Henderson Denies White’s Contract Claims

UFC President Dana White said Thursday that Dan Henderson’s asking price to re-sign with the UFC would make him “by far the highest-paid guy in the UFC," before reiterating that he and the fighter remain friendly.

"You’ll never hear me say a bad thing about Dan Henderson, other than he’s ugly, and that’s just the truth,” said White.

Henderson denied both claims.

“I’m not comfortable discussing contract negotiations in a public forum, but I’d have to respectfully disagree with both statements,” said Henderson through a representative on Thursday. “I am neither seeking to be the highest paid athlete in the UFC, nor am I ugly.”

Aaron Crecy, Henderson’s business partner and manager who has been privy to all offers circulated between the two parties, reiterated similar sentiments regarding White's contract claims.

“Contracts are confidential, so that statement’s impossible to prove or disprove,” said Crecy. “However, we have done our due diligence. We certainly don’t believe that to be the case. Dan understands and we have a certain belief on where he stands in the hierarchy. Certainly there are champions and former UFC champions that deserve to be paid more than Dan.”

Crecy added that Henderson’s counteroffer to the new contract presented to him last July likely wouldn’t even place him among the top 10 athletes in the organization in terms of pay.

Recent Internet rumblings have suggested the sides are stuck on a seven-figure signing bonus the fighter had requested. The UFC has issued signing bonuses to a handful of athletes in the past, though that information is never made public.

Crecy said he believed there were multiple sticking points but wouldn’t comment further. He was also surprised to hear White’s previous assertion that negotiations were “done.” Crecy said Henderson’s agent, Jordan Feagan, kept in contact with Zuffa “over the weekend and into this week.”

On Thursday White described the negotiations as at a “stalemate,” but last week he told Yahoo Sports that the promotion and Henderson could not reach a deal. The Yahoo report also stated that Henderson was “on the verge” of signing a deal with rival promotion Strikeforce. Henderson refuted the story and said talks with Strikeforce had been preliminary at best.

“The only reason we spoke with Strikeforce, if I’m not mistaken, was because Dana suggested we do so, at a time when he said the UFC wasn’t prepared to pay Dan what he’s asking, and that’s fine,” said Crecy.

Crecy confirmed that Feagan and Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker met Wednesday in Los Angeles. White told reporters Thursday he’d seen them in a restaurant. Crecy also indicated that Henderson would not be required to present any outside offers he receives to the UFC for matching, a standard practice usually included in the promotion’s contracts.

“Right now (Dan’s) just trying to gather information, and that’s his right to do as someone who has no obligation to any particular organization,” said Crecy. “After negotiating exclusively with the UFC for the last few months, he’s exploring what options there are.”

Crecy said Henderson will attend Strikeforce’s next major event on Nov. 7 in Chicago but that the fighter was far from a decision. Crecy also said he wouldn’t be surprised if Henderson hashed out a deal and returned to the Octagon.

“Our position has never been to argue in the media,” said Crecy. “We understand where the economy is. The last thing Dan wants to do is complain about money to fans. Ultimately, Dan does have a good relationship with and a great deal of respect for (UFC owners) Dana, Lorenzo (Fertitta), and Frank (Fertitta). He has nothing negative to say about them. Nothing’s done until a contract’s signed. Period.”

This article was updated at 11:30 p.m. EST with an additional quote from Henderson.