Must-see video: Dana White on Randy and Ryan Couture

The Dana White/Couture family saga has gotten pretty interesting in a rubber-necking sort of way over the last week or so. After Randy Couture signed a deal with Spike and Bellator, Dana White basically disowned him from the UFC, with Randy's son, Ryan, caught in the middle. Dana White sat down with LayzieTheSavage and the assembled press after UFC 156 last night to discuss the Couture situation and lay out every single detail anyone could ever ask for in this story. Dana recalls texts, phonecall-ducking, and the extremely cool way he handled the mess with Ryan Couture.
We don't want to give anything away, but this is a much-watch video. So watch it.

[@ebsell]

He is pissed at Randy because Randy stood up and said i deserve more money and i want to fight Fedor. Sour grapes is all that is wrong with Dana

[@jeffmcharlton]

hes definitely good at making people hate him

[@abejutuubb]

true.

[@KH-wj5yt]

Hes angry because he worked with Scott Coker

[@jacobpaul6392]

He's angry he didn't say he was working with Bellator. Wouldnt you be mad if you built up a big farewell show for Randy and he bailed last minute to work with your rival? I agree with Dana 100%. Randy should've said something. All these old UFC dudes just want to play victim.

[@YouTubefreak92p]

@@jacobpaul6392 they were gonna let him headline one last fight card and he bailed,I didn't know that.

[@jintek7]

Dana White is an asshole, he help build the reputation of Randy Couture as "Captain American", and now because Couture is on Bellator, he wants to tarnish his reputation by saying he is a "lying piece of shit" I have heard Randy say that when he retired he expected the UFC to take care of him and offer him a job. So when Randy retired the UFC did nothing, they let this legend of the UFC , a man who tremendously helped not only this company but the sport of MMA, they left him out to dry. As soon as Matt Hugh retired, he's instantly offered a position with the UFC. This pissed off Randy, who thought his value was worth more than Hugh's.

[@jakevaline3792]

They are talking about why they left Randy out high and dry. He bailed on a fight and joined Bellator. You burn bridges like that with any job, then yes you aren't going to be taken care of after. Every person who comes at Dana White with this kind of shit thinks that this isn't an actual job or business. No it is exactly that. You have to make money and if your employees don't show up for work, it hurts the business and that hurts everyone's paycheck from Dana White down to the cornermen and even fans. I like Randy Couture as a fighter and person, but as a business man and a person who understands business what he did was bullshit and something a teenager would do.

[@jintek7]

jake valine Exactly which fight did he bail on? I thought he was retired, meaning he put on the gloves one more time fought against Lyoto Machida and was knocked out. Immediately following his fight he retired in the ring after being interviewed by Joe Rogan. "This is the last time you will see me where these gloves." Besides, all the fighters are under contract, no benefit, no insurance, they are essentially third party workers who do not work for the UFC directly. They owe no real loyalty to the UFC. Once Randy saw that the UFC was not going to offer him anything, he left for Bellator, as a business man you can understand that right? It was the smart decision for him. What came afterwards was a smear campaign on the part of Dana White to discredit the man who help build the UFC into power house it is today. And of course he had to, Couture just went to the enemy a rival competitor. Still, White took is beyond business, and only made himself look stupid, after all it was his company that gave randy Couture the "good guy" image, calling him "Captain America" every chance they got. They went even lower by banning Randy from his sons fights and not allowing him to coach his son. Literally endangering Ryan Coutures life and career. The kid has trained and been coached by his father all his life, now once he makes it into the big show he no longer has that benefit. It puts him at a total disadvantage and shows me the bitter low life Dana White is. He does not care for his fighters...why? Cuz they are just contract workers, to be disposed of whenever he wants. Look how he ruined Jon Jones reputation for not taking the lat minute fight against Chael Sonnen.

