Egomaniac?
Dictator?
Blowhard?
Genius?
Asshole?
Douchebag?
Scumbag?
Tyrant?
Hardhead?
Hothead?
Visionary?
Illogical?
Stubborn?
Irrational?
Impulsive?
Psychotic?
Delusional?
Insert word here __________!
These and many other words are often used to describe Dana White at one time or another. There is probably some accuracy in all of them. Whether you love him or hate him, respect him or don't, the boss of the UFC definitely deserves his props, there's no doubt about that!
As someone who has been very critical of a lot of the moves made by Dana White over the years, I've also been a very big fan. It might not seem like it at times, but it's absolutely true. How can you not be?!? The guy absolutely moves to the beat of his own drum and that's something I admire and respect in anyone. To be able to do that and still be very successful at the same time is even more impressive. That's a huge part of what makes Dana the unique and impressive character that he is. I also very much respect the relatively humble, blue collar, blue-blood beginnings that he comes from. All of his success is the product of vision, knowing the right people to help him execute that vision and a shitload of hard work to bring that vision to fruition. You can't hate on someone for that, in fact, you have to give them their due. DW appears to be a tireless worker, extremely focused on the prize, relentless in his execution of a game plan and given the position and power he holds, relatively humble. I really can't believe I just typed that, but its true. He could be much more of an arrogant, conceited prick than he actually is. This dude carries serious weight!!!
It's the eve of UFC 132 and I've been keeping up on all the coverage of the event. One thing that really impressed me was seeing the huge amount of interviews that Dana constantly does. Regardless of the fact that each one is virtually the same, he answers the same redundant questions over and over, with the same candor and frankness, and always in a very courteous manner. Well, for the most part courteous. Obviously, if you get under the dude's skin, he will make sure you know he isn't happy, and there's nothing wrong with that.
Lots of criticisms can be thrown at Dana for how he conducts himself at times, his use of "colorful" language, his tyrannical control over his fighters and the industry, the list goes on and on. We could sit here for the next week going over specific incidents but that would be futile. While you might think there are different and better ways for him to run his operation, the proof is in the pudding, and in the numbers. The UFC is an absolute juggernaut, growing non-stop and at a ridiculously fast pace since Zuffa has taken over ownership. A big chunk of that credit has to go to Mr. White. He saw the potential of the sport, convinced his friends to cop the company from SEG and has masterfully guided the ship ever since. Sure, there's all kinds of business maneuvers going on behind the scenes by other Zuffa employees, but DW is the fuckin' boss, plain and simple! While I'm sure the Fertitta brothers cringe from time to time at some of the things DW says and does, they can't not be confident and content that their machine is flying in the right direction and their president is manning the controls in the pilot's chair.
As far as I'm concerned, having haters is a good thing, it means you're doing something right. Obviously, Dana White is doing a lot of things right. Much props have to be extended to the boss. Without DW's and Zuffa's contribution to the sport we all love, who knows where it would be at this point. The "dark days" are pretty damn bright right now and only getting brighter. Time to put on my fuckin' shades!
Thanks, Dana, keep doing what you do!
