Alex Poatan (right) and Dana White (left). Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Chael Sonnen publicly praised Dana White's stance regarding the controversial fight between Alex Poatan and Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313. In a statement on the Mike Bohn podcast, the analyst and former fighter highlighted the consistency shown by the UFC president in honoring a fundamental principle of the organization: ensuring that 'the best fight the best', even at the cost of commercial risk.
Sonnen highlighted Dana's 'boldness' in ignoring external pressures. Until then champion with only four fights in the weight class, Poatan increased his popularity and became a ratings phenomenon after spectacular knockouts. Ankalaev, on the other hand, although undefeated since 2018, was seen as a 'not very attractive' name for marketing. The bet, according to the former fighter, reinforced the organization's commitment to meritocracy.
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“One thing about the UFC is that they’ve stayed true to the brand promise that Dana White made years ago when he simply said the best will fight the best. Dana also put his second biggest draw (Poatan) on the line against Ankalaev. I mean, it was a very risky fight from a commercial standpoint and it was against him, but the bookmakers said it was against him. He didn’t care. He’s very much by the code that we’re not going to be like boxing and the best will fight the best, regardless of the promotional pressure or the cost,” Sonnen said in an interview with the Mike Bohn podcast.
The defense of the light heavyweight (93 kg) belt in March 2025 ended with Ankalaev's controversial victory by unanimous decision. At the time, the Russian surprised with a strategy of containing Poatan on the fence without significant offensive actions.
Read More about: Alex Poatán, Chael Sonnen, Dana White, Magomed Ankalayev, UFC
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