Dana White Addresses Retirement Claims

UFC CEO Dana White has addressed suggestions that he will retire by shutting down such claims. 

White is widely recognized as the key figure who transformed the UFC from a struggling $2 million company into the leading brand in mixed martial arts. His financial future was secured in 2016 when the UFC was sold to Endeavor in a total deal reportedly worth $4 billion. At the time of the sale, White, who held a 9 percent stake, reportedly earned over $350 million from the transaction. White also branched out into boxing with Zuffa Boxing, co-promoting the Undisputed Super Middleweight fight between Canelo Álvarez and Terence Crawford in September. While many in his position may have walked away, White is focused on more milestones. 

White Reacts

“When I was younger, older people used to say, ‘When I retire, I’ll be drinking Mai Tais on the beach,’ etc. I go on great vacations — after 10 days, I’m sick of drinking, I’m sick of all this sh*t, and I’m ready to get back to the grind. I’m always thinking about how to make the business bigger and bigger every day,” White said 

White also helped build up stars like Conor McGregor, Ronda Rousey and Jon Jones. He also expanded the sport through The Ultimate Fighter reality show to break into the mainstream. Dana further gave opportunities to the next generation of fighters through his Contender Series, with candidates having the chance to earn a UFC contract. The move into boxing proves his ambition extends beyond MMA, cementing his reputation as a key figure in combat sports.

White’s legacy is consistently clouded by controversy, primarily concerning fighter pay. Critics, including many former and current fighters, argue that the UFC’s control—a key to its financial success—comes at the expense of its athletes, who receive a relatively small share of the company’s revenue compared to athletes in other major sports.