Molly 'Meatball' McCann has spoken out against Dana White's controversial remarks regarding men's mental health, just before the UFC Freedom 250 event scheduled at the White House. The fight card will take place on the green lawns of the White House on Donald Trump's 80th birthday, with White alongside the President.
The MMA year has built up to this event, heavily promoted by the US Commander in Chief, who recently suggested the Octagon cage might never be removed from the prestigious lawn. While promoting the event in late May, the UFC CEO erupted into a rant, stating that discussing mental health is a 'weakness' for men.
McCann, who spent six years and ten months in the Octagon, knows White well but found his comments unpalatable, especially given her and close friend Paddy 'the Baddy' Pimblett's efforts to promote men's mental health during their time with the company.
Speaking exclusively to Mirror Sport before her appearance at SoccerAid for Unicef, McCann said: 'I feel that’s a soundbite where he’s been frustrated and he’s had enough of people, maybe, being a bit sensitive and soft. I think saying men’s mental health is not a real thing when it really is, I think it’s disappointing. He’s quite an advocate for people doing well and looking after people, so it’s quite shocking he said something so polarising.'
She added: 'It’s a real shame when the stigma of male fighters fighting is that they have to…it’s hard for a man as well in the world. We always say it’s hard to be a woman in this world, but we’re in a place where it’s hard for a man. (Sometimes) a man doesn’t know how to be because they keep getting criticised. (They're told) ‘You’re too masculine’ or ‘You’re too feminine’ or ‘You’re too soft.’ You don’t need strong figures saying, ‘Get on with it, man up.’'
McCann referenced Pimblett's memorable post-fight speech in July 2022 at UFC London, where he opened up about his close friend Ricky dying from suicide five hours before the weigh-in. Pimblett said: 'There's a stigma in this world that men can't talk... I know I'd rather my mate cry on my shoulder than go to his funeral next week. So please, let's get rid of this stigma and, men, start talking.'
This contrasts sharply with White's foul-mouthed rant in a Time magazine interview, where he said: 'Talking about it publicly, I just feel like it opens the door to make young men think that it’s OK to just f***ing go, ‘Oh, I’m having mental [health issues] (in a whiny voice). Handle it behind closed doors. Don’t show that weakness to anybody...I am unapologetically masculine. What is toxic masculinity? Who has it? Who’s too masculine?'
