Quote of the Day: BJ Penn Tells an Interesting Story About Dana White
by Michael Rome on Apr 20, 2010 11:28 PM EDT
in MMA News
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K-1 was offering me $187,500 per fight - five times what the UFC was offering - and I was still willing to stay with them for one-third of that amount. This was when the relationship took a turn for the worse, and my view of White changed drastically. From that point on, I knew when it came to money, we couldn't trust him to treat us right. Did I like him at the dinner table? Sure. But at the negotiating table? Not at all. The pressure to perform and safeguard other people's money had changed him, even though he was constantly bragging to anyone willing to listen about how 'big this thing was going to be.' Things between us would never be the same.
When it was finally official I was going to fight in Japan, White called me up and told me his true feelings. 'You motherfucker! You're fucking done! You'll never fight in the UFC again! You're finished. You're scorched earth, motherfucker. Scorched earth. Don't call me crying saying you want to come back because you're fucking done!' And on and on and on, like a true professional - even going so far as to tell me I would never see my face again in a UFC video, promotion, or anything else. He also planned on removing my fight with Hughes from the UFC 46 DVD so no one would even know who I was. 'It doesn't have to be this way,' I told him. 'You know it wouldn't take that much to make this work.' But he just kept yelling.
--BJ Penn, discussing Dana White's reaction to his decision to leave the UFC after defeating Matt Hughes at UFC 46. This is from BJ Penn's new book.
While I haven't read the whole book, it's very likely that White's anger over Penn's book stemmed from this section. The biggest surprise to me is that Penn would come forward with a story like this while he is still an active UFC star. It's one thing to release a tell-all book after retirement, but one has to wonder what the motivation was to tell a story like this now.
As far as the veracity of the above story, I am strongly inclined to believe it is true. I've heard from enough agents and fighters about breakdowns in communication with the UFC to know what happens when they think someone is trying to screw them over.
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As far as the veracity of the above story, I am strongly inclined to believe it is true
me too, anyone who has ever heard DW speak are inclined to believe this is true
Don’t let anger get in the way of comprehension
by Orcus on Apr 20, 2010 6:06 PM EDT reply actions 6 recs
Just because BJ allows a guy to write a story doesnt make it true.
Dana is no saint but BJ is far from consistent in the mannerisms department. One must not only questions BJ’s motives for releasing this book (especially now) but must keep an opened mind when it comes to Penn and how he conducts business.
believe what you want
aside from the language described, DW was very upset with the release of the book, he was very upset even though he did not read it… believe what you want, given the circumstances I’m more inclined to believe BJ.
Don’t let anger get in the way of comprehension
You’re saying that Dana was upset because the things in the book are true. Im saying they might be true BUT I also think that there is a high percentage chance that most of it is skewed in BJ’s favor as one would expect from BJ, and would subsequently piss dana off too which is another way of explaining that.
You’re saying that Dana was upset because the things in the book are true
no, I’m saying Dana was upset even though he had not read the book. This leaves me to believe that he was somewhat scared of what could potentially be written in the book…
as for your other point, I’m sure it’s a bit skewed in BJ’s favor, after all, we’re getting the story from his point of view. That doesn’t make it untrue though, he presented a story and frankly I’m inclined to believe it happened, could he have exaggerated it a bit? sure. Would that exaggeration take away from what happened? most likely not. If Dana wants, he can respond in some sort of way and present his side of the story.
Don’t let anger get in the way of comprehension
well i have learned everything Orcus says is fact so.....
If he says what Bj says is fact then it is.
"When i get in there, in his face ,pressin the action,I'm RUFF NECKIN'EM,I'm throwin him around,I'm punchin him,hes punchin me, I'm eatin his shots and I'm Blastin him back in the face he's not goin to be able to handle it ." - Chris Leben on how his fight with Anderson Silva is gonna go.
by Rayce. on Apr 20, 2010 6:56 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
ha!
thanks Rayce, not sure if you were being sarcastic there but that made me laugh nonetheless :p
Don’t let anger get in the way of comprehension
we usally have simular views. bj has no motivation to lie
In fact he has motivation to not tell this story. That he does tell it lends to his credibility. IMHO.
"When i get in there, in his face ,pressin the action,I'm RUFF NECKIN'EM,I'm throwin him around,I'm punchin him,hes punchin me, I'm eatin his shots and I'm Blastin him back in the face he's not goin to be able to handle it ." - Chris Leben on how his fight with Anderson Silva is gonna go.
by Rayce. on Apr 20, 2010 7:07 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Ummm
He wrote a book.. Which is for sale.
Not saying he’s lying, but it’s pretty silly to suggest he doesn’t have a motivation to lie in a published book.
Blackout612- "Wuts teh UFC?"
Ubernoober- "It like two guy who just stand and swing for fence and try to knock each other shit out it awesome"
by Charles Awad on Apr 20, 2010 9:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Come on
Imagine Dana or BJ trying to prove or disprove a telephone conversation. This is pretty inconsequential stuff.
Again, not saying it’s bullshit. I totally believe it, in fact. Love how this is getting hammered in, though. This isn’t some abhorrent, malicious act— it’s an employer being a bitter jerk. This shit has happened to a lot of people in different walks of life, and those employers were significantly less likely to get the shit beat out of them than in this case.
People are in a frenzy because SF got dick kicked on Saturday night and people want to sway the boat.
Blackout612- "Wuts teh UFC?"
Ubernoober- "It like two guy who just stand and swing for fence and try to knock each other shit out it awesome"
by Charles Awad on Apr 20, 2010 9:24 PM EDT up reply actions
but this is not a phone conversation, it’s a printed book that generates money, therefore he’d be more likely to be liable for it if he was lying (I’d imagine, I’m no lawyer).
this is in response to its “silly to suggest he doesn’t have a motivation to lie in a published book”, he doesn’t really, in fact he could be making more problems to himself if he is lying, given how the UFC has no mercy going after fighters in the court of law.
Don’t let anger get in the way of comprehension
Um, I don’t get whats so hard to believe here? How many times has Dana gone off on one of these expletive laden tirades after a fighter has left, or had a rift with the company? He was done with Tito, he was done with Rampage, he was done with Affliction, and let everyone know in vulgar tirades(before calming down and working things out). This is par for the course from Dana.
I don’t think anyone would think that Dana’s behavior here is untrue, but perhaps the idea that BJ was the level-headed one that attempted to calm dana down and acted completely rational is maybe slightly out of character.
I think that probably there’s some truth, but the complete truth is more complicated. For example, Dana’s behavior towards Tito was pretty ruthless, but not entirely unwarranted. Tito had a lot of that coming.
he’s saying that the thing in the book is ABOUT a phone conversation, that in all likelihood wasn’t taped, so there’s no way to prove how true or false it is so there’s no reason to sue anyone.
A true case of He Said/ He Said here....
Unless someone recorded their conversation(which would be illegal, of course), then all we have is one man’s word against the others.
Personally, I think all BJ wants to do is sell his book and make money.
Illegal wiretapping not illegal?
Must’ve missed that law-change….
It depends on who’s recording. A third party cannot record their conversation, but I think either BJ or Dana could have legally recorded it without the other one knowing (I admit I might be wrong, though, but I’m pretty sure).
Deadliest Warrior Returns April 20!!!
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better. -Samuel Beckett
by Scott C. Broussard on Apr 21, 2010 1:39 AM EDT up reply actions
Sounds right to me too
Though admittedly I’ve heard it different ways. Probably different state laws interpret it differently. I know in Florida BOTH people on the phone have to consent to being recorded. And no idea how that applies for calls involving people in different locales.
from my understanding (unfortunately it’s an understanding in a different country), when it’s two individuals on the phone, either one can tape the other without consent, but when a business contacts someone they have to tell them they are being recorded by law, and a person being contacted by a business cannot tape a call. Not sure if this is all acurate, but I guess some states in the US could be different.
Don’t let anger get in the way of comprehension
state laws on this vary in the U.S.
in some states only one person can elect to record the call, in others, both must give their consent.
Follow me on Twitter @KidNate
by Nate Wilcox on Apr 21, 2010 10:16 AM EDT up reply actions
Pretty sure TX & NY
only require one party consent while all others require both parties consent.
by Johnnynumber5 on Apr 21, 2010 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Depends on the State--
Some states—that is true. Only one party to a conversation is sufficient to record. An eavesdropper (a third person recording another conversation) would require consent in these states.
Some states require disclosure and consent to record at all.
i’d say it’s true… nobody wants to get sued for libel
by nogroundgame on Apr 20, 2010 7:29 PM EDT up reply actions
I say it’s HALF-TRUE. Besides, there’s no real way to determine what ACTUALLY WAS SAID in that phone conversation. Plus, we only get to hear BJ’s side…..
Dana has the right to respond
let’s see if he stays quite about this… if he does that tells us a lot already.
Don’t let anger get in the way of comprehension
It’s BJ, so it’s not like there’s going to be huge ramifications for him. If he was a lesser star, maybe, but he’s at the level where he will probably get a pass. I’m sure White is privately cursing him though, to go along with the slight public cursing we saw last week.
Dude....
Just like Silva is “getting a pass” from Dana?
I wonder if BJ mentions that he didnt honor his contract. Cursing is the least of your problems when you dont honor a contract.
Also keep in mind BJ didnt write this book. .
Kind of slow with the party line logic
you let five people comment before you got in there with the Zuffa spin.
The book is an “as told to”, it’s common practice and does not impact the veracity of the book at all that B.J. had someone transcribe his thoughts, edit them into a coherent structure and clean up the grammar.
Follow me on Twitter @KidNate
by Nate Wilcox on Apr 20, 2010 6:12 PM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
its like writing a slanted news story in the paper. You can ask 1000 questions and then create a book around only 50 of them creating a distorted narrative. Like I said I havent read the book I cant claim its false but if I ask you 1000 questions about your life I bet I can make a character in it look like a pedophile.
So basically
You are saying you can turn Nate into a pedophile?
Head Kick Legend
Twitter @HeadKickLegend
Wow, Dave Walsh.
The way everyone around her quotes and praises you lately, I can’t help but feel honored by your presence.
wow someone enjoys drivin an ice cream truck and suddenly they are a pedophile.
"When i get in there, in his face ,pressin the action,I'm RUFF NECKIN'EM,I'm throwin him around,I'm punchin him,hes punchin me, I'm eatin his shots and I'm Blastin him back in the face he's not goin to be able to handle it ." - Chris Leben on how his fight with Anderson Silva is gonna go.
by Rayce. on Apr 20, 2010 7:00 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions 6 recs
Sob
He said he had more ice cream in his basement
by Bob Boblaw on Apr 20, 2010 7:28 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Awesome Reply!
I just saw a windowless van that had “free candy” spray painted on the side of it. That wasn’t you was it?
"I will do nothing lightly. When I walk, I will walk heavily. When I fight, I will fight with conviction. When I speak, I will speak strongly. When I love, I will love with everything"
but...but.....
