.png)
UFC 312: Record-Breaking Event in Sydney Marred by Dana White's Fiery Retort to Local Media
The UFC shattered its own records this weekend with a sold-out event at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena, pulling in an impressive $7.7 million USD gate—the largest ever for any indoor arena in Australia. UFC 312 delivered electrifying fights, including Dricus Du Plessis’s dominant victory over Sean Strickland in the main event and Zhang Weili’s unanimous decision win over Tatiana Suarez in the co-main event. Yet, the spectacle inside the cage wasn’t the only thing making headlines.
UFC CEO Dana White didn’t hold back during the post-event press conference, launching into a scathing critique of the local media after a week of tense exchanges leading up to the event. White’s sharp words came in response to several opinion pieces and headlines that targeted both the promotion and Sean Strickland, who courted controversy with comments about Australia’s gun laws and political system.
The Controversy
Strickland, known for his brash and unfiltered opinions, referred to Australia as a “communist” country and mocked its strict gun laws during media appearances. Unsurprisingly, his comments ignited a firestorm in Australian media. The Daily Telegraph plastered Strickland’s face across its back page with the caption, “Will someone please knock this guy out,” while a Sydney Morning Herald editor wrote an op-ed expressing visceral disgust at seeing White share a podcast platform with New South Wales Premier Chris Minns and entrepreneur Mark Bouris.
White Fires Back
Unfazed by the criticism, White addressed the media directly during the post-event press conference. “Listen, for a place that is so tough—everything on land and in the water can kill you—you have the biggest pussies I’ve ever seen in the media in my life,” White said. “I saw a story where a guy was like, ‘I saw Dana do a podcast with the premier and it physically made me sick.’ Holy fucking shit. You guys have to have the biggest pussies of all time in the media here. Just for the record.”
White’s blunt delivery drew both laughter and gasps from the gathered reporters, further cementing his reputation for speaking his mind regardless of controversy.
Strickland vs. Du Plessis
While Strickland’s pre-fight antics and subsequent media backlash were hot topics outside the Octagon, his performance inside left much to be desired. Middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis put on a clinic, dominating Strickland across five rounds to secure a unanimous decision victory. Despite calls from certain media outlets for Strickland to be silenced with a knockout, the American fighter proved his toughness by going the distance but was clearly outclassed.
Zhang Weili Shines
The co-main event featured another dominant champion, Zhang Weili, who successfully defended her Strawweight title with a unanimous decision victory over Tatiana Suarez. Weili showcased her superior striking and grappling skills, much to the delight of the 18,253 fans in attendance.
Record-Breaking Night
Regardless of the off-cage drama, UFC 312 proved to be a historic night for the promotion. The event not only set a new attendance record for the Qudos Bank Arena but also marked the highest-grossing indoor gate in Australian history.
For Dana White, the financial and logistical success of UFC 312 underscores the UFC’s global dominance in combat sports. However, his parting shot at Australian media ensured that the event will be remembered for more than just its impressive gate numbers and stellar fights.
As the UFC continues to expand its footprint in Australia, it’s clear that the relationship between the promotion, its fighters, and local media will remain as unpredictable as the action inside the cage.