During the UFC 287 pre-fight press conference, there was anticipation for Jorge Masvidal and Kevin Holland to address their altercation during fight week. However, Dana White dismissed the topic entirely.
At the Miami host hotel, Masvidal and Holland had a heated argument that resulted in UFC security intervening to separate them. Although videos emerged of the two welterweights shouting at each other, there was no physical altercation.
During the press conference, Masvidal was questioned about the incident, but the two-time UFC title challengers response was filled with expletives.
“Absolutely nothing,” he said. “There’s nothing to talk about there. Just some d*** riding, clout chasing b****. Ain’t nothing to talk about.”
Consequently, Holland seized the microphone and reciprocated by shouting back at Masvidal.
“That’s not what you were saying yesterday,” Holland fired back. “Watch your f****** mouth.”
When another question arose concerning the altercation, it annoyed White, and he promptly terminated the inquiry.
“Guys, come on, these two aren’t even fighting,” White said. “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?”
On Saturday’s co-main event, Masvidal fights against Gilbert Burns, while Holland competes against Santiago Ponzinibbio. During the press conference, when a reporter questioned if Holland might be distracted by the incident with Masvidal instead of focusing on Ponzinibbio, White dismissed the query.
Dana White dodging questions like they’re Conor’s left hook
It is worth noting that Holland was also part of another incident with Khamzat Chimaev that resulted in the cancellation of the entire UFC 279 pre-fight press conference due to safety concerns, as per White.
The UFC President described the entire situation as “an absolute s*** show.” Hence, it is possible that White had this event in mind when tensions escalated between Masvidal and Holland on Thursday.
After the conversation shifted back to UFC 287 bouts, Dana talked about his announcement that Colby Covington will be the next fighter to challenge welterweight champion, Leon Edwards, having acted as the main event backup at UFC 286 in London.
Even though Masvidal and Burns have stated that a convincing victory on Saturday could disrupt Covington’s title shot plans, White remained firm on his decision, insisting that Colby will be the next fighter to challenge Edwards for the welterweight championship.
This declaration did not go down well with the vocal crowd in Miami. Jorge, who has been instructed to stay away from Covington following his purported assault of the previous interim UFC welterweight champion in March, did not hold back his opinion on the matter.
When White announced Covington as the top contender. Masvidal visibly booed and also aimed a barb at his former teammate, who had previously defeated him.
White showed little interest in discussing the recent merger between UFC and WWE. Which will result in the MMA promotion teaming up with Vince McMahon’s professional wrestling organization. With the new company falling under the Endeavor ownership umbrella.