….Fedor likes Ice Cream!!
So, you are saying this book is like TUF 10.
Rampage really can coach and gives a shit. It was just the editing that made him look bad.
"It would appear that the strain was more than he could bear".- Doc Holliday
by MyFistYourFace on Apr 21, 2010 12:53 AM EDT up reply actions
Having a ghostwriter is completely normal for this kind of thing. They did hundreds of hours of interviews and then the ghostwriter turns it into a book.
by Michael Rome on Apr 20, 2010 6:13 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
who said it wasnt normal… but keep in mind BJ signed a contract with a publisher and publishers want to sell books.
I didnt read the book so I cant say the premise is false but I can guarandammtee you it is over dramatized to sell the sizzle.
The book was written buy a fucktard hack. Dont worry once the wec is folded into the UFC there will probably be other ex employees or ex associates looking to make Dana look bad as well.
haha was "mmawildspeculation" not available for your handle?
by LBo on Apr 20, 2010 6:26 PM EDT up reply actions 13 recs
just another ufc fanatic
with too much time on his hands defending everything zuffa, what’s pathetic is, he’s not getting paid to do it, he doesn’t get any free ppv, no free tickets, yet he acts
like some zuffa executive at its p.r. department
ufc “insider” with over 4,000 comments on BE alone? BULL SH-T
by theblade on Apr 21, 2010 12:10 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Man, I mean I always knew you were a ZUFFA shill...
…but this is just ridiculous. If it wasn’t for the conspicuous lack of the F-word in your posts I would think you were actually Dana White himself and trying to personally put your own spin on the story. Any last remaining shred of credibility I might have reserved for you just went out the window.
Does the book have a BJ-bias? Sure. Is it dramatized? Most likely. That doesn’t make the anecdotes any less true; it just means they should be taken with a grain of salt. Dana already puts his foot in his mouth on a daily basis in public; it should hardly come as a surprise when people are inclined to believe that he acts the same way in private.
"I want to tell me what you see, let's go ahead and see by in the fight, what you saw, in the ring." - Tito Ortiz
by CasualMMAFan on Apr 20, 2010 7:06 PM EDT up reply actions 13 recs
oooh green…
So where did I say he was lying? or this was untrue?
by mmalogic on Apr 20, 2010 7:42 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
I rec'd you, mmalogic.
Just so you won’t feel left out. ;)
But everyone seems to dislike you for some reason……I can’t imagine why….
they are all butt hurt shitfarce has come crumbling down and now they have to suck on some other organizations balls. You’d think after the wfa , eliexc, aflliction, bodog, etc… they’d be used to it by now.
dana does a pretty good job of making dana look bad.
by nogroundgame on Apr 20, 2010 7:42 PM EDT up reply actions 7 recs
If he didn’t honor his contract, why didn’t UFC take him to court for that?
"Even the Swedes are getting mad."-Randy Hahn
"It's very cozy in the sin bin."-Randy Hahn
Exactly
Why would they bring him back if he didn’t honor his contract?
"Even the Swedes are getting mad."-Randy Hahn
"It's very cozy in the sin bin."-Randy Hahn
because he’s BJ fucking penn… for all the hate Dana gets for not being easy to deal with at the end he puts his ego aside and does what’s good for the long term health of the sport.
by mmalogic on Apr 20, 2010 6:20 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I'm confused.
Please explain in 150 words or less how this was him putting his ego aside and doing something good for the health of the sport:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lloCUGsjuBI
I appreciate your time, sir.
"Someone is WRONG on the internet. What do you want me to do? LEAVE? Then they'll keep being wrong!"
-Randall Munroe
by pdl on Apr 20, 2010 6:30 PM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
you should have given him the unedited version, he’ll use that as an excuse… watch…
Don’t let anger get in the way of comprehension
I watched the next video and wtf did I find? I absolutely don’t remember this.
I'm a lover not a fighter
i do lol
It was just more proof that nate is Maia’s bitch. Lol
"When i get in there, in his face ,pressin the action,I'm RUFF NECKIN'EM,I'm throwin him around,I'm punchin him,hes punchin me, I'm eatin his shots and I'm Blastin him back in the face he's not goin to be able to handle it ." - Chris Leben on how his fight with Anderson Silva is gonna go.
by Rayce. on Apr 20, 2010 7:17 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Ha, I snickered at that.
Well played sir. I need to troll you more often, you always have a reply that makes my day a little bit better. I’ve said it before, but your posts are delicious with a bit of salt.
"Someone is WRONG on the internet. What do you want me to do? LEAVE? Then they'll keep being wrong!"
-Randall Munroe
Come on now Sure what Dana did waschildish in that Video but anyone who reads Hunts stuff knows she seems to go out of her way to write shit on the UFC and Dana White especially over the years.
Some times I think Dana could give 20 million to a charity for starving kids in Africa and Hunt would complain and ask questions on why it was not 21 million inistead in her next write up on sherdog. Her and Josh Gross and I really like what Josh writes but bolth seem to just focus and write on only the negative things Dana does.
for all the hate Dana gets for not being easy to deal with at the end he puts his ego aside and does what’s good for the long term health of the sport.
You must mean what’s good for the profit of Dana White.
by j.villain on Apr 20, 2010 7:13 PM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
He's not running a CHARITY... he's running a BUSINESS.
Why this is so hard for fanboys to understand is beyond me.
by snakecharmer1340 on Apr 20, 2010 7:15 PM EDT up reply actions
I think he did realize that, which is why he was correcting the previous statement.
by John Nash on Apr 20, 2010 7:20 PM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
You’re calling someone else a fanboy?
ROFL
Lay off the koolaid!
Mike Goldberg: "You know Joe, When Matt and his brother Mark Hughes were growing up, they would pound each other behind the barn."
by xFenixKnightx on Apr 20, 2010 7:23 PM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
Ahh, I see you beat me to it.
Rec.
Mike Goldberg: "You know Joe, When Matt and his brother Mark Hughes were growing up, they would pound each other behind the barn."
by xFenixKnightx on Apr 20, 2010 7:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Those two things actually line up pretty well for the most part.
Bolts from the Blue // "He looks like a catfish" - Nick Hardwick on Brandon Siler
Bloody Elbow // " looks like your comment violated rule #4. and it’s a heck of a rule, rule #4" - Kid Nate
by Richard Wade on Apr 20, 2010 7:43 PM EDT up reply actions
because he’s BJ fucking penn… for all the hate Dana gets for not being easy to deal with at the end he puts his ego aside and does what’s good for the long term health of the sport.
Correction.
he puts his ego aside and does what’s good for the long term health of the sport his wallet.
Just sayin’…
Mike Goldberg: "You know Joe, When Matt and his brother Mark Hughes were growing up, they would pound each other behind the barn."
by xFenixKnightx on Apr 20, 2010 7:21 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
the long term health and increasing the thickness of his wallet go hand in hand, eventually people are going to accuse Dana of wanting MMA to fail.
It's Called UFC Bro
What is this MMA you speak of? Pretty sure Dana could give two shits about it, whatever it is.
"It would appear that the strain was more than he could bear".- Doc Holliday
by MyFistYourFace on Apr 21, 2010 1:09 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
If I remember correctly
Penn was the one who took UFC to court claiming his UFC contract had already expired.
"Even the Swedes are getting mad."-Randy Hahn
"It's very cozy in the sin bin."-Randy Hahn
http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/BJ-Penn-Sues-Zuffa-Over-Stripping-of-Welterweight-Title-1872
Follow me on Twitter: @MMANation.
by Luke Thomas on Apr 20, 2010 6:24 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
Thanks Luke
"Even the Swedes are getting mad."-Randy Hahn
"It's very cozy in the sin bin."-Randy Hahn
The most disturbing part is the way Dana and everyone at Zuffa sees history manipulation as an appropriate tactic. It’s a creepy Soviet manipulation tactic. I’ve been a pretty strong advocate for the UFC for years now, this is the one thing that really bothers me.
by Michael Rome on Apr 20, 2010 6:12 PM EDT reply actions 8 recs
yeah
that’s one of my least favorite Dana moves, that and the bullying.
Follow me on Twitter @KidNate
that must be at the end of a long fucking list....
right nate?
by Beren on Apr 20, 2010 8:01 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Around UFC 46... the UFC wasn't bringing in tons of money.
So what… it’s business between to people trying to make as much money as possible.
by snakecharmer1340 on Apr 20, 2010 6:13 PM EDT reply actions
and DW needs to curse someone out
and threat to erase their history in the company because that person will get more money somewhere else?
Don’t let anger get in the way of comprehension
Where you there in their negotiations?
by snakecharmer1340 on Apr 20, 2010 6:20 PM EDT up reply actions
no, I'm sure Penn was though
Don’t let anger get in the way of comprehension
by Orcus on Apr 20, 2010 6:23 PM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
Dana's version would be different.
The problem is that you guys are assuming that Dana must be lying if he says BJ is wrong on this case… You guys are clearly more likely to believe BJ because you have a believe that Dana is some sort of scum bag and this is typical of him. I don’t.
BJ and Dana are just two people trying to make as much money as possible for themselves or their companies. They managed to work things out and both have been making money off each other for a while now. Why BJ didn’t wait to release this later is odd to me. Is he still butt hurt over ‘grease gate’? I don’t know.
by snakecharmer1340 on Apr 20, 2010 6:27 PM EDT up reply actions
BJ and Dana are just two people trying to make as much money as possible for themselves or their companies
maybe this is why BJ released a book…..you already said it yourself…he’s trying to make as much money as possible
"This fits into everything I believe about Dana White."
A lot of people on this site are jumping on the book excerpt as justification for their anti-UFC believes. I include Kid Nate and Luke in that group. The whole Strikeforce: Nashville debacle has probably been tough for the anti-UFC BE staff to handle. Dana had a good weekend.
by snakecharmer1340 on Apr 20, 2010 6:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Where you been. They totally ass trash Strikeforce every chance they get. Every one else for that matter as well. Personally I don’t think KidNate likes any one or any thing. But at least he is consistent.
You’re saying Kid Nate is the Debby Downer of MMA?
by snakecharmer1340 on Apr 20, 2010 7:32 PM EDT up reply actions
Wow, you posted a pic with the name and still managed to spell “Debbie” wrong, impressive.
by ufc4 on Apr 20, 2010 11:38 PM EDT up reply actions 9 recs
kid nate loves lots of things!!
Like water-boarding people. Building walls through German cities (see Berlin )….. the list goes on. Lol
"When i get in there, in his face ,pressin the action,I'm RUFF NECKIN'EM,I'm throwin him around,I'm punchin him,hes punchin me, I'm eatin his shots and I'm Blastin him back in the face he's not goin to be able to handle it ." - Chris Leben on how his fight with Anderson Silva is gonna go.
by Rayce. on Apr 20, 2010 7:36 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
One consistent thing is they share the love of MMA that we do. Promotions are becoming like fighters not everyone will agree who is the best. Imagine the dialogue around here if promoter bashing was just cause for the banhammer.
