Dana White Interview: Growing the UFC in 2023, gambling investigation & more | ESPN MMA

ESPN MMA’s Brett Okamoto sits down with UFC president Dana White to look back 2022 and what’s next for the coming year.
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[@storkpatrick]

Brett has become everything Dana wanted Ariel to be

[@ahitch3681]

Your everything Ariel wants you to be

[@marvin469]

I don't like him ; lol. He's too soft, Ariel gonna ask u them tough questions & speak his mind and he don't care if u threaten to kick his A or slap him like Rampage Jackson did 😭

[@Chuwopington]

A bit*h?

[@ricardoibarra6455]

💯

[@Jameslfgsmith]

@@ahitch3681 you’re *

[@MrZed_11]

Brett: "Dana, when you take time to reflect on how well endowed you are...do you ever realize how much we all love you? Especially me?"

[@srinivassuresh466]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@Traypeats]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@duckman5563]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@samuraijack0876]

Dana: "That's a good question."

[@bullishvibe]

Great question, kid! Ha ha isn't he great!?!?

[@Mikeymike301]

Time for more Softball questions from Brett Simpamoto!!!

[@hemadkhoja3427]

Lmaooooooo I was tryna think of something like this but u won

[@hemadkhoja3427]

Bruv literally said “what was the dumbest thing you did in 2020” lmaooo

[@Loco5919]

😂Lol 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@alexstachura11]

Dudes an absolute moron

[@Mikeymike301]

@@hemadkhoja3427 Bruhhh I heard that and wanted to literally throw my iPad Pro across the room.

[@Elicameron-o2n]

Company is in the midst of a huge fixing scandal.. Brett: “So Dana what candy do you like?”

[@imagineheavenbookbyjohnbur2480]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@WernerRachtman]

😂

[@goldeals2174]

I wouldn't really call it a scandal, you guys need to give bret a break, its not like he is reporting on First world problem.

[@missk9273]

😂🤣🤣

[@the_calibrator]

Interview was pre-282

[@SimonMooreChannel]

"Is the candy for everybody?" Okamoto starting this interview STRONG!! No mercy.

[@kreed82]

Lol

[@nomoneybacknoguarantee]

What is the diet

[@mtpro2412]

Brett always makes people appreciate Ariel more because it's always like Dana gives him the questions to ask .

[@bikkyful]

He knows how to not get black balled from the UFC, Just like every post fight/pre fight questions, You ask anything of substance, They ban you for life lol

[@manimavuso]

Different strokes, folks

[@jimsmith8359]

@@bikkyful why do you think a journalist has to be an investigative reporter? You know this is a company right? I must say, this mob mentality that Helwani has fostered is very strange.

[@manjunathnr4624]

Ultimate Fixed Championship - UFC, " We are better than boxing 🥊"- Dana clown white 🤡

[@mtpro2412]

@@jimsmith8359Ariel asked Patt Barry to clear up about grooming story which he declined to answer but you gotta respect him for asking questions nobody asks.

[@Bruno-fu5db]

Interviewers like Brett make me appreciate Ariel so much

[@stin3000]

Guy is the definition of a shill. No wonder Dana loves him , he has zero personality .

[@DMTEntity88]

Ong

[@Memoreno94]

After Ariel 10-7'd Dana and Paddy, it very clear that his statements about Dana are true.

[@truthseekerKJV]

Get a life dude. Dana has more money, success, and fame to be bothered by what a couple of fleas like you and Ariel think of him.

[@hiraether6209]

It was clear before if you've ever listened to Dana talk. He's a petty man child narcissist with no soul or heart

[@thomasmathis6605]

Right off the jump, you could tell they wanted to hold hands throughout the interview.

