UFC President Dana White Warns Others to Accept Fights When Offered

Ultimate Fighting Championship President Dana White has dug his heels in the sand on the decision to release one of the most promising young fighters in Yair Rodriguez.

White fielded questions at the conclusion of UFC Fight Night 130, which took place in Liverpool, England, with reporters asking White to provide more information on his comments following Rodriguez’s release.

White has made it very clear in the past that he wants fighters who are passionate about competing and to accept any fight given to them. On the “The Ultimate Fighter” reality series, he’s made his trademark speech to athletes about his expectations of them and what it takes to hold a roseter spot in the UFC.

“We offered him fights, he turned down the fights. There was a lot more back and forth that went on with that. If you don’t want to fight, this isn’t the place to be. There’s plenty of places out there that will take Yair Rodriguez, and would love to have him, and would sign him, and I’m sure he’ll have a great career. This isn’t the place for you.”

White was pressed if Rodriguez would be welcome back to the UFC in the future. While he was unsure, he used the opportunity to send a clear message to other fighters who may be thinking of turning down fights:

“When I call you and offer you a fight, you should probably take it. You should probably take it. I make 42 fights a year. And if you don’t want to fight, and if you want to be picky and choosy, and you don’t want to do this and you don’t want to do that, then you probably need to go somewhere else. And I’ll help you get there.”