(Dan also took his stapler and three boxes of ballpoint pens from the supply closet. Photo courtesy of CombatLifestyle.)
Dana White has never been one to lose a fight gracefully. Now that Dan Henderson has scampered off to rival fight club Strikeforce, it’s time for DW to start telling everybody what a farce Hendo is. As White explained to MMA Fanhouse:
"Let me ask you a question. Do you think that there’s any guy we can’t get that I want? Other than Fedor [Emelianenko]? So far, he’s been the one guy we can’t get. But everyone else that we’ve wanted, we got. If I wanted Dan Henderson, I could’ve signed him…
For the money he wanted, he’s not worth it. He’s not a big pay-per-view star, he’s not a big attraction, and he’s not going to sell out arenas. He wants way too much and he doesn’t bring anything to the table…I could care less. Here’s the reality: If I wanted him, he’d be in the UFC. It’s not like, ‘F***, Strikeforce beat me out.’ He’s been a free agent for a long time. If I wanted him, I would have signed him by now."
Dana also claims that he effectively forced Henderson out of the organization:
White says that while he originally entered negotiations in good faith, after three or four meetings with Henderson and his management, he realized it was unlikely the two sides would come to terms. Eventually, he lowered his original offer, effectively forcing Henderson’s hand in signing with Strikeforce. "I wanted him to s**t or get off the pot," he said. "He was in this limbo forever, and he needed more motivation to make a decision.
Will Strikeforce be able to pay Henderson even close to what he was asking from the UFC? Probably not — but at least they’ll appreciate him. From an earlier report on Sherdog:
[Henderson's manager Aaron] Crecy said Henderson was “very pleased” with the terms of his new contract and that money was not the fighter’s sole objective in his decision to move to the newer promotion.
“Dan likes to be a maverick, and I think part of the attraction to Strikeforce was to be a part of something that broadens the growth of the sport within the U.S. and globally,” said Crecy. “The fact that Strikeforce offers a network television platform in CBS as well as a premium cable partner in Showtime was particularly appealing to him. It delivers an incredible opportunity for Dan to perform live before an audience of millions of present and future MMA fans. Also, (Strikeforce CEO) Scott Coker treated Dan with a great deal of respect and integrity throughout the negotiations, and that certainly affected his decision. Dan is very excited to be a part of the Strikeforce family."
Hey, whatever you gotta tell yourself…
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Comments
Mon, 12/07/09 - 01:54
Dana White is an asshole.
Mon, 12/07/09 - 02:05
dana whites a asshole. he is just pissed that dan ko'ed his golden boy bisping!
Mon, 12/07/09 - 02:06
Its true though. But yea, quite harsh at times. Who gives a shit anyway he has been like this for so long.
Mon, 12/07/09 - 02:12
really wanted to see hendo vs marquardt
Mon, 12/07/09 - 02:19
Yeah, it's a shame DW didn't sign Hendo. But DW has to keep costs low by limiting fighter salaries. And by denying Hendo's demands, DW has sent a message to the rest of his fighters: Don't ask for too much or you're outta here.
Mon, 12/07/09 - 02:24
After watching Hendo at UFC 100 I think he could've drawn a fairly large crowd thats wanted to see him knock the shit out of more people.
Mon, 12/07/09 - 02:25
You know I understand a lot of the the instances where DW talks out of his ass. But to just talk shit about somebody like Dan Henderson and treast him like that shows absolutely no class. Business is business and you dont get ahead in combat sports by being meek, but come on have some honor....
Mon, 12/07/09 - 02:32
Why don't they just come out and say how much he wanted so we can decide for ourselves?
Mon, 12/07/09 - 02:33
So in the end Hendo had to throw in a BBQ grill in order to get Strikeforce to sign him.
Mon, 12/07/09 - 02:45
I was going to offer Dan a bag of Cheetos to fight in my organization, but the chick with the FUPA and the blue granny shorts beat me to it. Bitch.
Mon, 12/07/09 - 02:51
Dana's kinda like George W Bush; Always stayin the course. And that's what it takes to be a leader, people.
