Dana White may be a bit of a goof, but he’s our goof.
Whether it’s talking smack about a pound-for-pound behemoth, talking smack about other promoters or talking smack about fans of the sport, Dana White’s penchant for smack-talking can sometimes make you wonder how he’s the president of a sports organisation.
However, underneath all the posturing, heated outbursts and the occasional baffling comment, White seems to have a big ol’ heart on him.
Just ask the fan he sorted out at UFC 201, or for a more recent example, ask UFC superstar Cris ‘Cyborg’ Justino.
When the UFC signed Cyborg in 2015, the promotion didn’t necessarily need her star power. Ronda Rousey and Conor McGregor’s ability to draw eyes meant that the Brazilian may not have received the promotion she warranted. For her first two bouts in the promotion, she didn’t even compete at her preferred weight class.
The times they are a changing for Cyborg though. Not only is the Brazilian competing at featherweight for the first time under the UFC banner this weekend, she will be doing so for the undisputed title against Tonya Evinger.
Plus, White appears to be in her good books following his wonderful gesture to a young fan who won a competition she ran through her social media channels.
@criscyborg I know your 214 contest ends tonight, but I'm wondering if you have you seen Ashlynn's video yet? https://t.co/0tBjNu44aY
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) July 26, 2017
Six-year-old Ashlynn, who is battling leukemia, won the chance to walk out with Cyborg at the ceremonial weigh-ins for UFC 214. Unfortunately, Cyborg’s team couldn’t make it happen in time. When White heard about Ashlynn’s story, he did something wonderful arranged for her and her guests to go back stage after the weigh ins to meet all the fighters, AND THEN he is treating them to tickets inside his personal seating section
The UFC president arranged for her to go backstage after the weigh ins to meet all the fighters, and he is also giving her tickets to watch the card from inside his personal seating section.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BXDsyV3FKTn/?taken-by=criscyborg&hl=en
Good man, Dana.
