UFC President Dana White has a lot of respect for Vince McMahon but is well aware of how McMahon’s business practices were in the past. In fact, White recently claimed that Vince McMahon was responsible for UFC not getting a TV deal with NBC in the past.
White and McMahon have had a somewhat contentious history. Dana White understands that Vince’s ruthless practices are what kept him in business for so long, but White was never afraid of sharing what McMahon did in the past.
While speaking on the Triggered podcast, Dana White stated that Vince McMahon saw everyone as competition and that “he was one of those guys who would f******* stick it to me for whatever reason.”
White then revealed that the UFC was on “the one-yard line” to sign a deal with NBC, which would have allowed the UFC to air fights on both NBC and USA Network. At the time, Vince McMahon had the last say on whether another combat sports property could make its way to the USA Network.
White added that he and then-UFC co-owner Lorenzo Fertitta went to Connecticut to meet with Vince McMahon and get his signoff. After some small talk, they mentioned to Vince McMahon about the signoff. However, McMahon sat back in his chair and said, “Yeah, I’m not going to do that.”
”Eh, I’m not that interested in it. I don’t like the idea of you guys on USA Network.”
It is likely the timeline of the conversation took place in 2011 as the UFC signed a long-term deal with FOX in August 2011. Vince McMahon also believes he is a better businessman than Dana White, something that The Undertaker agreed with. Regardless, it is water under the bridge now for White as they are working under the same TKO Holdings Banner and that’s what matters.
What do you think of what Dana White said? Are you surprised Vince McMahon did such a thing? Let us know in the comments below!