Television host Michael Landsberg is known for his swaggering, tough guy style. He’s the host of TSN’s “Off The Record” show, which was cancelled by the network late last year.
Although the program ended its 18-year run on air, Landsberg would remain employed at TSN. He would go on to produce shorter segments and continued roasting his guests on national television.
Recently, he had UFC President Dana White as his guest. Both discussed and touched on many topics. Talks included Anthony Pettis missing weight for UFC 206, new negotiations with GSP, the MMAAA, and the rivalry between the different fighters’ unions.
But one question rubbed White the wrong way. White lost it when Landsberg asked about former Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney’s allegation that UFC fighters get paid only eight percent of the UFC revenue.
Michael Landsberg Gets Under Dana White’s Skin
White denied Rebney’s claim. He stressed that UFC fighters are getting the fair share of the pie. However, when Landsberg made a follow-up on the exact figures, the conversation between the two started to heat up.
Landsberg wanted the correct percentage of what the fighters are getting on record. But White went off on the host and lashed back at him for not doing his research.
White furiously said that he would not give Landsberg inaccurate numbers. He admitted that he didn’t know the exact number of shares that fighters are receiving.
“If you’re going to ask me that question, you should do your homework,” White stated.
Landsberg tried to defend himself by pointing out that he is acting as a reporter and his main duty is to ask questions. Landsberg appeared surprised that White could not give a straight answer since he handles the UFC’s day-to-day operations.
White justified that outgoing UFC CEO Lorenzo Fertitta handled the numbers for the company. He mentioned that Fertitta was the one who put the percentage out in the public.
“Numbers aren’t my thing. We have a new CFO. If I have the number, I have to give it you. But if you’re going to ask me that question, you should have looked that up,” White reiterated.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeSfmTYz9FI
Watch The Whole Interview Here
The UFC head honcho instead took shots at Rebney, who is a member of the MMAAA. White believes the MMAAA has already made a crucial error by aligning itself with Rebney.
The group is seeking a higher revenue share for UFC athletes. It’s also seeking pension plans and health care, among other incentives.
Rebney claimed that he paid his contracted athletes in Bellator 53 percent during his most successful year as a promoter. White did not buy it and referred to Rebney as a “bottom feeder.”
“He’s out to make money,” White said. “For fighters, there are a lot of people who are trying to put your hands in your pocket. Be careful on whose hands will let you in your pocket, especially a guy like that.”
With Dana White failing to give numbers, his claim of Rebney being a money leech somehow validates it. Well, it takes one to know one.
Randy couture swears all the fighters combined get 9% of the company’s gross. Lorenzo said “close to half” but absolutely refuses to give 1 number. Dana gets 10%, so that means Dana has made more than all fighters combined even before the sale.
Dana is a scumbag.
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