[@alejandrizzle26]

😂😂😂😂😂 yoooo you won

[@thesilentassassin1167]

I am surprised Brett isn't on his knees

[@sandipanroy3106]

Ayo 💀

[@Anfielddisciple]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@Mr.T-BAGGIN-UR-MOM]

I was waiting for brett to lay his head on Dana's lap and Dana to start grooming him. Maybe start with a little head massage, dana act like he forgot to zip up his zipper 🤣

[@Eric-xh5jr]

Another hard hitting interview Brett well done 👍🏼🤡

[@rickyvera5034]

If you don’t like it don’t watch goofy

[@Eric-xh5jr]

I didn’t Donald

[@juniorbeckham2928]

@@Eric-xh5jr how'd u know what was said then lol

[@SamuelGarcia-oz3lg]

@@rickyvera5034 I love the ufc so I have to watch this guy lol I think he sucks

[@Shilo_Primetime1010]

Guys just keeping his job

[@sgfitness1030]

Starting to question the integrity of the company that I've supported for so long after this weekend.

[@keri17]

Same here

[@Ona-Kin]

Same here been a fan since 07, love the fight game and personalities but don't give a f about hype and pushing these selected people and the cheating smoke n mirrors. They let people fight on roads knowingly, push their agenda fighters, and screw the talent if it doesn't catch a headline

[@kyleglennon5336]

They need to have a formula that’s not arbitrary

[@scottc2076]

I’m sure you were fine when they gifted Khabib a 30-27 against Tibau, or when they rigged the scales so that Charles would miss weight.

[@thevaden2024]

@@scottc2076True. Khabib vs Tibau should have been way closer. And the ufc don’t like Charles

[@akhilravindran6133]

Everybody expecting Brett to question Dana about paddy pimblett fight Brett: What's your favorite food dana?

[@gamebredo8880]

This interview is way before the fight night..you should know that

[@akhilravindran6133]

@@gamebredo8880 Even if this interview had occurred after the fight, I don't think Brett would've brought up about pimblett. Not everybody can question like Ariel.

[@JohanLiebert1]

are you an idiot? he even says it in the video 3:13

[@sameernaseri9051]

Interview was before the fights

[@sallgoodman2323]

Welcome to the Psychic hotline where we glance into the future and discuss the results of fights yet to come!!!😁

[@Induna123]

Brett "Ariel can keep his principles, I get to sit with the big man" Okamoto

[@lucastfitness7299]

Lol😂

[@samuraijack0876]

😂😂😂

[@everydaffodil5344]

💀💀💀

[@Talix.]

Here comes Brett with the softball questions

[@lowlowseesee]

people hate on brett but i know few people who wouldnt take this job including myself and even fewer who would do it better lol

[@Rex1010best]

@@lowlowseesee schmo

[@sallgoodman2323]

Tee-ball

[@marlingod]

@@lowlowseesee part of the conversation is that he IS taking the job. The job is asking softball questions; that's where the different perspectives stem from.

[@bikkyful]

@@lowlowseesee Yes because you are spineless & will suck the tip for money & being a bottom sissy.

[@gavinmitchell4477]

YES the scripted interview we’ve all been waiting for 😂

[@lowlowseesee]

LOLOL ahhhh thanks for that. i couldnt put my feelings into words and you did it

[@gavinmitchell4477]

@@lowlowseesee I couldn’t help myself 😂

[@keri17]

Notice they really emphasised it was pre recorded before the weekends joke of a night yet Dana later says he was 45 mins late and the interview was also late

[@blueiceredbean4233]

Man Time Machine does exists

[@theDavidChannel1]

I'm surprised Dana didn't kick him out with all those outrageous questions

[@saynotothegreatreset]

That's the questions he wants initially was Ariel Dana's head would look like a fire-ball

[@notoftentold4076]

Chandler vs Conor is a boring fight. Chandler will just be polite and i rather want someone who Conor has a beef with like Justin Gaethje but Conor will never take that fight

[@Elevatordoors]

Mn😅es🎉3😅​@@saynotothegreatreset brb job can 😢 DVD bcfrxdvvbrcrenc see bbtsrr😢behblb t I r en

[@WitchyWithASideOfQueso]

@@notoftentold4076 so the trash talk is more important than the quality of the fight, huh? hahah

[@rolandlee57]

@@notoftentold4076you know the fight and build up are different

[@suj1201]

I haven't seen Dana so relaxed in an interview in years. It’s almost like he gave Brett the questions to ask

[@mls01981]

Brett Okomoto: "This interview is not going to be released until next week." Don't worry Brett. Hard-hitting interviews like yours are timeless -- if you played this a year from now, no one would be able to tell the difference.

