Dana White considers UFC's association with imprisoned fighters unfair

Dana commented on the cases of War Machine and J. Grispi. Photo: Lucas Carrano/SUPER FIGHTS

In recent weeks, two cases of domestic violence involving MMA fighters have received widespread attention in the media. The attacks by War Machine and Josh Grispi on their respective spouses had great repercussions and the athletes' past in the UFC was highlighted in the news. The situation bothered president Dana White, who considered the association unfair, especially in the case of War Machine, since his time with the organization is more than half a decade old.

"This is horrible. And every time I have to see: 'Former UFC fighter' when the stories are written. He (War Machine) fought twice! He was currently in Bellator, he was a fighter for Viacom (the conglomerate that manages the organization). My team called these reporters. 'We don't know what Bellator is,' they said. 'Haven't you ever heard of Viacom?' I said. They are the ones he fights for. He fights for Viacom. Not the UFC”, said Dana, speaking to the press before UFC Fight Night 47, in Bangor (USA).

“They want clicks. They want readers. Come on, how unfair is that? The guy (War Machine) fought twice six years ago and he's still a 'former UFC fighter'. He's been with Bellator since Bellator started or who knows how many years ago. He is fighting for them. I understand, not everyone has heard of them, but it's damn Viacom!', added the manager.

White also evaluated the cases and expressed surprise at the crime committed by Grispi, who had even trained his pitbull dog to attack his wife. “Let me tell you. We all know the War machine. When you hear something like that, it's terrifying to hear, but Grispi? I couldn't imagine. This boy didn't seem to have that kind of behavior. You never really know. This is very sad and horrible. It's bad news. Terrible!” he concluded.

After attacking his wife, with whom he has two children, Josh Grispi remains in jail, but he has already heard from his wife that divorce is not an option. War Machine remained at large for a week before being captured by the police last Friday (15). Transferred to Nevada, where he brutally attacked his ex-girlfriend and porn actress Christy Mack, the fighter will have a hearing in Ventura County Supreme Court this Tuesday (19).

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