Dana White, the CEO of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), has cemented his position as a vital player in the world of mixed martial arts. His ties to Donald Trump, one of the UFC’s most faithful supporters, propelled their meteoric ascent to the top. When put together, they are a powerful combination. Most recently, White’s introduction by Trump at the July 2024 Republican National Convention cemented their connection.
During his early years in charge of UFC, White struggled mightily to find venues for fights. With determination and shrewd entrepreneurship, he was able to grow the organization into a powerful sports empire. Over the years, the UFC has built a huge audience, now counting tens of millions of social media followers. One of its biggest stars, Conor McGregor, as an example, boasts a staggering 46.7 million followers on Instagram.
Mutual Admiration Between White and Trump
The UFC’s growth has gone hand-in-hand with White’s rise through the organization. Today, he is revered as a cultural icon in sports, just as Trump is revered in politics. Their clear mutual admiration and respect for one another’s field has created a powerful connection. White has been a prolific and unapologetic Trump cheerleader. He said, “I’m in the tough guy business and this man is the toughest, most resilient son of a gun that I’ve ever met in my life.”
Trump’s support for the UFC spans decades. He has been to many of them and at each one he’s gushed about how much he loves White’s leadership. At a recent UFC event at Madison Square Garden, White was given a special video tribute. This tribute honored the dark powers that helped Trump achieve his 2016 electoral victory. In many ways the event revealed Trump’s continued appeal to UFC fans, as he was greeted with resounding cheers when he entered the arena.
White has clearly enjoyed himself in his budding new role as a Trump surrogate, as Trump himself seems to be preparing for 2024. He’s particularly interested in efforts to reach the young male vote. His ties to the sport, and its fiercely loyal fan base, make him a crucial weapon in Trump’s outreach efforts.
Trump’s Continued Presence at UFC Events
Steven Cheung, a spokesperson for Trump, emphasized their relationship: “President Trump and the UFC are cultural icons. He is a fan of the sport and the elite competitive spirit of all the athletes who step into the Octagon.” Cheung noted Trump’s expected presence at future UFC events: “He’ll be sitting cage side, like he always does, and the crowd will erupt in applause as he makes his signature walkout.”
Trump’s new partnership with the UFC is not without its critics. From the outset, early detractors doubted the sport’s brutality and ability to compete as a mainstream draw. Trump recounted his experience in promoting the UFC: “Nobody wanted to give him a ring because they said it’s a rough sport, a little rough. I gave him a few tips, and shortly after, I paid a visit to experience it for myself. They said, I can’t believe this is the roughest sport in the world. I started to get into it and he was all over it and nobody’s done a better job in all of sports.
The UFC’s transformation from a niche promotion to a household name has largely been accomplished through the organization’s impressive skill in reaching varied audiences. The organization’s plugged-in fan base thrives both online and offline, reflecting an evolution in sports entertainment that resonates with today’s culture.
Author’s Opinion
The strong relationship between Dana White and Donald Trump has undoubtedly shaped the UFC into a more mainstream entity, but as with any such high-profile partnership, the long-term impact will depend on how the broader public continues to react to the UFC’s growth and Trump’s ongoing involvement in the sport. The fusion of business, sports, and politics creates a unique dynamic that resonates both with UFC fans and Trump supporters, yet raises questions about the role of celebrity influence in the future of sports.
Featured image credit: Sports Business Journal
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