Man, you are one outspoken idiot.
Whatever helps you sleep at night.
Follow me on Twitter: @MMANation.
by Luke Thomas on Apr 20, 2010 10:11 PM EDT up reply actions 6 recs
If people disagreeing with you bothers you... you're in the wrong business.
by snakecharmer1340 on Apr 20, 2010 10:38 PM EDT up reply actions
But this isn’t first time Dana has been accused or exhibited this kind of behavior. Tito, Huerta, Sylvia, Henderson, etc. All have been treated the same. As an example, think how much better it would play if Dana had said this about Hendo when he left “We tried to make it work with Dan, but he was asking for too much. I think we’ve seen his best years pass him by and I couldn’t justify paying him what he wanted. I wish he was still trying to go against the best in the UFC, but I hold no hard feelings”. Instead he always takes the low road, disparaging anyone that doesn’t fight in the UFC or share his point of view.
by John Nash on Apr 20, 2010 6:38 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Actually he basically that about Dan leaving.
They took pictures together at the MMA awards after the whole thing went down. You don’t remember that?
by snakecharmer1340 on Apr 20, 2010 6:40 PM EDT up reply actions
I do remember that. But that was a month after saying " pushed Hendo out" and before mocking him as someone “no one wants to watch”, If he’s not a draw, why not just keep quiet about it and let the broadcast fail on it’s own?Instead he comes across as petty and vindictive. But I realize what he’s doing, he framing the situation for his “fans” so they can share his worldview and lump everything as either pro-UFC or anti-UFC.
Having a blog and running a billion dollar company are night and day.
Running a BLOG
Running the UFC.
by snakecharmer1340 on Apr 20, 2010 6:54 PM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
If anyone is ever looking for the definition of what a “straw man” is look no further than what I wrote and what you posted.
by John Nash on Apr 20, 2010 6:57 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
I don't want to hate but...
Pictures were really needed to illustrate an already obvious “point” lol?
I'm a lover not a fighter
Spectaa I always had a question for you
How big is mma in France and Europe? And is the UFC synomous with mma as it is in America, or do other promotions have a large “chunk” of the pie?
Let’s see…Dana has a proven history of lying. Dana has a proven history of bully-tactics. Dana has a proven history of erasing fighters from the UFC once they have crossed him.
Why would anyone think this story is false or that this is a-typical for Dana? Perhaps if Dana didn’t continue to flush his credibility down the toilet on a weekly basis, people would be less likely to believe a story like this.
"It would appear that the strain was more than he could bear".- Doc Holliday
by MyFistYourFace on Apr 21, 2010 1:27 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
guess we know whos pitching and whos catching tonight
Consider yourself warned, im offensive and creative like handicap porn
by II SMASH II on Apr 20, 2010 6:14 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
You're rec'ing him for BEING BORN?
At least rec him for the spinning piledriver.
Blackout612- "Wuts teh UFC?"
Ubernoober- "It like two guy who just stand and swing for fence and try to knock each other shit out it awesome"
by Charles Awad on Apr 20, 2010 9:15 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
Fuck yeah
AND Marvel vs Capcom 3 got announced today.
Blackout612- "Wuts teh UFC?"
Ubernoober- "It like two guy who just stand and swing for fence and try to knock each other shit out it awesome"
by Charles Awad on Apr 21, 2010 12:54 AM EDT up reply actions
Mediocre
More Tekken is nice, but it was a rushed product. Poor production values (due in part to a fuckin three year old graphics engine, no doubt), sloppily put together play modes, excruciating street fighting mode (which is required to earn players for Arena mode, so you can actually see their arcade endings— way too much work for a 20 second CGI clip). It was just okay. Seems Namco puts in real effort on every other iteration now.
Blackout612- "Wuts teh UFC?"
Ubernoober- "It like two guy who just stand and swing for fence and try to knock each other shit out it awesome"
by Charles Awad on Apr 21, 2010 8:53 AM EDT up reply actions
I totally agree
Overpowered new characters SF4 takes so much more accuracy and timing. If button mashers hate it I love it.
The way I look at it, B.J. made a business decision. K-1 was going to pay and the UFC wasn’t.
"Even the Swedes are getting mad."-Randy Hahn
"It's very cozy in the sin bin."-Randy Hahn
Exactly, its all about busine$$
Let us not forget this sport [like all pro sports] is encapsulated in a business model.
Business negotiations get heated, personal and can even get silly at times. Whether BJ’s account of events are true or not is besides the point. On the negotiation table, everyone is ‘fighting’ for their interests and I’m sure some undesirable remarks are made.
I know I’d be shocked to hear the details to negations that allow the public to buy a gallon of milk at the supermarket. Look at how Walmart aggressively negotiates with some of its suppliers.
"I'm Nobody's FanBoy" - higgledy-piggledy
by higgledy-piggledy on Apr 20, 2010 9:23 PM EDT up reply actions
You could indirectly blame Penn for the Fedor/UFC situation cause I believe this caused the champions clause.
by Mat Parker 116 on Apr 20, 2010 6:16 PM EDT reply actions 3 recs
Or you could directly blame Kid Nate
Just sayin.
I'm a lover not a fighter
by spectaa on Apr 20, 2010 6:17 PM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
I think I’m going to get a t-shirt that says “I blame Kid Nate.”
Bolts from the Blue // "He looks like a catfish" - Nick Hardwick on Brandon Siler
Bloody Elbow // " looks like your comment violated rule #4. and it’s a heck of a rule, rule #4" - Kid Nate
by Richard Wade on Apr 20, 2010 7:46 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
That could be
The BE shirt. “Bloody Elbow. It’s all Nate’s Fault.”
"I will do nothing lightly. When I walk, I will walk heavily. When I fight, I will fight with conviction. When I speak, I will speak strongly. When I love, I will love with everything"
by dedstrk316 on Apr 20, 2010 8:18 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
From War Machine's Twitter
@WarMachine170 Fuck a Kid Nate
by ufc4 on Apr 20, 2010 11:40 PM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
I want one.
My blah blah blah
My photography site
"expect us to take you seriously or think you’re even remotely intelligent?" - Luke Thomas
Thank’s BJ, eventhough you’ll probably lean on the fact you didn’t write the book. It’s a little crazy Dana would be so disrespectful to someone he knows would be back eventually. Dana knows the UFC is the shit but if he keeps treating world class fighters like shit, they’ll go somewhere else to make cash. It’s a slow process, but the chance of it taking place only go up with Dana acting like an alpha male dickhead. Think Fedor.
by god-damn long hair on Apr 20, 2010 6:18 PM EDT reply actions
also Huerta, Couture, Rampage, every other ufc ship jumper
I know Rampage and Couture are back, but they still screamed and upped their stock as a result. A lot of fighters have sounded off about unfair treatment and poor pay.
plus, Dana also turns off a lot of fans from ordering. Dana and the over hyped fights.
jiMMAy
The biggest surprise to me is that Penn would come forward with a story like this while he is still an active UFC star. It’s one thing to release a tell-all book after retirement, but one has to wonder what the motivation was to tell a story like this now.
The motivation to be an honest person and not accept being under the thumb of your fight promoter?
by smoogy2 on Apr 20, 2010 6:18 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
I think it probably has more to do with money.
Bolts from the Blue // "He looks like a catfish" - Nick Hardwick on Brandon Siler
Bloody Elbow // " looks like your comment violated rule #4. and it’s a heck of a rule, rule #4" - Kid Nate
by Richard Wade on Apr 20, 2010 7:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Probably. I’ll try to clarify instead. I suspect that revealing a story like this has more to do with selling books than getting the truth out.
Bolts from the Blue // "He looks like a catfish" - Nick Hardwick on Brandon Siler
Bloody Elbow // " looks like your comment violated rule #4. and it’s a heck of a rule, rule #4" - Kid Nate
by Richard Wade on Apr 20, 2010 7:51 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Correct. And he has every right to that, if he’s willing to take the risk. The fact that people are surprised about this in some way is a bit unusual.
Blackout612- "Wuts teh UFC?"
Ubernoober- "It like two guy who just stand and swing for fence and try to knock each other shit out it awesome"
by Charles Awad on Apr 20, 2010 9:16 PM EDT up reply actions
You think hardcore MMA fans being oblivious to the world around them is unusual?
by ufc4 on Apr 20, 2010 11:01 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Agreed.
He’s doing this while he’s still relevant.
Do you think this kind of story would be better received after he retires?
I doubt it.
If he released this after he had retired, people would question even more why he didn’t say this when he was still an active fighter. He’s doing it for the money. Shit like that.
There's a pretty great UFC lawyer anecdote later in the book
Where he details that the UFC lawyer told Penn during his K-1 run that the only way he could make good with the UFC would be to publicly apologize during a UFC event, walk in, and leave the belt in the octagon.
His commentary in the book is something along the lines of being more likely to leave Dana on the floor of the octagon than his belt. Which is both hilarious and conceivably true.
by LBo on Apr 20, 2010 6:21 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs
Turns out, prepping for a book release is not good preparation to fight Frankie Edgar. He’s got to be hating life being introduced in his press tour interviews as “former champ.”
Getting bent out of shape over a fight promoter lying is like getting upset that a hooker won't kiss you. It betrays a deep lack of understanding of the nature of the profession.
by punching him repeatedly and controlling the tempo and pace of the fight
didn’t help bj that he fought a terrible fight. no clue why he decided to be a counterpuncher against one of the fastest guys in the division.
http://mixedmartialartsblogger.wordpress.com/
by Cory Braiterman on Apr 20, 2010 6:58 PM EDT up reply actions
BJ will smah this kid real kwick in the remach! BJ’s dog died before the fight he was super bumbed!
"I'm Feel Good"
-Wandi
you know...
BJ’s dog died before the fight he was super bumbed!
They have ointments for that now…
Franky isn't dorky looking. He was just looking at this when they took his pic.
Mike Goldberg: "You know Joe, When Matt and his brother Mark Hughes were growing up, they would pound each other behind the barn."
by xFenixKnightx on Apr 20, 2010 7:05 PM EDT up reply actions 7 recs
I have seriously got tears in my eyes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LMBO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
by Burnknuckle1010 on Apr 21, 2010 1:55 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm surprised that BJ is still getting an immediate rematch with Frankie
especially after all the shit talking he’s doing in this book.
BJ is a permanent fixture in the UFC now… Like someone said above I dont even think he read the book. Someone else wrote it.
Penn read all the transcripts and approved the release of the book.
by MickDawg on Apr 20, 2010 7:54 PM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
I doubt they needed BJ to approve anything in order to release it.
by ufc4 on Apr 20, 2010 11:07 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Weintraub said BJ reviewed the transcript. I believe that. See Sherdog’s post he created in the Heavyweights. I believe that is the real Weintraub. Judge for yourself.
by MickDawg on Apr 21, 2010 12:01 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Me to!!
