What if we’ve had it all wrong? What if Dana White is actually doing the best he can? It’s easy to demand more, to want fighters paid like NBA superstars, or to label the UFC a monopoly. But maybe, just maybe, the promotion thrives because it delivers more than it promises. And in a sport where uncertainty reigns supreme, the head honcho’s track record of taking care of his fighters when the unpredictable happens speaks for itself. Remember the UFC 311 main event and how Islam Makhachev faced a last-minute replacement in the form of Renato Moicano?
However, one man was left in the shadows amidst the debacle: Beneil Dariush! But not so much! The veteran 155fer revealed that the promotion paid him both his show and win money to make up for taking him off the card entirely as he was scheduled to face Moicano in the first place on the PPV undercard. “It’s excellent, I can’t complain, they’re giving me show and win money so you know, a lot of people are like, ‘I hope they take care of you’, they are I appreciate Dana and the UFC.”
Well, this sentiment was once again on display at UFC Fight Night Mexico. “Yeah, they’ll take care of him for sure. Dana always does,” said UFC Senior Vice President of International Operations David Shaw during the post-fight presser when asked if Kelvin Gastelum would be compensated even though he did not appear on the card owing to his opponent Joe Pyfer pulling out at the last moment due to an illness. And it seems that although the veteran 185fer was pulled from the card, he is certainly not out of luck!
David Shaw on Kelvin Gastelum: They’ll take care of him for sure. Dana always does. #UFCMexico pic.twitter.com/c9YsQQzWHL
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) March 30, 2025
Moreover, if history is any indicator, Gastelum should be fine. After all, he’s not just some random fighter on the roster. He’s a former interim title challenger with the legendary war with Israel Adesanya at UFC 236 being inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame last month. But, prestige aside, the UFC has a history of compensating fighters left in limbo due to unforeseen circumstances.
Remember UFC 151? The ill-fated event was shelved when 205lbs title challenger Dan Henderson pulled out from the fight and Jon Jones refused to defend his strap against a last-minute replacement in the form of Chael Sonnen. Fighters were left scrambling, some being rebooked, others just left hanging. However, the UFC boss made sure those affected got paid even though the promotion suffered combined losses in the neighborhood of $40 million. But the question remains, are these recent examples part of the trend or some rare instances?
Does Dana White’s generosity hold up?
So, what’s the precedent here? Considering a situation from two years ago, UFC lightweight Natan Levy had his fight against Pete Rodiguez canceled twice with Rodiguez pulling out on both occasions at UFC Vegas 72 in April (due to illness) and UFC Charlotte in May (due to weight management issues). And what did the UFC do? Paid him in full. Levy even took to X to thank the UFC boss for handling business. “Wanted to let everyone know the #UFC took care of me and paid me in full after the fight cancelation. Thank you @UFC @danawhite @seanshelby It is greatly appreciated @TeamIridiumISA”
And it’s not just the big names getting looked after. Fighters further down the rankings, even those on the undercard, have received compensation when fights collapse beyond their control. It’s an interesting contrast to the criticism White often receives regarding fighter pay. Sure, he’s been accused of underpaying fighters. But let’s not ignore the flip side. Mr. White’s insistence that UFC fighters earn more than what they’re contractually obligated.
He’s gone on record, notably on The Pat McAfee Show, emphasizing that “no promoter in history” does what the UFC does when it comes to paying fighters beyond their base agreements. And let’s not forget the COVID era, when the UFC was practically the only sports organization running events. Other leagues shut down, but White and Company found ways to keep fighters active. And, more importantly, paid.
Dana White has his flaws. Sure. He’s brash and is not winning any awards for political correctness. But when it comes to situations like this, he’s not the villain people often make him out to be. Could he do more? Maybe. But in a sport where nothing is guaranteed, having a boss who consistently does more than the bare minimum isn’t the worst deal in the world. So, is the UFC paying Gastelum? If we’re betting on history, the answer is a resounding yes. What do you think? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
The post Dana White’s Generosity Shines as UFC CEO Promises Compensation After Last Minute Fallout in Mexico appeared first on EssentiallySports.
