When it comes to fighter contracts, Dana White claims to have “less than zero” involvement.
During a hearing this week in the Nevada Federal District Court, relating to two ongoing antitrust lawsuits against the UFC. According to White’s testimony, all business involving the promotion’s athletes goes through Hunter Campbell, the UFC’s Chief Business Officer.
Alongside Campbell, White revealed that VP of Talent Relations Mick Maynard and lead matchmaker Sean Shelby have primarily handled all UFC contracts with fighters since 2017.
“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,” White told Judge Richard Boulware.
Dana White Questioned About Missing Device
White and Campbell provided testimony in connection with two ongoing antitrust lawsuits against the UFC, which were initiated by former fighters Kajan Johnson (Johnson v Zuffa) and Misha Cirkunovs (Cirkunovs v Zuffa).
The proceedings examined their respective roles within the UFC and specifically investigated whether communication devices utilized within the organization, including mobile phones, were improperly destroyed or manipulated.
During the inquiry, White, alongside fellow UFC executive Tracy Long, faced extensive questioning regarding their roles within the organization. Specifically, they were asked about the nature of their communications, the applications utilized, their correspondence with various parties, and the whereabouts of any missing messages.
In his testimony, White characterized himself as lacking technological proficiency, expressing uncertainty about specific functions within applications. He stated that he entrusted his assistants with responsibilities such as phone upgrades and app installations. White further noted that if not for previous court mandates necessitating the use of a smartphone, he would have continued to use a standard flip phone.
White acknowledged his use of multiple mobile devices since the implementation of the litigation hold. He indicated that he planned to transfer his old devices to Campbell for safekeeping once he no longer required them. However, White also admitted that one of the phones has since gone missing.
White did offer a potential explanation for the lost tech, claiming a former UFC employee related to Endeavor CEO Ari Emmanuel was fired for stealing items from the company. In addition to the iPhone 11 in question, White claimed that a Little League championship ring he was sent and company Christmas presents also went missing.
The individual in question was later fired after security footage seemingly confirmed the thefts, though there is no proof that the iPhone 11 was stolen.
