compensated they are given the sacrifices they're making. Could you imagine a fighters strike??? Overall, it doesn't look good for Dana White at all. This could be an example of 'it'll get worse before it gets better'.
It's getting worse as we speak. Like you said though....a new fighter will do ANYTHING Dan White says because its every fighters dream to fight in the UFC and Dana White knows it. Probably tells them if they don't like the contract, leave. They're not going to. Then, as the fighters rise through the ranks, perform well, sell tickets (for Douchebag White), become marketable, White uses them for HIS own financial gain then kicks them to the curb. Kinda like he's saying "I'm done with you now.....thanks for the money....later"
Post a Comment