Frank Grillo defends Dana White's stance on Warrior film

Frank Grillo understands Dana White's resistance to the film "Warrior," even though the UFC president reportedly hates the movie. Speaking candidly about their friendship, Grillo offers insight into White's protective stance toward mixed martial arts during a critical period in the sport's history.

Building the UFC From the Brink

Grillo acknowledges the immense pressure White faced in his early years leading the UFC. The organization was fighting for survival on a daily basis, teetering on the edge of collapse multiple times. The Fertitta brothers, who owned the company, reportedly wanted to shut down the entire operation at least half a dozen times.

Despite these obstacles, White maintained a singular vision for what the UFC could become. He refused to let the sport die, and his determination ultimately transformed mixed martial arts into the multibillion-dollar industry it is today.

MMA's Legal Battles

Part of White's concern about how MMA was portrayed in films stemmed from the sport's legal status. Many states, including New York, had actually banned MMA entirely. The sport faced an uphill battle for legitimacy and acceptance across the country.

With these regulatory challenges in mind, Grillo explains why White would be cautious about any film that could cast the sport in a questionable light. During such a fragile period for the UFC's expansion and credibility, anything negative could potentially derail progress toward legalization and mainstream acceptance.

A Different Take on Warrior

However, Grillo didn't feel that "Warrior" undermined the sport or presented MMA in a problematic way. Despite White's apparent disdain for the film, Grillo believes the movie successfully told its story without compromising the integrity of mixed martial arts.

Grillo's perspective suggests that while White's caution was understandable given the circumstances facing the UFC at the time, his concerns about "Warrior" may have been unfounded. The film managed to be both a compelling drama and a respectful portrayal of MMA.