
Dana WhitePresident and CEO
In this interview, UFC President Dana White reflects on building the UFC into a global sports powerhouse, overcoming early failures, managing growth, and maintaining an obsession with winning. He shares lessons on entrepreneurship, leadership, risk-taking, resilience, and why continuous improvement matters more than legacy.
Founder Stats
- Sports
- Started 1993
- $100M+/mo
- 1,000+ team
- Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
About Dana White
Dana White is the President and CEO of the UFC, the world's leading mixed martial arts organization. Since acquiring the UFC in 2001 with the Fertitta brothers, he has helped transform the sport from a niche business into a global entertainment and sports powerhouse.
Interview
June 11, 2026
Did you always believe the UFC could become what it is today?

Absolutely. I always believed the sport had massive potential. We went from struggling to get on television to signing multi-billion-dollar media deals. The journey took years, but I always believed mixed martial arts could become a mainstream global sport and that I would be part of making it happen.
What first attracted you to combat sports?
When did you realize becoming a fighter was not your path?
What is one leadership lesson you've learned from working with fighters?
Was there ever a moment when you thought the UFC might fail?
What was the breakthrough moment for the UFC?
How important was The Ultimate Fighter to the UFC's growth?
How do you approach building a successful business?
What separates successful entrepreneurs from unsuccessful ones?
Why do you still work as hard as you do after achieving so much?
How do you handle criticism?
Why don't you spend much time thinking about legacy?
What is your philosophy on continuous growth?
What motivates you more, success or competition?
What advice would you give aspiring entrepreneurs?
Table Of Questions
Video Interviews with Dana White
Dana White Joins The Rolling Stone Interview: 'Legacy Doesn’t Mean Shit to Me'
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