Dana White is an American businessman who serves as the CEO and president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), a prominent global mixed martial arts organization.
He is also known for being the owner of Power Slap, a slap fighting promotion.
White was born on July 28, 1969, in Manchester, Connecticut, and has played a pivotal role in the development and success of the UFC.
Under his leadership, the UFC has grown significantly, with White being a key figure in the negotiation of deals, fighter development and the overall operations of the organization.
| Net worth | $500 million |
| Annual salary | $20 million |
| Profession | Businessman, CEO and president of the UFC |
| Date of birth | July 28, 1969 |
| Nationality | American |
Background and early life
White had a diverse background before becoming the UFC President.
His mother, Anne White, worked as a nurse, and his father, Dana White Sr., influenced his upbringing.
White spent his childhood in Manchester, Connecticut, before his family relocated to Las Vegas for better opportunities.
Despite facing challenges in academics, White attended Bishop Gorman High School, where he met Lorenzo Fertitta, a future close friend.
After high school, White briefly attended Quincy College and The University of Massachusetts Boston but dropped out.
He worked various jobs like laying asphalt, being a bouncer and a bellhop.
White also ventured into boxing but transitioned to managing fighters like Tito Ortiz and Chuck Liddell, which eventually led to his involvement in the UFC’s acquisition by the Fertitta brothers in 2001.
Net worth
White had an estimated net worth of $500 million.
His wealth stems from various sources, including his role as the UFC’s president, where he owns an estimated 9% of the organization.
The sale of the UFC to WME-IMG in 2016 brought White an estimated $360 million pre-tax.
Apart from the UFC, White has successful investments in diverse sectors, estimated at around $1.2 billion, including tech startups, food industry and apparel brands.
His investments in cryptocurrencies, NFTs, and real estate also contribute significantly to his net worth.
White’s astute business acumen, strategic partnerships, and ventures like Zuffa Boxing have further enhanced his financial success, making him one of the wealthiest figures in the sports industry.
Salary
White earns an annual salary of $20 million as the President of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
This substantial income is a result of his leadership role within the organization, where he has played a crucial part in its success and growth.
In addition to his salary, White has also been involved in various ventures and investments that have contributed to his overall wealth, estimated at around $500 million.
Apart from his salary, White is known for his successful investments in different sectors, including tech startups, food industry, apparel brands, cryptocurrencies and real estate, which have further boosted his financial standing.
Car collection
White has an impressive car collection that reflects his passion for luxury vehicles.
is collection includes a Ferrari F430 Spider, a BMW M6 Gran Coupe, a Classic Defender Works V8 70th Edition, a 1971 Plymouth Barracuda, a Cadillac Escalade ESV and more.
White’s love for cars extends beyond just luxury vehicles; he also owns motorcycles, including a Ducati and an MV Augusta F4.
Notably, White has a sentimental attachment to his first car, a Datsun B210, showcasing a slice of humility in his collection.
His diverse car collection, ranging from classic muscle cars to modern luxury vehicles, reflects his success and appreciation for fine automobiles.
Additionally, White’s association with brands like Harley-Davidson has further enriched his collection, with custom cruisers and motorcycles adding a unique touch to his impressive array of vehicles.
Real estate properties
White owns several real estate properties and houses, particularly in Las Vegas.
He purchased a mansion in Pine Island Court, Las Vegas, in 2006 from Frank Fertitta III for $1.95 million.
Subsequently, between October 2016 and June 2017, White acquired three additional mansions in the same area, totaling around $6.2 million.
Interestingly, demolition permits were issued for these houses, indicating White’s intention to combine them into a mega-mansion for his family.
This strategic real estate investment showcases White’s penchant for luxury living and his desire to create a personalized and expansive living space for his family in Las Vegas.
Early career
Before becoming the President of the UFC, White had a diverse early career.
He worked as a bellman in various hotels in Boston, including the Boston Harbor Hotel, and also took on roles as a bouncer at the Black Rose bar and as an asphalt layer.
White’s journey into the world of combat sports began when he started boxing at the age of 17.
Despite attempting college, he eventually dropped out and pursued a career in boxing, becoming a trainer and aerobics instructor.
White’s path led him to Las Vegas, where he met Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta, who were pivotal in his transition to managing mixed martial artists, including Tito Ortiz and Chuck Liddell.
This involvement ultimately led to his significant role in the acquisition of the UFC in 2001, where he was appointed as the organization’s president.
Involvement in UFC
White’s involvement in the UFC has primarily been in managerial and executive roles rather than as a trainer.
Before becoming the President of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), White had a background in boxing and briefly considered pursuing a professional boxing career.
However, due to concerns about the long-term health implications associated with boxing, he transitioned to coaching instead of competing professionally.
White’s journey in combat sports led him to manage prominent mixed martial artists like Tito Ortiz and Chuck Liddell, which eventually played a significant role in his involvement with the UFC.
Since assuming the position of UFC President in 2001, White has been instrumental in the organization’s growth and success, overseeing various aspects of the business, negotiations, and operations.
UFC acquisition
White played a pivotal role in the acquisition of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) by the Fertitta brothers in 2001.
At that time, the UFC was facing financial difficulties, and White saw an opportunity to not only save the organization but also transform it into something extraordinary.
White managed to convince Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta to purchase the struggling UFC for $2 million.
