White explains why he no longer takes part in fighter negotiations

Alexandr Ormanji April 6, 2026, 6:26 a.m.

UFC CEO Dana White explained why he has not been involved in negotiations with fighters for some time now.

"We were a small company, and as we grew, I built relationships with fighters like Chuck Liddell and Matt Hughes, and later with guys like Conor McGregor, Ronda Rousey, ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone — and the list goes on forever.

If they had problems in their lives, we were the first people they called, and I had to get personally involved in all of it.

Watch this story: Conor McGregor vs. Max Holloway Eyed for UFC 330: A Long-Delayed Rematch Could Shape Two Divisions

Obviously, over time we grew, and I completely stepped away from the contract negotiation side of dealing with fighters. At a certain point, I realized I wasn’t enjoying it anymore. I’m lucky to be at a stage in my life and career where I can focus only on the things I truly enjoy," White said in an interview with Kevin Harvick.

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