[@roarblast7332]

jake valine these people love what they do. they love to fight. if they miss a fight, it's not the end of the world. there will be another time. The only people that really want to make fighters fight how THEY want, are people that dont care about them and just want to exploit them for every conceivable penny. like dana white. The way dana probably sees it, is that because they decide to get in the ring, that means it's balls to the wall no holds bar. the truth is though, if these people managed their own careers, like will be the case at some point in the future, it's been developing in boxing for some time, they would still be successful, rich, and would only fight when they needed to for THEIR own careers. pretending like these people aren't mistreated, and that excessive amounts of money aren't unfairly going into undeserving hands, is a joke.

[@BeardedMikeG]

Dana saying Frank Shamrock never shuts up is totally the pot calling the kettle black.

[@gaspanic69]

LOL

[@christiancarranza1003]

Yup!

[@creekbedmedia]

Listing to all sides of this and taking into consideration the personality's involved here is what I am hearing. Randy has never been close with Dana but Dana on the other hand is a guy that is really personal and requires a certain level of friendship. Dana did not want Randy as his HW champ at the start and was open about it. This rubbed Randy the wrong way and so they have never been super tight the way Dana likes. Randy left the UFC years ago on bad terms. He finally had to come back due to financial and legal obligations. This only made the rift worst. Randy finally retired. At that time Dana was giving big giant pay days to guys like Chuck Liddell and Matt Huges but cause of all the past rifts Randy had to fight to get a deal where he would commentator 4 to 5 fights a year when guys like Liddell are getting fat salary to work part time as a company EXC. Dana even said that Randy begged for that which is his way of saying he really did not want to work with him. Again a lot of mounting past issues where Dana wants to do business on a personal level and Randy wants the managers to handle and to get everything he thinks he's worth. Randy decided to go to work for the company that owns Spike. He does not work for Bellator or even Spike. He works for the company that owns Spike and Bellator. Considering that Randy is trying to be more of a actor lately that makes perfect sense. Honestly how is commentating for the UFC 4 to 5 times a year going to do anything for his future in the long run? Now to Dana's credit when Randy retired the first time UFC offered Randy a very nice postion inside the company and he turned it down and when he was ready to come out of retirement UFC welcomed him with open arms and gave him a immediate title shot in a divisor he had not had a fight in in years. Breaking it down. Randy felt like he should not have to be in the boys club and be best friends with Dana to get what he felt was rightfully his. Dana took this has a snug against him and things have only gotten worst through the years. To both of their credits they have done their best to get along but they just simply don't get along. The adult way to handle this would be let Randy go do his thing. Honor his legacy in the sport and leave all this he said she said stuff out of it. Don't drag his kid into by insulting his dad or refusing to allow a fight to chose his corner cause you don't like the guy.

[@eddymontero6658]

I agree 👍💯. Seems to me like Randy is the ore mature out of the 2. Funny cause Dana is older and looks like child throwing a tantrum. Pathetic 😂. He's letting his emotions get the better of him. At the end of the day business is business. I don't think like Dana neither. I'm not a leader I'm a follower. That's what gets under Dana White's skin. The fact that Randy is not a follower. Attacking his kids is one pathetic move on his part. His kids have nothing to do with it and it just shows that Dana is all act and no class.

[@Hpencer]

One huge thing you didn’t include: Randy advocated for himself for his value and to paid fairly. He also made efforts for other fighters to get paid fairly too. Dana hates this basically more than anything else. Seems like nothing pisses him off as much as his fighters trying to get decent money and benefits.

[@DTH_MT]

I met Randy last weekend. No, I didn't pay to see him fight. I paid $10.00 for a t shirt, had it signed, took a picture with him, then had a little conversation afterwords about me being a disabled vet, and his family and himself being in the military. Did he go and pocket these funds? No, it went to helping wounded soldiers. I wonder how many other things Dana will come up with in order to make more money? No, I really don't want to know.

[@zenshinacademy4096]

I had such high regard for Randy, while watching him as an older fighter doing all these great things in the cage, because I was an "older fighter" in less of a spotlight but none the less a figure to look up to. I actually met him once and it is always said, never meet your hero's they will always disappoint. That is all I have to say about that. Maybe he was having a bad day, is what I try to tell myself.