[@arjunmustaine1761]

🤣🤣🤣

[@anthonycukier1807]

Dana: I will eat like this the rest of my life. also Dana: on this week's fukit friday, cheetOreo pancakes 🤡

[@Isaac-ro1jl]

lol

[@JonoPich]

hahahahaha this comment wins for mine

[@higorgie9050]

Doesn't make sense 😅 regardless he's sure making healthy choices

[@lukemurray4950]

🤣🤣😂

[@stkjoey4136]

Lmfaooooo

[@Catonius]

Bert Yokobono with the hard hitting questions.

[@RahulKumar-pf2us]

LoL

[@GoldWulfMusic]

How Dana sat on a comfy couch while having a conversation with Brett AND DID NOT fall asleep is beyond me

[@jessejames2546]

If DC is the golden fluffer, Brett is the titanium tickler

[@Jameslfgsmith]

Save y’all the time 21:30 is the James Krause piece

[@earthlingserrano3572]

Thank you playa

[@ableton-i3d]

James Kraust the gambling addict

[@kevinsmoon3257]

Thank you man !!

[@serdavezilla6494]

Legend👊

[@mustnotsleepmustwarnothers6463]

Thanks

[@yogic_law]

Dana checking in with his side piece ☠️

[@AliFrankTheTank]

his main (connor) gettin jealous

[@ajd0101]

he's to old for that

[@ivanvargas2425]

17:30 can’t believe Dana can say that and Brett not respond to how it took Nate Diaz years to get out of the contract he didn’t want to be in anymore

[@RyderPoleyProduction]

This is Brett, not Ariel lol

[@roarky9461]

That’s exactly why Brett gets these.. Dana knows he won’t make him look bad

[@alcottdevalte7440]

Brett always asks stupid questions and is a moron. Not to mention that these types of interviews are always for damage control and make the company look like saints.

[@Bxzzxd]

Is this ur first Brett interview?

[@Gratefulfellow]

We both sometimes Nate Diaz says one thing and mean another thing. Besides Nate Diaz is a needle mover. Also Nate says one thing to the media the other time he says something different. Ngannou not so much.

[@luiscortez4057]

Loving the comment section you guys are the real mvps 🔥🔥🔥just hope they don’t disable the comment section in the future

[@nyteowl8069]

Time for Brett to butter up his boss

[@sallgoodman2323]

No one buttered up Dana like Paddy, he layed it on thick

[@jarnold1789]

Brett’s knees must be sore

[@gl0rgex]

thank you brett for asking all the right questions we all want to know 🙏🏼 so thankful for reporters like you my boy 🤡

[@ShogunateDaimyo]

So Dana what's your favorite... candy bar?

[@jonjonescellmate4955]

I will always click on a Brett Okamoto interview just to see the comments roasting him

[@morrid17]

I wish the producer would dim the lights and give these two lovebirds both a glass of wine.

[@USFighter]

I've been to 3 UFC events in my life, 10 baseball games, 8 NFL games, 2 pro boxing matches, 1 NBA game,countless big 10 college sport competitions. Nothing compares to my 3 ufc events the first event I ever went to was ufc 68 in 2007. When Randy hit Tim with that overhand and dropped him I have never heard a crowd that loud and interactive. When randy won the fight people were crying and hugging man. Ufc has had a huge impact on my life.

[@cammyk68]

What was the impact? Did you buy a poster that’s on your wall that inspires you every day?😂😂

[@madeovstarstuff]

​@@cammyk68 it's a troll

[@Jidds]

17:49 Oh yea Dana, it was no problem for Nate to get out of his contract 😂

[@JG1995WPG]

he wanted khamzat to beat him so bad , the vegas odds for nate vs khamzat was insane

[@aswerty911]

HAha yea, no problem if that means wasting 2 years of a guy's life then trying to destroy him on the way out.

