The UFC 284 is fast approaching, but it isn't the UFC picks that have everyone in a chokehold. Instead, everyone is focused on the drama happening between Dana White and Islam Makhachev.
The UFC 284 is being held on Saturday in a champion versus champion fight between Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski. The two are ranked as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the history of the MMA. The long-awaited fight between the two reigning champions will take place in Volkanovski's native home of Australia. The historical event will be taking place at the RAC Arena in Perth.
However, it isn't the fight that's capturing everyone's attention but rather the drama happening between Dana White and Islam Makhachev.
The Drama is Real
In recent times Makhachev had an interview with RSports Russia and has expressed his dissatisfaction with the UFCs promotion of the fight stating that he had only seen Volkanovski's face once. He also questioned the lack of press in North America leading up to the UFC 284 fight.
To make matters worse, White had seemingly forgotten the name of Makhachev during his post-fight press conference after the UFCs Vegas 69. The clip went viral, leaving fans wondering if Makhachev had a point.
White’s Comments
During an interview on The Jim Rome Show, Dana took the opportunity to address the situation, stating that the allegations made were false and that Makhachev didn't know anything about the promotion of the fight. "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.
"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."
After the remark, Dana took to commending Makhachev on entering enemy territory and putting his title on the line. He continued to say that Makhachev and Volkanovski were the top five biggest fights to ever be held in the history of the UFC.
Many have come to question the UFC s promotion of the fight, with multiple comparing it to the UFCs glut of Power slap posts on social media.
One can question whether or not the fude happening between White and Makhachev was just a plot to help promote the UFCs 284 fight. After all, the fude would spark an interest in the fight and cause millions to start booking their tickets out of sheer curiosity.
On top of all the drama happening between Dana and Makhachev, there's even more drama on Dana's end. Dana has been criticized for promoting a sport that doesn't allow its fighters to defend themselves. Yes, you guessed it, he's facing heat for the Power Slap league that is currently being promoted and going viral on the internet.
The star of the show was Dana's interview with Rome was his response to the public concern about the Power Slap League. Four minutes of the minute caught many by surprise and made its rounds on the internet.
"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." Although his response leaves much to be desired, it does have hints of truth.