Dana White just axed 12 UFC fighters in a brutal roster purge—but behind the scenes, he’s sending money to the very athletes he releases when crisis strikes.
At a Glance
- Dana White cut 12 fighters, including a former title challenger, citing an “inflated roster”
- UFC plans to release 60 more fighters by year’s end as part of a strategic roster overhaul
- Muhammad Mokaev received financial help from White after a car crash, despite having been cut
- White also paid Cain Velasquez’s $1 million bail during his legal troubles
- These moves highlight the complex duality of White’s leadership—tough in business, loyal in crisis
Business Ruthlessness Meets Personal Loyalty
UFC president Dana White has long embraced a no-nonsense reputation, and he proved it again with the dismissal of 12 fighters, including Ovince Saint Preux, a former interim light heavyweight title contender. Others cut include Brian Kelleher and several Contender Series alumni. White made it clear this is just the beginning: another 60 fighters could be gone by year’s end.
“We’re gonna go through some serious cuts here at the end of the year,” White told ESPN. “Our roster is very inflated right now. You’re gonna see a lot of names going here in the next couple of weeks.”
While brutal in execution, White’s decision underscores a wider UFC strategy: tightening operations and improving competitive parity as the organization balances growth with sustainability.
Quiet Acts of Compassion
Yet behind the fighter cuts, another Dana White emerges—one rarely seen in press conferences. In a surprising revelation from Muhammad Mokaev, the former flyweight admitted that White sent him money after a serious car accident, even though Mokaev had already been released from the UFC.
“When I had [a] car crash after being cut from UFC, I received some money from Dana too. [I’m] not sure what for, but it meant a lot to me,” Mokaev said.
And he’s not the only one. White also stepped in to post a $1 million bail for former champion Cain Velasquez during his 2022 legal battle, further demonstrating a personal loyalty to fighters that transcends professional boundaries.
Balancing Performance and Humanity
As the UFC continues hosting weekly events, its business model demands flexibility. But White’s actions suggest that while performance dictates contracts, personal crises draw support.
“We’re just literally starting to go through the list,” White explained. “These are the tough decisions you’ve gotta make.” The UFC boss has long emphasized that his decisions, while unpopular, are designed to protect the brand’s future.
Still, the contradiction is striking: the same man who fires athletes by the dozen also quietly cuts checks when they’re most vulnerable. That duality—ruthless and redemptive—may be the key to understanding Dana White’s enduring grip on the UFC.
