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Furious Dana White Scolds Reporter on Live TV for Raising Concerns Against “Free Speech” Policies at UFC 297: Strickland vs Du Plessis

Published 01/21/2024, 3:30 AM EST

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UFC CEO Dana White has been vocal about his stance on free speech. So when a reporter questioned him about if he gave any fighters instructions on what they could talk about and what they couldn’t, it was only natural for White to have a go at him.

During the past few events of the UFC, we have witnessed an unfiltered version of fighters using brash statements for their opponents to promote fights. This has put Dana White in a difficult situation, however, the UFC CEO is not keen on relinquishing free speech in the promotion yet.

Dana White shuts down a reporter

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At the UFC 297 press conference when a reporter asked the UFC CEO whether he gave the fighters any instructions about what they had to speak and what they had to not speak in front of the camera, White was enraged by this question and lashed out.

White called out the media house and explained that he was not going to push a leash on free speech. “I don’t give anybody a leash, a leash. Free speech… control what people say and tell people what to believe.”  The CEO further emphasized that there was no filter for the fighters and they could speak and believe whatever they wanted.

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“I don’t fu**ing tell any other human being what to say, what to think, and no leashes aren’t any of them. That’s ridiculous to say I give somebody a leash. Free speech, brother. People can say whatever they want; they can believe whatever they want.” said White.

Interestingly, this is not the first time that White had to face questions like this. During the UFC media day, Sean Strickland’s antics offended many and this was followed by a question by the reporter in the post-fight press conference. So what exactly did the former champion say that offended so many? Let’s find out.

Sean Strickland went all out

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UFC CEO ͏Dana Whit͏e has expresse͏d indifference towards some of Sean Strickland‘s recent co͏mments made earlier͏ this week. Strickland’s remarks during his media day press conference͏ included statements th͏at͏ offend͏ed ͏members of the LGBTQ community.

Strickland said “Here’s the thing about Bud Light.Ten years ago, to be trans was a mental f—-ng illness; and now, all of sudden, people like you have f—ing weaseled your way in the world. You are an infection. You are the definition of weakness. Everything that is wrong with the world is because of f—ing you.”

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“And the best thing is the world’s not buying it. The world’s not buying your f—ing b—hit you’re f—ng peddling.” Strickland further added. Strickland’s words and opinion are his sole responsibility and Dana White understands that a distorted free speech would give rise to conflicts in the promotion and that’s why he schooled the reporter.

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Written by:

Suryakant Das

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I'm Suryakant Das, an avid sports enthusiast from a family that cherishes the world of sports. I still vividly recall the day my father took me to watch Indian wrestling, sparking my fascination with the discipline and the aura of those warriors. Over time, my love for combat sports grew, and now, I'm a UFC writer at EssentiallySports.
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Smrutisnat Jena