Dana White is on cloud nine after UFC 328 delivered a successful event at Newark's Prudential Center. The UFC CEO arrived by helicopter, which landed above the packed arena before the card began.
White remained cage side throughout the event, overseeing one of the biggest nights of the year. Following the event, White answered questions regarding Khamzat Chimaev's future and discussed event statistics.
Chimaev faced Sean Strickland in what was expected to become his first middleweight title defense. However, Strickland technically dismantled the Chechen superstar across the contest at UFC 328. The defeat ended Chimaev's impressive 15-fight unbeaten streak inside professional MMA competition. Many believed Chimaev's difficult weight cut to 185 pounds played a major role in his performance.
Chimaev is known for his dominant wrestling, which often earns him success in grappling exchanges. However, at UFC 328, he struggled to secure takedowns and spent long stretches exchanging strikes. The performance raised questions regarding Chimaev's future in the UFC middleweight division. Following the event, White addressed the Chechen phenom's future during the post-fight press conference.
He said, 'I don't want to fight in this weight class anymore.' Him moving up is exciting.
Dana White via UFC 328 post fight press conferenceUFC 328 became one of the promotion's most popular events in recent years and established benchmarks. The event generated total gate revenue of $7.5 million and attendance of 17,783 fans. UFC 328 also became the highest-grossing combat sports event hosted at Newark's Prudential Center. White later promised UFC Freedom 250 would deliver bigger numbers than the successful UFC 328 card.
It is going to be one of the biggest events. The numbers tonight were monstrous. The White House fight will blow this out of the water.
Dana White via UFC 328 post fight press conferenceUFC 328 bonuses were awarded to several standout performances across the stacked card on Saturday night. Each $100,000 Performance of the Night bonus went to Jim Miller and Yaroslav Amosov after impressive victories. Miller defeated Jared Gordon via submission, while Amosov secured a victory over Joel Alvarez in the prelims. The $100,000 Fight of the Night bonus went to Joshua Van and Tatsuro Taira.
There is little doubt that the rivalry between Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland boosted UFC 328's overall popularity. Their heated buildup generated major attention heading into one of the promotion's biggest events this year. Dana White's comments hint at how a potential division change to 205 pounds may shape the next chapter of the Chechen phenom's UFC career after UFC 328.
Dana White remains confident aboutConor McGregor's long-awaited UFC return despite no official agreement being finalized yet. The UFC boss recently stated discussions surrounding McGregor's comeback are progressing positively behind the scenes. The former two-division UFC champion has not competed since suffering a serious leg injury against Dustin Poirier during UFC 264 in 2021.
McGregor has recently resumed training activity while speculation surrounding his comeback continues to build ahead of UFC 329 this summer. Reports have linked Max Holloway as a potential opponent for the Irish superstar's expected UFC return fight. However, given the Irishman's history of delayed comebacks, White spoke cautiously when discussing the situation publicly.
There's no deal done with Conor. I was just saying I'm confident. I was confident last year, too, but I'm way more confident this year.
Dan White via UFC 328 post fight press conferenceMcGregor has already hinted that he received comeback offers and was awaiting an official UFC contract. The former champion continues teasing a return while discussions surrounding his next fight remain active. Given McGregor's star power, his eventual return card will likely become a blockbuster event. Any confirmed comeback involving 'The Notorious One' is expected to generate record-setting numbers.
(1004 Articles Published)