Scandals have been an inseparable part of UFC’s history. From light-hearted incidents to outright shocking revelations, the world’s biggest MMA organization has seen it all. These controversies paint a vivid picture of a sport that thrives on raw emotion, larger-than-life personalities, and a fine line between discipline and chaos.
Among the more humorous scandals lies the infamous “Speedo incident.” At UFC 133, Dennis Hallman shocked the audience by stepping into the Octagon wearing what was essentially a Speedo. Hallman later revealed he wore the unconventional attire after losing a bet. This incident led UFC to officially ban such gear, ensuring no fighter would ever again distract viewers with questionable fashion choices.
In another odd moment, Luana Pinheiro accused Gillian Robertson of illegal strikes during a strawweight fight in November 2023. Pinheiro claimed Robertson struck her with vertical ‘12-to-6” elbows in an unusual area:
”Sorry for my language, but she elbowed me in the anus. For me that's disrespectful, I would never do that to another athlete,” Pinheiro said post-fight.
While this complaint didn’t lead to any disciplinary action, it added a strange twist to the event.
Francis Ngannou’s story is a tale of triumph and controversy. The Cameroonian powerhouse dominated the heavyweight division, finally claiming the championship by knocking out Stipe Miocic at UFC 260 in 2022. However, his time with UFC ended in January 2023 when he and the organization couldn’t agree on a new contract. Ngannou’s requests included health insurance, sponsorship rights, and the inclusion of a fighter advocate in contract negotiations - a bold stance that UFC denied.
Ngannou’s departure marked a historic moment as he became the first reigning UFC champion to leave the organization. Later, he signed with the Professional Fighters League (PFL), securing a lucrative deal and even guaranteeing a $2 million minimum payout for his opponents - a revolutionary move for MMA fighters.
Dana White, the brash and unapologetic face of the UFC, has been at the center of numerous controversies. On New Year’s Eve 2023, he was caught on video in a physical altercation with his wife, Anne. The footage, which showed the couple slapping each other, quickly went viral, sparking widespread criticism. White has long been vocal about zero tolerance for fighters involved in violence outside the cage, having removed athletes from the UFC for similar incidents. Yet when faced with calls for his own punishment, White was dismissive.
“What would be the consequence? Me stepping away for 30 days? That doesn’t hurt me - it hurts the company, the fighters, the employees. It doesn’t make sense,” he told the New York Post.
White’s public disputes with fighters have also fueled his notoriety. His long-standing feud with UFC legend Tito Ortiz is one of the most infamous. The two nearly settled their differences in a 2016 boxing match, but it fell apart due to disputes over contractual terms. Ortiz claimed White refused to agree to fair conditions, though White has denied this repeatedly. Despite their professional ties, their relationship remains strained to this day.
The outspoken president has also faced accusations of favoritism and bias from fighters. In 2023, Tony Ferguson, once a dominant lightweight contender, publicly accused White of racism after suffering multiple career setbacks. Frustrated with his declining rankings and lower-profile matchups, Ferguson suggested his Mexican heritage was a factor.
“Dana keeps dropping me on the list. Why? Because I’m Mexican? What’s the deal, Dana - don’t you like brown people?” Ferguson lashed out after being matched against former Bellator champion Michael Chandler. White chose not to engage directly with Ferguson’s accusations.
White’s management style also came under scrutiny at UFC Tampa in 2024. A controversial referee stoppage saw Joaquin Buckley declared the winner over Colby Covington due to excessive bleeding. While some supported the referee’s decision to prioritize fighter safety, White was livid.
“That fight doesn’t get stopped in Las Vegas. One hundred percent, it goes on,” he declared, highlighting inconsistencies in how bouts are officiated across states.
His comments underscored his ongoing influence over UFC narratives, even as he routinely criticizes judges, referees, and state commissions when decisions don’t align with his vision. White’s leadership has undoubtedly helped transform the UFC into a global phenomenon, but his approach has often mirrored the chaos of the sport itself - equal parts ruthless, polarizing, and indispensable. Whether dealing with fighters, personal scandals, or organizational controversies, White’s ability to weather storms while keeping the UFC at the top of combat sports is both his greatest strength and most enduring contradiction.
Few fighters in UFC history have matched the star power - or the controversy - of Conor McGregor. Once heralded as the sport’s golden boy, his meteoric rise has been shadowed by a string of infamous scandals. The first major incident came in 2018, when McGregor hurled a steel dolly at a bus window during a media event for UFC 223, targeting rival Khabib Nurmagomedov and his team. The attack left multiple fighters with injuries and forced several bouts to be canceled. McGregor was arrested and later avoided jail time, settling for community service and anger management.
In 2019, McGregor again found himself in hot water when he punched an elderly man in a Dublin pub who refused a glass of McGregor’s whiskey. The incident, caught on video, drew widespread condemnation. McGregor was fined €1,000 for the assault, further tarnishing his reputation as an ambassador for the sport.
After a lengthy hiatus, McGregor returned to the spotlight in 2023 as a coach on The Ultimate Fighter, leading to an anticipated bout against Michael Chandler in UFC 303. However, the fight was postponed indefinitely after McGregor injured his toe during training. When UFC President Dana White announced that McGregor wouldn’t fight in 2024, the Irishman fired back on social media, demanding a December bout and stoking anticipation.
“Ah Dana, December is the date! Finish the year strong with a winning event! Come on now, what’s this? I’m heading to altitude next month to prepare. DECEMBER! Tell Dana and UFC WE WANT DECEMBER! WE DESERVE DECEMBER!” McGregor posted.
Despite the ongoing buzz, McGregor’s biggest scandal erupted in November 2024 when he was convicted of rape and ordered to pay €248,000 in damages. The trial, which captured international attention, marked the lowest point in his career. McGregor maintained his innocence, stating,
“I am disappointed that the jury did not hear all the evidence that we had. I am with my family, focused on my future.”
Even with the conviction hanging over him, McGregor has announced plans for a boxing exhibition against Logan Paul in 2025. This decision has drawn criticism from fans and pundits alike, questioning both McGregor’s priorities and his standing in the combat sports world. Meanwhile, UFC officials remain tight-lipped about whether the Chandler fight will ever materialize, leaving fans in suspense.
The question now is whether Dana White, who has long protected McGregor as the organization’s crown jewel, has reached his breaking point. While McGregor’s scandals are a liability, his unmatched ability to sell fights keeps him relevant in White’s eyes.
As the UFC gears up for UFC 311 on January 19, featuring marquee matchups like Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan and Merab Dvalishvili vs. Umar Nurmagomedov, McGregor’s absence looms large. Yet, one thing is certain - whether he fights again or not, Conor McGregor’s name will continue to dominate headlines, for better or worse.
Dana White may relish the chaos McGregor brings to the UFC, but even he must wonder how many more scandals the sport can withstand.
