Dana White’s Fury After Controversial UFC 112 Event in Abu Dhabi

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates — UFC President Dana White expressed his outrage following UFC 112, the promotion’s first event in Abu Dhabi, where former middleweight champion Anderson Silva faced off against submission expert Demian Maia in April 2010.

During the event, Silva, known as ‘The Spider’, started strong but became increasingly complacent as the fight progressed, leading to a one-sided decision victory that frustrated fans in attendance.

White’s displeasure reached a peak after the fight, as he left the Octagon before handing the championship belt to Silva, allowing it to be presented instead by Silva’s manager, Ed Soares. “I don’t think I’ve been more embarrassed in the 10 years of being in this business,” White stated during a post-fight press conference. “It’s the first I’ve ever walked out on a main event, given the belt to the guy’s manager, and told him to put it on him.”

White also offered an apology, saying, “I don’t know how yet, but I will make it up to the fans that bought this s— tonight.”

Despite ongoing support from White, who had publicly declared Silva the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, the champion’s showboating in the Octagon caused significant concern. “If you’re that talented, be Mike Tyson. Go in and finish it in two minutes,” White remarked.

Silva continued his winning streak for five more fights, yet his complacency caught up with him when he suffered a knockout loss at UFC 162 in July 2013 against Chris Weidman. A subsequent rematch also ended in defeat for Silva, who has since transitioned to a successful career in boxing.

In more recent developments, Silva has secured notable victories over former WBC middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and MMA legend Tito Ortiz. After a competitive bout in October 2022, Silva indicated he has no intention of retiring. “I train every day. Physical training every day, two days a week I train Jiu-Jitsu, and yesterday I trained in boxing, and also Muay Thai,” Silva explained. “You know the special force in the Army? That’s the same [with me]. I’m ready. I just need a few things. I just need ‘where’, an opponent, and the weight. I train every day… I’m not done fighting.”