Mon, 12/07/09 - 02:51
Another thing that probably pissed off Hendo is the fact that the UFC has suddenly banned any fighters from wearing any Clinch Gear clothing, and Hendo is an owner of the company. They had already paid the required $ for the right to sponsor fighters and then, when negotiations with Henderson broke down, Dana said that Clinch Gear was no banned from sponsoring UFC fighters. It's strong-arm shit like this that makes no sense and just seems like petty bullshit. Btw they also banned RCVA, who recently sponsored Fedor @ the SF show in August. (Wonder how BJ Penn feels about that)
Mon, 12/07/09 - 03:05
@ beginus maximus LOL! Best post in the thread. Ben should make that the caption. @ SweetAfflictionShirt Good points, but when all is said and done, the UFC is a business. It's not a fraternity. The stakes in this game are mighty high. I actually admire White for being such a hard-nosed businessman.
Mon, 12/07/09 - 03:09
you whiny asshats, when will you learn, he is the president and has carte blanche. What he said was true, and how he went about it is business, you idiots think it is harsh or mean but that is real life. It could happen to any of the fighters. It has happened in the past, and it will happen again. Hendo fucked up, and Hendo put all his chips in on a bluff, and Dana called his bluff and won. Bye Hendo come back when you get tired of being a big fish in a small pond. So all you haters who want to call Dana an asshole, and say UFC sucks, fine, don't watch another UFC match, seriously stand your ground don't fucking watch another show, see how far it matters. Real fans, and smart people will take your place and UFC and Dana White won't miss you not one day, just like he won't miss Henderson. As for how the fighters feel about certain sponsors being banned, I bet they don't like it, but I bet if they want to keep their fucking job they will keep it to themselves, including that retard BJ, he is dumb...but he ain't that damn dumb.
Mon, 12/07/09 - 03:09
Of course White is right that if he wanted him he could have gotten him, but his earlier comments saying he wanted to be the highest paid guy in the UFC are no doubt bullshit. Based on injurygate I think it was a mistake basically forcing him out of the organization Fine he isn't a huge draw but he is a legit journeyman tough guy with name recognition, who is marketable, who operates in 2 weight classes (or 3 if you count the burgeoning 195 catch weight division).. With respect to draws they need to reboot what they consider a good buy rate now. The fights hendo is in I think he could get the 350-400k levels that will now be considered "good" since they can't stack PPVs with 2 massive fights and get the 800+k buys for a while. A hendo fight to me is easily as intriguing as tito chuck 3, rashad thiago or forrest tito and a hendo fight as a co-main event adds pop to any card.
Mon, 12/07/09 - 03:14
Dana, you ungrateful baldheaded bitch. Hendo made you a lot of money. You now own the title of the Ultimate Asshole!!
Mon, 12/07/09 - 03:21
@ UFC fan "Hendo put all his chips in on a bluff, and Dana called his bluff and won." Exactly. This is pretty much what the entire Hendo affair boils down to.
Mon, 12/07/09 - 03:37
"Hendo put all his chips in on a bluff, and Dana called his bluff and won." This. Honestly guys, I just don't understand all the DW/UFC hate. 2/3 of you wouldn't have even HEARD of MMA if it wasn't for them. Just because something is mainstream and popular, does not mean it is "bad." As fun as it is to be a "maverick" it doesn't get you shit in this case. All it gets you is a bitter taste in your mouth, and in Hendo's case, a lack of money to go alongside his total lack of charisma.
Mon, 12/07/09 - 03:42
@UFC fan Is what 831 son said true? Are you seriously that old and still that stupid? Whatever happened to with age comes wisdom? Or at least the ability to logically process thought. I bet you're divorced and your kids hate you. ---------- Dana white is a jerk. Why would anybody talk crap about a good ol' boy like dan like that. I hope dan isn't the last fighter to jump ship on the UFC. Maybe it'll humble DW a little.
Mon, 12/07/09 - 03:46
Hendo is an old dog and as much as I hate to admit it his best days are behind him. If he came at anyone worth a shit the way he came at Bisping he would get his shit pushed in. Yeah the guy has a big right hand, but that doesn't mean he has to keep it cocked behind his back the entire fight hoping that his opponent is dumb enough to circle into for ten minutes until he has an chance to land it. Moussasi will kill him. Jake Shields and Robbie Lawler, he could probably beat but there not exactly elite.
Mon, 12/07/09 - 03:49
@BaldMidget: LOL @ the burgeoning 195 catch weight division! He might want to compete there, but don't forget: that's Rich Franklin's world. He owns that shit! Everyone else just gets to play in it.
