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In the eyes of several fans and fighters, Dana White is one of, if not the biggest heel in the UFC. Often characterized as greedy, cold-hearted, and vindictive, White has made enemies out of some of his fighters for a variety of reasons.
Jon Jones and Tito Ortiz are examples of UFC stars who famously crossed the boss and wound up on his bad side. However, there are rare instances when the villainous UFC boss rewarded fighters on his "nice list" with extraordinary acts of kindness.
And while many fighters and media members perceive that as favoritism, it's undeniable that getting on with White's good graces has tremendous upside. With that in mind, here are five times Dana White was extraordinarily kind to his fighters.
#5. Dana White gives Stephan Bonnar a UFC contract
![UFC President Dana White gives Stephan Bonnar a contract at the TUF 1 finale [Photo via @stephanbonnar on Instagram]](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2021/09/2cdc8-16316142928138-800.jpg)
In 2005, the UFC wasn't the household brand that it is today and Dana White wasn't the all-powerful multi-millionaire that he is presently.
That all changed thanks to a certain light heavyweight matchup that showcased how entertaining modern MMA fights can be. Of course, it was none other than Forrest Griffin vs. Stephan Bonnar in The Ultimate Fighter 1 finale.
As has been the case with recent seasons, the grand prize for winning TUF 1 was a UFC contract, which provided a guaranteed spot in the world's largest MMA promotion. Needless to say, Griffin and Bonnar left no doubt in everyone's minds that they were desperate to win and become the inaugural Ultimate Fighter.
Both competitors displayed heart and determination as they brutalized each other for three rounds. The result was an instant classic bout that ended with Griffin having his hand raised after securing a unanimous decision nod.
The barnburner captured America's attention and went down as a milestone event in the UFC's ascent as a mainstream sport. Not only that, White was so touched by how well the finalists performed that he bent the rules.
Despite losing in his octagon debut, Bonnar's efforts were not for nothing. White decided that there was room for two new fighters in the UFC. There aren't many fairytale stories in the cruel world of MMA, but the conclusion of TUF 1 is definitely one of them.
#4. Dana White gives Donald 'Cowboy' Cerrone unlimited chances
Donald Cerrone is still on the UFC roster despite his recent performances, meaning it isn't difficult to assume that he's one of Dana White's favorite fighters. One of the most exciting combatants to watch in his heyday, Cerrone has seen a significant drop-off of late. He's suffered five straight losses, his no-contest with Nico Price aside.
Despite the overwhelming evidence that Cerrone no longer belongs inside the octagon, the UFC boss has given 'Cowboy' chance after chance to try to redeem himself. In his last fight, Cerrone was supposed to square off against fellow UFC legend Diego Sanchez. Instead, he ended up clashing with late replacement Alex Morono.
Even with the benefit of having a complete camp, Cerrone fell short against his younger opponent. After his most recent outing, many believed Cerrone had finally run out of get-out-of-jail-free cards.
But not if Dana White has anything to say about it. The UFC boss confirmed in an interview with TSN that Cerrone is getting one final chance at redemption in the form of a 38th fight in the octagon.
#3. Dana White grants Tony Ferguson's wish
Dana White is not one to nonchalantly grant fighters' requests, especially when it comes to financial matters. Just ask Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou.
However, it appears that White has a soft spot for Tony Ferguson. In a pre-fight press conference for UFC 262, 'El Cucuy' casually asked the boss to increase the post-fight bonuses for the pay-per-view. Although White ignored Ferguson at the presser, the UFC president would later increase the $50,000 performance bonuses to $75,000.
Ferguson fought at UFC 166 in October 2013 against Mike Rio. That night, White also increased the pot to $60,000. Ferguson went on to win 'Submission of the Night' with a D'Arce to take home the bonus.
Unfortunately for Ferguson, UFC 262 did not have a similar outcome. The $75,000-check was out of his reach. He was dismantled by surging lightweight contender Beneil Dariush in the co-main event.
#2. Dana White respects Khabib Nurmagomedov decision
Respecting a fighter's decision should be something that goes without saying, but with Dana White that isn't always the case. With that in mind, White respecting Khabib Nurmagomedov's decision to retire from the sport is definitely an act of kindness by his standards.
White has shown in the past that he doesn't always respond positively to fighters who disagree with him or turn down his requests. White, for instance, once said the real reason Jon Jones won't fight Francis Ngannou was that he's afraid. On another occasion, White decided to strip Colby Covington of the interim welterweight title after 'Chaos' requested time off to recover from an injury.
With Nurmagomedov, however, White has remained respectful of the former UFC lightweight champ's wishes. Although White has admitted to trying to convince the Dagestani to return, he largely left 'The Eagle' alone once he refused.
#1. Dana White pushes Conor McGregor and Ronda Rousey to the moon
Dana White's treatment of megastars Conor McGregor and Ronda Rousey could be looked at as acts of kindness or preferential treatment. In Tony Ferguson's words, some fighters are entitled to "Dana White privilege."
Unsurprisingly, White extended this so-called privilege to two of the biggest cash cows in the UFC. In Rousey's case, the UFC backed her with the full-strength of the company's marketing machine. As a result, Rousey was everywhere, including magazines, video game covers and movies. At the absolute peak of her career, Rousey was undeniably one of the most popular athletes in the world.
Meanwhile, McGregor also enjoyed the same kind of treatment but with a slightly different approach. Once the UFC knew they struck gold on the Irishman, White and his associates strapped the rocket on his back by giving him favorable matchups and instant opportunities.
Sure, McGregor did his part by winning in spectacular fashion, but not every successful fighter was given the same level of exceptionalism that the 'Notorious' megastar had throughout his UFC tenure.
