Darren Till's Sharp Criticism: Dana White's Ego is Out of Control and Killing the UFC

Pulse Sports Team 10:56 - 24 April 2026

Former UFC title challenger Darren Till may have left the organization, but he still keeps a close eye on its happenings. According to Till, if things continue on their current trajectory, he'll soon have no reason to care about his former employer. He believes much of the blame lies with his former boss, UFC CEO Dana White.

Till, who departed the UFC at the end of 2022 after a three-fight losing streak, has since secured three victories in three boxing matches for Misfits in 2025. His next bout will be a bare-knuckle boxing match against former Bellator fighter and reality TV star Aaron Chalmers at BKFC 90 in Birmingham, England, on May 30th. This will mark his debut in BKFC.

"I don't want to attack Dana because I like him. But I just think his ego is starting to get too out of control," Till stated on "The Ariel Helwani Show" earlier this week. "It seems to me he's completely detached from the UFC. I don't even watch the UFC anymore. I couldn't tell you the names of half the fighters. The fight nights just aren't as intriguing anymore. I think they have very few stars left."

Till isn't alone in his criticism. White has faced fan dissatisfaction in recent years, particularly regarding the quality of events at the Meta APEX during the Paramount+ era. The UFC's deal with the streaming platform began in January, and critics argue that the massive guaranteed annual rights revenue doesn't particularly incentivize organizers and White to deliver a show of the expected caliber.

Till also believes that MMA media representatives should challenge White and hold him accountable for some of the UFC's decisions, rather than accepting his long-standing hostile tone. Till sharply criticized this display of White's ego.

"Honestly, I'm angry with the media. Every time Dana is in front of reporters, it's as if these posers are afraid to speak the truth," Till said. "And when they do ask questions, Dana always responds: 'Who cares?' We care. I care, so give us a damn answer, bald man, and rein in your ego. Get rid of that ego. I'm sorry for attacking him, because I get along with him. But I care. What do you mean by 'Who cares?'? We care, so give us some damn answers. What are you talking about, 'Who cares?'? It just annoys me. Too much ego."

Till fought in the UFC for seven years, compiling a record of 6 wins, 5 losses, and 1 draw. In September 2018, he challenged then-champion Tyron Woodley for the welterweight title, having been undefeated until that point. He lost the fight via submission, which initiated a streak of five losses in six bouts. Outside of MMA, however, he is experiencing a career resurgence.

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