UFC boss Dana White rejects Alex Pereira's allegation of fan manipulation

Dana White told reporters that Alex Pereira’s accusation that the UFC asked former champion Daniel Cormier to influence fans ahead of the Ciryl Gane-Josh Hokit heavyweight title fight is unfounded. White said the organization does not control what fighters or commentators say, adding that such claims are "not true" and that the promotion operates without directing individual statements.

Pereira, who lost to Gane for the interim heavyweight title and has been seeking a rematch, alleged that the UFC instructed "influencers" like Cormier to manipulate public sentiment. Cormier denied the allegation earlier in the week.

White emphasized that with more than 700 athletes under contract, it is normal for disagreements to arise in the sport. He noted that he has never instructed Rogan, Cormier, or any other personalities to comment on specific fighters, and that the UFC does not police commentary. He suggested that if the organization tried to control speech, outspoken fighters such as Sean Strickland would no longer be with the company.