This is a recording of the first meeting between UFC’s Dana White and James Toney discussing the four division boxing world champion fighting in the Octagon. No other reporters were allowed in the room. This exclusive recording was made by David Avila and Don Avila from Uppercutmagazine.com
www.cbc.ca In 2001, Dana White became president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. The company was 44 million dollars in the hole. Fast forward to 2006. The UFC set a pay-per-view sales record – raking in more than 220 million dollars in revenue. So, how’d he do it? When Dana came on the scene, Mixed Martial Arts – or MMA – was a fringe sport. It was banned in 36 states. The pay-per-view providers wanted out and the fights were considered too bloody, brutal and violent. Even politicians were morally outraged. So, Dana reacted. He cleaned up the rules, brought in weight classes and put in a judging system. He marketed the fighters’ personalities and emphasized their athletic ability. He also made the fights more crowd friendly. Then he created a reality show called ‘The Ultimate Fighter.’ The show became huge and before you could tap out, the UFC became the fastest growing sport in America.
AM640s Jamie Tawil talks exclusively with UFC President Dana White before UFC 97. In Part 1, Dana White discusses when UFC fans can expect a live event in Toronto. He also talks about what fans can expect at UFC 97 in Montreal. www.640toronto.com
After eight fighters dropped off UFC 108, the final straw was matchmaker Joe Silva blowing his MCL. Uggh. UFC prez Dana White talks about the challenges. Are fighters dropping deliberately? Do you trust them? White answer those queries.
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