Dana White has defended the controversial comments he made about soccer in 2012.

Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

The UFC CEO bashed the world’s most popular sport during an interview 14 years ago.

“Soccer? Can’t stand soccer,” White said. “It’s the least-talented sport on Earth. There’s a reason three-year-olds can play soccer.”

The clip still goes viral on social media every few months, but does Dana White still hate soccer?

Dana White still hates soccer

Dana White was asked about the infamous comments he made about soccer during a recent appearance on Big Boy TV.

The UFC CEO wanted to get one thing straight before talking about his deep dislike of the sport.

“That wasn’t recent. That was like 15 f—ing years ago,” White said.

The 56-year-old went on to recap his viral interview and double down on everything he said about soccer.

White added: “What I said was, ‘It’s the least talented sport.’

“I can’t remember how it started or how we got talking about it, but I said, ‘There’s a reason three-year-olds play it.’ I said, ‘When the net is the size of that wall, and the score is 1-1…’

“Then you talk about hockey, right? I’m not a big hockey fan. These dudes skate 110mph on ice, bent over with a crooked stick. The goal is the size of the guy standing in front of it, and anyone can f—ing murder you at any time. You know, that’s a [talented sport].

“I’m not a soccer fan. I’m not a big soccer fan. Listen, I love [Cristiano] Ronaldo, I have a great relationship with him. I love him. No disrespect to any of the guys, but I’m just not a soccer fan.

Dana White’s relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo

Soccer legend Cristiano Ronaldo struck up a relationship with Dana White in 2025.

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid player was sitting in the front row when Israel Adesanya got knocked out by Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Saudi Arabia in Riyadh last February.

After the fights were done, Dana White opened up about his experience with the biggest star in sports.

“I’m not a big soccer guy,” the MMA mogul said.

“As far as superstars, he’s one of the biggest superstars ever.

“You know what I like about him, too? As popular, as successful, and as wealthy as he’s become, he’s a very nice, humble guy. I like him, he’s a very nice guy.”