Depositional inscription reveals that Dana White asserts he ‘transformed Ronda Rousey into a celebrity.’
Dana White claims significant achievement in turning Ronda “Rowdy” Rousey into a star (Source: Instagram)
The head honcho and taskmaster of the UFC has experienced various incidents. From involvement in a sexual trafficking lawsuit drama to berating a prized fighter over financial demands, he has seen it all. The latter incident comes to light as the UFC faces $1.6 billion in damages after an appeal in an anti-trust lawsuit case was denied. The unsealing of conversations within the promotion’s management regarding their fighters was a result of the anti-trust lawsuit. The latest development in this mix is .
In the recent leak of UFC-Bellator information, White criticized fellow promoter during a deposition, questioning him to enhance his ability to create stars. Specifically, the UFC CEO mocked Coker’s ability to “recycle” already well-known names (such as Ronda Rousey) for his Strikeforce or Bellator organizations. Here is what he said on the matter (h/t Bloody Elbow):
White ranks Rousey and 2-division champion above undefeated Dagestani phenom on his Top 5 UFC GOAT list, as evident from his interview on ‘GQ Sports’ YouTube channel. Rousey’s ex-boyfriend also once disclosed that the UFC offered an enormous fight purse for her return to the octagon. It seems that White is well aware of the fighter’s inherent value. However, the fighting community has not responded positively to his excessive pride in turning Rousey into a superstar.
A prominent response on X stated – “He probably thinks the same about McGregor hence why he’s holding him hostage.” This comment arises after the Dubliner announced a supposed return in International Fight Week (UFC 302), only for White to ignore it. This is not the only fan response, though.
The $1.6 billion Anti-Trust Lawsuit against the UFC was recently unsealed by Federal Judge Richard Boulware. The lawsuit, now a class-action affair, was initiated by former UFC fighters acting as plaintiffs (Case No. 2:15-cv-01045-RFB-BNW).
Since then, this matter has gained significant attention. From color commentator criticizing the monopoly to ex-UFC heavyweight accusing Dana White and the then-UFC Chairman of misconduct, the latest development in this string of events involves Ronda Rousey.
White has claimed to have turned Rousey into a superstar. Here is how the MMA community reacted:
He wore a Ronda shirt featuring her on the cover of the ESPN body issue before she had signed with the UFC. He was capitalizing on her fame, not the other way around. She was already a star. pic.twitter.com/5lQTzeSAkj
Let’s not forget that Dana repeatedly praised Rousey for already being a mainstream “breakthrough star” the year before she joined the UFC. pic.twitter.com/aQkvcPXss5
With a record of 12-2-0, Ronda Rousey (known from her time in Strikeforce) became an instant sensation in the WMMA 135lbs category.
Even before that, she was the first American woman judoka to win a bronze medal at the Summer Olympics. Rousey began her professional MMA career with ‘King of the Cage’ and later joined Strikeforce, where she became their final Women’s bantamweight Champion. Fans have suggested that White was aware of this before acquiring them under the UFC.
She didn’t have to fight or sign those contracts! It was her choice and hers alone!
Indeed, she was a star in the UFC.
What has she accomplished outside of the UFC that is noteworthy?
She was an Olympian, winning a silver or bronze medal in judo. She was also the Strikeforce champion, much like Dan Henderson. Strikeforce organized several mainstream shows before being bought by the UFC. It is true that she rose to become a household name in the UFC, but she was already a huge star.
I made her a pic.twitter.com/Qvg6xqooBz
He wouldn’t have invested so much in her if he didn’t think she was a star before she signed 😂
Eggman literally said, “There will never be a women’s division in the UFC” lmao. They soon created one when they saw how famous female fighters were becoming.
She was already a star who became even bigger because of the UFC platform.
Because of the UFC* and not just Dana.
While some fans have dismissed Rousey’s accomplishments before joining the UFC as ‘unremarkable,’ most others unanimously agree that White would not have invested in her if she hadn’t already been a prominent star, rendering his self-assured beliefs irrelevant.
According to the Source firstsportz.com