[@bornready8157]

Dana looks like he's about to cry when talking about randy 😂😂😂😂

[@juliodj1986]

Wow im only 1:13 in, and this guy already dissed 2 of the greatest legends ever smh. Randy and frank

[@michaelbenefield5644]

Can’t talk about a legend like your taking to your buddy

[@kingcdk]

Him taking everything personal comes from him thinking he owns those fighters. If he didnt feel like those people belonged to him, he wouldnt talk so crazy about them.

[@autoselectricos-americalat9276]

Dana White is the modern day owner of the Ben Hur movie. Except that nowadays slaves are not tied with chains, they are paid some pocket change and they are called independent contractors.

[@mmanut]

His side. He hates Frank Shamrock because he refused to sign after leaving the UFC undefeated Champion. He also was responsible for starting Strikeforce. Don't ever believe what DW says, he leaves many details out, conveniently.

[@user-nt2bk5tu1e]

This aged like wine

[@st762410]

Randy seemed like the good guy and dana the bad until this video answered any questions. Dana seemed pretty straight up. I still haven't seen any videos with Randy trying to clear this situation.

[@mackyj3255]

Randy couture on the Dan Patrick show he clears the situation I’m rocking with Randy

[@robjennings9143]

If the UFC paid fighters there worth, nobody would leave. These fighters put there life’s on the line, a lot more than boxers. I was completely shocked at what they got paid, it’s crazy low.

[@billcipher3946]

Boxers take more damage dude

[@bradford7944]

dam...Dana never has anything good to say about no one

[@james575730]

he did say good things, he said randy has his respect when he is in the cage

[@zmvpainting]

Dana: "you know how I am, I like to be up front and tell the truth." lmao best line ever from a salesman.

[@plutonium6280]

This person talks like he knows what a man is.Yet he has no loyalty except to money and himself.

[@tangodelta6890]

Plutonium I get what your saying, but in his defense he's not running a charity, if fighters don't like the bag they can fight elsewhere... If you were a business owner doing well would you pay YOUR employees significantly more than they are willing to work for?

[@Luckyloony]

Tango Delta if they’re damaging their brain while working for me then yes I would be more than happy to pay them as much as I can

[@Mitchx42]

He dosent respect the guys that have done so much for the UFC and MMA particularly Randy and Frank

[@jwchicano]

Couldn't erase Randy Couture even if he wanted.... He knows that.

[@infinitor1984]

I like Dana and I like Randy, I hope one day they will work together again Randy is a legend and Dana is the best promoter in the business, I think it will be great for MMA if these two guys buried the hatchet, (life is too short to hold grudges)

[@festdir]

Well, that settles it. Thanks bro.

[@brandonhankins9427]

Dana is the furthest thing from being in shape #DoubleChinChamp

[@REVENGEANCE206]

EXACTLY & what about when Randy Couture was champ he tried to go to Affliction.I guess people forget what happened to that company.Dana brought him back & gave him the fight with Brock.That was a helluva payday for Randy, yet he cant even call the guy to tell him he is going to leave.

[@mohanathukorala]

This guy is a straight forward guy and he got some balls to talk about the truth,,,,,,

[@yaakw]

Dana Sarface White: " I always tell the truth. Even when I lie!"

[@BassPlayerGuy123]

Dana, to be in such a position of power, is the realest G on the planet!

[@chrism77m]

He's making it up as he goes along

[@slipnorris5882]

there is a problem when business men make more money than the fighters, and it's not even close money wise

[@RuffertoLux069]

+SLIP NORRIS It's telling that Ken Shamrock, Frank Shamrock, Randy Couture, Tito Ortiz, etc. all say Dana ripped them off. I've met Randy Couture in person and he's one of the nicest, calmest people I've ever met. Dana is such a thief.

