UFC president Dana White has claimed that football is the 'least talented sport on earth,' saying that the goals are too big and it's for children.
The 53-year-old was speaking on a podcast when he made the controversial comments.
He said: "Soccer? Whole other ball game. Can’t stand soccer, I think that it’s the least talented sport on earth. There’s a reason three year olds can play soccer ok? You run around and kick a ball."
White was then interrupted by someone suggesting he wouldn't repeat the opinion in South America
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"You wouldn’t say that if you were in Brazil, dude I’d say this in any country ever," White retorted. "When you’re playing a game where the net is this big right, and the score is 3-1, are you s**ting me right now?
"Do you know how untalented you have to be to score three points when the net is this big?"
It's certainly quite the take about the world's most popular sport.
"Three year olds can run around, throw punches and kicks as well," one fan pointed out, something that White clearly isn't aware of.
Hitting out at sports Americans might prefer, another said, "Better play American Football, where half of the people are overweight and stand around."
"And unlike Dana White, football clubs pay their stars what they're worth," a third added, with the UFC promoter often accused of not paying his fighters anywhere near what they deserve.
A fourth commented, "Love football and MMA, but this is one of those opinions by Dana White that just sound stupid because he never tried it.
"It's a lot harder, more intense and more skillful than you think. Especially at top club and international levels."
A fifth opined, "Dana White giving a silly 'dude bro' take on football is just noise. Especially considering how much more popular that sport is globally compared to MMA and is the level he aspires the UFC to reach."
Another summed it up saying, "Get Dana White on a football pitch and let him play one professional game. I just want to see his 17 goal 23 assist debut appearance."
Presumably the American is not looking forward to 2026, when USA will host the World Cup alongside Mexico and Canada, or he'll change his tune.
Topics: Football, UFC, MMA, Dana White, Football World Cup
Ryan Sidle