Mon, 12/07/09 - 03:53
UFC Fan, you are missing the point. No one doubts Dana has carte blanche. He's an asshole because he is "sour graping" Hendo for not sucking the D. He could have shown a little more respect. Dana isn't the one out there fighting. He treats the fighters like show dogs. And I watch UFC because I like the fights and the fighters, not because I think Dana White's a great business man. I honestly never understood why so many people were flaming you but I'm starting to.
Mon, 12/07/09 - 03:58
I am happy Hendo is now with the force! I want to see the force get bigger and stronger! Dont get me wrong i LOVE the UFC! But i think having two big orginisations is better! I am looking forward to seeing Hendos fights in the Force!
Mon, 12/07/09 - 04:05
@ UFC fan Shut up, bitch. You talk way too much and seems to say nothing, like always.
Mon, 12/07/09 - 04:20
@skeletor The only reason he went after bisping like that is because he knew he could. He would never fight anyone good that way.
Mon, 12/07/09 - 04:26
@ virpz: You're new here, huh? lol! @ exes: Exactly.
Mon, 12/07/09 - 04:55
It was Dans decision NOT to take what Dana and the UFC was offering. If it was more than he got with Strikeforce, how can we or he complain??? Dana's an asshole for offering Dan more money than ANYONE else?????? Really???
Mon, 12/07/09 - 05:03
@ exes Yeah I understand, I'm just hoping he doesn't think that's going to work for him with everybody.
Mon, 12/07/09 - 05:26
I'm gonna have to disagree with Dana White on this one, I remember there were a couple of UFCs earlier this year that just SUCKED. Then when Bisbing fought Hendo, my ass was glued to the TV, just waiting for that overhand right to land after his little jab fake, over and over. 2nd round came and when that happened, I went nuts and for some reason I decided to yell America in a British douchebag's face who lived in the same dorm as me in Japan. Hell, Dana could just set up Hendo with every single big mouthed prick down the line I'd definitely watch because he fights a lot differently when you irritate his ass.
Mon, 12/07/09 - 05:33
Well say goodbye to the belt Shields
Mon, 12/07/09 - 05:54
@ Sully Uh, yeah. Nothing's quite as patriotic as screaming in an English kid's face while living in Asia. Anyway, White did the right thing. MMA fans can talk crap about Dana all they want, but he's no sap. He's a shrewd guy who looks out for the interests of his business and knows a scam when he sees one. Where's the problem?
Mon, 12/07/09 - 05:55
Dana White isn't an asshole for not resigning Hendo. He is an asshole for constantly bashing fighters, when 100% of them can kick is pale lilly ass. Does DW even know what the "High Road" is?
Mon, 12/07/09 - 06:04
@ aaronb The phrase "pale lilly" is a tad redundant. It's like saying "black and dark." The fact that any fighter in the UFC could beat up Dana White is neither here nor there. It's like saying any player in the NBA could dunk on David Stern. White isn't a fighter. He's a businessman. If you (or anyone) wants to criticize White for his financial dealings, come up with a better argument.
Mon, 12/07/09 - 06:10
KOing a can opener like Bisping doesn't make you a PPV draw. I think it all went to Hendo's head, to be honest. Face it, Hendo's a good fighter, but he's not flashy and doesn't have a lot of amazing fights under his belt since coming to the UFC. Most importantly, he has the charisma of the rocks used to build his skull. Guys who get PPV shares are the guys who draw in casual fans who drive up the PPV buys. Casual fans don't know Hendo because casual fans never watched Pride where Dan got to beat up Wanderlai Silva using his own IV drip. Casual fans see a plain-looking, straightforward, unmemorable fighter who never held a belt in the UFC and whose only claim to fame is that he looked good against Silva for one round. And jackasses like Tito can't win a serious fight to save their life, but the casual fans know who they are. Life isn't fair. Strikeforce will be good for him. He'll stand out more, though I don't think he'll ever become the a real draw.
Mon, 12/07/09 - 06:23
@ Sully "I went nuts and for some reason I decided to yell America in a British douchebag's face who lived in the same dorm as me in Japan." Wow. You're an idiot.
