Eminem’s never been one to not speak his mind
With UFC 257 in Abu Dhabi fast approaching, Eminem – in true Eminem fashion – told Dana White that his opinion didn’t matter during a live TV interview, the clip instantly going viral as a result.
The rapper’s song, ‘Higher’, is being used in promotional material for UFC 257, but this didn’t stop Eminem from aiming the dig at White while the pair appeared via video link on ESPN’s SportsCenter.
In the clip which features Eminem’s expletive-laden outburst, he can be heard saying: “The best part about your opinion is that it doesn’t matter. And if every fighter that you had listened to your opinion when you doubted them, you wouldn’t have a f***ing league.”
WTF @eminem @ufc @danawhite #UFC257 pic.twitter.com/HOCaRvnkob
— Brendan Schaub (@BrendanSchaub) January 22, 2021
The clip doesn’t show the full context, but the comment was enough to force White into an uncomfortable smile.
Later asked in an interview with UFC Arabia, White was coy when asked about Eminem’s comment.
“Yeah, there’s something going on,” he said, smiling.
Dana White re: Eminem 🤔 pic.twitter.com/GvBKvHSJiJ
— Farah Hannoun (@Farah_Hannoun) January 22, 2021
The interview came within hours of Ottman Azaitar’s controversial suspension from the UFC 257 card. After his fight with Matt Frevola was cancelled, White confirmed it was because of a bizarre security breach – which had also costs the German-born fighter his place as a UFC fighter.
The main event on Abu Dhabi’s Fight Island is, of course, Conor McGregor’s eagerly awaited return to the octagon. The Irishman will face Dustin Poirier on Sunday in his first fight in a year.
