Dana White: UFC won't host Pride Night, 'stay in my lane'

Dana White says UFC has gay fighters competing on its roster but will not stage Pride Night events like the ones that sparked backlash in Major League Baseball.

The UFC president told Tomi Lahren in a recent interview that the promotion's approach is to avoid themed celebrations and let athletes "do their own thing." White said he assumes multiple fighters in the Top 15 rankings are gay, including some who are open about their sexuality, and emphasized that sexual orientation does not factor into roster decisions.

White on UFC's approach to LGBTQ fighters

"I'm staring at my roster of Top 15 fighters, I'm assuming we have some gay fighters," White said, per MMA Mania. "I don't know how many of them are openly. I know that we have gay female fighters. I don't give a shit. I don't care what you are or who you are or what you do, we don't talk about that or any of that stuff."

White pointed to a company T-shirt featuring rainbow colors with the phrase "We Are All Fighters" but drew a line at hosting promotional nights centered on specific communities. He contrasted UFC's approach with baseball, which he described as "America's game," saying the fight business operates differently. "I stay in my lane, whatever all these other guys are doing, good luck to you. I do my own thing," he said.

The comments came as White also addressed criticism of fighters Josh Hokit and Sean Strickland, who have drawn scrutiny for inflammatory public statements. White said the promotion supports multiple charities privately but avoids publicizing donations with ceremonial check presentations. UFC's next pay-per-view airs Saturday from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Dana White reveals UFC policy on gay fighters, takes hardline stance on ‘Pride Night’ events