Dana White: the Bobby Fischer of the MMA
The latest episode with Ariel Helwani and the UFC has confirmed my suspicions about MMA writers seeking approval and favor of the UFC.
Unfortunately, it’s not all their fault that they simply aren’t free to "do their jobs." The fact is that the UFC has too much leverage. From yanking press passes, depriving media from access to fighters, to blackballing them from getting work for "not playing ball," the list of intimidation tactics goes on.
Dana White has been bullying the fighters since the start of the organization. I’ve often been critical of Luke Thomas and Ariel Helwani for turning a blind eye to it. Oh sure, they would say something here or there, but nothing to get them into hot water.
We, as fans must unfortunately understand that much of what the writers write is "carefully stated" so as not to upset the "Mafia-type" owners of the UFC.
Then we have the apologists like Joe Rogan who is "friends" with Dana White, using his celebrity pulpit to "explain" and justify every despicable thing the UFC bosses do.
It doesn’t matter who they are or how much these people have contributed to the sport…George St Pierre, Wanderlei Silva, Jon Jones, Randy Couture, Frank and Ken Shamrock, Tito Ortiz, Royce Gracie, Stitch Duran, Burt Watson, Cris Cyborg, Jose Aldo, or Ariel Helwani. Anyone is fair game for these thugs.
Let us not forget that behind all of this are the "unseen slime," the Fertittas who obviously approve and order these actions behind the scene.
Finally, we have the mindless, casual fans who just love Dana no matter what. For them it’s fine that Dana is a pig of a man who resorts to bully tactics by disrespecting anyone who won’t play their selfish games.
History has shown time and again that leaders who attack their own are fools.
In this respect, comparisons of Dana and his fans are similar to the relationship between the former World Chess Champion, Bobby Fischer and his fanatical followers. Fischer; in the beginning was a bright star, but his endgame sucked. For everything Fischer did to promote the game, he left it disgraced. Oddly, in the end a band of mindless Fischer fanatics still united around him; even as Fischer cheered the 911 terrorist attacks on New York City.
And so it is with Dana White’s relationship with his loyal fans: "Yes, we know he’s nuts but look at how talented he is. We love him anyway."
Well Dana fans, maybe it’s about time to face the truth: Yes Dana is nuts…but so are you for loving him.