Dana White

Dana White, the CEO and president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), was born on July 28, 1969, in Manchester, Connecticut, United States.

Dana White graduated from Hermon High School in 1987. This marked an important milestone in his early life and education.

Dana White married his wife Anne in 1996, whom he had known since they were childhood sweethearts. This personal event marked a significant milestone in White's life.

Zuffa LLC, formed by Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta III, acquired the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) for $2 million. Dana White, given ten percent equity and the title of President, played a pivotal role in the acquisition, marking a significant turning point for the UFC.

On April 15, 2001, Dana White became the president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), marking a significant milestone in the history of the organization.

The Ultimate Fighter, a reality television series created by Zuffa LLC, was produced and aired on Spike TV. It became a ratings success, significantly contributing to the growth of the UFC and elevating Dana White's public profile.

Dana White bought a mansion in Pine Island Court, Las Vegas, in 2006 from Frank Fertitta III for $1.95 million.

Dana White stated in 2021 that the biggest sports bet he had placed was in 2007 when he wagered $1 million on Jermain Taylor to beat Kelly Pavlik. Taylor lost the bout by technical knockout, which White described as ruining his fun during a trip to Cabo.

In 2008, Dana White was recognized as one of the most influential people in sports by both Business Week and Sports Business Journal.

In 2009, Dana White received the Patriot Award from the United States Armed Forces Foundation for his contribution to injured military servicemen and women.

In 2010, Dana White was acknowledged as one of the most influential people by both Time and Esquire magazines.

Zuffa LLC, under the leadership of Dana White, acquired Strikeforce, a major MMA promotion. This acquisition marked a shift in White's stance on women fighting in the UFC, ultimately leading to the inclusion of women's bouts in the promotion.

In May 2012, Dana White revealed that he had been diagnosed with Ménière's disease, an inner ear disorder, which he attributed to a large fight he was involved in during his youth. He underwent Orthokine treatment for the disease, which greatly reduced his symptoms.

Dana White was accused in a sex-tape scandal when an exotic dancer allegedly taped a sexual encounter with him in Brazil around the year 2014 without his consent.

UFC was sold to William Morris Endeavor-International Management Group (WME-IMG) for $4 billion. Dana White retained the title of President and his minority ownership, signifying a major transition in the ownership structure of the UFC.

In 2017, Dana White launched 'Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series' on UFC FIGHT PASS. The series showcases live fights in each episode, featuring up-and-coming talent and veteran fighters striving to break into UFC.

On January 13, 2017, Dana White reiterated his stance against a Mayweather-McGregor boxing matchup due to McGregor's contract with the UFC. White offered Mayweather to box McGregor in the UFC for $25 million.

In a season 15 episode of History Channel's Pawn Stars, Dana White purchased around $60,000 worth of Katana swords, including one of Rick Harrison's 17th-century Japanese Katana.

Dana White was seen arriving at 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' on October 3, 2018, in Los Angeles, California.

On March 18, 2019, Dana White signed a new, seven-year contract to remain president of the UFC, coinciding with the UFC's deal with ESPN. This solidified his continued leadership in the organization.

In Nevada, on April 3, 2020, a civil suit against Dana White was filed, claiming various allegations including offering money to persuade someone to plead guilty, which White denied. The lawsuit was dismissed on October 7, 2020.

In January 2021, Dana White shared his life story, including his experience as a bellman in a hotel, reflecting on the journey that led to his current position as the president of the UFC.

In 2022, Dana White announced a new competitive combat sport called Power Slap, focused on open-handed striking. The sport is fully sanctioned and regulated by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

Before his career in the UFC, Dana White worked as a bellman in different hotels in Boston, which was one of his initial jobs.