UFC President Criticizes Australian Media for Weak Reporting

Dana White, the outspoken president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), didn’t hold back in his criticism of Australian media during his recent visit to Sydney for UFC 312. While generally praising Australia’s hospitality, White took issue with specific media coverage he deemed excessively sensitive.

White particularly objected to two instances of reporting. The first was a Daily Telegraph Sport cover featuring UFC fighter Sean Strickland, which White found unnecessarily provocative. The second was an opinion piece in the Sydney Morning Herald that expressed strong discomfort at White’s appearance alongside a local politician.

In response, White stated, “For a country known for its toughness, your media seems remarkably thin-skinned. I’ve never encountered such sensitive reporting in my life.” He went on to mock the writer who claimed to feel physically ill after seeing White with a political figure, calling it an extreme overreaction.

White defended the UFC’s presence in Australia, emphasizing that despite Strickland’s controversial statements, no government officials had raised concerns about his headlining the event. “I’m a strong advocate for freedom of speech,” White asserted, “but the reaction here seems disproportionate due to the media’s oversensitivity.”

Despite his harsh words for the local media, White expressed overall satisfaction with the UFC’s return to Sydney. However, he made it clear that he found the Australian media landscape surprisingly delicate compared to what he’s accustomed to in the United States.

As the UFC delegation prepared to depart Australia, White left with a parting shot at the assembled press: “Even your own people recognize the weakness in your media. It’s now apparent to everyone, including me.”