Dana White

Dana White - London 2015 (cropped)

Dana White

Dana White (born July 28, 1969) is an American businessman and the current President of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), a global mixed martial arts (MMA) organization. Under his leadership, the UFC has grown from a small, struggling company to a worldwide phenomenon, becoming the premier organization in the sport of MMA.

Early Life

Dana Frederick White Jr. was born in Manchester, Connecticut. He spent his early years in Connecticut and later moved to Las Vegas, Nevada. White attended Hermon High School in Maine and later enrolled at University of Massachusetts Boston, although he did not complete his degree.

Career

Early Career

Before his involvement with the UFC, White worked in various jobs, including as a manager for fighters such as Tito Ortiz and Chuck Liddell. He also ran boxing gyms in Las Vegas and Boston.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

In 2001, White learned that the UFC was for sale. He approached his childhood friend Lorenzo Fertitta and his brother Frank Fertitta III, who were executives at Station Casinos. The Fertitta brothers purchased the UFC for $2 million and installed White as president.

Under White's leadership, the UFC has seen significant growth. He has been instrumental in securing television deals, expanding the organization's reach globally, and increasing the sport's popularity. The UFC's success culminated in its sale to Endeavor (formerly WME-IMG) in 2016 for $4 billion, with White retaining his position as president.

Personal Life

Dana White is married to Anne White, and they have three children. The family resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. White is known for his philanthropic efforts, including donations to various charities and support for military veterans.

Controversies

White has been a polarizing figure in the world of sports. He has faced criticism for his handling of fighter pay, his outspoken nature, and various public feuds with fighters and other promoters. Despite these controversies, he remains a central figure in the world of MMA.

Legacy

Dana White's impact on the sport of mixed martial arts is undeniable. He has transformed the UFC into a global brand and has played a significant role in bringing MMA into the mainstream. His business acumen and promotional skills have set a standard in the industry.

See Also

• Ultimate Fighting Championship
• Mixed Martial Arts
• Lorenzo Fertitta
• Frank Fertitta III
• Tito Ortiz
• Chuck Liddell