Dana White had some blunt remarks for UFC fans who criticized the main event of UFC 325.
On Saturday, the leading MMA organization returned to Sydney, Australia, marking its second straight numbered event since the sport entered a new phase under Paramount’s leadership.
In the headline fight at UFC 325, Alexander Volkanovski retained his featherweight championship by defeating Diego Lopez once again, a fighter he had already beaten the previous year.
When UFC president Dana White first revealed the main event, it drew significant backlash from fans.
After a rather uneventful 25-minute matchup, much of that criticism felt justified.
Dana White Skipped Attending UFC 325
In response to the negative feedback about the main event, White encouraged disgruntled fans to simply avoid watching and even applauded those who voiced their opinions.
Unlike many promoters who capitalize on controversy to generate buzz, White showed no enthusiasm for this rematch and opted not to travel all the way to Sydney for the event.
Though the event was on the opposite side of the globe and came just after UFC 324—the year’s first numbered card—it still raised questions about his decision to skip it.
A few weeks ago, I discussed how White appeared to be stepping back from his extensive UFC responsibilities, a trend that continued into this year.
Likely, when reviewing the card, White concluded, “No thanks, I’ll pass.”
Instead, he watched fights from his Las Vegas home, including bouts featuring Teofimo Lopez and Shakur Stevenson.
White has long insisted the UFC stands above other combat sports because it delivers matchups fans want to see.
This event didn’t fit that bill. White clearly did not want to witness this fight, so why arrange it in the first place?
The promotion currently faces challenges. Movsar Evloev had been a top contender at featherweight, and even Volkanovski expressed interest in facing him next.
However, White was unimpressed with the undefeated Evloev, labeling his previous fight with Arnold Allen “the least interesting match anyone has ever seen.”
In a scenario where popularity often outweighs merit, it’s unsurprising White favored a Volkanovski vs. Lopez rematch over giving Volkanovski a newer, more exciting challenger.
Lopez, now 31 and a compelling fighter, is essentially a finished product unlikely to improve significantly, making the fight feel less consequential.
It was evident Volkanovski would dominate once more, with Lopez’s only hope being a single, game-changing punch. This made for a dull experience for fans and a missed opportunity for Volkanovski, who has limited prime years left in his career.
No Undisputed Title Fights Are Confirmed Right Now
Despite UFC 325 looking strong on paper, the promotion is set to slow down in the coming weeks.
Fans must endure three Fight Night cards on Spin before the arrival of UFC 326, which will feature the BMF title clash between Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira.
For now, followers of the sport face uncertainty as no undisputed championship bout has been scheduled.
Fan Take:
This situation highlights growing pains within the UFC’s matchmaking, where fan expectations clash with promotional decisions. For the sport’s future, ensuring compelling and fresh title fights is crucial to maintaining interest and showcasing top talent.
