Dana White Bids Rampage Jackson Bon Voyage
by Luke Thomas on Sep 23, 2009 11:03 AM EDT
in MMA News
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Carmichael Dave got the scoop:
"Rampage is a grown man," White told Carmichael Dave on the radio station KHTK (audio here). "He's acting like a baby right now, but he's a grown man. If he wants to be in the movie business, Rampage, good luck to you, man. I hope he makes it big, and I'm not being sarcastic. ... I hope the movie thing works out for him. If that's what he truly wants to do, and that's what he feels and that's what he thinks his career is, I wish him all the luck in the world."
White said he didn't get any advance warning from Jackson about the surprise retirement announcement and that he still likes Jackson personally, but that if Jackson wants to leave the UFC, White can't stop him.
"I just found out, too," White said. "Rampage has been a friend of ours. We really like Rampage. I'm not going to get into the battle of who's done what for who and all that stuff. We've done a lot for him and yes, he's been there and fought. The guys who come in here, they're fighters. That's what they do. We give them fights and they fight. And they make money and we make money. That's the way it works."
I still hold out hope for reconciliation. Despite what appears to be an intractable situation, a deal between Rampage and the UFC makes sense now and likely for quite some time.
Candidly, though, there is an aspect to this story that is simply impossible for me to square: fan reaction to White's initially derogatory statements about Rampage that precipitated this mess. I'm with Rome: my personal view is that both White and Rampage have blame to shoulder here. However, the idea being trafficked on message boards and in the comments on various blogs that this is somehow more White's fault than anyone else's is downright baffling. Now fans think White's mouth is problematic? 2006 called. You're late.
I scarcely know where to begin. While it is beyond impossible to question the competency of White & Co. as the leaders of the sport of MMA, the idea that this time White's callous, insulting statements are problematic cuts out key portions of recent history that cannot be swept aside. It's not merely the coarse nature of his language; it's that he's consistently belittled or diminished rivals, competitors, employees and now friends. And in the name of what? Candor? What a mighty altar.
The core problem of White's honesty is that it's amateurish, unproductive and as we now see, ultimately sets his own lawn on fire. it's easy to cheer White's frothing at the mouth when he insults Jared Shaw. Everyone gets a laugh when he bashed Tom Atencio or Jay Larkin. But now the UFC is dealing with different players; players with more money and clout than he, and in many cases players who neither need him nor his product. He is not now nor will he ever be made of teflon. What you do and say in this world matters and lo and behold, it turns out people do not enjoy being publicly humiliated. Fedor, anyone? Surely his statements about Emelianenko did not sink the negotiations, but to suggest his breathtakingly boorish assertions caused no blow black is flat wrong.
White has stated he doesn't do business like the NBA's David Stern or the NFL's Roger Goddell because he isn't them. That's partly true and the pressure on White as the operator of fight sport will always be far less than what the major traditional sports' heads face. But the reality is that a corporate executive working within deeper, tighter concentric circles of the mainstream is not immune to push back. As fighters get more opportunities outside of fighting, they will have the option to leave fighting. As the UFC and MMA begins to place itself alongside established, highly capitalized players, their leverage over the universe begins to wane. It's easy to be a big fish in a small pond, but as the cliche goes, swimming with sharks in entirely different. And there is no free lunch.
Stern and Goddell do not bite their tongues or carefully craft statements because they are weak or timid; they do so because it works. They have to. It's absolute insanity to think that Dana White of the Ultimate Fighting Championship is going to either re-write the rules of human discourse or be exempt from their application. As the sport gets bigger, the stakes get raised. And when the stakes get raised, it turns out being attentive to what you say and how you say it is downright imperative. It's not weakness, it's smart strategy.
Those who cheer White's "candor" because they find a "yo mama" act thrilling from a corporate executive have positively no right to criticize White here. I say to you: reap what you sow. There are many within the community who have suggested both that they personally enjoy White's "honesty" and find his act to be above reproach. Rampage walking because his employer and friend in White cannot bother to keep his personal comments private is the natural conclusion to the enabling that many fans have provided White. To those who have carried this torch for him, I hope your bed is comfortable. You made it.
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We shouldn’t really be taking sides here, as DW said, if rampage wants to act, let him act. If he does well and gets a career going, more power to him. If he does not do well, than that’s on him too. It’s his decision, he’ll live with the consequences. It’s all on Rampage, and I too hope he does well.
reconciliation in the form of big $,$$$,$$$. you can call me a baby, a complainer, stupid, whatever for the right amount of money. my problem is people call me shit and havent found a way to turn that into money.