Mon, 12/07/09 - 06:31
"exes.for.iballs Says: Mon, 12/07/2009 - 15:42 @UFC fan Is what 831 son said true? Are you seriously that old and still that stupid? Whatever happened to with age comes wisdom? Or at least the ability to logically process thought. I bet you're divorced and your kids hate you. ---------- Dana white is a jerk. Why would anybody talk crap about a good ol' boy like dan like that. I hope dan isn't the last fighter to jump ship on the UFC. Maybe it'll humble DW a little." exesforassholes if you actually read this website more often you would know the answers to your question of my age. For your information I am happily married and she finds you children to be amusing and annoying, to qoute her. As for my kids they are college grads, have a house a nice job and a life all their own, unlike you. Try to get out of your dad's basement every now and then, ok? "MachidaVsSilva Says: Mon, 12/07/2009 - 15:53 UFC Fan, you are missing the point. No one doubts Dana has carte blanche. He's an asshole because he is "sour graping" Hendo for not sucking the D. He could have shown a little more respect. Dana isn't the one out there fighting. He treats the fighters like show dogs. And I watch UFC because I like the fights and the fighters, not because I think Dana White's a great business man. I honestly never understood why so many people were flaming you but I'm starting to." Dana White doesn't have to fight he is the boss, and someone has to be so it is what it is, fighters work for the company, and the man who runs it is Dana White, get over it. You know why you don't see Hendo bitching? cause he knows better. Hendo got respect, he got told respectfully.. NO. Dana Doesn't owe Hendo anything you are confused and think with your dick, learn to use your brain from now on. Fighters are show dogs, and they like it, you are the only one who doesn't get it. Why does Chuck liddell wanna fight more? cause he is a fighter, he could make more money a part of the administration, BUT hes a show dog, he likes the spotlight, and he craves it. UFC is the best spotlight in the world, and every fighter in the world wants to get there. If you want to flame me join in, doesn't faze me one bit, knock yourself out I can tell you as easy as the rest to go fuck yourself in the middle of the highway, it's up to you. "virpz Says: Mon, 12/07/2009 - 16:05 @ UFC fan Shut up, bitch. You talk way too much and seems to say nothing, like always." says the newbie nobody who has yet to post anything relevant to a topic yet. You can jump right on the end of the bandwagon to go fuck yourself in the middle of the highway as well. gang up and clusterfuck with the rest of the homo's.
Mon, 12/07/09 - 06:37
I wonder what Dano wanted? I'll bet they weren't lowballing him financially. And as far as an "audience of millions" they gave him a TV show and at least 3 headliner fights. Did he want dana to read him stories and tuck him into bed at night or what? Dans a really good fighter, but he seems like he's always skirting the top shelf almost intentionally. Always the prince but rarely a king.
Mon, 12/07/09 - 06:37
It's not that difficult of a situation, Hendo just thinks he's a bigger draw than he really is. If he's not drawing in the big money, he won't get the big money. Nobody pays A money to a B lister. That's it.
Mon, 12/07/09 - 07:28
hahaha i cant even be bothered to read half f the retarted shit people say on here about this particular subject, as soon as i saw someone agree with the shit that UFC fan said i had to back out on reading the rest. so all i gotta say is, your loss UFC. UFC is gettin to be WACK. not that i still wont steal all their PPV's off the internet and wtach every single fight they produce.....but they are hella wack
Mon, 12/07/09 - 07:40
@ clutchy hopkins "UFC is gettin to be WACK. not that i still wont steal all their PPV's off the internet and wtach every single fight they produce.....but they are hella wack" Why subject yourself to something you don't like? Sounds like something a retarded person would do. Are you retarded? You're retarded, aren't you?
Mon, 12/07/09 - 08:27
Clutchy Hopkins- You are a fucking idiot. UFC doesn't want your bitch ass watching anyway. Loser, go watch WWE or Strikeforce (4 times TOPS a year). You are wack pussy.
Mon, 12/07/09 - 08:52
hahah no arastmaus. if anything, your acting retarted for not understanding my point. your making yourself look less intelligent just to try and make an attempt at insulting someone who thinks your a douche anyways, how sad for you ::( . now what i mean, is that i find all the ridiculous bullshit surrounding UFC's PPV's and such annoying, but i'm still a dedicated MMA fan. So obviously im not going to boycott watching these fighters just because i disagree with one promotions methods of selling MMA p.s - arastmaus, get the dick out ya ass, noamsayn?