[@HiMyNameIsDannny]

"Are we done with candy forever?" Riveting opening question by Brett. I understand opening soft with Dana before the hard questions but come on man.

[@jarnold1789]

He asked Jan about smashing snowmen for like three minutes straight. He is not good

[@Elicameron-o2n]

Brett is the journalist you get on wish

[@teigeo]

Brett is the journalism equivalent of Rose vs Carla 2

[@hiraether6209]

😂 😂 😂

[@sheikhhasan3901]

What a great main event. Hats off to both the fighters. Boos for the mean Dana who failed to appreciate sportsmen who put their lives at risk.

[@retiredtidepodeater3339]

Man stop lying... It wasn't the worst fight ever but it was far from "great".

[@chutcentral]

Nobody's life was at risk in that terrible fight, let me tell ya

[@Sdot-od8jf]

It was a great contest! Last minute change from 3 to 5 rounds. Both fighters performed well. I was entertained. Ankalaev’s legs were getting busted up, his mobility was compromised and he pivoted his game plan successfully. Why would you hate on the fight?? And then out of spite offer the belt to others.

[@Thunderfist_McBeefcake]

Yeah, let's kill the sport.

[@promullet]

@malus1426 what a stupid thing to say in a public place. What % of the audience visited the hospital to get treated after the event?

[@Ash_Hudson]

2:50 Brett: "What was the dumbest thing you did in 2022?" Dana: "We rigged the Pimblett vs Gordon fight"

[@Times397]

"Nobody ever goes to a UFC event and says this wasn't worth it I'm not coming back" Me after the last UFC event I went to in 2018: "This wasn't worth the money, I'd rather watch it at home" Yes, I had good seats

[@captain5121]

Which event was it?

[@Opticillusion160]

speak for youself, i went with buddies to the ufc orlando event couple weeks ago and it was badass. Sat in nosebleeds

[@Times397]

@@captain5121 UFC Fight Night: Barboza vs. Lee

[@LcInfantrySr]

@@Times397 I was there too lol

[@Times397]

@@LcInfantrySr haha nice…when Branch got the KO I was shocked

[@foenfriends]

Hahaha The overwhelming positivity felt for dana in these comments is everything he deserves. 10/7 Helwani

[@mmafan2597]

Dana after interview: good job Bret.good job son😂

[@hadispencerkylething]

Brett interviews like a middle schooler interviewing their principal

[@TheNavyGonzo]

This weekend made me lose all faith in the legitimacy of the UFC

[@ahitch3681]

Spoken like a true casual. You have to watch fights with YOUR BRAIN, not your heart.

[@sallgoodman2323]

It has shown that when he wants a particular path for a certain fighter, he'll pave that road in gold and glory.

[@Mikeymike301]

@UC9EWfrvJcmW_utvhLleYpBQ FACTS cause if this weekend had him shook, he would have a stroke watching Japanese MMA events back in the day!

[@Mcfc2Rich]

Because of the Nevada Athletic State Commission? Makes sense.

[@TheAntManChannel]

and who are you?

[@bushidoseven]

Some more hard hitting questions from Brett

[@jaysonwallace7865]

Dana basically wrote the script and Brett played the role of “journalist” for this whole interview. Lmao

[@kylechristie5145]

Brett: Dana, you have a huge hog. Possibly the biggest in existence. How does that make you feel? Dana: Wow what a great question. It feels great. Perfect in fact

[@walterkaiyuenpang3556]

Dana : Perfect infact, Paddy will tell ya ! Isn't Paddy awesome ? Great Kid !!!

[@jamiestwrt]

Hahaha

[@ivanvargas2425]

Sucks they can’t have a real journalist interview Dana.

[@jakeslon]

Brett has become someone that Dana wanted Ariel to be, he was preparing him for years. Open so many avenues for him. Independence and freedom means more for some then others.

[@hakanalper5417]

Dana’s health thing in the last 6 months is just him coming off cycle and feeling terrible😭

[@imagineheavenbookbyjohnbur2480]

That's a really good point bro. You could be right!

