Anthony Johnson recently parted ways with the UFC mutually and decided to join Bellator MMA. ‘Rumble’ is looking to make his much-anticipated return to competition in early 2021. But, it won’t be in the UFC. ‘Rumble’s’ move came as a surprise to MMA enthusiasts.
Now, in an interview with Aaron Bronsteter of TSN, Dana White talked about why Johnson is no longer a part of the promotion.
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Dana White said, “First of all, I have a good relationship with Anthony Johnson. I like him very much. He was under contract with us. I would have loved to see him compete here. I don’t know, use your imagination.”
Dana White on the release of Anthony Johnson: "He was under contract with us, I would have loved to see him compete here. I don't know. Use your imagination."
White discusses roster cuts and how much he cares about what other promotions are doing. pic.twitter.com/GrBhv9lF0S
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) December 10, 2020
The UFC President added that the move was probably in the fighter’s best interest. He revealed that he would not shed light on the same as Johnson would talk about it if he so desired.
He also touched upon a query that the UFC’s roster cuts will strengthen the competitors. White said, “When was I worried about other people, ever? When was I worried about anybody else? Is it something new? Who should I be worried about right now? Who should I have been worried about 10 years ago?”
Dana White says he is only looking to sign potential future stars for the UFC
The UFC President also shed light on why the promotion signed Michael Chandler. The former Bellator champion has arrived at the UFC and will make his organizational debut soon.
White revealed that he has matchmakers that watch fights across the world and inform him who would be a good fit for the UFC. The UFC President said, “
The matchmakers tell me he’s good, they like him or they don’t like him. They watch all the fights around the world. It’s not about one or two promotions. If you look at Bellator, there’s not much to be interested in.”
“There are actually much better promotions all over the world that are actually dealing with up and coming talents. There’s are lots of great shows to watch all over the world. All you guys talk about is two.”
White also added that unlike other promoters and organizations, he and the UFC are not looking to make money only. Instead, they are looking to find out the best rising talent who have the potential to become world champions in the future. Chandler was certainly a name that enticed the matchmakers.
The UFC remains the world’s best MMA organization, and Dana White and his business directions are a major reason for that. What do you make of his view on Bellator and other organizations?
