Over his years at the helm of the UFC, Dana White‘s relationship with MMA fighters has been complicated. Some fighters seem to be supportive of their boss, but many seem to be rather critical of him over a variety of issues. From fighters’ pay to being ignored for opportunities, the American promoter has been criticized by many athletes.
This includes legends like Jon Jones, Demetrious Johnson, and recently Francis Ngannou. But among all the criticism, some fighters maintain a warm relationship with White. One of them is former two-division UFC Champion Amanda Nunes.
Dana White reacts to Amanda Nunes’ heartfelt message
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Recently, Amanda Nunes posted an emotional message on her Instagram that shows the cordial relationship she had with Dana White. The post featured a montage of images from her most recent altercation and another image of her sharing a hug with White. Along with the picture, she wrote, “It was a long passionate journey. Thank you very much @danawhite.”
View this post on Instagram A post shared by ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Amanda Nunes🦁 (@amanda_leoa)
In response to this, White shared this post on his Instagram Story along with the caption, “The feeling is mutual.” Once again, the two shared each other’s story on the successive post. In a time where the UFC’s treatment of its fighters is always in question, these warm moments came in as a breath of fresh air.
For those unaware, the Lioness is no longer an active part of the UFC. After a dominant performance at UFC 289, Amanda Nunes bid farewell to the sport of MMA. In what was her yet another successful title defense, Nunes beat Irene Aldana by a majority decision. But much to the dismay of fans, she announced her retirement afterward.
For this, she blamed the years of punishment she has sustained inside the ring. While many were shocked and critical of the Lioness’ decision, Dana White was supportive. Defending her decision in the post-fight press conference, White wished his champion luck for the next step in her life.
Amanda Nunes’ former rival may make a comeback to save the dying division
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After Amanda Nunes‘ retirement, the future of the women’s featherweight division is once again in shambles. Widely regarded as the GOAT of women’s MMA, she had an iron grip over the division’s strap. But now, when she is retired, the very existence of the heaviest of all female divisions is being questioned. Even Dana White hinted at discontinuing the division at the post-fight press conference of UFC 289. But Jon Anik has a unique take on this.
According to the veteran commentator, this might be the right time for Nunes’ former rival, Ronda Rousey, to return. During her time as the Bantamweight, Rousey was considered the biggest name in the sport. But the former Olympian left the promotion following back-to-back losses to Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes.
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Amanda Nunes had clinched the division’s goal after shocking the world with a first-round finish of Cris Cyborg. Before this fight, her compatriot was considered the greatest female fighter in the history of women’s MMA. But after the dust of UFC 232 settled, Nunes claimed the title for herself along with the division’s gold.
Since then, the fighter successfully defended her title against Megan Anderson and Felicia Spencer. Interestingly, all three opponents in the division, Anderson, Spencer, and Cyborg, have left the division. While the division was never the densest, it is shallower than ever after the champion’s retirement.
Weeks After Retirement, Emotional Ananda Nunes Sends “Boss” Dana White a Three-Word Message As UFC President and Ex-Champ Exchange Heartfelt Acknowledgments
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