UFC CEO Dana White harshly criticized “cancelling” and “cancel culture,” accusing those who perpetrate it of being similar to the culture of homophobia in the 1980s where media gatekeepers ruined people’s careers over their sexual orientation. He made the comments during an appearance on retired NFL player Shannon Sharpe’s podcast “Club Shay Shay.”

“Do you have a word about being cancelled, Dana?” Sharpe asked.

What does that mean, actually? Cancelled? Cancelled by who?” he replied. Sharpe laughed.

White went onto say that he could not care less what people who are outside his circle, his organization, or his fanbase have to say about him.

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He went on to deny that it is purely attributable to the fact that he has “f**k you” money, implying it’s due to his principles of freedom.

“Back in the 80s, if you came out and said you were gay, it could destroy your career. Imagine living a life where you can’t be who you really are,” White said. “It’s gotta be a horrible thing, right? F**k that! I am who I am, if you like or you don’t like, I don’t give a fuck. That’s your problem, not mine.”

White has put this principle into practice. When he was asked by a reporter in January if he thinks he should have a shorter “leash” on his fighters, White obliterated him for his word choice and said he does not keep a leash on anybody.

He also went on a similar rant about the owner of Peloton during an appearance of the Theo Von podcast in the fall, a moment which he mentioned on the episode with Sharpe.


Shane Devine is a writer covering politics and business for VT and a regular guest on The Unusual Suspects. Follow Shane’s work here.

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