This acquisition led to the establishment of Zuffa, LLC, with White appointed as the company’s president.
Under the ownership of the Fertitta brothers and with White at the helm, the UFC underwent significant transformations, including substantial investments, clearing debts and funding operations.
This strategic move not only saved the UFC but also paved the way for its evolution into a legitimate sporting event, attracting mainstream attention and celebrity involvement.
White’s vision and leadership were instrumental in reshaping the UFC and propelling it to become a globally recognized brand in the world of mixed martial arts.
UFC sale to WME
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) was sold to WME-IMG, a consortium led by WME-IMG that included backers MSD Capital, KKR and Silver Lake, for nearly $4 billion.
This historic sale marked a significant milestone in sports business history, making it the most lucrative deal for any sports franchise at that time.
The acquisition involved UFC President Dana White, who maintained a small stake in the company and continued in his role after the sale.
The sale was driven by the vision of the new ownership team, particularly WME-IMG co-CEOs Ari Emanuel and Patrick Whitesell, who aimed to take the UFC to the next level of success.
Despite initial denials of any sale plans, the deal was finalized, with the Fertitta brothers, who previously owned the UFC, also retaining a small stake in the league.
The acquisition by WME-IMG signaled a new chapter for the UFC, with a focus on accelerating global growth and ensuring the sport’s continued success on an international scale.
Philanthropic efforts
White has been actively involved in philanthropic efforts, demonstrating his commitment to giving back to the community.
Notably, he donated $100,000 to Dustin Poirier’s charity, The Good Fight Foundation, which supports various charitable causes, including helping those in need.
In addition, White pledged $1 million to support the families and victims affected by the Las Vegas shootings in 2017.
His generosity extended to supporting cancer survivors like Cody O’Connor, who established the Champions Do Overcome foundation to assist families with children battling cancer.
White not only provided financial aid but also offered to promote the message of Champions Do Overcome through his global contacts and collaborations with celebrities like Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson.
Furthermore, White donated proceeds from the sale of ‘UF-Sea’ shirts to the Bob Woodruff Foundation, which supports injured post-9/11 service members, veterans, and their families.
These philanthropic endeavors highlight White’s dedication to making a positive impact and supporting various charitable causes.
Controversies
White has been involved in various controversies throughout his career.
One notable incident occurred in 2022 when White threatened to resign from the UFC in defense of Joe Rogan amid controversies surrounding Rogan’s comments.
Rogan faced backlash for using the N-word and promoting misinformation about COVID-19 on his podcast.
White’s unwavering support for Rogan led him to take a stand, emphasizing loyalty and defending those close to him.
Additionally, White faced criticism for his response to a physical altercation with his wife, where he avoided suspension despite similar incidents resulting in suspensions for other high-profile figures in sports.
This incident raised questions about White’s handling of personal matters and the repercussions he faced.
Moreover, White has been pragmatic in addressing controversies involving UFC fighters, such as Charles Radtke and Manel Kape using inappropriate language after fights.
While White emphasized acknowledging mistakes and personal growth, his approach to handling such incidents underscored the complexities of managing controversies within the UFC.
Family
White is married to Anne Stella, whom he met in the eighth grade, and they tied the knot in 1996.
The couple has three children, two sons and one daughter.
Their daughter, Savannah White, is still pursuing her academic years and maintains a private life away from the public limelight.
White’s eldest son, Dana White III, has excelled in football, showcasing a passion for the sport.
Despite starting as a quarterback, a collarbone injury led him to transition to safety.
Dana III looks up to his father as a role model for his hard work and success.
Adai White, another of Dana White’s children, has shown promise in martial arts, making his amateur debut with a win in 2017.
The White family values pursuing one’s passions, with Dana White supporting his children in following their chosen paths, whether in sports or other endeavors.
Dana White relationship with his mother
White’s relationship with his mother, June White, has been complex and marked by public scrutiny.
June released an unauthorized biography titled Dana White, King of MMA, where she portrayed her son as having changed from a “nice person” to a “vindictive tyrant” after his success with the UFC.
In the book, she expressed feelings of abandonment, claiming that White had distanced himself from family and friends who had supported him during challenging times.
This public airing of family grievances shed light on the strained relationship between White and his mother, highlighting underlying tensions and emotional complexities within their family dynamic.
Moreover, White’s atheism and differing beliefs from his Catholic upbringing have also contributed to the complexities of his relationship with his mother.
Despite these challenges, White’s success and public persona have been juxtaposed with personal struggles and familial discord, underscoring the multifaceted nature of his relationships and the impact of public scrutiny on private family matters.
Atheism
White identifies as an atheist, indicating that he does not believe in the existence of God, the afterlife or supernatural entities.
Despite being raised as a Catholic and serving as an altar boy during his childhood,
White’s personal beliefs evolved over time, leading him to reject organized religion and embrace atheism.
In a Playboy interview, White explicitly stated, “I don’t believe in God, the devil, ghosts or any of that stuff.”
While he acknowledges his fascination with religion and its impact on society, White’s atheism reflects his skepticism towards religious doctrines and supernatural beliefs.
His atheistic stance aligns with his critical and straightforward approach to expressing his opinions, even on controversial topics like religion, where he has openly criticized the dangers he associates with organized religion.
White’s atheism is a significant aspect of his personal beliefs and worldview, shaping his perspective on spirituality and guiding his interactions with faith-related matters.