UFC President Dana White, a pivotal figure instrumental in transforming mixed martial arts athletes into global superstars, has frequently found himself navigating complex and often challenging negotiations with fighters seeking advantageous deals.
White recently expressed profound frustration regarding a particular former world champion, Tito Ortiz, controversially labeling him a “really dumb human being” due to what he described as a problematic and short-sighted approach to contract discussions.
The relationship between White and Ortiz has historically been characterized by contention, famously including a physical altercation on a plane. This fiery history provides crucial context for White`s candid remarks about his experiences negotiating with `The Huntington Beach Bad Boy`.
The Rant Against Ortiz`s Intelligence
In a revealing 2023 interview with Big Boy TV, Dana White did not hold back when discussing Ortiz`s intelligence, or lack thereof. White`s blunt assessment underscored his long-standing exasperation:
“Tito’s just a really dumb human being, he’s not intelligent at all, very, very f—— stupid, okay? Let’s start there. I mean, look at him speak publicly any time. Look — Google ‘Tito Ortiz talking’. I don’t have any beef with Tito anymore. You know you’re f—— stupid, Tito, you know you are.”
White further elaborated on Ortiz`s disruptive negotiation strategy, which involved demanding more money just before a fight, despite prior agreements having been made months in advance. This last-minute tactic was a regular occurrence, consistently driving White to extreme frustration.
“We’d be coming up to a big fight on Saturday, right? Deals have been done for months. Tito would call and say, ‘I’m not going to show up unless you pay me another $150,000’ or whatever the number was. He would do this on the regular. And I would go f—— crazy. Tito was the kind of guy who would step over dollars to pick up dimes because he thought he was smart, but he was the complete opposite. He’s not a smart guy.”
The Cost of Short-Sightedness
White emphasized that Ortiz`s behavior was ultimately self-destructive, likening it to “stepping over dollars to pick up dimes.” This short-sighted approach, White argued, prioritized minor immediate gains over substantial, long-term benefits.
According to White, Ortiz “destroyed what could have been an incredible relationship” with him and the Fertitta brothers (Frank and Lorenzo), who once held Tito in high regard. This valuable and enduring connection, which could have lasted a lifetime, was squandered, as White lamented:
“He absolutely destroyed a relationship that he could have had for the rest of his life. Over nickels — nickels, in the big picture.”
Despite these profound clashes and the deep frustration caused by Tito Ortiz`s antics, White notably stated that Ortiz was not the *most* challenging fighter he has ever had to work with. However, the identity of that particular athlete was not disclosed during the interview.
