UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has been less than happy with the UFC’s promotion of his upcoming fight against Alexander Volkanovski. Volkanovski and Makhachev will clash in the main event at UFC 284 this weekend, but Makhachev openly wondered in an interview with RSports Russia why there had been so few promotional events in North America ahead of the bout. A video that emerged of White apparently forgetting Islam Makhachev’s name at a press conference did little to help matters.
Dana White appeared on the Jim Rome Show to rebuff the notion that he was neglecting the event. “Yeah, that’s not true. First of all, I’ve talked to Islam. First of all, who interviewed him? Who translated for him? I mean, the guy speaks Russian. Taken out of context.
Dana White Slams Makhachev Over UFC 284 Promotion
First of all, he lives in Dagestan. What does he know about what’s going on for the promotion of the fight? He doesn’t know anything. It’s going to be one of the top-five biggest fights of all-time.
First of all, the event sold out. Right? You couldn’t get a ticket if you wanted to get a ticket in Perth. And this thing is trending right now to be the biggest pay-per-view event in Australia, which, it’s like six percent behind the Conor McGregor [vs. Dustin] Poirier 3 fight. It’s probably going to break the record. So to say that the fight hasn’t been [promoted], that’s just ridiculous. That’s what you call some internet BS.”
Of the roughly seven minutes that White spent talking to Rome, the UFC president spent just over half of the time discussing his new Power Slap League. White has endured some criticism from various combat sports athletes for promoting a sport in which fighters cannot protect themselves from head trauma.
“First of all, there’s nobody bigger on health and safety than me. Even if you can defend yourself, in boxing guys take 400 to 600 punches per fight. These guys take three slaps or less during an event. [From] 2001 to 2023, you know how many people have died in the UFC or been seriously injured? Zero. [From] 2001 to 2023, you know how many people have died in boxing? Thirty-four. So you’re talking about the wrong sport here.”
Has the UFC pushed UFC 284, a clash between the #1 and #2 pound-for-pound fighters on the planet, hard enough? Let us know what you think in the comments.
