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“I Have No Power Whatsoever With These Guys”: Dana White Comes Out Guns Blazing at “The Worst Referee” Who Handed Jon Jones His First UFC Career Loss

Published 08/08/2023, 10:35 PM EDT

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Dana White‘s indelible influence on the world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is remarkable. Be it building the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) from the brink of shutting down, the man has masterminded the transformation of a once-niche sport into a global phenomenon.

White’s strategic genius and marketing acumen have propelled both the UFC and its fighters into the mainstream spotlight. Yet, his influence extends beyond business strategy, encompassing his unfiltered emotional reactions. One memorable incident saw White fiercely criticize referee Steve Mazzagatti, the referee who handed Jon Jones his first and only UFC career loss, labeling him “The worst referee in the history of fighting.”

Power Dynamics in MMA

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Amidst the strategic finesse of Dana White lies a fierce side, characterized by fervent outbursts directed at referees and fighters alike. In a candid revelation that peels back the layers of authority, White’s words unveil a different reality.

“You know everybody wants to point at me like I’m the bad guy like I make the decisions on who wins and who loses, I don’t,” he asserts, indicating that the sport of MMA is bigger than him, also showing the intricate web of control, influence, and the human complexities that govern the world of MMA.

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Read more: “His Whole World Is Fights”- Insider to Dana White’s Life Reveals UFC’s $500M Worth President’s Behind the Scenes Dedication to the World of MMA

Dana White’s Fiery Moments in MMA

Amidst the perceptions, truths, and controversies, a singular name emerges- Steve Mazzagatti, a referee whose presence stoked controversy and ignited White’s simmering frustration. His actions inside the octagon led to several controversies, making it a focal point in the broader conversation about power dynamics and the dynamics that define the octagon’s every move.

“When I tell you I have no power whatsoever with these guys, I actually think that they do things to piss me off okay, like keeping Mazzagatti in there,” said White, the influential President of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), unleashing a torrent of fiery words, also declaring Mazzagatti “The worst referee in the history of fighting.”

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Speaking about Steve Mazzagatti, Dana White publicly said, “Mazzagatti will f*** up any fight. The worst referee in the history of fighting, period. I don’t care if there was a fight back in the f*** old days, okay, and the Stone Age, Mazzagatti is the worst referee ever.” Keeping the same fiery tone in his words, White added that Mazzagatti has no business watching MMA, let alone refereeing the sport.

These heated moments underscore White’s unwavering dedication to upholding the authenticity of MMA, even if it means confronting challenges head-on with unbridled passion. White’s unapologetic stance and forthright expression show his passion and commitment to the authenticity of the sport he has tirelessly worked to elevate.

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Watch this story: Take a look at $500M worth Dana White’s Love for his  cars

Have you ever watched a fight where the referee’s decisions left you baffled or frustrated? Which referee, in your opinion, stands out as the worst you’ve ever seen in the world of combat sports? Comment below.

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Written by:

Hiteshwar Sharma

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Hiteshwar Sharma is a UFC writer at EssentiallySports. An avid MMA enthusiast with a passion for UFC, he has been engrossed in the world of Mixed Martial Arts since 2016. Among the myriad of fighters who have graced the octagon, none shine as brightly as the legendary Conor "The Notorious" McGregor in his eyes.
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Edited by:

Sameen Nawathe