3 things we learned from Dana White’s UFC 279 post-fight interview

Three things we learned from Dana White’s UFC 279 post-fight interview.

At the UFC 279 post-fight press conference, Dana White answered questions about Nate Diaz’s future with the UFC, Khamzat Chimaev’s botched weight cut, and Irene Aldana’s up-kick liver shot knockout over Macy Chiasson.

After a wild weekend that included a backstage altercation with Kevin Holland, Chimaev, and Diaz, a canceled pre-fight press conference, and Chimaev’s missed weight resulting in the main card switch up, White gave the media his thoughts.

Here are three things we learned from Dana White’s UFC 279 post-fight interview.

1. Dana White wishes Nate Diaz well on his future endeavors, says ‘it’s been a blast having him here’

“Listen, no matter what Nate does from here on out, I mean the kid, this is his house; he’s been here forever. It’s been a blast having him here, and, you know, I wish him well,” White said regarding Diaz’s future with the UFC.

Diaz has recently announced his new combat sports promotion “Real Fight, Inc.” which will feature various combat sports events including boxing, MMA, and Brazillian Jiu Jitsu. He also announced his intentions to fight Conor McGregor for a trilogy bout. Dana voiced his support and believes Diaz will always have a home with the UFC.

“He and I had this discussion months ago at the offices,” he said on Diaz leaving the UFC. “Whatever he moves on to do, I wish him nothing but the best. If he’s starting his own organization or getting into promoting or doing something else, I wish him nothing but the best of luck; it’s been awesome having him here.”

2. Dana White thinks Khamzat Chimaev may have to fight at middleweight in the future

Many questions were asked regarding Chimaev’s botched weight cut and subsequent attitude.

“It’s a problem. That’s a problem that he missed weight. I don’t know; we got to look at it and figure it out. You know, what makes sense is for him to fight at [185], so we’ll see,” White told reporters.

After putting the main event of UFC 279 in jeopardy by missing his weight by a whopping 7.5 pounds, Chimaev was largely unapologetic to the dismay of many fight fans. When asked if the UFC would hold Chimaev accountable, White reiterated his belief that Chimaev’s future may be in the middleweight division.

“What should I talk to him about? You should be sorry? Get smaller? I mean, it is what it is. It happened. I mean, we’ll go back this week, come up with a plan, and like I just told Kevin, probably have him fight at [185].”

3. Dana White was very impressed with Irene Aldana’s insane up-kick liver knockout over Macy Chiasson

White also answered questions regarding Aldana’s wild up-kick liver knockout over Chiasson.

“I didn’t realize what happened until I saw the replay, and I thought maybe she broke her rib,” White said. “That was pretty impressive.”

After Chiasson abruptly collapsed in the third round against Aldana, many fans and even the commentators did not immediately know what occurred. It was only after the slow-motion replay that it became apparent that Aldana had landed a nasty up-kick directly to Chiasson’s liver, knocking her out. It is recorded as the first ever knockout of its kind in the UFC.

When asked if Aldana could be next in line for a title shot, White told reporters that he does indeed like Aldana. However, he did not give a clear answer whether she is next in line for a title shot.

“We love Aldana. I don’t know what we’re going to do next … she looked great, she was awesome, we love her. What an incredible way to finish a fight tonight, and yeah, we’ll see what’s next for her.”

Aldana, along with Diaz, Johnny Walker, and Jailton Almeida, received bonuses for their performances at UFC 279.