[@noryno9]

Why should Dana not get paid more, there would be NO UFC without him... None. Fighters will come and go. Do I think they should get more money, absolutely but that doesn't mean Dana should get less. UFC, hell MMA is what it is mainly because of him getting these talented fighters out there. Can't watch something if it's not there to be seen.

[@SicFromTheKush]

Dana is more important to the sport than any individual fighter. Guess what, money doesnt make a great fighter better. It just doesnt. Do you think 19 year old randy couture gave a fuck about money? I dont, i think he wanted to fight, and i think 19 year old randy would be ashamed of himself for leaving the best organization in the world because of money. Quote from tim kennedy: Youre telling me I have to fight one man, with no weapon, who weighs the same as me, and i know the exact date and time it will happen? And im supposed to be scared?

[@nocturnal6129]

Is it just me or does Dana look like a toothless crack addict when he grins...?

[@Reznor2003]

Frank Shamrock should be in the Hall of Fame

[@AmericanCombatAssoc]

Keep it Classy AerobicsBoy LOL

[@weaponx100]

Randy disappeared. History tells the whole story Win for Dana

[@davidpokolindo8546]

No way…Dana made Randy disappear, completely hiding everything Randy did for MMA and the UFC

[@weaponx100]

@@davidpokolindo8546 Wrong. Randy works for pfl now. Probably screwed Bellator over on the way there too

[@Krokodilius]

note: ryan couture has fought in bellator for over 2 years now.

[@JGorilla1]

this one of the best story i ever heard, wow

[@OzPride6025]

Good on ya Dana ! Respect

[@jdisgood00]

Dana vs Frank Shamrock. Dana vs Couture. Make it happen. I will pay double to see that

[@Tommy1198S]

Dana, would you say those things to Randy in a dark alley? No freakin' way, wuss.

[@SicFromTheKush]

You only think that because YOUR behavior changes when youre face to face, it doesnt mean everyone is like that. Wuss

[@gavinmoran6880]

but it's okay for Dana to lie because it doesn't suit him for certain people to know certain things.....

[@BrockMak]

But Ryan got released after back-to-back losses in August, 2013. I'm not sure if that is a rule in UFC where you can't take that.

[@chazly30]

NEVER did i say he should be paid equal as the fighters! I simply said he should pay fighters more then he does.And it was only after a little research that it urked me so bad i decided to voice my opinion (which everyone is allowed to have) Im more then willing to have this convo with you but don't put words in my mouth n pay attention to what ppl say.It might even benefit you also to do a little research yourself so you atleast aware of the figures that we're talking about.

[@josemcnaldo1977]

There's always two sides to a story, but Dana always comes across as in the right with his interviews.

[@craig0weston20]

Could you imagine if Randy took this personally. 😡

[@DontClarify]

what does he say at 6:18 I cant undertand it

[@Hitman.13.]

"Randy couture can't buy a ticket to this mf..." A bit late to clarify

[@PTJQ1999]

I generally like Dana but his story is completely bs.

[@ryant6284]

Dana is a man of respect and if I were in his shoes, I wouldn't respect someone doing business cowardly through dodging calls and responding by text messages, then not staying with his word. Makes you lose respect for that person. Dana never disrespected Randy when it comes to fighting in any way. Its not fun doing business with people who have weak character traits

[@kmyer11]

Dana you didnt do anything for someone who made the UFC... its amazing how more and more your true colors come out.

[@JEFFCLEVANDR]

Its true though... Dana is just the figure head and the person put forth to rep the co. in the public image. Lorenzo & Frank Fertitta were the ones that built the company. It was their strategic business motto that saved and brought the co from obscurity. Not Dana.

[@jeffruffner7534]

I like how he always has these big mouth response unlike any other promoter, he would look better saying something like "Randy Couture abandoned his contract so we had to take legal action". It would sound more professional.

[@WashedCoachWith3Chips]

What Dana said and did with Randy and Ryan Couture was straight up petty bullshit! Why should one of the pioneers of the UFC ask permission to get a job elsewhere?

