Dana White: More than Conor McGregor, homophobic slurs by UFC fighters 'definitely a problem'

Over the past four months, several UFC fighters have been caught on tape using homophobic language, including the promotion’s biggest star, Conor McGregor.

McGregor apologized this week for using the homophobic F-word while consoling his teammate at UFC Fight Night 118. But UFC President Dana White said the trend of offensive language needs to be addressed.

“We’ve had a problem with that lately,” White told TMZ Sports. “It’s been more than (McGregor). We’ve had a problem with that. It’s a thing that you have to educate people on.

“I’ve had my history with it myself. It’s definitely a problem, and something we need to focus on.”

In fact, inflammatory language is not a new issue for those who follow the UFC. The slurs used recently have been used by others, in addition to inappropriate jokes about sexual assault and child abuse. In 2009, White infamously used offensive language against MMA reporter Loretta Hunt and used the same homophobic slur to describe anonymous sources on a story she wrote.

White expressed contrition after a very public backlash and amended his language, though he remains prone to outbursts of profanity. Since the episode, several fighters have been sanctioned for inappropriate language, including Miguel Torres and Nate Diaz, who was suspended for using the F-word.

McGregor (21-3 MMA, 9-1 UFC) told “The Late Late Show” he let his emotions get the better of him and used the offensive language, an explanation by now familiar to those who’ve followed the UFC. Asked whether that was enough, White was skeptical.

“What else is he going to do? If he apologized and that’s not enough, what else can you do?” he asked. “You can donate money… whatever. I don’t know.”

The UFC has donated money to causes it supports over the past several years, including those that support gay rights. Whether McGregor does the same remains to be seen.

During his interview, he noted that he’s a supporter of gay rights and cited his work to legalize same-sex marriage in his native Ireland.

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