UFC chief Dana White pulled no punches as he offered a blunt take on why the promotion will not be putting on any Pride Night events, admitting ‘I’m just not into it’.
While the UFC often makes an effort to celebrate different cultures – such as their UFC Noche events which commemorate Mexican Independence Day or the recent UFC Freedom 250 card at the White House – White remained firm on his stance.
During an interview with Tomi Lahren, the UFC chief made it clear that UFC fans should not expect any Pride Night celebrations before the month comes to an end.
He said: ‘I’m staring at my roster of top 15 fighters. You know, I’m assuming we have some gay fighters. I don’t know how many of them are openly [gay].
‘I know that we have gay female fighters. I don’t give a s***. I don’t care what you are, who you are, what you do. We don’t talk about that, any of that stuff’.
White then pointed to the fact that the UFC has a t-shirt with a rainbow flag on it, before adding: ‘Everybody, do your own thing. I’m just not into it.’
Dana White poured cold water on the idea of a UFC Pride Night during a recent interview
Back in 2016, the UFC sold Pride themed shirts which read: ‘We are all fighters’
In March 2023, New Jersey native Jeff Molina became the first openly LGBT male UFC fighter. He had previously worn Pride Month shorts to benefit the LGBTQ Center of Southern Nevada
However, it appeared that the t-shirt was not available to purchase online.
As White’s comments began circulating on social media, fans pointed to the fact that, a decade ago, the UFC were heavily pushing pride themed shirts all through June.
A number of fighters at the time wore shirts designed by the UFC which read: ‘We are all fighters’ in rainbow colors. However, they do not appear to be on sale anymore.
In March 2023, New Jersey native Jeff Molina became the first openly LGBT male UFC fighter after coming out as bisexual following a leaked sex tape.
Meanwhile, there have been a number of openly LGBT female fighters, with former two-division champion Amanda Nunes among them.
Later in the interview, White added that he’s still upset with UFC heavyweight Josh Hokit over his viral comments regarding former first lady Michelle Obama.
Speaking on the South Lawn after winning his fight, Hokit was being interviewed by podcaster Joe Rogan when he said: ‘Shout out to Trump for having the b***s to put this s**t on.
‘And lastly, Michelle Obama is a man. Am I right, America?’ Hokit yelled down the microphone, shocking the audience.
Following the event, White said: ‘You think I’m happy about what Josh Hokit said? I’m trying to unify the country and he goes out and says something absolutely stupid like he did that night, but I’m a believer of free speech too.’