I don’t understand why he gets an immediate rematch, with or without the book. BJ’s been around the block. He left it in the hands of the judges and it was a very close fight. Frankie did enough to win the fight, I don’t know about BJ. Giving BJ an instant rematch discredits the belt in a way.
by god-damn long hair on Apr 20, 2010 7:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Why PPV sales... BJ has a huge fan base.
by snakecharmer1340 on Apr 20, 2010 7:13 PM EDT up reply actions
True!
But bullshit none the less. It’s a business move, that has a little dirt on it. BJ lost the fight. But b/c BJ has a solid fan base and nobody else really does at LW he gets an instant rematch (b/c he rakes in PPV buys). This discredits the LW belt. It also makes the next challenger in line (maynard/ florian) have to wait another 6-9 months, when in reality they should get their shot in Boston or wherever cus BJ lost to edgar fair and square. It was a unanimous decision.
by god-damn long hair on Apr 20, 2010 7:48 PM EDT up reply actions
BJ won the fight though. It was close but he won.
by snakecharmer1340 on Apr 20, 2010 7:56 PM EDT up reply actions
BJ should’ve gotten the decision…that’s a good enough reason for him to get a rematch.
Maynard has a gripe about not getting a title shot, but not Florian.
by MickDawg on Apr 20, 2010 7:59 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
um, because he’s going to be ranked number 2 in the world.
think about it for a second, you are upset about the number 2 guy getting a title shot.
I think that’s the very definition of a travesty.
Bolts from the Blue // "He looks like a catfish" - Nick Hardwick on Brandon Siler
Bloody Elbow // " looks like your comment violated rule #4. and it’s a heck of a rule, rule #4" - Kid Nate
by Richard Wade on Apr 20, 2010 8:32 PM EDT up reply actions
so bj loses the 2nd fight against edgar and what??? He gets a third shot in a row cus hes ranked number 2.
by god-damn long hair on Apr 20, 2010 8:58 PM EDT up reply actions
if he’s still ranked number 2 AND it’s a close decision that lots of intelligent people think is wrong, why the fuck not?
It doesn’t make sense for bj to get shot after shot, even if he is ranked number 2 coming off a championship fight. If penn won the fight, then a rematch would be completely justified, a la machida/ shogun. But he lost and it was a legitmate loss. Penn knew it when the Frankies name rang out from buffers voice. And BJ getting an immediate rematch b/c of PPV pull isn’t how it should be. Should be maynard/ edgar with bj fighting…??? somebody else!!!
by god-damn long hair on Apr 20, 2010 11:59 PM EDT up reply actions
Why does nobody ask why Shogun gets back to back title challenges. Because it was a controversial decison.
It's about the Money
Penn losing created controversy and drama. But, the UFC still wants Penn to be the champion because he is such a huge PPV draw.
And, cash money >> personal feelings
Is this from the book that neither Dana or BJ has read yet?
It sounds believable from what we know of Dana I guess; but also sounds weird when they normally treat guys pretty well in the money dept. But I guess things were a bit tighter back then. And yea, being responsible for the cost and performance of a company can change a person, especially when they have a business relationship with you.
I know that everyone is up in arms about Dana’s lying about the TUF thing; but how often is Dana lying when he makes all these threats that end up being empty? The EA thing, probably every fighter negotiation ever, etc. Like I had said before, I think Dana is a good thing for the UFC now and in the immediate past; kind of like a fanboys CEO; but if the UFC makes it big I think they will need someone a bit more politically correct (hopefully still as good with MMA though).
My blah blah blah
My photography site
"expect us to take you seriously or think you’re even remotely intelligent?" - Luke Thomas
I should think so...
Is this from the book that neither Dana or BJ has read yet?
I doubt BJ would say he hasn’t read the book. He may not have literally wrote it himself, but you can guarantee he read it to make sure he agreed with what was written. Dana on the other hand, who knows if he’s read it.
"I'm Nobody's FanBoy" - higgledy-piggledy
by higgledy-piggledy on Apr 20, 2010 9:37 PM EDT up reply actions
There are some people I work with (above and below me) that are ten times worse than Dana White. I guess it’s only when you are making millions that people care how your boss treats you.
by Bob Boblaw on Apr 20, 2010 6:34 PM EDT reply actions 3 recs
haha
very true
I’ve had a few bosses that were way worse than Dana; maybe that’s why his stuff doesn’t really get to me. He’s pretty toned down compared to some real a-hole bosses.
My blah blah blah
My photography site
"expect us to take you seriously or think you’re even remotely intelligent?" - Luke Thomas
I keep saying most bloggers live in their moms basements and if domain names werent 8 bucks they’d be on the sherdog forums.
This is patty cake for anyone who has ever held a relatively important position in a company… especially in a competitive industry.
by mmalogic on Apr 20, 2010 6:42 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
“I keep saying most bloggers live in their moms basements…”
You and every other original asshole in the world.
Twitter: @Mike_Fagan_13
http://www.sackmikegoldberg.com
by Mike Fagan on Apr 21, 2010 12:38 AM EDT up reply actions 8 recs
So are you Jay Mariotti, Rick Reilly, or Peter King?
BOOSH
by Farthammer on Apr 21, 2010 4:30 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
cool story.
probably a time of considerable pressure for the UFC though. fertitta brothers are just pouring money into this thing seeing it all disappear. $44 million and counting. if dana white wasn’t the intense, aggressive guy that he is, and every fighter was able to walk all over the UFC and get their contract demands satisfied, it’s pretty doubtful that the UFC would have ever gotten TUF created and turned into the company it is today.
things are a lot different now of course. i’m just saying it’s probably worth trying to put the above penn/white dispute into context of what was happening with the UFC and MMA at that time.
www.tapology.com | twitter @tapology
by GregS123 on Apr 20, 2010 6:38 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Exactly...They'd probably be buried like Affliction, Elite XC and the rest of the others...
who didn’t have a clue about the economics of a business.
I don’t support screwing fighters over, but I’m very aware of the realities of what it take to make a business work. You certainly don’t become successful [profitable] by not managing costs.
If I’m not mistaken K1, Dream and Pride was where it [$] was at in the early 00s?
"I'm Nobody's FanBoy" - higgledy-piggledy
by higgledy-piggledy on Apr 20, 2010 9:53 PM EDT up reply actions
DREAM
didn’t exist yet. It was K-1 and PRIDE that were the big players at the time.
Follow me on Twitter @KidNate
by Nate Wilcox on Apr 20, 2010 10:51 PM EDT up reply actions
thanks, I was unsure about that.
"I'm Nobody's FanBoy" - higgledy-piggledy
by higgledy-piggledy on Apr 20, 2010 11:27 PM EDT up reply actions
Does anyone really believe either of them are telling the whole truth?!?!?!
Snakecharmer had a good point above
BJ and Dana are just two people trying to make as much money as possible for themselves or their companies
Chances are that both Dana and Penn are lying and telling the truth. This is what happens between two alpha males that want to win.
Matt from MMA Posers, check us out at www.mmaposers.com, follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/mmaposers, and friend us on facebook
I dont think BJ is lying… I havent read the book but I think he is truthful from his perspective. He didnt write the book. He was heavily interviewed and the interview was heavily edited down to create this book by a writer who does not like Dana.
Can you explain this?
What makes you believe that Dave Weintraub dislikes Dana?
"Someone is WRONG on the internet. What do you want me to do? LEAVE? Then they'll keep being wrong!"
-Randall Munroe
I have to agree with you. I’m not calling anyone a liar, but I believe the story is coming from BJ’s perspective as an employee/contractor.
If we were ever to hear the UFC’s version of events I’m sure it would centre around ‘costs’ and market value etc etc. BJ mentions K1 was offering $187K per fight. Ok, I guess the UFC didn’t think they could afford or match it. Sh*t like that happens everyday on every type of negotiation.
If it’s true the UFC wanted to erase his image; well what can you say about that? Its a cut throat business. I doubt the UFC would want to keep promoting a fighter that wasn’t part of the organisation anymore. The UFC and many businesses do this all the time. I’m not saying it is right. It is legal and companies use whatever leverage they have to get what they want. It is the cold side of business. It just seems BJ has still got a nasty taste in his mouth from the negotiations. It’s probably why people use intermediaries to conduct contract negoatioations, to act as a buffer to the personal sh*t that gets aired out.
"I'm Nobody's FanBoy" - higgledy-piggledy
by higgledy-piggledy on Apr 20, 2010 10:10 PM EDT up reply actions
What I find funny is the fact that DW and Co.
Can lie and lie and lie under the guise of “business” but when somebody like BJ puts out a book that could possibly not be the whole truth DW and Zuffa get all pissed off. Hey Dana, take your own advice, shut the hell up and quit being such a crybaby. I think DW is good for the sport in the big pitcher but he’s such a hypocrite.
"I will do nothing lightly. When I walk, I will walk heavily. When I fight, I will fight with conviction. When I speak, I will speak strongly. When I love, I will love with everything"
by dedstrk316 on Apr 20, 2010 6:46 PM EDT reply actions 8 recs
Pitcher = picture obviously
To much softball last night. I went to a co-ed rec league softball game last night and a diaz family picnic broke out. 3 brawls during one game. The other team was like the gracie camp and my team was like mayhem miller.
"I will do nothing lightly. When I walk, I will walk heavily. When I fight, I will fight with conviction. When I speak, I will speak strongly. When I love, I will love with everything"
Its just funny that out of a whole entire book, this is what this site chooses to post.
Oh really, a story about Dana cursing and acting crazy.
How original.
BE are UFC haters
Talking about originality.
I'm a lover not a fighter
by spectaa on Apr 20, 2010 6:56 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
Why the fuck do you still read this site?
by Neil Manich on Apr 20, 2010 8:23 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
lol Dana is a fakeass wannabe mob boss who tries to muscle people. Look at the way his offices are decorated.
Mike Goldberg: "You know Joe, When Matt and his brother Mark Hughes were growing up, they would pound each other behind the barn."
OMG!
He’s got a gold picture frame, just like (insert generic mafia boss).
Wow, this has gotta be the lamest attempt to discredit anyone, ever.
Heh, whatever you say d00d. Click here for more ;)
Wouldn’t be surprised if Dana comissioned this pic himself. lol
Mike Goldberg: "You know Joe, When Matt and his brother Mark Hughes were growing up, they would pound each other behind the barn."
by xFenixKnightx on Apr 20, 2010 8:15 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Apparently Dana got added with Tito and Sylvia on the “Okay to bash list”. This thread is full of wasted keystrokes.
Blackout612- "Wuts teh UFC?"