Mon, 12/07/09 - 08:52
yo 831 son, get off my nuts you know your just scared homie
Mon, 12/07/09 - 09:02
Just read the sherdog/hunt interview with Hendo. Its a really good interview. Hendo is so laid back. I dont like to bitch about Dana, theres way too much of that already. But it does make Dana and the UFC look kinda like jerks just in contrast to Hendo's tone and disposition. In the end I think I'm starting to agree with Hendo that it may have just been for the best. They just didn't fit together well. I've had "good" jobs that were bad enough in ways that made them not worth keeping if there was an alternative.
Mon, 12/07/09 - 10:29
"hahah no arastmaus. if anything, your acting retarted for not understanding my point. your making yourself look less intelligent just to try and make an attempt at insulting someone who thinks your a douche anyways, how sad for you ::( . now what i mean, is that i find all the ridiculous bullshit surrounding UFC's PPV's and such annoying, but i'm still a dedicated MMA fan. So obviously im not going to boycott watching these fighters just because i disagree with one promotions methods of selling MMA p.s - arastmaus, get the dick out ya ass, noamsayn?" Yep, that seals it. I KNEW you were retarded.
Tue, 12/08/09 - 02:23
Regardless of whether you think Dana is a good businessman or not should not be the issue. The issue is that the UFC has lost a fighter like Dan Henderson and instead we get to see the UFC promote piles of trash like Kimbo Slice.
Tue, 12/08/09 - 06:23
Hendo will clean out Stikefore MW but I don't know what will happen if the Sweet Sassy fight happens, i love Hendo but that will be a tough one. UFC Fanboy = DW, there is no why he isn't!
Tue, 12/08/09 - 06:27
I'm just curious how many of the dudes that post on here are MBAs. I'm not. I don't think I'd do a better job than Coker, White, or even Attencio. Dan jumpin to the small ship doesn't bother me at all. I think the truth is that the majority of the guys who buy the PPVs have only been watching for a year or two, and don't really give a shit about Dan Henderson. That's why he wouldn't get the deal. Obviously, we'll see how he does in Strikeforce; (or "the Force" just for AussieJosh.)
Tue, 12/08/09 - 07:14
I wrote it once and I will type it again. Dana is protecting his Cash Cow Anderson Silvia. Hendo wanted a rematch for the belt and Dana would not give it to him. That is why Hendo left not the money. That is Dana's cover story. Hendo has enough money to say f*** it and retire for life. Before the Bisping fight they were saying the winner would get a title shot. What happened to that. Hendo realized he would not get the title shot and jumped shipped. Either way competition is good for the business. It has to happen for the future of MMA.
Tue, 12/08/09 - 07:36
Anderson Silvia, huh? I'm gonna have to look that guy up. Jumped Shipped? Is that a new service that UPS is offering? The future of MMA doesn't need anything but tomorrow. Is this your first post?
Tue, 12/08/09 - 07:52
hendo vs mousasi! aww yea
Tue, 12/08/09 - 08:09
hahah so weak astramaus. everytime i read the comments on here i find one more person that proves to me that i may be the only sensible person on here. i guess thats what happens on the ol' internet, where anyone can act like they're important
Tue, 12/08/09 - 09:16
rather see belfort vs marquardt looking forward to that
Tue, 12/08/09 - 11:37
@ ytrebil Good points. Hendo indeed rocks, and Kimbo indeed sucks. I still think Dana did the right thing, however. At least your argument is sound. @ Barc Your point regarding MBAs is also good. People may not like Mr. White, but he knows how to run his own business. Like him or hate him, he's financially sharp. He sure as hell knows more about making a profit than the average MMA fighter or fan.
Tue, 12/08/09 - 06:51
clutchy hopkins = retarded
Tue, 12/29/09 - 08:39
I would have to agree to comments by 0311. Dana you are slowly turning into a Bald Fat verson of " Vince Mcman" you are turning a sport that so many of us love into a JOKE. 1. you just Fucked over Dan Hendo. 2. you keep shitty fighters that only ACT stupid for TV ratings. You and your people need to get it together man. Fucking movies video games..... Really... This is supposed to be about good fighters getting better. insted you've turned a great show like the ultimate fighter into a " let's see who act the most fucked up" on TV. What is going on??? REAL FANS like myself want to know? I know GOOD fighters who have sent in DEMO tapes for the show and have been looked over because they arent CRAZY or STUPID enough for ratings......... bottem line We are both FANS and FIGHTERS. STOP BEING AN IDIOT!!!! Do the right thing. Dan would have taken the belt from Anderson Silva this time..... I think Silva is an awesome Fighter b ut Dan had his number...
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