In the MMA latest updates, Dana White has hit back at Stephen Espinoza’s comments about the UFC’s gate numbers. 

Espinoza’s comments were based on the Canelo Alvarez vs. Jermell Charlo fight, which is expected to have a gate that will exceed $20 million. Those numbers would be the third time that a gate has exceeded that mark this year.

This was in direct reference to the UFC, who Espinoza mentioned had failed to hit the $20 million mark at any gate in its history. Those comments were also seen as a way to soften the news that Showtime could be pulling out of boxing next year.

Espinoza On White

"The event on Saturday night will generate a gate of over $20 million. That’s a rare feat in combat sports. It’s rare in concerts or events of any kind. But this will be the third time in the last six months that we’ve done a gate [in excess] of $20 million. Again, our third $20 million gate in the last six months.

"[The] UFC has never done a gate of $20 million in its entire history. We’ve done it three times since April. Like I said, this is special. This is different. There’s nothing else going on in combat sports that matches this type of event. We have to enjoy this event. We need to savor it. This is the best our sport has to offer," Espinoza stated 

White On Espinoza

But in any event, White hit back with some words of his own as he echoed the same words that Conor McGregor had infamously called the Showtime executive: ‘weasel.’ 

"That’s exactly the type of response I would expect from that Weasel Espinoza. That scumbag has absolutely nothing to do with the success of Canelo, Ryan Garcia, and Terence Crawford. Those guys are mega stars and they are the ones responsible for driving the gates in their fights.

"For him to even try and take any credit at all shows you exactly what an arrogant, delusional POS that guy is. For this clown to talk about ‘levels’ is hilarious. The production of the fights on Showtime is an embarrassment and I have been saying that FOREVER.

"He is a little guy with a BIG yap, and is a complete phony. I’m not at all surprised this is the end for them. It should have come way sooner. Sorry to see you go Weasel, enjoy your retirement," White

White On Hunt

In addition, Dana White has responded to Mark Hunt’s failed lawsuit against him, the UFC and Brock Lesnar. 

According to reports, Hunt was allegedly claiming that White had misled him that Lesnar would not be using performance enhancing drugs when they fought at UFC 200.

Lesnar secured a win via a unanimous decision but failed a USADA test for numerous substances in the aftermath after having received an exemption. The fighter received a one-year suspension as the result became a no-contest.

As a result, Hunt issued a lawsuit in 2017. It was dismissed in 2019 only for it resurface in 2021 following an appeal. The claim was that White had knowledge that Lesnar may have been using PEDS. Nevertheless, District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey dismissed the case

"In sum, each of Hunt’s fraud theories requires far too many inferential leaps and ignores too much contrary evidence for a jury to reasonably find in his favor, particularly by clear and convincing evidence. Despite extensive briefing and oral argument, Hunt has been unable to provide the necessary evidentiary support for his theories. So I grant summary judgment in favor of the defendants and again close this case," Dorsey said 

And now White has had his say on the matter. 

"Despite extensive briefing and oral argument, Hunt has been unable to provide the necessary evidentiary support for his theories. So I grant summary judgment in favor of the defendants and again close this case..Listen, Mark Hunt, he has lost so many lawsuits against us it’s insane. He’s a bit of a delusional guy. He’s gonna have to pay some legal fees," White

Since his retirement from MMA, Hunt has been dabbling in boxing. On his debut, however, he suffered a loss against John Wyborn via a unanimous decision.

Another fight also followed in 2021 as he knocked out Sonny Bill Williams. But moving forward, a return to the UFC is clearly out of the question.