Ubernoober- "It like two guy who just stand and swing for fence and try to knock each other shit out it awesome"
by Charles Awad on Apr 20, 2010 9:19 PM EDT up reply actions 9 recs
I’ve said several time sI have a love/hate thing going on with him. lol
Mike Goldberg: "You know Joe, When Matt and his brother Mark Hughes were growing up, they would pound each other behind the barn."
by xFenixKnightx on Apr 20, 2010 7:05 PM EDT up reply actions
K-1 was offering me $187,500 per fight – five times what the UFC was offering
*does spit take
Woah! Why aren’t more Fighters not in the UFC competing in K-1???
Mike Goldberg: "You know Joe, When Matt and his brother Mark Hughes were growing up, they would pound each other behind the barn."
There is probably a reason BJ said he wanted to stay with the UFC even with that offer. And it obviously isn’t b/c he loved working for Dana.
My blah blah blah
My photography site
"expect us to take you seriously or think you’re even remotely intelligent?" - Luke Thomas
It was 2004. UFC is in a different place now.
by snakecharmer1340 on Apr 20, 2010 7:20 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
because they arent Bj fucking penn
Not everyone gets that.
"When i get in there, in his face ,pressin the action,I'm RUFF NECKIN'EM,I'm throwin him around,I'm punchin him,hes punchin me, I'm eatin his shots and I'm Blastin him back in the face he's not goin to be able to handle it ." - Chris Leben on how his fight with Anderson Silva is gonna go.
by Rayce. on Apr 20, 2010 7:23 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Its seems like Dana and BJ just got into verbal fight, nothing see here move on.
by NinjaRehab on Apr 20, 2010 7:43 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Is it just me or is believability often based on who the listener likes more? BJ says GSP greased and people laugh at him and mock him for his mother testifying for him, then he says something bad about Dana (possibly through a ghost writer) and he’s largely taken on his word.
by brad23 on Apr 20, 2010 7:50 PM EDT reply actions 3 recs
I laughed at BJ because his argument was BS, that doesn’t mean he was lying though, I’m sure he himself believes that GSP’s camp greased him on purpose and that it played a factor in the fight.
Don’t let anger get in the way of comprehension
I think BS is a bit strong. Greasing up the area where someone who planned on being on their back and fights well from a high guard can make a pretty big difference in a fight, especially when the guy on the bottom figures he will take a bit of a ground and pound while he works his guard looking for a sub. And how you grease someone by accident I don’t know…it was enough for the athletic commission to come in and throw the can out of the cage.
My blah blah blah
My photography site
"expect us to take you seriously or think you’re even remotely intelligent?" - Luke Thomas
to me it’s a BS argument because I don’t think it would have made a difference in the fight, but I’m not trying to re-open that debate that has been closed for so long.
Don’t let anger get in the way of comprehension
The argument that GSP greased is good; the argument that the greasing significantly affected the outcome isn’t.
Deadliest Warrior Returns April 20!!!
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better. -Samuel Beckett
by Scott C. Broussard on Apr 20, 2010 10:32 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
that part I can get with; I think GSP would have won regardless; but in a game where one wrong move or a few seconds of shifting in a hold can end the game; it’s not good to see crap like that happening.
My blah blah blah
My photography site
"expect us to take you seriously or think you’re even remotely intelligent?" - Luke Thomas
by JeremyShane on Apr 20, 2010 11:46 PM EDT up reply actions
I think BJ has a point in the greasing don’t think GSP was in on it and it was pretty suspicious looking in the couple of fights they do have him on video getting vaseline applied. BJ brought up some excellent points of how vaseline can effect a fight and I think they are valid. However non grease GSP would likely have had the same type of fight . BJ is a fighter and some things he says is to protect his ego and keep him going and keep his mind strong. Every fighter with excuses does this and this is completelty normal. It’s hard to say the guy was just better than me. These guys are just too damn competitive that it was out of control and they explain away to soothe their own ego on yours.
I don’t think I believe every story about Dana. Some of the ones people say ( fighters ) may be true and although dooshy I can understand why Dana has to do things that suck here and there seeing as he has to negotiate and do his damn job.
Dana is clearly a doosh but almost every CEO in any business is seen as one as well and he is a fucking cut throat business.
Doesn’t excuse him for being a doosh but somewhat understandably. Dana fools us by acting like one of the guys but to be a big time CEO figurehead type of guy you have to steal baby’s food once in a while.
Alot of Dana’s mindset comes from Im trying to build this company, a new era in fighting sports . You are standing in my way of my dream Fuck You. I don’t have to like it but I understand it , well at least most of the time.
That’s an accurate point, but I don’t know that its actually a negative. People should take into account a person’s history while attempting to judge their actions. Courts shouldn’t obviously, but public opinion should keep history in mind. People were less likely to trust BJ in the case of greasing because he has a history of making excuses. People are less likely to believe Dana here because he has a history of acting like this.
You make an interesting point
The problem, however, is that a guy like GSP appears at all times to be squeaky clean. I like to watch Georges fight, but outside of the ring/cage he seems like a bit of a nerd. From my perspective, it doesn’t appear that he has the ability to be deceptive and evil.
Dana White, on the other hand, while great for the sport in so many ways has shown time and time again that he can be petty, vindictive, and hold a grudge if you ever mess with him. Just to be clear, I feel that in some cases he is justified in these beliefs, but in some cases it just makes him look bad. Thus the reason why you wouldn’t believe that GSP was bad, but that Dana White was…
Just saying….
by funkywanderer on Apr 20, 2010 10:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Penn definitley looks like an idiot for writing a book about this stuff at this time. After you retire sure but Penn proves time and time again he does not know how to be a company man at all and constantly rebels.
BJ, Dana is your boss. Regardless of if you like him or not you should show him respect while being an employee. If anyone else in this situation did this they would likely be fired. Nobody really even cares about what your saying and you look like a doosh for bringing it up. Also rubbing your boss the wrong way while you still have a lot of your prime ahead of you is just plain stupid. What were you thinking?
Calling him a douche or dumb for writing a book during his prime years when people still actually care about him…that’s not a dumb move.
Why do you care so much about Penn being a company man or not?
You just sound like a good little boy that the boss abuses.
I don’t think I called Penn a douche or dumb. I said his choice to air his dirty laundry was dumb and made him look stupid which he is not. Dana clearly is a doosh like most bosses are. I just don’t think airing your dirty laundry is appropriate while you are still an employee. Just cause they are fighters I don’t think they should be treated special. None of us would ever try some shit like that with our boss it’s just foolish. And trust me Im not a company man I have authority issues perhaps even worse than BJ but I know how to live in society. Coming from money probably made his authority issues even worse off but just making a point.
You deal with your boss your own way. My boss is a nice lady. I don’t have those issues.
Don’t get all “these are the rules to professionalism, and you fit in society by doing these things and acting this way”
Being in a company with an HR department and working a 9 to 5 is different.
The fighter/promoter dynamic is different. Just like an actor/director dynamic is different.
He could do whatever the fuck he wants, and he will suffer the consequences as such.
He’s telling people what happened behinds the scenes, while he is still relevant.
Who knows after he loses 3 in a row at the end of his career or whatever, would people still care? People will just say “Oh no, he’s just bitter. He’s doing it for the money”.
I’m glad you clarified that you don’t think he’s dumb.
Is he taking a risk and damaging his relationship with Dana? Sure.
But can him and Dana make up and be cool again? Sure.
Well BJ shouldn’t expect the Matt Hughes kind of treatment then. Once he isn’t relevant he will no longer have any part of the company.
I doubt it. Dana and BJ can do enough to get along but there’s obvious tension there.
Why would fighter/promoter situation be any different than any other boss/employee situation.
Perhaps my military experience although limited may lead me to feel this way more than others. Sometimes it’s just how you were brought up. Seeing as how BJ has never had anyone tell him anything and has done anything he wanted his whole life like the spoiled brat he is I said I can understand. Still doesn’t make it right though.
Seeing as how BJ has never had anyone tell him anything and has done anything he wanted his whole life like the spoiled brat he is I said I can understand. Still doesn’t make it right though.
Thats one of the big misconceptions he addresses about his life in his book.
by Johnnynumber5 on Apr 21, 2010 4:51 PM EDT up reply actions
"You deal with your boss your own way. My boss is a nice lady. I don’t have those issues."
Then you’re one of the minute FEW lucky ones. I envy you.
but Dana doesn’t have to show respect to anyone?
hahahahahahaaaaaaa
yeah.. “Penn looks like an idiot’
yeah.. “Penn looks like an idiot’Please learn how to spell douche
yeah.. “Penn looks like an idiot’Please learn how to spell douche
jiMMAy
Cause Im a man. A man should know how to conduct himself. Do you really think BJ is the only one who has a dooshbag boss? Everyone has to deal with assholes especially in management . Complaining to the world about how big of a doosh your boss is while you currently work for his company is just not man-like. Sometimes you gotta suck it up and deal with it.
Lol. I would never let my boss abuse me. I am a man like I stated before. I would tell him to not speak to me like that and talk to him on a professional level. You can show that you have respect for yourself and you tell him he needs to respect you as well. Or you knock that mofo out lol. Jk, But BJ is dealing with this like a child.
Perhaps you don’t have a job or have never been in the working world but shit like this happens everyday. Just because your not a man and don’t understand the complexities of being a man doesn’t mean you have to get snippy with me buddy.
If Dana White was a woman…
Lord. One week of each month your job could be on the chopping block just for saying “Dana, why does my UFC 2010 character look like shit?”
"The true science of martial arts means practicing them in such a way that they will be useful at any time, and to teach them in such a way that they will be useful in all things." - Miyamoto Musashi
by Kaleb Kelchner on Apr 20, 2010 8:36 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Lol No I am a man I work construction and wouldn’t know what to do with a female boss unless she wanted to bang.
Regardless if I had a female boss I would tell him the same thing. Does a female not need to respect a man in a workplace or something? She needs to respect me as an employee and be professional. If she does not understand that I will tell her what she needs to do.
You only get abused if you let it happen. You shut the fuck up you do your fucking job, you do the right thing by people and when people get out of line you tell them they are fucking wrong. Pretty simple.
What does that have to with anything, Bob?
A Boss can be horrid either way : MALE OR FEMALE. Gender makes no difference if the Personality of the individual sux.
I definitely base my masculinity on how hard I let my boss ream me without doing or saying anything about it.
Twitter: @Mike_Fagan_13
http://www.sackmikegoldberg.com
by Mike Fagan on Apr 21, 2010 12:41 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I've read the book
Bj isn’t really complaining. He is just putting everything on the table, he also has a lot of positive things to say about White & the UFC. Don’t judge the book from this one blurb.
by Johnnynumber5 on Apr 21, 2010 4:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Hmm...
Is anyone actually surprised that the book has a part about Dana White flipping out on BJ? The quoted section reads like the transcript of an interview, it’s a deadly accurate take on “pissed of Dana White”.
