Dana White Unleashes Fury on Tito Ortiz and Randy Couture Over Past UFC Wrangles
Dana White, the colorful figurehead of the UFC, is known for his public feuds, but few have irked him quite like Tito Ortiz and Randy Couture. It’s no secret that the former UFC champions have fallen out of favor with White, with both having their own unique ways of crossing the boss.
Ortiz, a standout in the rocky early 2000s era of the UFC, was a frequent advocate for better fighter pay as he rose to stardom inside the octagon. On the other hand, Couture made a dramatic exit from the promotion in 2007, relinquishing his heavyweight title due to a contract dispute.
These perceived slights have left a lasting impression on White, and when asked if he’s ever actively rooted against fighters under the UFC banner, he didn’t hesitate to single out Ortiz. “Tito Ortiz… when him and Chuck [Liddell] fought,” White told BigBoy TV, “As the promoter, you’re not supposed to have a rooting interest. I couldn’t f****** wait to see Chuck whoop his ass. A hundred percent.”
White goes further to claim that during a critical period in the sport’s development and the UFC’s growth, Ortiz and Couture were among the two fighters who seemed determined to undermine the company. He pulls no punches in his assessment, stating, “Two of the worst guys to ever f****** deal with.”
Despite their disagreements over money and other issues, Ortiz and Couture were involved in some of the most significant fights in UFC history alongside Chuck Liddell. However, their tumultuous relationships with White eventually led to their exile from the promotion, with both fighters now essentially estranged.
In a bizarre twist, Ortiz and White were once scheduled to box each other, but the spectacle never materialized, and both sides blamed the other for its failure. Even to this day, White harbors strong animosity toward Ortiz whenever the name “The Huntington Beach Bad Boy” is mentioned.
When discussing Ortiz, White doesn’t mince words, stating, “Here’s the problem with Tito… Tito’s just a really dumb human being. He’s not intelligent at all.” He goes on to describe Ortiz as “very, very f****** stupid” and suggests that anyone can verify this by simply listening to Ortiz speak publicly.
White also reveals a troubling pattern in Ortiz’s behavior during fight preparations. He claims that Ortiz would often threaten not to show up for fights unless he was paid extra, causing White no end of frustration. In White’s eyes, Ortiz was a man who “would step over dollars to pick up dimes” because he believed himself to be clever, even though White firmly believes the opposite. This behavior ultimately soured what could have been a long-lasting relationship between Tito Ortiz and the UFC, all over what White considers small financial disagreements.
In the realm of UFC history, the feud between Dana White and these two former champions stands as a testament to the passionate, and often volatile, nature of the sport. While it may not be a Christmas card-worthy reconciliation story, it certainly adds to the colorful tapestry of the UFC’s past.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about UFC Feuds
What were the main issues between Dana White and Tito Ortiz and Randy Couture in the UFC?
Dana White had significant disputes with Tito Ortiz and Randy Couture during their time in the UFC. Ortiz frequently demanded better pay, and Couture left the promotion over a contract dispute in 2007.
Why did Dana White express such strong animosity towards Tito Ortiz?
Dana White’s animosity towards Tito Ortiz stemmed from Ortiz’s behavior during fight preparations. Ortiz would often threaten not to show up for fights unless he was paid extra, causing frustration for White. White also characterized Ortiz as “very, very f****** stupid” and claimed he destroyed a potentially long-lasting relationship over financial disagreements.
What did Dana White mean when he said Ortiz and Couture tried to “destroy the company”?
White believed that during a critical period in the sport’s development, Tito Ortiz and Randy Couture were among the fighters who seemed determined to undermine the UFC. Their actions and disputes over money were seen by White as detrimental to the organization’s growth.
Why did the scheduled boxing match between Dana White and Tito Ortiz never happen?
The scheduled boxing match between Dana White and Tito Ortiz never materialized, and both sides blamed each other for its failure. This added to White’s animosity towards Ortiz.
What is the significance of this feud in UFC history?
This feud between Dana White and former champions Tito Ortiz and Randy Couture is emblematic of the passionate and sometimes volatile nature of the UFC. While it may not be a heartwarming reconciliation story, it adds to the colorful tapestry of the UFC’s history and the challenges faced by the promotion in its early years.
More about UFC Feuds
- [Dana White’s interview with BigBoy TV](insert link here)
- [Tito Ortiz’s career in the UFC](insert link here)
- [Randy Couture’s history in the UFC](insert link here)
- [UFC’s historical moments and feuds](insert link here)
- [The proposed boxing match between Dana White and Tito Ortiz](insert link here)