[@stanvaksman5651]

No one said he should ask permission, the issue is that he said he was going to take the job with the ufc and secretly negotiated with another company and then lied about it to Dana. Being a Pioneer doesn't give you the right to do what ever you want. And just for the record the Ufc (Dana) did way more for Randy than Randy did for the UFC. The UFC was a side show before Dana and the fertitas took it over

[@SicFromTheKush]

You can get a job without having problems, but you cannot fight unless you fight for the organization you are under contract with. They cant make you pay for your contract, but they can stop you from fighting for someone else unless you do pay for your contract. without dana white randy has nothing. Without randy dana would be just fine

[@pondiefiggy]

Dana knows what he's doing people think he's a jerk and what not he knows the fighters and if we don't know what's going on then we shouldn't comment on it

[@konm68]

he was pissed cause he ditched the contract they had i would be pissed also.And about the fact(assuming Dana tells the truth) that he would not even man up and tell it to his face that wouldve pissed me off even more.Its not about the decision its the way he went about it.Thats why i think he is so mad

[@danishdalton9552]

Thats not Dana's style. He is honest, and that is why we love him.

[@jonmitchell9019]

Yep and when you need to get rid of someone how many times did you really call them Dana or you had someone else paid him. When Randy wasn't the man at the beginning of his career let him know it was a business and business is done with representatives. That is how business is done.

[@nocturnal6129]

Whether or not Dana or Randy is/was at fault doesn't matter. This is not the venue to have a shit slinging contest. Especially since we don't need to hear their personal or business disputes on television in front of the world. Even if Randy was present to respond it was still not the time, place, or appropriate.

[@yahawahreuben1159]

Texts is how it's done these days get use to it

[@Ruben_Martinez91]

Dana wasn't a man when they fired Stitch Duran

[@terrycasey1148]

this is the side of dana that we wish we never saw...

[@cbryan3549]

Ryan Couture was cut shortly after loool

[@raulgomez1623]

Enjoy this Dana White, cause now that he and the UFC will be owned by a board of directors, they're going to put a lid on him.

[@fatboyx14]

From someone who had his parents purchase a VHS of UFC(single digit) at age 16...Shame on Dana White for disrespecting Randy. Thumbs Fucking down.

[@jimmysmooch]

I still don't get how the UFC banned Randy from cornering... The fighter's corners register with the Athletic Commission, not the UFC. Seems like the promotion would be in violation if they tried to intervene.

[@JasonDibelius]

Dana doesn't get to decide who corners a fighter. Who does he think he is?

[@RedberetVC]

bro he built the ufc, how can you say hes not a good manager or businessman

[@fakegibsonssuck7755]

Dana is talking about himself!!!

[@powwowcritic13]

Another reason why Dana White and Vince McMahon are so alike. Can't wait until Dana is shown the door 🚪 and then he ends up at PFL or some other company talking shit about how TKO aka UFC treated him like shit.

[@helgar791]

Why oh why can't Dan ever say exactly how he feels? Love him or hate him admit it, the guy has no limiter.

[@bboysmith]

Dana closed me on his Randy Couture weakness... But i wonder about his initial intentions on calling Randy's son.

[@Calinks]

This is the kind of stuff Rampage hates

[@stedson2002]

No matter how much skill a fighter has he won't make much money without promotion

[@SuperKoreanzombie]

People saying randy wasn't treated fairly when he retired. Do u remember the first time he retired after the liddell ko? Frank fertitta wrote randy a huge cheque thanking him for his work with the ufc. And it was a big sum which they didn't need to give him. Go ask team quest, randy started off with them guys. In the end they had enough of him and bought him out.

[@nocturnal6129]

4:01

[@REVENGEANCE206]

Actually he would say all of these things to Randy's face.

