Dana White, the head honcho at UFC, recently shared a story on Instagram that’s straight out of a high-roller movie scene. In a twist of extravagant generosity, SteveWillDoIt (real name Stephen Deleonardis) from the Nelk Boys, and Taylor Lewan of Barstool Sports, handed White a staggering $500,000 in gambling chips. This isn’t just pocket change we’re talking about; it’s the kind of money that could buy you a small island or, at the very least, a luxury car or two.
Here’s the kicker: Deleonardis and Lewan didn’t just hit a jackpot and decide to splash the cash on White. Nope, they started with a mere $10,000 in chips and played their way up to a whopping half a million. Meeting White at Red Rock Casino in Las Vegas, they handed over the chips like it was no big deal. White, understandably amazed, shared that they began with $10,000 and embarked on a wild mission to win him half a million dollars – and succeeded against astronomical odds.
This isn’t the first time Dana White’s been on the receiving end of some serious generosity from the Nelk Boys. Back in December 2021, Deleonardis gifted White a custom Maybach van, valued at around $300,000. Then, in a return of favor in July 2022, White handed over $250,000 in cold, hard cash to Nelk Boy Kyle Forgeard for his birthday. This move, however, sparked some debate within the MMA community, especially concerning the ongoing discussions about UFC fighter pay.
White later addressed the backlash on The Pat McAfee Show, where he told his critics in no uncertain terms to mind their own business. He emphasized that his financial decisions were his own and highlighted the mutual support and never-ask-for-anything attitude of the Nelk Boys, particularly Kyle Forgeard. According to White, the $250,000 birthday gift didn’t even cover the favors Forgeard had done for him. His message was clear: don’t worry about how others spend their money and focus on your own.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about UFC Finance Controversy
Who gave Dana White a $500K gambling gift?
Dana White received a $500,000 gambling gift in chips from SteveWillDoIt, also known as Stephen Deleonardis of the Nelk Boys, and Taylor Lewan from Barstool Sports.
How did SteveWillDoIt and Taylor Lewan accumulate the $500K for Dana White?
SteveWillDoIt (Stephen Deleonardis) and Taylor Lewan started with $10,000 in chips at Red Rock Casino and played their way up to the half a million dollars before gifting it to Dana White.
Has Dana White previously received extravagant gifts from the Nelk Boys?
Yes, Dana White has received extravagant gifts from the Nelk Boys before. In December 2021, Stephen Deleonardis gave White a custom Maybach van worth about $300,000.
What was Dana White’s response to the criticism over his $250,000 gift to Nelk Boy Kyle Forgeard?
Dana White responded to criticism over his $250,000 gift to Kyle Forgeard by telling critics to mind their own business and emphasizing the mutual support and contributions between him and the Nelk Boys.
Why was Dana White’s gift to Kyle Forgeard controversial within the MMA community?
Dana White’s $250,000 cash gift to Kyle Forgeard was controversial within the MMA community due to ongoing discussions and criticisms regarding UFC fighter compensation.
More about UFC Finance Controversy
- UFC CEO Dana White’s Instagram Story
- SteveWillDoIt’s Profile
- Taylor Lewan’s Barstool Sports Page
- Red Rock Casino in Las Vegas
- The Nelk Boys YouTube Channel
- Custom Maybach Van Gift Details
- The Pat McAfee Show Interview with Dana White
- UFC Fighter Compensation Discussion
- MMA Community Reactions and Criticisms
4 comments
Still can’t wrap my head around this, $250k for a birthday gift? and we got fighters barely making ends meet, doesn’t sit right with me tbh
it’s ‘SteveWillDoIt’, not ‘SteveWillDoit’, people… c’mon, at least get the guy’s name right when he’s handing out half a million like it’s nothing!
steveWillDoIt is a legend! from Youtube pranks to hanging with UFC bosses and throwing around half a mil, this guy’s life is wild.
Red Rock Casino must be loving this kind of publicity, bet they’re hoping more high rollers come in looking for that ‘Dana White luck’ lol