Dana White Fuels Kevin Holland $11 Million Mystery: ‘I Never Said It Was Him’

UFC CEO Dana White is refusing to confirm whether Kevin Holland is the mysterious fighter who has earned more than $11 million without ever competing for a UFC title.

One week after revealing that a former Dana White’s Contender Series fighter had earned more than $11 million despite never challenging for a UFC championship, White was asked whether Holland was the man he had been referring to.

“I never said it was Kevin Holland that was the $11 million man, but Kevin Holland has done pretty well,” White told reporters, including MMA Junkie, during a post-fight press conference at Meta APEX. “I love Kevin.”

White smiled as he recalled his long-standing relationship with Holland and how the outspoken fighter ultimately earned his place in the UFC.

“You know the whole history with me and Kevin,” White said. “I didn’t pick him. I said he had a big mouth and he should’ve focused on whatever. We were in matchmaking one day. I don’t remember who fell out. It was Thiago (Santos’ opponent). I said, ‘Call Big Mouth and see if Big Mouth will take the fight.’ We called him, he took the fight, and here we are with Kevin Holland.”

When reporters returned to the original question and pressed White to confirm whether Holland was indeed the fighter who had earned more than $11 million, the UFC CEO once again refused to give a definitive answer.

“Interesting,” White said with a smirk. “I did not say it was Kevin Holland.”

Dana White sparked speculation with $11 million revelation

White fueled speculation across the MMA community a week earlier when he revealed that one fighter who had never competed for a UFC world title had nevertheless earned more than $11 million.

“One of the guys that never fought for a world title has made over $11 million,” White said. “So, staying active and keeping yourself out there in everybody’s face is not only good financially but, you know, you have a very limited amount of time to make a lot of money – in any sport. Staying active is the move. I love it.”

His comments immediately prompted fans to try to identify the mystery fighter, with Holland quickly emerging as one of the leading candidates.

The 33-year-old has become one of the UFC’s most active and recognizable fighters, competing frequently across multiple weight classes during his career with the promotion.

Kevin Holland claims he is the $11 million man

Holland initially denied that White had been referring to him, but later changed his tune and seemingly identified himself as the fighter behind the $11 million figure.

“It’s the $11 million dollar man, and I’m here to tell you one thing right now,” Holland said. “I might’ve made $11 million, but after four kids, paying taxes, and getting divorced three times. Sht’s fcked up.”

Holland’s comments appeared to solve the mystery, but White continues to stop short of officially confirming that the UFC veteran is the fighter he had in mind.

For now, Holland may be calling himself the UFC’s $11 million man, but White appears perfectly happy to keep everyone guessing.