UFC chief Dana White has said he is hoping a gunman who shot eight people in Texas is not telling the truth after reportedly claiming he was a UFC fighter from California.

The incident, which occurred outside a bar in northern San Antonio, saw a man turned away for being too drunk only to return with a rifle and start shooting.

Police chief William McManus told a press conference that the gunman had said: "Don't you know who I am? I'm a UFC fighter from California."

Nobody was killed but five women and three men aged between 23 and 41 were injured and were later said to be stable in hospital.

Speaking to reporters later, White said: “If you don’t think that I heard about that one at 7am this morning. You know what I mean? I hope it’s not true," he added.

"But I hear that all the time. You know how many bald guys in this town walk around and say they’re me?

"It’s mind boggling. If I told you some of these stories, you wouldn’t believe it. I’m hoping that is the case."