Dana White Reveals: ‘I’m No Longer Involved in Fighter Negotiations’
Dana White, the prominent UFC President, is undergoing scrutiny for his diminishing involvement in fighter negotiations. During a recent court appearance related to a major anti-trust lawsuit, White revealed that he no longer takes part in the intricate discussions surrounding fighter contracts.
Dana White’s Testimony in Court
On February 4, 2026, White testified in a Nevada courtroom regarding allegations of missing communications. These claims are part of the Johnson v. Zuffa and Cirkunovs v. Zuffa lawsuits. Plaintiffs argue that White and UFC’s Vice President of Athlete Compliance, Tracy Long, failed to preserve crucial records.
Claims of Technical Difficulties
During his two-and-a-half-hour testimony, White presented himself as somewhat detached from modern technology. He acknowledged that he would still prefer using a flip phone if not mandated by the courts to adopt smart devices. He expressed confusion over auto-deletion settings on Instagram messages and suggested that one of his phones might have been stolen.
Shifts in Fighter Negotiation Responsibilities
A significant moment in White’s testimony was his claim that he has stepped back from fighter negotiations. He asserted, “You won’t find one manager on this planet who will tell you I’ve negotiated a deal in I don’t know how long.” These responsibilities, he stated, have been delegated to Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell and UFC matchmakers Mick Maynard and Sean Shelby. He revealed that after the $4.4 billion acquisition by IMG-Endeavor in 2016, he told Campbell, “Congrats, you get to do this.”
Context of the Lawsuit
White’s statements come in the context of a billion-dollar anti-trust case, where he is accused of potentially destroying evidence. His portrayal as a less-involved figure clashes with his public image as the leading authority in mixed martial arts.
Missing Communications and Evidence Concerns
Despite White’s claims of reduced involvement, the plaintiff’s lawyers highlighted several instances of missing communications from both White and Long, especially pertinent messages concerning fighters. The hearing continued on February 5, 2026, under Judge Boulware, who previously oversaw a landmark $375 million anti-trust settlement.
Conclusion
As the case progresses, the UFC’s management decisions and accountability are under intense examination. It remains to be seen how these revelations regarding Dana White’s diminishing role in fighter negotiations will impact the broader case and the future landscape of UFC operations.
