UFC President Dana White spoke about a number of Bellator-related topics during an appearance this week on TSN’s “Off The Record” sports talk show in Canada.
White was asked for his thoughts on the ratings for Saturday’s Bellator event, which was a big success despite the fact that it went head-to-head with his own promotion’s UFC 180 pay-per-view event.
Headlined by Tito Ortiz vs. Stephan Bonnar, Saturday’s Bellator 131 event drew the largest rating of any Bellator event in history, and the main event itself was the highest rated fight in all of cable television for 2014.
“That thing was a free fight on free TV,” said White. “Yeah, it’s going to pull some numbers. They’re both big name guys. I’m happy for Tito and Bonnar. Those guys are getting paid. That’s really about it.”
Host Michael Landsberg asked the UFC President if he was privately upset that Ortiz was able to draw such a big number for the Bellator organization, pointing out the fact that White and Ortiz have had a rocky relationship over the years.
“To be honest with you, the ‘Tito thing’ is old. It’s over,” said White. “I could care less anymore. When Tito and I were a lot younger we used to battle about a lot of things. I’m happy for the guy. He’s making money, he’s getting paid. Good for him.”
After he posted a unique message on social media this week, White was asked for his thoughts on Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, a current Bellator fighter who was a former UFC champ.
“I like Rampage Jackson,” said White. “Rampage and I have a very unique relationship in that all the stuff that goes on publicly, behind the scenes we square away. He’s a good dude.”
Finally, White was asked about his recent comments regarding Brock Lesnar, who he said has mentioned that “he’s interested in fighting again.”
Does White think there’s any chance Lesnar could end up signing with Bellator instead of the UFC?
“Brock Lesnar wouldn’t go to Bellator,” said White. “Brock wants to fight the best guys in the world. The best guys in the world are [in the UFC].”
To watch the full Dana White segment on “OTR,” visit TSN.ca.
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