I'm old school hating Lesnar, I've been hating Lesnar since '08
What if they insulted your race, heritage, called your mother derogatory names, and other crap?
Would you STILL sit there and take it if they offered Big Money?
Yes I would.
Providing for my family > than any words someone can speak about me.
Personally, I do not believe that Rampage "walked"
simply because of White’s comments. I think that his mind was pretty close to made up & sure White’s comments may have fast forwarded that a bit, but after reading Rampage’s statement it seems that he had already made this decision. While I do like that White is candid about most issues, his public personal attack toward Jackson was assanine & anyone who defends that simply doesnt get it. As a fan- I want to see Rampage in the UFC & fighting, but the UFC will be fine without him & I still wish Page the best if this is what he wants to with his life.
Arguing on the internet is like being in the special olympics, even when you win you are still retarded.
by dnevil001 on Sep 23, 2009 11:10 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
I agree with you here. I too believe Rampage had decided he wanted out a while ago. If you look at his history, his dislike for training, the suggestions that he needed extra coaching to get him through training camp, etc. I think he checked out a while ago. White’s comments only helped shut the door.
However, I still think he’ll be back.
I love me some Sexyama!
Yeah,
I kind of believe that the he is young enough where the competition bug will hit him again. But I just hope he is able to get his mind back into the proper mindset to be a great fighter again. I think White’s comments only made him announce it sooner than he was going to initially. He probably wanted to wait to see how the movie did before making his announcement.
Arguing on the internet is like being in the special olympics, even when you win you are still retarded.
The way I see it, I don’t think Rampage wants to go out like this. His last fight against Keith wasn’t his best. And if you look at how he behaved towards his past losses, you see that he would probably like revenge. He wanted to get back at Wandy because he knew he could beat him, and he did. Despite what he said about Forrest losing to Anderson Silva, I think that loss still nags at him. And he got destroyed by Shogun back in Pride. I’m sure he’d like that one back again. The competative edge will come back, I’m sure.
I love me some Sexyama!
You may be right,
but it seems like he has moved into the territory of not wanting the training & the effects that fighting has on his body for the future. I hope that he does come back as a fan, but I hope that he does it with the right mindset.
Arguing on the internet is like being in the special olympics, even when you win you are still retarded.
You said it, Luke
Yes, I find sometimes Dana’s antics amusing for their jaw-dropping nature, but it would be silly to get all pissy about it in this instance. Everyone appreciates Dana being a loud mouth as long as there’s no perceived cost to it. You hit the nail on the head.
This is one of the best articles I’ve read in months. 100% spot on.
Editor - BloodyElbow.com - SBNation's mixed martial arts headquarters.
by Brent Brookhouse on Sep 23, 2009 11:16 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
I agree. The best attribute that all of you BE writers / editors and the reason that the list of MMA sites I visit is dwindling is that the crew always (sounds really cliche and it’s even hard to type it) take the high road with fair and balanced assesments from both sides. Not trying to nut hug or any other phrases that refer to kissing ass, just an observaion and appreciation.
"You can't fix stupid."
Like many Dana White comments in these types of situation, this comment is both true and wholly unproductive.
The man has to learn the fine art of not always saying what he thinks. In fairness, this reaction with Carmichael Dave to the latest developments looks like he’s trying to not escalate the situation anymore than has been done already. Maybe we can begin the reconciliation.
Although detractors decry (MMA) as a brutal, bloody form of human cockfighting, aficionados know it is a brutal, bloody, totally fucking awesome form of human cockfighting. -The Onion
by The Kittitas Kid on Sep 23, 2009 11:17 AM EDT reply actions
Well he did finally figure
out that his vlogs were not such great ideas, even though I personally loved them for the entertainment value. This is White. He is an emotional guy whose mouth works before his business mind can kick in sometimes. I think he was personally hurt by this & that probably contributed to his reaction. I am not defending his actions, but I kind of get why he seemed so hurt.
Arguing on the internet is like being in the special olympics, even when you win you are still retarded.
we’ll just hope that no one ever scrutinizes your decisions and accuses you of the same thing when they would have made a different choice.
