Dana White Has ‘Cool Things’ Planned for Patriots Game at UFC Event on Sunday
Between the UFC taking over the TD Garden and the Patriots playing for the AFC championship, it’s going to be a busy Sunday night for sports fans in Boston.
If you think UFC president Dana White is worried about losing eyeballs to the NFL this weekend, you’d be wrong.
A former Bostonian and hardcore Patriots fan, White is giddy over the fact that his hometown team is one win away from the Super Bowl. He’s not torn at all over the fact that the two events will be going on at the same time and believes the packed schedule is good for both leagues.
“Everyone keeps asking me, ‘C’mon, don’t lie, you wanted the Patriots to lose last week so they wouldn’t be.’ No, hell no I didn’t want the Patriots to lose,’’ White told Boston.com during the UFC’s Ultimate Media Day in Fanueil Hall on Friday. “We sold out the Boston Garden the same night the Patriots are playing. We’re going to pull a good number, they’re going to pull a massive number. They’re going to win and they’re going to go to the Super Bowl—and then I’ll be at the Super Bowl too.’’
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White, who’s good friends with Patriots owner Robert Kraft, states that fight fans in attendance won’t miss out on any of the action from the game. The UFC president says there are some “cool things’’ planned for whenever the Patriots score and that jumbo screens will be showing the AFC championship matchup during the event.
In stark contrast to the last time the UFC visited Boston, White says that there’s been no backlash at all from politicians toward the mixed martial arts promotion.
“Complete opposite. Mayor [Marty] Walsh has been amazing to us,’’ White said. “Mayor Walsh is doing exactly as you should do when you are bringing massive events [to Boston]. Not to mention the fact that this event will be beamed all over the world. People will watch this all over the world, and that’s what you’re supposed to do when you’re a politician in a city. Mayor Walsh has been phenomenal, I could not say enough good things about him.’’
Headlining this weekend’s fights will be a featherweight battle between Irish top contender Conor McGregor and German veteran Dennis Siver.
If McGregor’s last fight in Boston is any indication, White believes that the atmosphere in the Garden will be intense on fight night.
“I just think there’s going to be some real good energy,’’ White said. “Remember last time he fought in Boston when he walked out? There were like seven fights after him and look at how crazy it was. It’s going to be awesome, man!’’
As to whether the UFC has any plans for returning to the Hub following Sunday’s fights, White says he will definitely be bringing the Octagon back to Boston.
“Definitely,’’ White said. “We came here after we had a negative experience, so yeah, we’re definitely coming back after a positive.’’
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