Dana White responds to claims Mark Zuckerberg is behind this weekend's UFC media blackout

Dana White has responded to claims that Mark Zuckerberg is behind this weekend's UFC media blackout.

UFC Fight Night: Dern vs. Yan will be CLOSED to the public and media.

Mackenzie Dern, who takes on Yan Xiaonan in the headline bout, said the event at the UFC Apex has been 'rented out' by Facebook and Meta chief Zuckerberg.

Speaking at UFC media day, she said: "I know Mark Zuckerberg rented out the whole event.

"I know he’ll be there, but I don’t know if it’s literally him, his wife or if he’ll have friends - some type of party. But from someone who wanted a main event with a crowd, [it’s] going to be very, very private.

"I’m excited. That just makes me more driven to put on a good show. I know everyone is watching on TV, but for Mark and whoever is going to be there, put on a show.

"If that’s what they want to see, is a show, then we’re going to give a show."

However, White has dismissed speculation that Zuckerberg is behind UFC's media blackout.

He took to social media to shut down Dern's claim.

"Mark Zuckerberg did NOT rent out the UFC Apex. That’s total bullsh*t," the UFC president wrote on Twitter.

White recently revealed that he had a meeting with Zuckerberg, who's known for being a fan of MMA.

The 38-year-old also shared a video of himself training MMA.

Will he be at this weekend's UFC event? Stay tuned.

Featured Image Credit: YouTube/Alamy

Topics: UFC, Dana White

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar is a journalist at SPORTbible. He graduated from Bath Spa University with a BA in Media Communications. He's a combat sport aficionado and has contributed to MMA websites AddictedMMA and CagePotato. Nasir has covered some of the biggest fights, while interviewing the likes of Conor McGregor, Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Darren Till. He's also an avid Bristol City fan.

@NasJabbar