Dana White confirms UFC role in StreamEast shutdown

In a recent interview, UFC CEO Dana White openly acknowledged his involvement in efforts to take down the popular illegal sports streaming site StreamEast, confirming the promotion’s ongoing push to curb widespread digital piracy. White’s comments came during a conversation with Caleb Pressley, following reports that StreamEast and several similar platforms were recently forced offline after coordinated global anti-piracy actions.

White said he took particular satisfaction in the site’s removal, explaining that blocking unauthorized broadcasts has long been a priority for the organization. “I cut down a lot of StreamEast,” White said during the interview. “That’s one of my favorite things to do. We took it seriously and went after people.”

For years, White has publicly condemned illegal streaming outlets, arguing they undermine the UFC’s pay-per-view business and ultimately pressure the company to increase prices. He has maintained that widespread piracy directly reduces crucial revenue needed to operate major events. According to White, persistent losses from unauthorized viewers have influenced the cost structure of UFC broadcasts, impacting fans who rely on stable pricing for high-profile cards.

The shutdown of StreamEast sparked immediate speculation online, with users debating whether government action or copyright enforcement was responsible. Discussions also highlighted a broader sentiment among fans who claim high PPV fees push viewers toward illegal alternatives. Many argue that more affordable and accessible options would reduce the demand for illicit streams.

As the UFC prepares for its upcoming partnership with Paramount, industry observers anticipate potential shifts in distribution models that could influence streaming accessibility and reshape piracy trends.

White also addressed separate criticism related to matchmaking decisions, including the choice to book Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett for an interim lightweight title fight instead of top contender Arman Tsarukyan. White defended the move, saying Tsarukyan “had an opportunity” earlier and would need to “work his way back,” pushing back on claims that rankings should dictate all championship decisions.

The debate intensified due to reports suggesting the promotion preferred avoiding heavier grapplers for its first Paramount event — speculation fueled by Tsarukyan’s dominant ground game and past injury withdrawal that disrupted earlier promotional plans. Despite a recent victory, Tsarukyan appears to recognize that his path to another title shot may be delayed.

The UFC’s anti-piracy crackdown and its divisive matchmaking choices remain central talking points among fans as the organization navigates industry changes and intensifying public scrutiny.