UFC president and CEO Dana White paid tribute to pro wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, who passed away at the age of 71 following a cardiac emergency at his Florida home.
Appearing on Fox News’ Jesse Watters Primetime, White reflected on Hogan’s recent appearance at the Republican National Convention and shared a poignant memory from behind the scenes.
“Hulk Hogan grabbed me and asked me if he could talk to me privately for a second,” White recalled. “And he pulled me aside, and I’ll never forget that conversation we had that night. He was a good man, he was special. He loved the president, and obviously, he loved America.”
White went on to credit Hogan alongside legends like Muhammad Ali and Don King as foundational influences who helped shape the broader landscape of combat sports and entertainment.
NEW: UFC President @danawhite says HULK HOGAN pulled him to the side for a PRIVATE conversation at the RNC
“I will never forget that conversation” pic.twitter.com/drCeAx9bCJ
— Jesse Watters (@JesseBWatters) July 25, 2025
“The way that the UFC is today and the things I’ve done to build it all have a little piece of all those guys and their businesses,” White said.
Clearwater Police confirmed that emergency officials were called to Hogan’s home Thursday morning for a cardiac arrest. The WWE Hall of Famer was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
The sports entertainment world was rocked by the news. Tributes poured in from across generations of athletes, entertainers, and fans. WWE released a statement honoring the icon.
“WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away. One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s.”
Without a doubt Hogan’s impact on professional wrestling is undeniable. From body-slamming Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III to shocking the world by turning heel and joining the New World Order in WCW, Hogan revolutionized the industry multiple times over.
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