Darren Till has never been one to hold back, and this time, the former UFC title challenger turned his attention toward MMA media members and their relationship with UFC CEO Dana White.
Till criticized reporters for failing to ask White tougher questions during UFC media scrums, claiming many journalists are afraid of losing media access or upsetting the UFC boss.
“For the longest time, Dana White hasn’t exactly had the best relationship with the media,” Darren Till said in a social media post. “Every time I watch one of these media scrums after a UFC card, it seems they are all so terrified of upsetting Dana and getting banned from having media passes.”
The outspoken Brit also took issue with the way some reporters accept vague answers from White without pushing for clarification.
“Sometimes once again he gives half-assed answers and they just accept it,” Till wrote. “The media are there to ask the uncomfortable questions and ask the questions we want to hear.”
Darren Till pointed to veteran MMA journalist Ariel Helwani as one of the few reporters willing to ask difficult questions, even if fighters or promoters may not always appreciate it.
“Ariel Helwani, although many are not fans of him, over the years has even asked me uncomfortable questions,” Till said. “Never have I gone away and thought anything of him as a person. It’s his job. If we get offended by uncomfortable questions, fighter or promoter, then it ain’t for you.”
The former UFC welterweight title challenger also accused Dana White of preaching toughness while reacting poorly whenever uncomfortable topics get brought up.
“Dana talks a lot about masculinity and tough men, but someone asks him a question he doesn’t like and you can see he gets all in his feelings,” Till added. “That’s not so tough from where I am standing, to be honest.”
Despite the criticism, Darren Till made it clear that he still respects White and acknowledges everything the UFC boss has done for the sport.
“As I’ve said repeatedly, I have utmost respect for Dana and for what he does,” Till wrote.
Darren Till rose quickly through the UFC ranks and earned a welterweight title shot against Tyron Woodley at UFC 228 while still unbeaten. However, that momentum slowed after the loss, and Till has only picked up one MMA victory since then.
Since stepping away from the UFC, Till has stayed active in combat sports through boxing and crossover events, earning wins over names such as Anthony Taylor, Darren Stewart, and former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold under the Misfits Boxing banner.
Even away from the UFC spotlight, Darren Till continues to speak his mind, and his latest comments once again sparked debate about the relationship between Dana White and the MMA media.