I'm old school hating Lesnar, I've been hating Lesnar since '08
Yeah, I’m sure this acting thing will work out very well, and he will be far more successful in hollywood then in the octogon…..
by GoldenOldie on Sep 23, 2009 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm sure he would be willing to take that leap for the money Rampage is/was making.
So try not to make a too huge career out of defending premadonna millionaires.
So the dehydration-fueled demolition derby through the streets of California didn’t do it for you, but taking a movie over a cagefight is what put you over the top?
Interesting.
Although detractors decry (MMA) as a brutal, bloody form of human cockfighting, aficionados know it is a brutal, bloody, totally fucking awesome form of human cockfighting. -The Onion
by The Kittitas Kid on Sep 23, 2009 11:46 AM EDT up reply actions
Haha! Truth =-)
'He built his whole reputation as a waffle house chef. They’ve been serving him up ham and eggs with a side of canned tomatoes' - Don Frye on Fedor Emelianenko
by Well Read Idiot on Sep 23, 2009 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions
Someone correct me if I am wrong about this, but I believe all the UFC fighters are not employees but independent contractors. It’s generally to the UFC’s advantage and that’s why they’ve been kept as such (i.e. not having to provide benefits) although in this instance it’s decidedly working against the UFC. They can’t force Rampage (or Huerta for that matter who made a similar choice to stop fighting and go into movies) to compete on a specific time or date. All they have are the rights to the fighter’s next X number of fights within X number of years.
If that’s the case, the best approach for the president of the company is not to publicly lash out, or a situation like this may develop.
The other thing that comes to mind is pro wrestling which is similar to the UFC in that independent contractor status and the PPV business model (as well as a huge overlap in fanbase). Vince seems to encourage his guys to go out and get mainstream buzz and exposure as it will help the WWE in the long run. I don’t get why Dana doesn’t feel similar that a couple month delay is the downside, and that exposure to more potential fans is the upside. I mean, Dana too has a right to not like it, I just don’t understand that.
But as others have said, I hold no ill will towards Rampage and hope he succeeds, just because I wish him to keep fighting is no wish failure towards him.
by Newbs on Sep 23, 2009 11:23 AM EDT reply actions 4 recs
the thing that pisses off dana is not that he went into movies.. It’s that there’s already an agreement for a fight with Rashad in place way before this A-Team thing..
but aside from that, i agree with your other points.
by Anton Tabuena on Sep 23, 2009 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions
That is my problem as well.
I am the kind of person who believes in doing what you said/agreed to do & do not take on responsibilities that would cause issues.
Arguing on the internet is like being in the special olympics, even when you win you are still retarded.
that's why i think both dana and rampage are to blame.
they should man up, and reconcile soon.
by Anton Tabuena on Sep 23, 2009 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions
For sure.
Dana was wrong to come out publicly & blast him, but Page was way wrong for committing to this movie when he had a contract for a fight.
Arguing on the internet is like being in the special olympics, even when you win you are still retarded.
I get that
I’d say that is easily the most valid complaint to take for those bothered by Rampage’s actions.
I am of the opinion that a few month delay or less for this movie role, the exposure it brings, and keeping a crossover star happy is worth it. It’s a little less immediate gratification for us fight fans but the fight still happens, potentially bringing in new mainstream exposure (granted the movie won’t be out for awhile after the fight).
The WWE doesn’t allow guys to run off and do whatever they want, not only is that stuff planned months ahead of time it’s all done through the WWE through their movie branch. It’s WWE Studios that do those movies and the WWE makes money off their guys doing those movies too, it is just another facet of what those guys do for the WWE. Vince doesn’t encourage his guys to do anything he controls every single aspect of their career and makes money off of it. Not really the example of what the UFC should do that you were apparently looking for.
Dana is improving… A year ago he would have tore a chickens head off in that interview in response to Quinton’s announcement.
There are key things Dana says that are outright unproductive… like calling the boxing ppv buyers “dumb”. Iif that got traction there’s another headache to deal with in Mexicans.
Yeah its time he follows talking points – … Zuffa isnt an island anymore (even though it succeeded as one).
Still a corporate type isnt the answer… he or she wouldn’t last 3 days doing Dana’s job.
by mmalogic on Sep 23, 2009 11:40 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
That's not what he said...
he’s saying that if the boxing PPV audience is largely Hispanic, and Dana goes around calling boxing PPV buyers dumb…then he may end up having that twisted into “Dana White thinks Mexicans are dumb.”
