UFC President Dana White has a bold message for critics questioning the lineup of the next two UFC events: ‘Shut the fck up.’ *But here’s where it gets controversial**—is it fair to judge a fight card before the first punch is even thrown? White certainly doesn’t think so. In a recent Q&A session ahead of UFC Vegas 110, he fired back at complaints about the perceived lack of star power in upcoming events, challenging fans to reserve judgment until after the fights unfold.
Let’s break it down. And this is the part most people miss—while the next two cards may not feature household names, they’re far from lackluster. UFC Vegas 110, for instance, showcases four top 15-ranked fighters, including a featherweight clash between Steve Garcia and David Onama, and a heavyweight bout with Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs. Ante Delija. The undercard even features a top-five women’s bantamweight matchup between Ketlen Vieira and Norma Dumont. Sure, it’s not a pay-per-view blockbuster, but it’s hardly a throwaway event.
UFC Vegas 111, on the other hand, leans more toward the developmental side, with Gabriel Bonfim vs. Randy Brown headlining. Here’s the kicker: only Bonfim is currently ranked in the top 15, but the prelims pack a punch with ranked women’s fights like Mayra Bueno Silva vs. Jacqueline Cavalcanti and Tecia Pennington vs. Denis Gomes. White’s stance? Let the fights happen before labeling them ‘bad.’
But here’s the real question: Does a card’s star power determine its quality, or is it the action inside the Octagon that truly matters? White’s approach is refreshingly straightforward—he’ll praise or criticize based on performance, not pre-fight hype. And let’s not forget, these events are just the appetizer for UFC 322, which promises two title fights, including Islam Makhachev’s welterweight debut against Jack Della Maddalena and Zhang Weili’s move up to face Valentina Shevchenko for the 125-pound belt.
Controversial take: Maybe these ‘weaker’ cards are necessary stepping stones, giving rising stars a chance to shine before the big names take over. Or, perhaps, they’re a missed opportunity to captivate casual fans. What do you think? Are these events worth the hype, or is White right to tell critics to wait and see? Sound off in the comments—let’s debate!