Considering that Dana is a pretty “colorful” guy anyways, is it a surprise that he went off on an employee that left them? It’s just one side of the story, but I have a feeling it’s not all filler to generate some heat. At this point, I expect this from Dana…not sure why others are so surprised. Is it professional? Nope. Does it get the job done in the end? Apparently, because since that conversation and BJ’s returned, he’s gotten more and more motivated. It’s not like BJ hasn’t deserved getting his balls busted for various things (slacking off on his GSP II training camp, for example), and Dana White is a skilled Ball Buster.
I dunno, hearing stuff like this doesn’t even phase me anymore. Dana being Dana, the man’s actions speak for themselves, do we have to raise hell over it each time?
"The true science of martial arts means practicing them in such a way that they will be useful at any time, and to teach them in such a way that they will be useful in all things." - Miyamoto Musashi
Yeah, it’s really not. The man is almost bi-polar. He seems like, if you’re on his goodside, he could possible be the best boss in the world. But…you piss him off, prepare for one hell of a headache.
Rule of thumb with Dana White, stay on his good side.
"The true science of martial arts means practicing them in such a way that they will be useful at any time, and to teach them in such a way that they will be useful in all things." - Miyamoto Musashi
by Kaleb Kelchner on Apr 20, 2010 8:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Definitley. How hard is it to get along with Dana White? It’s not at all. You do your job and show him respect and Dana will be your best friend.
Randy wanted to be a dick and leave, Rampage wanted to be a dick and leave, Tito is a dick, and BJ does his own thing. Silva made him look bad in a new venue when he just got a new partner that he wanted to look good in front of. I mean it’s usually the fighters who are fucking up as far as I can see.
“You do your job and show him respect and Dana will be your best friend.”
….And sign away the rights to your likeness- FOR LIFE- with no compensation….
I’m a bigger Dana nuthugger than 90% of the people here but even I can admit that the guy isn’t the easiest person in the world to get along with, especially if he signs your paychecks. Being in the UFC is a great job I’m sure but let’s not pretend like there aren’t sacrifices that have to be made and there’s probably a hundred times more arm twisting going on behind closed doors than we hear about.
by ufc4 on Apr 20, 2010 11:22 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Dana is a skilled ball buster. You are right about that. I hate dealing with people like that. You seriously have to nip it in the bud while dealing with people like that.
Well in some cases guys deserve to get their balls busted. Like BJ going on a mini-vacation during his training camp for GSP, he called him on it quick, and so would I. In others, well, you know…it’s Dana. He’ll run you over if you let him.
"The true science of martial arts means practicing them in such a way that they will be useful at any time, and to teach them in such a way that they will be useful in all things." - Miyamoto Musashi
by Kaleb Kelchner on Apr 20, 2010 8:51 PM EDT up reply actions
this just sounds like a bad break up
and at that stage in its history the UFC was really on its last legs bj leaving didnt do anyone any favors
if i were dana i woulda reacted exactly the same way, does that call it professional? or am i condoning what he said? no but i really cant blame him for doing it
I think this is from the book as well...
Pulver was in contract negotiations with the UFC, and like many before him (and certainly many more after him), he felt he was not getting fairly paid. He was probably right, since no one ever seemed to be, except those few fighters the ownership seemed to want to make stars. There would always be that one guy the Fertittas and White would give a lot of money to, like a Rizzo, or later on a Liddell, based on what they thought he was worth. But what did they know? The Fertittas were jujitsu white belts and White was an aerobic boxing instructor; should they be judges of which guy will be a star?
Can anyone verify?
That is terrible if it really is in the book.
“There would always be that one guy the Fertittas and White would give a lot of money to, like a Rizzo, or later on a Liddell, based on what they thought he was worth.”
Oh...
I thought you were going to quote this:
The Fertittas were jujitsu white belts and White was an aerobic boxing instructor; should they be judges of which guy will be a star?
by MMASuPreMaCy on Apr 20, 2010 9:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah
They clearly have no idea what they’re doing.
Blackout612- "Wuts teh UFC?"
Ubernoober- "It like two guy who just stand and swing for fence and try to knock each other shit out it awesome"
by Charles Awad on Apr 20, 2010 9:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Your favorite org’s unloaded their war chests on the likes of Tim Sylvia and Kimbo Slice. Always good for a laugh, Sup..
Blackout612- "Wuts teh UFC?"
Ubernoober- "It like two guy who just stand and swing for fence and try to knock each other shit out it awesome"
by Charles Awad on Apr 20, 2010 9:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Laughing and creating laughter is what I like to do here at BE… =)
by MMASuPreMaCy on Apr 20, 2010 9:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Matt’s next fight might be the first time I’ve ever cheered for him to knock or choke his opponent out. Strange feeling.
by John Nash on Apr 21, 2010 1:26 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
David Weintraub responds on sherdog
http://www.sherdog.net/forums/f2/bj-penn-book-comments-me-his-co-author-1192381/
I do not really post much on public forums, but a lot of people I know mentioned to me that people were discussing BJ’s new book, and even giving him a hard time about having not read the book. So now I’m posting.
I want to clear a few things up about these books, which I’m sure most of you already know. It’s rare the subject of the book will ever actually type/write large portions of the book. Sometimes a subject will write up notes, and the co-author and subject will go over them together, but this is why you have a co-author in the first place.
BJ and I discussed his life for hundreds of hours, starting when I lived in Hilo for many weeks in 2009, to multiple phone discussions, skype chats, and countless texts/emails, etc. As the two of us put this book together, going over it as we went along, large parts of it were exchanged between myself, and Penn. When a final manuscript was put together, BJ went through it again, removing and adding parts he did/didn’t want in the text. I have physical copies of these papers with his handwriting all over it. This is how it works.
In other words, BJ Penn without question read his own book, and more than once. He created this book. There is the semantic argument he “never read the book”, and yes, that’s true, when referring to the actual physical book itself. Under that standard, I’ve also never read the book. But obviously, we both read the text which became a book.
BJ responded to a Dana White text to him about the book, after White flipped out over it, and suggested he didn’t “read the book.” He wrote that because he was actually worried something ended up in the book he didn’t sign off on. It truly concerned him at first. BJ couldn’t understand what White was so livid about it, that he was replying as if he needed to go back and find out what it was. After realizing White was just being his caustic self, and being comfortable with everything in the book, he just blew off Dana’s comment. In fact, he has no desire to really address it because he thinks anyone who believes for a second he didn’t read his own book is ridiculous. I’m realizing quickly how many people like to dump on BJ (and support).
The part that really bothers ME when I hear stories like this one is how easily people will echo the words of UFC President Dana White after he makes such a statement. The UFC is not promoting the book in any way, and White has obviously done his best to discredit the book itself. For fans to take his words to heart, to actually believe them, is shocking. However, I imagine it’s much more of a small loud minority than the majority of interested people who actually do. I would think fans would support fighters over company presidents, but hey, that’s just me.
In the end I’m hopeful people enjoy the book. It’s as honest a book from a MMA fighter as you’re going to read, even if you disagree with the opinion of Penn. This book is not my opinion in any way, even if I lost my job doing freelance work with the UFC because of it. It’s BJ Penn’s book, and love him, or hate him, I can assure you it’s an honest assessment and perspective of his life.
Finally, people have commented that fighters and athletes shouldn’t be writing biographies while they’re still relevant. I don’t completely disagree with this line of reasoning, but with MMA/UFC, a fighter’s shelf life is short. If Dan Severin wrote a book right now I wonder how many people would buy it, or if the companies he fought for would promote it. I doubt it. I don’t think Kobe Bryant should be writing a book now, but his situation is completely different than a MMA fighter, to use an example.
Because of the nature of MMA, especially when you think about the contentious relationship fighters have with organizations, writing these books is important now. It’s not the same in baseball, football, and other large sports, as it is for MMA. Fighters don’t have a large voice, especially in the UFC. The organization will always do whatever they can to be bigger than the fighters. Dana White himself has said, “no fighter will ever be bigger than the UFC.” With this being the case, you cannot fault fighters who are trying to be heard now, during a time when media will actually pay attention to them.
I am doing a radio show today in New Jersey at 4pm Eastern. It’s not MMA based, but mostly news based. However, if anyone has questions regarding this book I would certainly be willing to answer some of them, and would entertain MMA questions about anything. Having spent over 6 years with UFC, I certainly believe I can answer some.
Radio link
Hope those of you who read the book enjoy it. After all, it cost me my job!!!
Thanks,
David Weintraub
Taken from the UG…
by MMASuPreMaCy on Apr 20, 2010 9:24 PM EDT up reply actions 14 recs
That’s some pertinent shit.
by John Nash on Apr 20, 2010 9:56 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions 2 recs
worth your job, that is....
I don’t think it is but hey….It’s your livelihood, not mine.
The part that really bothers ME when I hear stories like this one is how easily people will echo the words of UFC President Dana White after he makes such a statement.
Alas, this is how it works with many fans. Whatever Dana says, goes.
The organization will always do whatever they can to be bigger than the fighters. Dana White himself has said, "no fighter will ever be bigger than the UFC."
This is part of why the UFC is so strong. Their brand is bigger than any fighter. You’re never going to hear about a fighter getting the upper hand on them the way Fedor / M1 did to Strikeforce.
Fedor/M1’s is a special case. Other than that I think it’s damn important for MMA as a whole that a fighter become bigger than the UFC brand. Maybe I’m alone on this.
Mike Goldberg: "You know Joe, When Matt and his brother Mark Hughes were growing up, they would pound each other behind the barn."
by xFenixKnightx on Apr 20, 2010 11:00 PM EDT up reply actions
To be fair...
alot of people might be taking Dana’s comment seriously not just because Dana said it, but because there are so many sensationalized books about celebraties and atheletes these days that aren’t necessarily approved by those same people…look no further than Oprah right now for an example.
Second, the comments about the UFC being bigger than the fighters is such crap. If he wants to see a promotion in which the fighters are clearly bigger than the promotion, look no further than Strikeforce, Affliction, EXC, etc…and see how many of those are still making money for those fighters. Strikeforce probably not for much longer.
Its hard not to believe this
when every time from 2008 to january 2010 Dana talked about Fedor he went on and on about how he was represented by crazy fucking russians! The man is trying to sign what is thought to be the greatest heavyweight in the world and he can’t swallow enough pride to show them some respect in the media. If he would treat somebody as coveted as Fedor that way then why wouldn’t he treat everybody else the same way
So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth.
True or not, I can’t help but feel like the constant drum beat to emphasize or prove what a bad guy Dana is just plays right into the UFC’s hands. I mean, the story line of the evil promoter screwing over his talent and being a mean guy is right out of the WWE. Vince McMahon could portray himself any way he wants. He could portray himself as a saint, but he chooses to be portrayed as an evil guy, because fans clearly find an organization run by a megalomaniac more compelling than one run by mother Teressa. The constant teeth gnashing about “this isn’t a sport because Machida Okami Maynard didn’t get a title shot” or “I’m upset because fighter X isn’t being treated fairly” shed a poor light on Dana and the UFC, but ultimately these are story lines that people find fascinating. I’m not suggesting that people should stop criticizing Dana or do anything different than they’re doing now, I just think it is interesting that the constant criticism of Dana end up feeding into a story line that probably has a net positive value for the UFC.
by Jahbulon on Apr 20, 2010 9:36 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
It’s no coincidence that fighters that defy the evil boss are the biggest draws with maybe the one exception being Chuck.