Editor - BloodyElbow.com - SBNation's mixed martial arts headquarters.
by Brent Brookhouse on Sep 23, 2009 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Well he could have prefaced it with that
little tidbit about the boxing audience being Mexican. But this plus the fact that “Black Actors are super poor” seemed like a trend.
BOOSH
I think you guys are reading too much into it, what he said made perfect sense to me in a totally non-racist way.
Walla walla walla I'm an idiot.
by ufc4 on Sep 23, 2009 7:08 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Really? I thought it was obvious what he meant.
Bolts from the Blue // "Game over." - Jamal Williams
Bloody Elbow // "Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit upon his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats." - H.L. Mencken
by Richard Wade on Sep 24, 2009 2:59 AM EDT up reply actions
I believe Rampage
when he says that White pressured him into saying publicly he’d rather fight Rashad instead of Machida, regardless of the reasoning.
The supposed "hate" between the two TUF coaches that has been so hyped up by Dana seems purely synthesized. In one of the TUF previews, I forget which one, Rampage and Rashad were engaging in some innocent shit-talking, like two friends over a ping pong game, and then Dana busted in to the room and started saying "hey guys, break it up, calm down", and then was shown on camera in the back talking about the bad blood between the two and how he had to separate them.
Give me a break Dana, we know you are trying to make money, but come on. It’s okay for two opposing coaches to get along. Of course that didn’t really turn out well with the whole Hughes/Franklin thing did it…
ALRIGHT FINE YOU WIN DANA!
is the natural conclusion to the enabling that many fans have provided White
I personally do not believe that the fans have enabled White to be the way he is. I highly doubt that they can stop him from being who and what he currently is, which is a shame.
I am entertained by Dana, and am grateful for his achievements with the UFC, but I believe that a sport (or promotion) wanting to go mainstream needs a true ‘suit’ as the figurehead to take the next step. If you think that as fans there is something we could do to un-enable him then I would be interested to hear it!
The UFC would beneit from being able to distance themselves from Dana’s comments when necessary.
'He built his whole reputation as a waffle house chef. They’ve been serving him up ham and eggs with a side of canned tomatoes' - Don Frye on Fedor Emelianenko
by Well Read Idiot on Sep 23, 2009 11:43 AM EDT reply actions
I don't even know how to feel about this situation honestly...
Rampage’s entire popularity is based off of the marketing by the UFC. UFC blowing up had to have a lot of impact on him getting this role, especially his stints on TUF. Rampage’s entire identity could’ve been entirely different after his episode, and yet the UFC stuck with him. Obviously it was a give and take situation, but if the two were as close as they made it seem, this is something that should be worked out…
Dana has to take responsibility for his emotions before they translate into things he says. Obviously this movie situation kinda ruins the momentum for the fight, and the UFC has a responsibility to all its fighters, and its fans that invest time into the show, not just Rampage, so Dana was mad… but he has to control his emotions enough to not say things that will garner so much negative attention, and put himself in a position where he’s constantly defending his actions, or trying to brush them off.
I'm like PacMan fightin you silly kids... throw ya Hatton the ring, and get knocked outlike Ricky did.
lol.
This article was spot on. The thing that bothers me the most about Dana’s attitude is the lack of foresight. Granted having to move the Rampage/Rashad fight really messed up what would have been a huge ppv following the TUF 10 season but the long term benefits of having Jackson in the A-Team movie are mind-boggling. This is not some crappy B-movie. It’s a major studio picture that is going to have millions in advertising. If it’s successful there could be sequels, lunchboxes, ringtones, etc. Rampages’ image could be pushed into millions of new households. Even if he only fought two more times after the movie it would be worth it.
I believe both sides should share the blame in this situation. Hopefully both sides will come to their senses and develop a proper parting.
Unless Rampage wins an oscar as BA Baraccus this is not his last fight.
Randy went through the same damn episode… and ironically his “announcement” came right around the same time he was doing the scorpian king (which he was the star of).
You know when Randy finally got religion? When he finally watched himself in the movie and realized his agent was full of shit.
You know when Randy finally got religion? When he finally watched himself in the movie and realized his agent was full of shit.
lol, for sure! Even if Rampage finds some success with the A-team, my money’s on him being typecast. Sure, he can make money off it, and it hurts less to be fake punched than really punched in the face, but I’m sure he’ll be back. I think he’ll find that the movie industry is just as, or even more so, full of sharks as the fight game. It’s not that easy.