[@MMAShortShow]

He had to cut the coke out! That's what really happened

[@imagineheavenbookbyjohnbur2480]

@@MMAShortShow that's a really good point too! Lol

[@MMAShortShow]

@@imagineheavenbookbyjohnbur2480 I mean he did go to that "specialist" who can apparently tell you exactly when you'll die by a couple blood tests and when he told Dana 10.6 years..... all of a sudden Dana is Mr. Health! Roids and coke gotta go lmao

[@kreed82]

You can see the difference in his face and neck area.

[@ax23xr]

how much is Dana paying ESPN right now to have this interview not aired

[@irasherman3422]

Surprised Brett didn’t ask him what his favourite colour is 🙄

[@Xenamos]

I’ve never thought UFC was rigged until this last card. That really stings as a long time die hard fan.

[@Gratefulfellow]

Get your emotion out of it. UFC doesn't control Judging. The Commission does. Blame the Commission.

[@ultimatefitnessgym]

Brett Okamoto out here making Between Two Ferns look like 60 Minutes

[@jimmygan801]

hjfahahahhhahahahahahhahahahaha im wheezing, this deserves way more like lmfao

[@Hyperslob]

After fixed PPV and he calls a meeting real quick to be cool and distract fans from what just happened. He has the judges in his pocket.

[@1984-i1w]

that's nonsense, c'mon

[@jonathanmcleish7506]

Interview was filmed prior to the weekend.

[@Gratefulfellow]

Thank for the common sense reply. A lot of people post here out of emotion. Fixed fight like Common.

[@thieflack7132]

Dana white wrote the questions

[@wooshangjr]

Paddy admitted to coasting in the 3rd round against Gordon because his ankle was "sore" and then Dana said that Gordon lost because he coasted. The gaslighting is real.

[@scottc2076]

Possible they both coasted

[@escandon785]

They both coasted .not that complicated

[@IamLegend32]

17:17 Dana: If you don't want to be here, we don't want you here. The feeling is mutual. He says this literally right after talking about Francis.. Francis has been talking about wanting to leave the UFC for the last 2-3 years but the UFC has kept him from doing anything else other than the UFC.

[@Gratefulfellow]

But this time he's serious. All Francis does jos whine, complain so if he really wants to go he can go. Let keep the division moving.

[@steeztv6230]

Bretts the ultimate yes man

[@ghiulaidani9873]

Brett again bringing the hard hitting questions !! What a man !!

[@TYancy001]

I like the fact that he said he has to focus on Africa because if he doesn’t another 10 years will pass. It’s a lesson in living life with intention:

[@RamboSambo2350]

Each Brett Okamoto interview with Dana has less substance than the last. We all know who was willing to be Dana's personal PR and who had some integrity and left ESPN

[@jamesmelton4412]

Wow, Brett….what a deep and insightful interview. Way to really ask the tough questions and not prance around to try and earn favor with the UFC execs. You giant tool.

[@SevenTwo5ive]

hey brett can u do an interview in the plank position next you always have these trendy interview positions

[@0ER17]

UFC PI in Mexico would be so awesome. More Mexican talent to get more Mexican American fans.

[@emperorpalpatine4681]

Luke Thomas is spot on with what he says about journalism in this industry

[@kreed82]

What did he say? Though i have always said if Ariel (who has always come off as a fan with resources) is seen as the standard barrier that is a sorry statement.

[@richfrommitch]

Brett "can I have a sweet, please?" Okamoto.

[@scottfoster-burner]

Man this shows how much Dana has Brett in his pocket. Why in the tf does Brett even have a notebook.

[@hiraether6209]

When he was still being manufactured they glued it there for appearances

[@mphoratshefola8945]

Dana: "This guy in LA wanted to cut my tonsils out and widen my throat..." Brett: Well Dana, if you want to see how wide my throat is... Pause!

[@jonathanfrench6975]

did dana write the questions? he should just film himself in front of a mirror asking the questions and answering them himself

[@skwrrskwr]

Where's Brett's journalism award? This is gold.

[@VILLAGEOFDEATH]

Brett asking the hard hitting questions again, the guy even sends himself to sleep

[@dontbesaid]

Does Brett work for Dana? It's like a Q4 performance bonus meeting!