That is one possibility...
The other is much simpler…
At one point in my life I was working 70-80 hours per week. My wife told me that for those years, I was pretty much a total prick. I was always in a bad mood, I was livid with anybody who messed with me.
Dana White probably works 80 hours a week, every week. The guy is constantly traveling and trying to promote the UFC brand. Consider that, and then consider that you have fighters who come in and start making all sorts of demands when they haven’t necessarily paid their dues.
BJ Penn today is a proven draw who brings in lots of money. BJ Penn that beat Matt Hughes was a rising star in an era when the UFC was not a big money maker.
Everybody is jumping on Dana for being a prick, but he has stuck by guys like Matt Hughes, Rich Franklin, Chuck Liddell, Forrest Griffin, and Stephan Bonnar. Basically if you are loyal to Dana, he is loyal to you.
BJ is an awesome fighter, and a massive draw….but he has also been a pain in the ass at times, and a non-conformist. Nothing wrong with either approach, but the truth of the story probably lies somewhere in between BJ and Dana’s perspective.
At the time that BJ was demanding that much money, he may have felt entitled to it. Dana on the other hand, may have felt that BJ needed to prove his worth more before being paid that much.
Now of course, that the UFC is a money maker and ratings juggernaut, it’s easy to look back and think that Dana was out of line for not ponying up the cash.
by funkywanderer on Apr 20, 2010 11:09 PM EDT up reply actions
the market reality was that B.J. could triple his money fighting in Japan at the time
and was willing to fight for Dana for 1/3 of that but wanted more than zuffa was offering.
If I went to my wife and told her I was turning down a 300% raise, I think she’d have every right to kick me in the nuts.
Follow me on Twitter @KidNate
by Nate Wilcox on Apr 20, 2010 11:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Short term pain for long term gain
Hi Nate…The total fighter payroll for UFC 46 was $540,500 (source). At $187k and change, BJ was looking for approximately 1/3 of the total pie.
I remember hearing around 2005 that guys like Rich Franklin and Matt Hughes were making about $30,000 to show and double that to win.
I’m not saying that BJ wasn’t worth it, but from a business perspective, you might feel slighted as a promoter when a fighter is asking for that much.
I guess to me, it comes down to a long term/short term kind of situation. In the short term BJ made more money with K-1. Had he been loyal to Zuffa, he might be making even more than he is now as one of Dana’s boys. Who knows?
I understand BJ’s motives as a fighter and the talent, but I also understand Dana’s motives as a promoter. That was my only point…that people are quick to judge without thinking about what is going on in the head of a guy like Dana White.
by funkywanderer on Apr 20, 2010 11:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Hi Nate…The total fighter payroll for UFC 46 was $540,500 (source). At $187k and change, BJ was looking for approximately 1/3 of the total pie.
Either your math or reading comprehension are off.
BJ was being OFFERED the $187 K by K-1, not asking for that from the UFC
According to his book, he offered to fight in the UFC for 1/3 of that offer or $62K.
It seems like a pretty impossible position frankly. The market realities of that era were that the UFC just couldn’t compete with Japanese promotions on a dollar for dollar basis.
Follow me on Twitter @KidNate
by Nate Wilcox on Apr 21, 2010 10:20 AM EDT up reply actions
see this is the problem… you seem to forget that he already has a fucking contract he agreed to with Zuffa.
Also look up the payroll figures for UFC 46… he got 50k that’s roughly 1/3rd of what he stated K1 was offering.
It’s actually closer to 1/4, math major.
http://www.twitter.com/TB_Money
by Tim Burke on Apr 21, 2010 12:37 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
187/540=.34 math major
My apologies…I was simply trying to state that BJ was asking for a big slice of the pie around the time that the UFC wasn’t the money monster that it is today. I didn’t realize that would turn into a math debate.
by funkywanderer on Apr 21, 2010 9:24 AM EDT up reply actions
Oops...
I realize now that Beer Monster was referring to somebody else and not correcting my math.
My apologies Beer Monster.
by funkywanderer on Apr 21, 2010 11:36 AM EDT up reply actions
What was Penn guaranteed? 25K? If you don’t walk from 25K to make $187,500, you’re a retard.
by VirtualBalboa on Apr 21, 2010 9:29 AM EDT up reply actions
I think you misread what I was trying to say. I’m not saying that BJ or Dana is saying this because of some WWE angle they’re working. I’m just saying that the constant focus on Dana being a bad guy is something that feeds a narrative about the UFC that fans find compelling. Take Maynard and Okami, they’re both fairly unexciting fighters, but the perception that they’re being held back by the machinations of Dana and the UFC has fed an interest in them that transcends their in cage performances. I would guess that if you went to WWE forums, you would similarly find people arguing about Vince McMahon’s relationship to his employees and whether a particular wrestler isn’t getting the promotional push or title shot that he deserves.
To use another example, I listen to Sherdog radio a lot, and one of the most common complaints that gets aired by both the hosts and the listeners about the UFC is that it’s too much hype and WWE like spectacle, yet the people saying this are also often the ones talking about how bad Dana is or how certain fighters are being denied a title shot or whatever. I find it interesting that the people who are criticizing the UFC for being WWE like are also constantly weaving these narratives about the UFC that are right out of prowrestling. Not only that, but they’re narratives that have proven to be very appealing to fans.
Again, I’m not saying anybody is doing anything wrong or intentional, just pointing out something that I find interesting about the types of narratives that get created by critics of the UFC and how those narratives drive fan interest.
Sad but true
I tap the “z” at a much higher click.
Blackout612- "Wuts teh UFC?"
Ubernoober- "It like two guy who just stand and swing for fence and try to knock each other shit out it awesome"
by Charles Awad on Apr 21, 2010 12:58 AM EDT up reply actions
FOX news gets the highest ratings because uneducated people watch more TV per day than the “intellectual”.or educated. This is also why the liberals could never make it on radio where as rush limbaugh kills it.
Unfortuinately for kid nate the market reality’s in mma cyber land isnt as convenient. The Zuffa haters are only shrinking…. they just move from corroding one site to the next. Whether the Dana digs are for short term controversial gains, fear that zuffa domination is bad for web traffic or he really feels that way I dont know but long term he’s gonna regret it because if you understand game theory you will understand how the mma media is shaking out and will continue to shake out.
I dont shit on Luke even though he’s hard on Zuffa because he has valid concerns but more importantly he is coming from a sincere position both from his profession and as a fan. It’s the nimrods who want to hate just for the sake of hating.
Now he says the media is splitting into “co-opted” and “non co-opted”.and that’s one way to look at it… But there’s also another correlation as you can see with ben Fowkes joining mmafighitng.
There is also a separation occurring between the “competent” and the “incompetent”. If you notice the experience and credentials of all the guys in the “co-opted” part of the media is continuing to dwarf the “non-coopted”
Now what happens if a guy like Luke Thomas (who also happens to have a ton of credentials/experience in the business) leaves bloody elbow? Even though he doesnt write alot he does a shit load behind the scenes and the community which Bloody Elbow is known for erodes?(see game theory) ..what happens?
What is happening (slowly but surely) is one side is being loaded with guys with past and real sports media experience and the other side left with the guys who live in their moms basement and one day decided to start a blog or write for one.
For the most part you’re gonna have (from a news, insight, community perspective) drivel on one side and quality on the other… .. Whether you want to call it co-opted or non co-opted – though true is not the whole picture.
by mmalogic on Apr 21, 2010 2:03 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I love that I'm your Mom's basement blogger
that really kills me.
Follow me on Twitter @KidNate
by Nate Wilcox on Apr 21, 2010 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions
Almost no one covering the UFC has any significant non-MMA media credentials except Iole and McNeil-both were boxing reporters which is hardly the prime beat.
by Jonathan Snowden on Apr 21, 2010 11:08 AM EDT up reply actions
It’s like Xbox live in during the summer, it sucks but eventually school starts up again.
by Bob Boblaw on Apr 20, 2010 10:55 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
At least it's a fresh spin on "nuthugger"
I just don’t understand the extremes on certain topics. I mean, I fucking love my Ford truck, but I don’t piss in the Cheerios of Chevy guys…
Crush a bit, little bit, roll it up, take a hit... Feelin’ lit, feelin’ light, 2 am summer night...
by Anthony Pace on Apr 20, 2010 11:02 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
check ya brakes!
Crush a bit, little bit, roll it up, take a hit... Feelin’ lit, feelin’ light, 2 am summer night...
by Anthony Pace on Apr 20, 2010 11:59 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
f-150 is mine, but I frequently drive my uncle’s 350 dually that chugs deisel
Crush a bit, little bit, roll it up, take a hit... Feelin’ lit, feelin’ light, 2 am summer night...
by Anthony Pace on Apr 21, 2010 12:03 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Dana being an asshole story really doesnt interest me anymore. I just got used to it and learned to accept that he is an asshole. Even though I dislike it, I do think there is really nothing much we can do about it. People love him for the way he is, fight fans generally favors the successful heel. Coker is the complete opposite of White, very proffesional and all. I like Coker for the way he handles himself, but people dont give a shit about him. Is Dana the right kind of promoter for this sport? Maybe, but man, its tiring. As long as Dana and the UFC gets the job done, l couldn’t care less for White and his screw ups. For me, his words and actions are more of a sideshow. I hate the bully side of Dana White, I guess we really dont have a choice but live w/ it. Do I want him to change? Yes, but if MMA/UFC’s success needs this kind of guy, I’ll take it.
PS
Hoping for some good articles about Penn’s view on fighting, I am not sure if the book will be ever available here. Thanks.
I am. I think. I will. - Ayn Rand
I share many of these sentiments.
by John Nash on Apr 21, 2010 3:31 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Don't say that, BJ. - Dana White.
Oh dear god, the drama!
I think it’s fair to say there is some truth to this quote from BJ. Dana’s own behavior makes it hard to believe him. Exhibit A: Dana’s rant against Loretta Hunt. It’s easy to see how things can get out of control, especially when he thinks someone is fucking with him or his money. On the other hand, Penn has been known to say shit too that makes no sense or might be an outright lie when it suits him. Exhibit B: Penn’s comments about Kenny Florian warning him of GSP greasing.
What we have here is a case of he said, he said. Regardless, I think they’re both liars. It ultimately doesn’t mean anything. UFC screwing people over money in negotiations? Wow, what a surprise! Penn saying stuff to further his own end? Nothing new. People need to get a grip.
