ESPN’s ‘E:60’ focuses on UFC’s White
ESPN has been using clips of an interview with Ultimate Fighting Championship president Dana White to attract viewers to a new episode of “E:60” that premieres on the network tonight and features a story on the controversial Las Vegan.
One viewer who will be tuned in is White.
“Yeah, I probably will,” acknowledged White, who is in Miami on business. “I’m going to have to find out what time it’s on here and check it out.”
He wouldn’t be shocked if his portrayal is less than flattering.
“I’ll have to watch it to see how big of a (expletive) they make me look like,” he joked.
Still, White knows it comes with the territory of being the outspoken front man of the unquestioned leader in mixed martial arts promotions.
“I think the same thing I thought when they were shooting it, ‘This is the guy that took it to this level, is he the guy that can take it to the next level?” White said of the interview, which took place several weeks ago.
Just before filming, White made headlines by releasing a profanity-laced video blasting a female MMA journalist for a story that White deemed to be full of errors and lies.
He expects it to be a part of the ESPN story.
“They’ve definitely got to hit that, I’m sure,” he said.
White said that is fine with him, as long as the facts are presented accurately.
“A lot of the stuff you see out there is just opinions. I have no problem with people’s opinions,” he said. “My infamous flip-out on Loretta Hunt was because it was something that was completely lies. That’s different. I think (‘E:60’) will give the facts, and add their opinion too, but that’s fine.”
The new episode of “E:60” debuts today at 4 p.m. on ESPN (Cable 30).
• GRAPPLER’S QUEST — The prestigious grappling organization Grappler’s Quest will host an event on July 10 and 11 at Mandalay Bay as part of the UFC Fan Expo, which will be held in conjunction with UFC 100 weekend.
“We’ve always wanted to do a UFC grappling tournament,” White said. “We’re putting our toe in the water with the best in the business.”
• AMATEUR EVENT — Las Vegas-based Truesport MMA will host its first amateur card at the Hard Rock hotel’s Muse Ballroom on Saturday night.
The card tentatively features 13 fights, with most of the competitors coming from local camps.
“The purpose is to allow amateur guys that are in town to get some experience,” said Keith Evans, the president of Truesport. “It’s a great opportunity for these up-and-coming guys that want to go pro to show their stuff.”
The doors open at 6 on Saturday, with the first bout scheduled at 7. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster and the Hard Rock box office and range from $15 to $45.
Contact reporter Adam Hill at ahill@ reviewjournal.com or 702-224-5509.