UFC chief Dana White angrily shuts down reporters for ‘starting s***’ as Masvidal and Holland clash ahead of UFC 287
UFC president Dana White shut down reporters trying to quiz Jorge Masvidal and Kevin Holland about their recent altercation.
Fan favourites Masvidal and Holland were embroiled in a heated incident at the UFC 287 fighter hotel in Miami on Wednesday.
No punches were thrown as the pair were held back by a combination of security and members of their respective teams.
Masvidal briefly gave his perspective on the incident during Thursday’s pre-fight press conference, saying: “Absolutely nothing.
“There’s nothing to talk about there. Just some d***riding, clout-chasing b***h. Ain’t nothing to talk about.”
Holland responded by saying: “That’s not what you were saying yesterday. Watch your f mouth.”
And the back-and-forth between the pair – who face Gilbert Burns and Santiago Ponzinibbio respectively this weekend – irked a fired-up White.
The UFC supremo said: “Guys, come on, these two aren’t even fighting. Knock it off.
“Do you have a question about the fight who these guys are fighting or do you just want to start s*** in here? What’s your question?”
Another reporter brought up the incident in a roundabout way to Ponzinibbio – asking the Argentine if he thought Holland’s focus was elsewhere.
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An angry White interjected before Ponzinibbio could answer, saying: “Don’t even answer that question!”
White was later quizzed about potentially changing his mind on Colby Covington challenging Brit Leon Edwards for the welterweight title later this year if Masvidal or Burns were to win in emphatic fashion.
The veteran promoter replied: “Listen, Colby Covington, like him or not, the guy showed up in London, he cut weight, he did what he was supposed to do.
“He deserves the fight against Leon.
“There’s no doubt, we’ll see how this fight turns out on Saturday night.
“And the best-case scenario is one of these guys is next.”
That comment didn’t sit well with either man, both of whom jokingly booed the MMA mogul.
UFC 287 takes place in Miami early on Sunday morning and is headlined by a middleweight title rematch between champion Alex Pereira and former titleholder Israel Adesanya.