I would believe this is true, but you guys post so much anti-UFC stuff these days it’s hard to take any of this stuff seriously anymore. I mean, did you really have to add that you believe the story lol? Trust me, if it’s anti-Dana White, we KNOW you believe it!
But like I said, though it wouldn’t be hard to imagine Dana saying this, the co-author is also the one who claimed he recieved the infamous Kenny Florian tweet. It wouldn’t be beneath him to stretch the truth a little bit.
Didn't Dana...
- Lie to the media about TUF11?
- Go on a hateful, foul-mouthed, sexist and homophobic rant on Loretta Hunt and post the video on youtube?
- Say in public he would never work with Tito Ortiz again and within two years resigned him to the UFC?
- Say he was willing to cut all the fighters at AKA on the Carmichael Dave show even saying ‘Fuck ’em. We don’t need ‘em.’?
- Tell Rashad Evans that he shouldn’t bother to try out for the HW season of TUF because he was ‘too small’ and that he would just gas out and have a horrible fight and ruin his show?
- Try to convince Lorenzo Fertitta not to bother investing in the first season of TUF?
So why does anyone think that it was not at all possible for Dana White to have completely ripped Penn apart over the phone after UFC 46? Hell, I remember when that happened and I was pissed as a fan because I wanted to see the rematch! Which I eventually did see but long after it was relevant.
by DanielH on Apr 20, 2010 11:45 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
BJ Penn made $50,000 ($25,000 to show, $25,000 to win) for his fight with Hughes at UFC 46 (http://www.ivansblog.com/2004/10/mixed-martial-arts-full-breakdown-of.html ).
I guess he’s talking about show money, and not win bonuses? If that’s the case, was he offered something like 40+40, but he was looking for 60+60?
Here’s the full payout list, according the link above:
UFC 46 Fighter Salaries
Event took place on January 31, 2004
-Vitor Belfort: $130,000 ($100,000 for fighting; $30,000 win bonus)
-Randy Couture: $120,000 ($120,000 for fighting; win bonus would have been $80,000)
-Frank Mir: $90,000 ($60,000 for fighting; $30,000 win bonus)
-Matt Hughes: $55,000 ($55,000 for fighting; win bonus would have been $55,000)
-BJ Penn: $50,000 ($25,000 for fighting; $25,000 win bonus)
-Carlos Newton: $30,000 ($30,000 for fighting; win bonus would have been $0)
-Matt Serra: $16,000 ($8,000 for fighting; $8,000 win bonus)
-Renato Verissimo: $10,000 ($5,000 for fighting; $5,000 win bonus)
-Josh Thomson: $8,000 ($4,000 for fighting; $4,000 win bonus)
-Lee Murray: $6,000 ($3,000 for fighting; $3,000 win bonus)
-Georges St. Pierre: $6,000 ($3,000 for fighting; $3,000 win bonus)
-Hermes Franca: $6,000 ($6,000 for fighting; win bonus would have been $6,000)
-Wes Sims: $5,000 ($5,000 for fighting, win bonus would have been $5,000)
-Jorge Rivera: $3,000 ($3,000 for fighting; win bonus would have been $3,000)
-Karo Parisyan: $3,000 ($3,000 for fighting; win bonus would have been $3,000)
-Jeff Curran: $2,500 ($2,500 for fighting; win bonus would have been $2,000)
-Total Fighter Payroll: $540,500
by zorba on Apr 20, 2010 11:46 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Another worthless anti-Dana article what a surprise, i’m still waiting on the first piece bashing Coker for not having control of his product and letting the inmates run the asylum. But why waste time with something like that when you can just post something that tries to paint Dana into the badguy talk about predictable and pathetic.
What B.J. is saying is that as a friend Dana is a pretty cool guy but as a buisness man he’s a real Douchebag.
by Ghost Face Killer on Apr 21, 2010 12:08 AM EDT reply actions
Add Dana's name to the long list of douchebag business men then.
It probably goes hand in hand with success, especially in a business that has to fight up hill for its success.
**BS**
This can’t be true…
just take for example the Fan Expo for the momentous UFC 100… it’s not like they removed all traces of UFC legends Frank Shamrock and Tito Ortiz, like they never existed..
oh wait… never mind.
by blipton on Apr 21, 2010 12:20 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Hey Logic, you can take a horse to water but..
This exerpt of the book is a nice little inside nugget of how Dana conducts his business when he feels disrespected. We already knew that this type of conversation could have occured with BJ and other fighter many times over the years. It grabs our attention because it’s a first hand account from a mma legend and CURRENT contract holder who has no reason make up stories that would anger the folks with whom he does busines. However, I really appreciate the comments from Logic because it puts the rage that Dana had at the time in perspective. The reality is that Dana’s verbal response to BJ’s reneging on the contract is NOT THAT BAD or at least understandable! He felt that BJ’s unplanned departure could have seriously negative effect on a company struggling to get in the black. I’m sure Dana knew that the F’s wouldn’t continue funding this enterprise if it didn’t turn a profit soon so naturally he’s going to take every significant set back very personally. He aslo felt that he had to illustrate that to other fighters that you cant just make a name in the UFC then jump ship and expect to your name on any UFC consumer product.
Thanks for the additional perspective Logic. And, not only has Dana stopped saying faggot, I think he’s stopped saying “Fuck you Lorretta Hunt” too.
So BJ Penn, a contracted fighter to Zuffa and then Welterweight champion, decided to leave the UFC and Dana White got pissed and cursed him out?
OMGZ! Alert the authorities.
Really? We’re making a big deal of THIS?
by Applejack McNeil on Apr 21, 2010 12:40 AM EDT reply actions
i understand why the story is posted. the book is new, so excerpts from tbook are going to trickle out are news, but it’s the reaction that always gets me.
Dana is a vindictive, petty, asshole. breaking news, more at 11. Seriously, we get it, people don’t need to have an aneurysm every time a specific story comes out.
Exactly. This shouldn’t surprise anyone.
by Applejack McNeil on Apr 21, 2010 1:00 AM EDT up reply actions
I would hope this is a reaction to the comments and not the post by Rome. Given that Rome in no way “made a big deal” of anything.
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by Brent Brookhouse on Apr 21, 2010 1:22 AM EDT up reply actions
No, it is. Like Phildo said: the book is new so quotes and snippets will end up in the headlines.
My comment was in response to everyone getting bent out of shape for Dana’s understandable, albeit over, reaction.
Rome, Fagan, Anton, and yourself are the best parts of BE even if I did think your piece on pressing charges on the Diazes was ridiculous.
by Applejack McNeil on Apr 21, 2010 12:11 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
You mean the comment where you brought up the subject of ANOTHER comment that got deleted thinking that somehow that would be a good idea?
Yeah, seems that it did.
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by Brent Brookhouse on Apr 21, 2010 1:27 AM EDT up reply actions
was more curious
on what he violated to get a comment deleted. Just out of curiousity. BTW Brent.. GO Sox.. Needed a W finally
Bring Back BA
mother...fucker...
I’ve been avoiding the results all night as I have it sitting on my Tivo. You just crushed me there.
What he violated was putting out information about our private lives that have no bearing in the conversation. Also, when the things said are untrue it only serves to set up a distrust between readers and writers.
Editor - BloodyElbow.com - SBNation's mixed martial arts headquarters.
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by Brent Brookhouse on Apr 21, 2010 1:36 AM EDT up reply actions
Well very good point on deleting it then
Sorry about that.. watch it anyway.. wish i had it DVR’d so i can watch Danks cause i missed it
Bring Back BA
He has tendency to do that: the comment you’re talking about, mmasupremacy being a women (that’s not only cynical but sexist as well), kid nate being anti-zuffa to drive up traffic, Fedor turning down the UFC’s great offer, etc. I see a trend. Everyone is painted as having an ulterior motive so that any questions or criticism they have can be written off. It’s almost as if he had an ulterior motive himself…
by John Nash on Apr 21, 2010 2:43 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
Not a good idea...
Considering that comments that usually are deleted often lead to the ones who posted them getting “warnings” or the Banhammer…..
The thinkg that kills me about dana is that in instead of just saying something like "Ya, I get upset when people dont do what they are contractually obligated to do " , he makes himself look like a jack ass and says “Why would you put out a book that is 90 percent not true?”
“I asked him why he would write lies in there and he swore to me that he didn’t write it or read it,”
The first thing Dana does is try to make the other guy look like an idiot. What he doesn’t realize is that he just told the world that 90% of it is pretty much accurate.
by naturalist on Apr 21, 2010 1:49 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
It's not zuffa hate. It's facts
Pointing out bad business practices is not equal to that of blind hatred.
1.Dana’s said many times on record, he’d rather negotiate directly with fighters, without managers/lawyers who have a solid understanding of the contract and legal clauses. He says this because fighters are obviously naive to the numbers and legality of the contract, but also because he wanted to sever the relationship between fighters and managers.(making it so that fighters get the full purse(and possibly some backdoor money) and give a cut to the manager, thus giving fighters stronger control over managers)
2.Dana’s tried to mess with fighters’ sponsorship (as far as I know, sponsors pay for the right to be on UFC PPV and pay sponsorship money directly to zuffa and zuffa decides the amount of the cut to be paid out to the fighters.
3.The company has a history of paying a low percentage of the total revenue to their fighters.
Many fighters who worked years to get to the UFC make less than or around $10k to show in their first couple fights. BJ was worth more money as a champ but Dana didn’t want to pay.
4. He’s made all negotiations personal. He likes Shogun, so after the Machida fight, he pays for all the taxes, so Shogun can take the whole 200k home. But if he personally dislikes a fighter, he’ll pull off all kinds of dirty tactics, making him sit out for months without a fight, not giving him a proper raise.
Dana White’s a passionate, hardcore MMA fan. But when it comes to money, he’s as cold-blooded as Hitler, which makes him a great business man.
All you guys saying this is “another worthless anti-Dana article”, you guys are the ones who can’t separate Dana the fanboy’s hero from Dana the businessman.
The man has tried to dip his hand into fighters’ sponsorship money.. need I say more?
I believe BJ’s statement, not because I’m a “anti-Dana fanboy” but because there’s been a long history of similar practices.
Now, this doesn’t make Dana “EVIL”, He just has a low moral standard when it comes to sharing money with his employees. Nothing unusual in today’s world.
Dana is a smart manipulative businessman, he’s been using fighters for years, paying them very little. Of course he doesn’t like to negotiate with lawyers and agents, these guys understands the game, and unlike the fighters, they are well educated,
by Givve on Apr 21, 2010 4:53 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
While it’s true that White would probably rather negotiate directly with fighers than with agents/lawyers (which sports manager wouldn’t?), let’s not make “education” the reason. Fighters aren’t “uneducated” as a homogenous group; some like Kurt Pellegrino can barely read, while others like Shane Carwin are highly educated and skilled. The difference is that agents and lawyers are trained specifically in things like contract law and legal negotiating.
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