TLDR
- Anderson Silva defended Dana White against recent criticism despite their difficult history together
- Silva said White is ‘only about business’ and praised his professional approach to running the UFC
- The former champion contrasted White’s business focus with boxing’s reliance on tradition and respect
- Silva and White had a rocky relationship during Silva’s UFC career, including contract disputes
- Silva left the UFC in 2020 after losing four of his final five fights with the promotion
Sources: Bloody Elbow | MMA Mania
Former UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva has come to the defense of UFC President Dana White following recent criticism of the promotion’s leader. The comments are surprising given the rocky relationship between the two men during Silva’s time with the organization.
Silva said White operates with a business-first mentality that sets the UFC apart from other combat sports. The Brazilian fighter praised White’s approach despite their well-documented conflicts over the years.
“Dana White is only about business,” Silva said in recent comments. He contrasted White’s management style with the boxing world, which he believes relies too heavily on outdated practices.
Boxing Needs Business Approach
Silva argued that boxing suffers from its dependence on tradition and respect rather than modern business practices. He suggested the sport would benefit from adopting a more business-focused approach similar to White’s methods in the UFC.
The former champion’s defense of White comes after the UFC president faced mounting criticism from various corners of the MMA community. White has been a polarizing figure throughout his tenure leading the promotion.
Silva and White clashed multiple times during the fighter’s UFC career. Their disputes often centered on contract negotiations and Silva’s compensation as one of the promotion’s biggest stars.
The relationship between the two became particularly strained toward the end of Silva’s UFC run. Silva fought in the UFC from 2006 to 2020, becoming one of the most dominant champions in the organization’s history.
Rocky History Between Silva and White
Silva defended his middleweight title a record 10 consecutive times during his prime years. He was widely considered the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world at the peak of his career.
The Brazilian legend’s time with the UFC ended on a difficult note. He lost four of his final five fights with the promotion before parting ways in 2020.
Despite the conflicts and disappointing end to his UFC tenure, Silva chose to speak positively about White’s leadership. His comments suggest a willingness to move past their previous disagreements.
Silva has competed in boxing matches since leaving the UFC. He fought in exhibition bouts and professional boxing matches, facing opponents from various combat sports backgrounds.
Anderson Silva defends Dana White over recent criticism despite rough relationship https://t.co/abFtnPwsnZ pic.twitter.com/MW7HZMxB3u
— Bloody Elbow (@BloodyElbow) December 17, 2025
The 48-year-old fighter’s experience in both MMA and boxing gives him unique insight into the differences between the two sports. His comments reflect observations from working under different promotional structures.
White has not publicly responded to Silva’s recent defense. The UFC president continues to face both support and criticism for his management of the world’s largest MMA promotion.
Silva’s unexpected support for White demonstrates the complex relationships that exist in professional fighting. The two men shared success during Silva’s championship reign despite their personal and professional tensions.
