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War of Words Between Frank Shamrock and Dana White Continues -- MMA Fighting

War of Words Between Frank Shamrock and Dana White Continues
10/25/2010 9:56 AM ET By Mike Chiappetta

Mike Chiappetta
MMA Writer
Cain Velasquez and Brock Lesnar teamed up to give UFC 121 a huge box office boost at UFC 121 this past Saturday, but it wasn't the only war that earned headlines around the MMA world.

It may be a feud that will never lead to an in-ring conclusion, but the ongoing verbal fireworks between UFC president Dana White and MMA legend Frank Shamrock has continued on. Just days prior to UFC 121, White had some choice words for Shamrock, and now Shamrock has fired back.



The two have not gotten along for years, but the most recent flare-up began during a recent edition of MMA Fighting's The MMA Hour, during which Shamrock laid some of the blame for the sport not being sanctioned in New York on White.

Shamrock explained that with White's brashness and a speaking style heavy on expletives, that perhaps he was not the best representative for the sport despite being its most famous.

"The face of our sport is Dana White and out here in conservative New York, the way people think, bald-headed, tattooed, swearing people are just not a good representative of our brand, and unfortunately people think that Dana White speaks for MMA, and they're confused," Shamrock said then. "They don't know he speaks for the UFC. They think he speaks for the entire sport and [they think] the entire sport is made up of Dana Whites."
We parted with nothing more than a clear understanding of our different views and brands.
-- Frank Shamrock
At UFC 121, MMA Fighting's Ariel Helwani gave White a chance to respond, and he did so, calling Shamrock an "irrelevant jackass," "two-faced" and a liar. White also divulged that Shamrock recently flew to Las Vegas to meet with him.

"What have you done for mixed martial arts in the last 10 years?" White said. "What have you done? You haven't done anything. You're just a liar and a guy that's trying to keep himself relevant."

In an e-mail sent to MMA Fighting, Shamrock rebutted White's criticisms and reaffirmed his belief that White is a bad frontman for the expanding MMA movement.

"Wow and false, is all that I can say about Dana's comments that I am a two-faced liar and further, what a bully and terrible example of combat sports meets corporate America," Shamrock wrote.

Shamrock explained that he visited White essentially to make peace.

"We parted with nothing more than a clear understanding of our different views and brands," said Shamrock, who recently retired and is in the process of moving to New York with plans to help lobby for MMA sanctioning.

"Dana's recent comments on AOL are ridiculous and insulting and I am sad to see them associated with our sport," he continued. "We will never be a true sport, or art for that matter, until we are free to speak our hearts and minds. I was being genuinely honest about my beliefs and dreams and did not attack, insult, curse or become angry with him in any way. And yet in return, I was attacked, ridiculed and bullied, and finally, my character questioned publically."

Shamrock went on to say that White is an example of the bullying epidemic that is a current topic of national attention.

"My comments in reply to Mr. White's insulting tirade is that mixed martial arts breeds confidence, builds character and creates strong diverse communities whose foundation is honor, respect and discipline, and Dana White, I refuse to be bullied by you, and further, I respect a man who truthfully stands up and fights for his family with honor," he wrote.

"Anytime you want to become a real man and not a bully, you let me know," he continued. "I would [be] happy to oblige you with [a] personal introduction to Shamrock MMA."

[beau420]

I like how Frank tried to tie White's comments into the national problem that is so prevalent in the media - bullying.

Although I agree with White's comments....Frank is not the most well liked guy in MMA circles....although he is still a big draw and well liked in the San Jose area.

I also agree with Frank that White, speaking and acting the way he does, isn't good for MMA in the long run.

I wouldn't want either guy to be a role model for my kid.

