UFC President Defends Free Speech After Toronto Event, Saying No ‘Leashes’ on Fighters

UFC President Defends Free Speech After Toronto Event, Saying No ‘Leashes’ on Fighters
Sean Strickland, left, and Dricus Du Plessis are separated by UFC President Dana White during weigh-ins ahead of UFC 297 in Toronto on Jan. 19, 2024. Cole Burston/The Canadian Press
Noé Chartier
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UFC President Dana White is defending the right of his fighters to say what they please after now-former champion Sean Strickland drew attention for his transgender-related comments prior to his Jan. 20 fight in Toronto.

“I don’t give anybody a leash,” responded Mr. White during the post-event press conference, after a reporter asserted a “long leash” is given to Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighters regarding speech.