I love me some Sexyama!
Randy did the Scorpion King?????
I thought it was “THE ROCK” DWAYNE JOHNSON" who did the Scorpion King???
Or was there a re-make and nobody told me?
Rampage under contract, Dana has to run his business
Y’all are being too nice to Rampage. Lest ye forget that Rampage is under contract to the UFC and he was scheduled to fight a very high-profile, very lucrative fight with Rashad to cap off the BIGGEST season of TUF. There is a tremendous amount of momentum for that fight and Rampage delaying it in the first place took some steam out of it. Dana knows that. Rampage asked to push the fight back for a conflicting interest that is no direct benefit to the UFC. Kinda like me telling my employer I need time off to take advantage of another unrelated opportunity. Oh but don’t worry, I’ll be back and it will be all good. You get the point, no one wants to be second fiddle with your commitment, especially not your primary employer. This is Rampage’s choice and he has to deal with the fallout of an unhappy “boss” who has been logistically and financially impacted by his personal pursuits.
In addition, I think everyone is completely off on the “mind boggling” potential of Rampage being in a movie and what that will do for the UFC. Come on now, Randy made a Mummy movie and there are several fighters who have screen credits, but the movie role exposure won’t move the needle THAT much on PPV sales. It still comes down to the dedicated MMA fan. Shelling out $13 to see a film with Rampage is different than shelling out $45 to see Rampage.
I don’t think Rampage being under contract means much of anything. If he wanted to go fight for Strikeforce then it would be different but he’s retiring from fighting, not much they can do about that.
Walla walla walla I'm an idiot.
by ufc4 on Sep 23, 2009 12:16 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I think Dana should be very pissed at Rampage. They base TUF 10
around a fight that isn’t gonna happen. He’s gonna lose a ton of money cuz of this. They lost a bunch of money when the hughes vs serra fight got delayed and now the same with this. Dana should be pissed off at Rampage! He shouldnt be kissing Rampages ass for this. Everyone wants to piss all over Dana but as crude as his comments are, he’s still right. Rampage cost him money and screwed over a lot of people. Even if he fights Evans later, the momentum from TUF 10 wont be there anymore and he wont make as much money. If A-team goes down in flames Rampage will come crawling back, then we will see the I told you so’s from Dana.
You are missing the point.
Dana should be pissed as hell with Rampage, but this outburst, and any ensuing ‘I Told You So’ should all be done behind closed doors, or else with carefully prepared written statements that have been looked over by the lawyers.
'He built his whole reputation as a waffle house chef. They’ve been serving him up ham and eggs with a side of canned tomatoes' - Don Frye on Fedor Emelianenko
by Well Read Idiot on Sep 23, 2009 11:58 AM EDT up reply actions
They didn’t lose any money from Serra-Hughes, the show they were supposed to fight at still got a big buyrate and once they finally did fight that show did a surprisingly good number as well.
Walla walla walla I'm an idiot.
by ufc4 on Sep 23, 2009 12:18 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
No they didn’t, GSP filled in for Serra as the ME at UFC 79.
Walla walla walla I'm an idiot.
by ufc4 on Sep 23, 2009 7:10 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Let him do what he wants. If it makes him more money, or he thinks he can make more in the long run… go for it.
Dana should have known this was coming with the growing popularity of the UFC and treating fighters as independent contractors. He is a victum of his own success.
Rampage is a big enough name with the popularity of the UFC, has credibility as being a legitimate tough guy, and as we have seen in the last episode of TUF, tons of personality. I think he could have an acting career AT WORST as good a Terry Crews where he splits his time between playing a villain and playing a funny guy.
I really like Dana White. I like how brutally blunt he is and what he’s done for MMA. I can say I’m a fan. But I don’t love absolutely everything he does. Frankly, a lot of the times, I’m kind of embarassed by his behaviour. But honestly, if MMA becomes as big and mainstream as Dana says it’s going to be, I think he may find that his blunt attitude and kill or be killed tactics won’t be accepted as they are now. He will either have to tone things down, or he’ll be pushed aside for a more amiable figurehead for the UFC, and MMA in general. Don’t get me wrong: Dana’s a true fighter when it comes to business, and he’ll always be around – and should be around, because I believe he deserves it, but things are gonna have to change, I think. Maybe not dramatically, but I don’t think he can go on behaving the way he’s been behaving. At some point, Dana’s gotta grow up.