[@xwf2001]

i wonder what ken shamrock thinks about frank

[@MrH347]

Eh...I will side with Dana on this one, Randy could have operated a little bit smoother on this one. Yeah but Dana tends to always be "right" in these interviews. But the fact that Randy didn't come up front in any way shape of form really doesn't reflect well on him with this own arrangement

[@virulent01]

I do not watch UFC anymore, this dude isn't getting my money.

[@koko1914]

I love the sport of mma, I just hate how this asshole is the face of it

[@solow626]

Money is the root of all evil! "What is it to gain the world but lose your soul" Randy sold out!

[@RedberetVC]

that doesn't mean he didn't help build it. ??!

[@bjjsalzberry13]

How is there so much hate for Dana? Did you listen what he just said?

[@chazly30]

He's not all bad.I mean we have to admit this sport wouldn't be anywhere near what it is now without him and his producing/marketing skills but you absolutely can not deny that he is a bit unprofessional.

[@KingKrish00]

LOLOLOLOL straight alien tingz

[@mtg1470]

he's happy to never have to deal with Randy again? then why be mad when he left?

[@Calinks]

Stealing the show open? What?

[@DieSloeNow]

I stand with Dana 😈😈😤😤💪💪💪💪

[@phantomdancer3279]

cuz randy acts like a nice guy on camera but after he goes off camera he is not the same person.

[@jrhanikmsw]

sniper please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

[@tkapwn]

say what you want Randy Couture is an awesome example of what a man should be. Ohh hes leaving you so u want to talk shit about him. So fuckin typical of any boss or manager.

[@k3vinheyland]

So? Since when does the owner of a business make the same as his employees? Do you think the owner of an oil company makes the same as his janitor? Cmon dude, does the owner of the Patriots make the same as a Guard? It is a business, Dana is in the public eye more than almost any other owner and Dana treats the UFC like any other owner does, you just dont see it as much with any other owner.

[@JRM---516]

I'd like to see Frank Shamrock and Randy Couture crush the wimp, Dana White!

[@builtfordtough6192]

go check it out if you want to know

[@nasirjones3589]

Dana "Randy Couture was never my friend" White. 🙄

[@Christopher-mn6re]

he loves them but as soon as they leave the ufc he is shitting all over them

[@chazly30]

Also go back n read my other 4 comments (not just the two at the top of this post) and you'll have a better idea of the point of the conversation i was having with a couple other good guys.Those other comments are more important than the two at the top are if you ask me.ttyl bro

[@ws8061]

Me thinks old Randy might get the last laugh seeing as how he just testified in front of Congress and there's an ex MMA fighter in congress behind him

[@o0ojrocko0o]

Dana will kick Randy's ass

[@Juicy56]

UFC is two faced when it comes to doing business with their fighters. it is what it is, at least he is making it in Hollywood ,

[@lorienelozano1090]

dana is the man

[@RaykwonDaKilluminati]

@Neptune Tower Until the Zuffa mafia buys out Bellator lol, Just ask Pride FC, WEC & Strikeforce.

[@chazly30]

Read all my comments not just the two at the top of this post and you'll understand what i meant.Theres a way bigger point to the conversation i was having earlier with a couple good guys.Till then,don't disrespect ppl just cuz you never have to worry bout running into them.Actually kid,you shouldn't disrespect ppl period.Have a good day bro.

[@DTH_MT]

"Randy couldn't be less of a man outside of the cage". Really Dana? You show how many UFC fights on Pay Per View? And pocket how much money from the unreal price that people seem to be OK with paying? You are SO much more of a man, because you are the president of the UFC? Randy left because for too long you have either screwed him out of a promised payment(the reason Randy fought in Japan), or you billed him the underdog, and wanted new, younger fighters. No respect for YOU at all.

[@ebsell]

Dana has to stop running the UFC like a dictator and treat the fighters with more respect.

[@RenegadePyro]

Link to virus websites.

[@mmanut]

One last thing I must comment on, Frank Shamrock never said he wanted to fight DW, he said he would like to kick his ass. Fight DW, hardly a fight more like a total inialation of the world's biggest liar, DW.