[@austinbraasch7449]

I hope he does this with Ariel someday

[@imagineheavenbookbyjohnbur2480]

Keep hoping ma man

[@munknown9722]

Love Dana but man it’s annoying that he always gives the ESPN interviews to his puppet Brett.

[@Nswix]

Complaining about a little bit of gambling is rich, after smiling and nodding your head during that Pimblett decision...

[@bikkyful]

@@chamanHashira Okay sissy emotional triggered queen

[@jasonhumphrey6601]

There's no one else on the planet I'd rather be than Uncle Dana. Thank God for that man

[@DublinSoulja]

I haven't watched it yet but I can only imagine the softballing I'm in store to witness second thoughts might just not even watch lol

[@sanatsrivastava2814]

This was such a boring interview. Is Brett making a documentary on Dana's life? Jeez. Brett has some potential but the man relies on Dana for his career. That's what happens

[@kenyang7050]

Brett, you company man

[@Bizness10]

I’m not sure what softer, the butter on my counter or Brett?

[@cobuf8235]

If brett could become danas pet and be on a leash for the rest of his life he would sign immedieatly

[@joaofreitas2899]

This isn't an interview. This is PR.

[@scottbrown8934]

Changed my life.... now i can eat deep fried chicken wrapped in salted bacon served in a cheese wheel.... changed my life

[@sallgoodman2323]

Paddy has no head movement, although Dana would disagree.

[@RP-77]

As soon as I read the title I knew it was suspicious. Then I saw Okamoto and this interviews credibility went straight to the toilet.

[@GalactusOG]

Meanwhile the Pimblet and Omaley robberies.

[@AliFrankTheTank]

O Malley won😭😭😭😭😭

[@tcrook23]

You get caught doin this? YOURE GOING TO FEDERAL PRISON 🤣

[@Droppinboze1]

Brett over here throwing easy layups for his boss…

[@Metal_Kimura]

Dana hire me I'll scout fighters, run security, sweep the floors, bury your enemies in the desert mountains. I'll move to Vegas tomorrow

[@miguelfielding3438]

I just want to know if they accidentally touched foot to foot

[@yayyay719]

Follow the money. Follow my money $400 on Gordon I’ll never get them back I was robbed by delusional referees, caught or not it won’t change a fact that my money was stolen

[@-jovoc]

Krause robbed the casinos, now he will be locked up for life

[@TheAntManChannel]

Getting pegged

[@trevinoandsons4615]

From Laura Sanko to the Django 🥒

[@Opticillusion160]

nah is pure shadiness… dude leaked private info on his own fighter to his paid betting subscribers. That sets a ridiculous precedence ripe for fraud

[@jasonshapiro9932]

I don’t think he robbed them. I think he MIGHT have attempted to. In that case, he would certainly serve some prison time.

[@Adam911_]

This was the most pointless interview ever. Great job softamoto

[@roarky9461]

Everyone knows Brett gets these because dana picks the questions

[@piccioni1022]

God I swear Brett blows dana

[@RahulKumar-pf2us]

agreed 💯

[@Raghuveer2798]

💀💀

[@GA-gm4xq]

Dana please resign. UFC would be 10x better with a competent chairman

[@DeanRockwell21]

Brett trying to replace Laura Skankhoe as Dana’s favorite side piece 😂

[@robhaidar2853]

Dana is a Jibroni, always has been always will be… back to the Ortiz days

[@Faithless2023]

hey dana the ufc took a hit community wise after this past weekend. between ROBBERIES terrible comments about fighter and making a fight for the LHW belt with the most confusing on the spot (out of anger) decision… AND ontop of all that the super suspect clip of you and dave looking Reaaaaallly worried about what that decision was going to be then that little nod from dana basically saying (i told you dave i got our boy) pathetic.

[@johnboylan3832]

Brent: Dana thanks for the end of year interview and thanks for giving me this sheet of questions just there.

[@Faithless2023]

what are these questions right now?! can we get a REAL JOURNALIST like ARIEL maybe?! just a thought!