I love me some Sexyama!
I agree
But Dana won’t grow up, that’s the problem. I’m convinced as well though that at some time near the future he’ll step aside as president, and maybe Fertitta will step in and have Dana work more offstage.
Yeah, you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. When you’re a guy like Dana, and you do what he’s done with a sport like MMA, you know he has every right to believe he’s the king and he can do whatever he wants. But I think every fighter comes across someone he can’t beat, and the day will come when he has to step aside for sure.
I love me some Sexyama!
Insert Fedor/Machida comment here
'He built his whole reputation as a waffle house chef. They’ve been serving him up ham and eggs with a side of canned tomatoes' - Don Frye on Fedor Emelianenko
by Well Read Idiot on Sep 23, 2009 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions
I think that White got caught with his mouth open again but I also think that Rampage was probably looking for an out as it was suggested earlier and this movie thing was probably the easiest way out.
I expect that Rampage probably needs some time away from fighting sadly it’s when he’s in his prime.
Dana didn't handle it right but
I’ve never thought Rampage had his heart in the sport 100% which is what you need at the highest levels of competition. We hear little things like him not always being motivated when training for fights and after the road rage incident it looks like he might have serious emotional issues.
He might end up happier in acting. Life is about finding and embracing your passions.
Tito and Rampage are twins.
Tito needed surgery and couldn’t compete if he wanted. So he went on a world wide self promoting spree and at the end he came back to the UFC. Maybe he never really left.
Here’s my MMASup take on this situation. Dana and Rampage have planned this from day one. They are using a play from Vinces playbook but using the media. Rampage will go off, make his movie, appear at the MTV movie awards and announce he is back in the UFC. Rampage gets to let his jaw heal. Free publicity across the board. And in the end he will “announce” with Dana that they are in love and ready to make millions.
I love your grassy knoll theory!
Seriously deep thinking & I wouldnt mind it being true, but why go thru all of this when they could have done all of this with Rampage still in the UFC?
Arguing on the internet is like being in the special olympics, even when you win you are still retarded.
I just made a bunch
of shit up. I figured I would throw out the wildest idea I could think of on lunch break.
rampage won a close decision over jardine and lost to griffin….. thiago silva just obliterrated jardine and silva smashed griffin. his stock has dropped a lot in the last year or so, I don’t think the ufc NEEDS him. he’s one of my favorites and I’ll be bummed to see him go.
on top of that, I think everyone is missing the point, both are to blame and no, you can’t weigh one against the other. to me it’s like bjm
by cagefightonacid on Sep 23, 2009 12:58 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
I believe Rampage should do what is in his best interest, but I personally, find it a dick move to not honor his previous engagement. Even for a once in a lifetime opportunity. Am I saying I would turn the role down? Fuck no, I’d be pittying fools for 12 hours everyday for the next 90. But if someone wanted to talk shit about me, I can’t deny they aren’t entitled to it becasue I did break that commitment.
As I said, this is great for Rampage. It will pull in money at least the opening weekend because nostaligia sells. He doesn’t have to stretch his acting muscles because well I don’t remember too much Sidney Portier caliber acting from Mr. T and he did okay for himself.
What I don’t get is why people seem to ignore why this pisses of Dana. There is NO guarantee this will help the UFC or MMA. How many movie goers out there are going to see Rampage and think “God, I have to see him fight for real?” Hell, how many movie goers even care about what actors do once they leave the theater unless it’s the relationship status of their favorite hearthrob?
Will Rampage be pimped as a former UFC champ, or will he just be a cage fighter? If it’s the latter, people will think he’s tough, but not give a shit about seeing him or anyone else for that matter fight. It all depends on the promotional blitz in a few months I guess.
Again, great for Rampage. Follow that dream, but let’s not throw Dana under the bus for being pissed. It’s not like he’s making official press releases of how big an idiot Rampage is or how he was never a draw.
Rampage Departs From The UFC
It’s going to be really odd watching the rest of TUF 10 with one of the coaches blurred out.
...Behold, a pale horse. The man that sat upon it was Wieters, and hell followed with him.
"BJ on the BE" - Kierkegaard
Knowing there won’t be a fight & that he isn’t even considering himself a UFC figher anymore, it gonna blooows. But we still have kimbo slice.
You don't look like a Tanaka.
