LAS VEGAS – Dana White is keeping his mouth shut and letting "Big Mouth" do the talking.
One week to the day after White cryptically dropped financial numbers for Dana White's Contender Series' all-time pay leader among fighters who never contended for a UFC title, the UFC CEO was asked if he could confirm Holland that is indeed the man he previously referenced.
"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 at a post-fight news conference at Meta APEX. "I love Kevin."
Smiling through much of his answer, White detailed his long-standing professional relationship with Holland.
"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 redirected back to the initial question, White sidestepped it once again.
"Interesting," White smirked. "I did not say it was Kevin Holland."
Dana White won't confirm or deny that Kevin Holland is the $11 million man. 💰 pic.twitter.com/QuR5ipmdxs
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) September 2, 2026
One week prior, White had stirred much speculation when he said the following.
"One of the guys that never fought for a world title has made over $11 million," White told reporters, including MMA Junkie. "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."
Many in the MMA community put on their sleuth hats as they tried to determine which fighter made the most sense. Many fans landed on Holland. Although Holland initially denied it being him, he then changed his tune.
"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. Sh*t's f*cked up."
So while Holland has identified himself as the man at the center of the mystery, it doesn't seem like a UFC confirmation will ever come.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Dana White won't confirm identity of '$11 million man'
