D. White at a UFC press conference. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube UFC
In MMA, many athletes make history after fighting great rivalries within the sport. However, a relevant case that moved behind the scenes of mixed martial arts did not involve two fighters, per se. The antipathy, in this case, occurred between Tito Ortiz, former UFC fighter and the company's own president, Dana White. According to White, the discussions, which were most often carried out via the press, almost went beyond the limits and came to blows in a boxing challenge. According to Dana, if it had happened, he would have gotten the better of the former light heavyweight champion. The information was released in an interview with 'Barstool Sports'.
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“I know (that I would win), and so does he (Tito). That's why it didn't happen. Tito Ortiz was making a new deal with us. Tito and I hated each other so much that Lorenzo Fertitta (former UFC partner) made this deal”, declared Dana.
White also challenged Ortiz's knockout ability. According to the president, his tormentor's knockout capacity was low, which could favor him in a possible fight.
“Tito never had heavy hands. He was working on boxing with Fernando Vargas. He began to feel that his hands were getting stronger. He told Lorenzo that the last commitment he wanted in his contract was a three-round boxing match with me. Three three-minute rounds. I told Lorenzo yes. Sign the contract,” said the boss.
For those who don't know, Dana used to hang around professional boxers when he was younger. The now businessman even trained with some athletes who were preparing for professional fights, which could favor him in a boxing match against Tito.
“This wouldn’t be the first time Tito and I would fight. When he showed up, I was training. I was training with heavyweight professional boxers who were ranked in the top 10. I was in great shape and I was ready. I was going to kill him in front of everyone,” said Dana.
The agent, however, made a point of stating that, in an MMA fight, he would not be a match for Ortiz. According to White, in mixed martial arts, Ortiz would have killed him.
“Let me make this clear: If this were an MMA game, Tito would kill me. Like it was the most horrible beating you had ever seen in your life. He would grab my leg and crush me against the railing. In boxing, however, I would destroy him”, said the president.
When asked about the possibility of holding the confrontation today, White was quick and blunt in his response.
“I’m too old for this now,” concluded Dana.
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