I feel like it will be watching a show or a sporting event featuring someone who just died. Very surreal.
Twitter: @Mike_Fagan_13
http://www.sackmikegoldberg.com
I wonder if UFCShop.com
Will drastically slash prices on any/all gear that bares Rampages name. Tapout is really pimping their team Rampage gear on there right now, we’ll see.
Good , good article !
Finally , I’ve been waiting for this article long enough . We’ve heard so much shit about Fedor and his managment and well , now we can see the other side of the coin . I can only assume how White is viewed by the Russians , and it ain’t good…
After cutting the vlogs White should keep going and just entirely stop speaking publically. Can’t he get a spokesman for christ’s sake ? He’s not exactly promoting the UFC when he talks like an ignorant punk .
Those who cheer White’s “candor” because they find a “yo mama” act thrilling from a corporate executive have positively no right to criticize White here. I say to you: reap what you sow. There are many within the community who have suggested both that they personally enjoy White’s “honesty” and find his act to be above reproach. Rampage walking because his employer and friend in White cannot bother to keep his personal comments private is the natural conclusion to the enabling that many fans have provided White. To those who have carried this torch for him, I hope your bed is comfortable. You made it.
I’m a one of these people and I have absolutely no problem with anything Dana has done or said when it comes to Rampage. This guy is just another delusional egomaniac who’s let his hollywood agent get in his ear and fill his head with fantasy talk.
Just like Couture, Tito, Huerta, Fitch and other guys who’ve found out the hardway what happens when you fight the UFC. Rampage will come back with his tail between his legs and Dana will be proven right for the hundreth time.
I’m beyond tired of these fighters wanting to be actors or boxers or trying to get huge paychecks and not look out for their longterm mma career. Don’t they know the history of what happens when you don’t focus on being the best mma fighter you can be, you can end up like Sylvia and Arlovski embarrased and ashamed.
I love Dana’s honesty and the fact that he isn’t like everyother head of a sports org out there, it’s part of the draw and success that the UFC has garnered. I look forward to him continuing to tell it like it is even if it hurts the feelings of some of these delusional fighters because in the end he’s always proven right.
by Raker on Sep 23, 2009 5:57 PM EDT reply actions 3 recs
Man for me I just think the whole “Dana is so unprofessional” arguement is funny, particularly when talking about a guy going off to do movies instead of fighting. If Rampage can’t handle the Dana White show then he is going to be really torn up with the way Hollywood works. They have actually made an industry out of talking bad about celebrities there. Oh no Dana White hurt my little feelings is a fairy tail compared to what the super market tabloids will do to him or heaven forbid he ever gets on the bad side of a Hollywood movie executive.
Yes Dana White is evil, boo hiss, he’s a big meany who says things that hurt people’s feelings. Thus is life.
THIS
I could go either way with Dana’s mouth, and while it sucks that your boss talks shit about you in an interview, but it’s not like just Rampage was this perfect employee/independent contractor and Dana’s just picking on him. He brought negative publicity to the company last year and has on more than one occassion talked about his lack of committment to training, which Allen Iverson routinely got blasted for during his peak years in the NBA.
I don’t know, it’s like who me said, if you can’t handle Dana’s mouth I don’t see how he’s going to handle Hollywood. Rampage has so much going against him. He looks like a thug and he barks. This coming from a black fan of the guy. Unless we discover he studied at Juliard prior to becoming a fighter, he’s just “another big scary black guy” and will be looked at as such and unlike a post on a website or a video on youtube, he’ll be all over the cover of dozens of magazines, the focus of every local news station with nothing better to run, and all those shows on VH1 that live to tear down celebrities.
If I didn’t come to this website, I wouldn’t know about this war or words. Rampage says something contrary to one of his directors/producers/co-stars and everybody with a t.v will know about that.
by black dragon on Sep 24, 2009 11:08 AM EDT up reply actions
Still convenient that when they do resolve things the delay in the Rashad fight wont be such a big deal. The retirement ploy is a great move for Ramapge AND Dana, it will keep people talking about Rampage until the movie is released and I would not be suprised if they have some sort of first X amount of ticket purchsers get a free movie pass or even a screening of the movie. The loss of hype from TUF will still be blatant but nothing like a marathon on spike followed by a fight night (not the finale) featuring some of the ‘better’ losers from the show and some well known gate keeper to headling or Kimbo? Shit another A Silva lhw/hw fight would work as well.
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