Dana White earns plaudits from fans after the UFC organizes 'Celebration of Life' for the late Stephan Bonnar

Dana White has received plenty of criticism from the MMA fanbase in 2023 due to his involvement in several controversies. From the contention surrounding UFC fighter pay to the issues being raised with White's latest project, the Power Slap League, he has often received more critique than admiration.

But the UFC president recently garnered praise from fans after the promotion organized a celebration in memory of MMA legend Stephan Bonnar, who passed away in December 2022.

Dana White took to Instagram to announce that the UFC would be holding a "Celebration of Life" day for Stephan Bonnar. He said this:

"I’m opening this up to the public. Go to @ufc for details."

See the post below:

See the fan reactions below:

Stephen Bonnar was involved in the fight that is often regarded as saving the UFC.

Bonnar faced off against Forrest Griffin in the finale of The Ultimate Fighter 1. Together, they put on a show that sent shockwaves through the combat sports world, and allowed the UFC to escape financial ruins at the last moment.

The winner of the fight was awarded a UFC contract, however, the incredible nature of the bout forced the promotion to award Bonnar with a contract too.

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U.S. congress is investigating Dana White's Power Slap League

Dana White's latest combat sports project, the Power Slap League, has received heavy criticism since the show first aired in January. Many have accused the show of glorifying head trauma and promoting senseless violence.

The U.S. Congress has launched an investigation into the legitimacy of the show. Congressman Bill Pascrell Jr. and Don Bacon have stepped forward to analyze the show's necessity, and Pascrell Jr. released the following statement on Twitter:

"Today @RepDonBacon and I are asking TBS and Warner Bros about their crass new TV show “The Power Slap” glorifying terrible violence Where are the warnings to this mindless violence? Traumatic brain injury isn’t entertainment."

See the tweets below:

The contestants' lack of ability to defend themselves in the Power Slap League has caused divisiveness amongst MMA fans, with some appearing to enjoy the show whilst others are repulsed by the show's premise.

Dana White has boasted about the enormous potential that a concept like Power Slap has. But an investigation by the U.S. congressman could halt any momentum the show has gained.