Brendan Schaub, Dana White exchange fiery insults on Israel Adesanya's Instagram page

Brendan Schaub, Dana White exchange fiery insults on Israel Adesanya's Instagram page image

The last two people that you would imagine engaging in a heated back and forth on somebody else’s Instagram page are UFC president Dana White and Brendan Schaub, a retired UFC fighter turned combat sports talking head and podcast personality. 

It happened, though, and it got ugly in a hurry. 

It all took place on the Instagram page of rising UFC middleweight star Israel Adesanya when Adesanya posted a clip of Schaub on the "Below the Belt" podcast speaking on the troubles kickboxers have when transitioning to MMA.

MORE: 'TUF 27' finale: Adesanya dominates Tavares; Trizano, Katona crowned champs

“When they come over to the UFC, they expect them to be elite strikers,” Schaub said. “The distance, the combos, the head movement, the number of variables, it’s a completely different game, so, to me, that never translates.”

Adesanya took the comments personally, considering he’s a lauded kickboxer who has made the transition to mixed martial arts and secured his third consecutive win last weekend with a dominant performance against Brad Tavares at “The Ultimate Fighter: Undefeated Finale.”

The 28-year-old posted the clip and dismissed Schaub with the caption “Ssshhhh…#ithinkyoudbesurprised.” 

That could have been the end of it, but White happened to come across the post and decided to add his pointed two cents. 

“Such a f—ing tool!!!” White wrote. “What the f— does this idiot know about the sport or the business??? @stylebender for u to be listening to one word from this MORON is a waste of ur time. Guy went 6-5 in the UFC!!! The only thing he could teach u is how to get KO’d. Tune idiots like this OUT.”

Schaub refused to back down and fired back at his former employer. 

“@danawhite whoooooooa look who got a break from folding Ronda’s laundry to jump on instagram,” Schaub replied. “Bravo sir. He’s right @stylebender what do I know listen to the bald fat guy who has never been in a fight in his life. Do that.”

Schaub went on to clarify that his comments were directed toward K-1 kickboxing champion Gokhan Saki, who was knocked out in the first round of his fight against Khalil Rountree at UFC 226. 

“You’re a monster,” Schaub wrote to Adesanya. “I was referring to guy with Lil mma Experience (Saki) was my main point coming straight to UFC or major mma leagues. You have a ton of experience in mma before getting to the UFC.”

It could have ended there, but White decided to respond to a commenter who suggested that Schaub had found success in his post-MMA career. 

“He’s successful?” White asked. “As soon as (Joe) Rogan stops carrying him he will disappear.”

Keep in mind that this is Adesanya’s Instagram page where this war of words was taking place. The unbeaten fighter hadn’t responded to White or Schaub, but Schaub didn't appear to be finished with White and fired off a lengthy response to White on Twitter. 

There's a lot to unpack here. Hopefully, this won't go any further.