"You make dreams come true" - Fan living with stage 4 cancer pens heartfelt letter to Dana White for UFC 281 invitation
As the UFC's longtime leading man, Dana White often faces criticism. But in this instance, the UFC president is responsible for a heartwarming show of kindness.
Jason, a fan who is currently battling stage four cancer, took to Reddit to express his gratitude to White and the UFC for inviting him to UFC 281. He was previously invited to UFC Fight Night: Ortega vs. Rodriguez and was offered tickets to UFC 281, which he gladly accepted.
Jason revealed his struggle to stay healthy enough to attend the event by undertaking multiple chemotherapy and radiation sessions.
"I’m 35 and have stage been fighting stage 4 rectal cancer for 7 years... I have done over 130 chemo sessions, 60 radiation sessions, and more surgeries than I care to count. Anyway, back to 281. Long story short, I f*****g made it. I had four tickets so I brought my stepdad who is my caretaker, and I also brought my friend and her husband who are big UFC fans. My tickets were AMAZING."
After making it to UFC 281 against all odds, Jason was treated to the best seats in the house amongst notable celebrities like Mike Tyson, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Jared Leto.
"We all had access to a lounge that we could utilize during the event if we wanted to just hang out, eat some amazing food, and grab some drinks. Everything was complimentary. Once again thank you Dana. The fights were AMAZING and every single one of them lived up to the hype! This ended up being the best day of my life... Thank you so much Dana White and the UFC. You make dreams come true, and give us the best entertainment on the planet."
Jason also mentioned the presence of another terminally ill fan who was a guest of the UFC president. Here's to many more kind gestures like this and the best of health for Jason.
Check out Jason's complete letter to Dana White describing his experience at UFC 281:
Dana White called out by Cage Warriors champion Paul Hughes
Dana White not only has the ability to make a fan's day, but he is also in an enviable position where he can change professional fighters' lives as the president of the world's premier MMA promotion.
Newly crowned Cage Warriors featherweight champion Paul Hughes called on White in an interview with Full Send MMA. Hughes made his case for a UFC contract by saying:
"Look, Dana, pick up that phone for f**k's sake. I am the biggest prospect unsigned to the UFC in the entire world... I have taken out the best guys in Europe. Fought in the best division in all of Europe which is the featherweight [division] in Cage Warriors and I've took everybody out in spectacular fashion. I have literally a whole nation behind me... As I said in my post-fight interview, there's a new superstar in town and his name is Paul Hughes."
Hughes also mentioned the massive following he has garnered as he headlined sold-out events in London. He demanded that the UFC take a chance on him and urged Dana White to think about the potential gate he could draw with the UFC's promotional power in cities like New York and Las Vegas.
Watch Paul Hughes' impassioned words for Dana White below: