Dana White is a prominent figure in the business world and sports promotion, boasting an impressive net worth of $500 million. Dana White is widely recognized as the current President of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), a premier organization in the world of mixed martial arts.
In 2016, when the UFC was acquired by William Morris Endeavor (WME) for a staggering $4 billion, Dana held a 9% stake in the organization. He had earlier sold most of the company to the Fertitta brothers, who are billionaire casino moguls. After taxes, Dana’s share from the sale amounted to approximately $360 million, reflecting a 9% cut.
With his vision and determination, White took the UFC from a small, struggling entity to a dominant force in the world of mixed martial arts, earning recognition for bringing the sport into the global spotlight. During his time, the organization has broadened its reach into global markets, secured impressive television and sponsorship agreements, and experienced remarkable growth in its audience and revenue.
White’s bold marketing tactics and the creation of starfighters have played a crucial role in bringing MMA into the spotlight as a mainstream sport. He has played a key role in arranging some of the most notable bouts in the sport’s history, helping to solidify the UFC’s status as the leading organization in MMA. White’s dedication has transformed the perception of MMA and has been instrumental in bringing professionalism and regulation to the sport.
In addition to his achievements in the UFC, White has also ventured into entrepreneurship with the establishment of Zuffa Boxing and has participated in numerous charitable initiatives. His dynamic personality and proactive approach have established him as a key player in the sports arena, frequently grabbing attention for his daring choices and impact on the evolution of MMA.
Dana White, originally named Dana Frederick White Jr., entered the world on July 28th, 1969, in Manchester, Connecticut. He is the child of June and Dana White. Dana and his sister, Kelly, grew up primarily under the care of their mother and grandparents. He spent his younger years traveling between the vibrant energy of Las Vegas and the serene landscapes of Maine. Throughout his childhood, White dedicated a significant amount of time to sports, especially boxing, and has remained a devoted fan of the Boston Red Sox ever since. He completed his studies at Hermon High School in Maine in 1987.
White pursued his studies at the University of Massachusetts but ultimately did not complete his degree. During his time there, he launched a boxing initiative aimed at supporting at-risk youth in the urban community. To sustain himself during this period, he took on the role of an aerobics instructor. Eventually, he moved to Las Vegas full-time, and in 1992, he founded Dana White Enterprises.
During this period, he started overseeing the careers of fighters Chuck Lidell and Tito Ortiz. White kept pushing his limits by exploring various fighting styles, such as Mixed Martial Arts and Muay Thai, which would eventually shape the essence of the UFC.
Fortunately for White, he had the advantage of growing up alongside Lorenzo Fertitta, a former high school classmate who carved out a successful career as an executive at Station Casinos. At a wedding in the mid-’90s, the two came together, connecting over their mutual passion for boxing and expressing their desire to collaborate down the line.
While overseeing fighters, White found himself caught up in conflicts with the UFC. Upon examining the financial situation of Semaphore Entertainment Group, the parent company of the UFC, it became clear that they were facing significant financial difficulties. After hearing the news, White reached out to his longtime buddy, Lorenzo Fertitta, to discuss putting together an offer.
Lorenzo recognized the potential for profit and swiftly struck a deal to acquire the UFC. Lorenzo also brought his older brother Frank into the mix. Back in 2001, the Fertitta brothers made a bold move by investing $2 million to secure an impressive 81% ownership stake in the UFC. White was quickly appointed as president. Since acquiring the UFC, White and his team have transformed the organization from its once barbaric and illegal reputation into a global sensation.
White has maintained the role of president, continuing to lead even after the company’s sale. Thanks to his guidance, the sport has seen a surge in popularity, transforming into a multi-billion dollar industry. In May 2017, it was revealed that White would take on the role of host for a new show titled “Dana White’s Contender Series.” The show can be accessed exclusively via UFC’s digital streaming platform, UFC Fight Pass. This platform highlights emerging fighters, providing them with a chance to display their talents and potentially earn a spot in the UFC one day. On March 18, 2019, White announced that he had just inked a new deal with ESPN, securing his position as UFC president for an additional seven years.
In January 2023, White launched his exciting new slap-fighting competition, “Power Slap.” It seems that TBS has decided to pull the plug on it.
Before the sale of the company, Dana held a 9% stake in the UFC. In May 2016, reports emerged that the Fertitta brothers were in advanced discussions to sell the UFC for a staggering $6 billion. At that valuation, Dana’s 9% stake would be valued at an impressive $540 million. In July 2016, it was officially announced that the UFC had been acquired by the talent agency WME-IMG for a staggering $4 billion. That’s a whopping $360 million before taxes for Dana!
In 2023, Endeavor, formerly known as WME-IMG, launched a new public company that combined WWE and UFC, with White remaining in his role as UFC president.
In 2009, White expressed his frustration towards reporter Loretta Hunt using derogatory and explicit language after she published a report that displeased him. He employed derogatory language when discussing the sources of her reports. GLAAD urged White and the UFC to issue an apology for the anti-gay slur, which he later did.
During a lively New Year’s Eve celebration at a nightclub in Mexico in 2023, there was a noticeable disagreement between White and his wife. Anne gave him a sharp slap, and in response, he returned the favor. And it was captured on film. They owned up to their mistakes, attributing it to alcohol, and expressed their sincere apologies for their behavior.
White and his wife Anne have been happily married since 1996. They crossed paths back in eighth grade. The family includes two energetic boys, Aidan and Dana III, along with their spirited daughter, Savannah. White likes to maintain a low profile when it comes to his family life.
In May 2012, White shared the news of his diagnosis with a neurological disorder called Ménière’s disease, attributing its onset largely to a fight he was involved in during his youth. In 2022, he faced a diagnosis of significantly elevated triglyceride levels along with other irregularities. He mentioned that he has been following a keto diet, which has improved his sleep apnea and reduced his leg pain. Additionally, White has been known for gambling online and is reported to be a VIP at Ruby Slots.
White passionately backed Donald Trump during his initial run for the presidency, even taking the stage at the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio. In the lead-up to the 2020 election, White actively voiced his support for Trump, participating in rallies and interviews to highlight the president’s early backing of the UFC, which included hosting one of its first major events at his venue.
In 2010, a generous donation of $50,000 was made for a liver transplant for Tuptim Jadnooleum, whose father is an instructor at Tiger Muay Thai. In 2011, White generously contributed $100,000 to his alma mater for much-needed renovations.
Dana White purchased a stunning mansion in Pine Island Court, Las Vegas, back in 2006 for an impressive $1.95 million. He went on to acquire three additional mansions in the same neighborhood from October 2016 to June 2017, totaling approximately $6.2 million. Demolition permits have been granted for the homes, and now White and his family reside in a stunning mega-mansion in Las Vegas.