[grambino]

There is some validity in Frank's statements. Dana has been instrumental in the growth of MMA up to this point, but the sport is at a juncture that requires professionalism and social awareness to continue growth. Dana is going to have to grow as a person to continue helping the sport he loves. Rogan gives great commentary and as a die hard MMA fan I really like him but when I have casual observers over to see the fights they think he just looks like an unshaven alcoholic. The entire presentation needs cleaned up. The product in the ring will always be what it is and it will sell, but a more broad commercial appeal is essential. This starts with Dana reinventing himself. Dana talks tough because he isn't. He's a caricature of what he believes the boss of MMA should be. He's an idiot that only lends credence to the belief by most that MMA is a bunch of foul mouth drunks and thugs. How could the average person think otherwise when all they see are bloody highlights and hear his quotes? Dana is reaching a point where his involvement will become counter productive to the growth of the sport. The pioneers in most industries are usually not the guys that take it to the next level. Dana is certainly a pioneer, but I believe he's hit his ceiling.

[Jerry Gajook]

I agree with Shamrock that Dana White is a bully. He is a rich guy that bullies some of the dumber fighters and the smart guys like Randy Couture...he takes to court. But Frank Shamrock and his brother Ken are both scammers . They both don't belong with the elite fighters...never did. But they are good politicians.. Also, Dana has his favorites and doesn't mind if guys like Koscheck go around eye gouging their opponents..

[Nechaev]

Originally Posted by grambino

There is some validity in Frank's statements. Dana has been instrumental in the growth of MMA up to this point, but the sport is at a juncture that requires professionalism and social awareness to continue growth. Dana is going to have to grow as a person to continue helping the sport he loves. Rogan gives great commentary and as a die hard MMA fan I really like him but when I have casual observers over to see the fights they think he just looks like an unshaven alcoholic. The entire presentation needs cleaned up. The product in the ring will always be what it is and it will sell, but a more broad commercial appeal is essential. This starts with Dana reinventing himself. Dana talks tough because he isn't. He's a caricature of what he believes the boss of MMA should be. He's an idiot that only lends credence to the belief by most that MMA is a bunch of foul mouth drunks and thugs. How could the average person think otherwise when all they see are bloody highlights and hear his quotes? Dana is reaching a point where his involvement will become counter productive to the growth of the sport. The pioneers in most industries are usually not the guys that take it to the next level. Dana is certainly a pioneer, but I believe he's hit his ceiling.

Exactly. Support everything you said, word for word.

[SickNasty]

I'm rubber and you're glue.

[Y2JUBAE]

Frank sounds like a baby right about now. Dana was responding to his not so great comments. Frank shouldn't be out in the press bad mouthing people if he doesn't want some heat flung back his way. I do agree, Dana is a horrible representative. Frank though, is an idiot. The kind of bullying that is in national headlines in which people commit suicide from, is not the same as being called two faced by freaking Dana White of all people.

[stpierrecanada]

I think both need to shut up and mind there own business, they are trying to make MMA a great thing, an even greater thing then it is, and fighting with eachother just brings negative attention to the sport.

Both should let each-other do what they have to do and keep each others names out of their mouths and do their own thing for the sport, and trying to make it better. Why insult or ridicule someone who is aiming for the same goal as you, but taking a different path to get to that goal? Both have their flaws but both love the sport and wants what is best for it.

(I realize Dana only really cares about UFC for the most part, but he does want the best for MMA in general.)

[claycollett3]

I both agree and disagree w/ both parties. If you are trying to further the pursuits of mma in any state, why bad mouth anyone involved with the advancement? There seems to be hidden motives here ( UFC HoF anyone?). If ya wanna pick a war of words with someone as it pertains to mma, head to the sanctioning bodies that be. Don't drag someone with good intentions for the sport through the mud. Pick on McCain or the human cockfighting sort, not someone that has actually given you a job (though not directly w the UFC). Where would Frank be if DW or the current UFC didn't exist? Def not getting his ass handed to him by Diaz thats for sure. I just see past the headlines and notice some personal bad blood brewing in leiu of actual ambassidor implications.

[IceCold48]

conservative new york what the fuck is he on? that statement just discredits the whole spiel he just gave