Dana White eyes $20 Billion generating NFL as competition; dismisses threat from GFL
UFC CEO Dana White doesn't think of other MMA promotions like GFL or PFL as competitors and is planning to compete with the NFL.
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Dana White talks about the new MMA promotion GFL (via Imago/X)
Dana White has been a part of UFC for more than 20 years, and has given everything to this company. He was able to take UFC from the verge of bankruptcy to a multi-billion dollar company. Currently, White has immense confidence in the UFC, and doesn’t think newer promotions pose any threat to it.
The Global Fighting League (GFL) is the new player in the game, and has already signed a lot of former UFC superstars. The GFL were recently able to sign the legendary Tony Ferguson who last fought in the UFC. When asked about potential competition, Dana White gave a rather direct and befitting reply.
I think these guys are burning real cash. These guys are throwing a lot of money around, and I love it. Good for the fighters, it’s good for them… I don’t consider any combat sports my competition. My competition is the NFL, college football, soccer, big movies that come out on Saturday.
Dana White via Power Slap presser
The NFL is one of the biggest sports leagues in the world and generates over $20 billion per year, which is way more in comparison to UFC. However, it seems like White is laser-focused on achieving the incredible feat. 2024 was a massive year for the promotion with multiple record-breaking pay-per-views.
Last year, UFC 306 was one of the most groundbreaking events in combat sports history. In 2025, White has always talked about potentially holding even more exciting events. Years of being at the top have put the UFC way ahead of all its competitors.
Dana White mocks other MMA promotions trying to compete with UFC
The UFC dominates the MMA scene because it signs the best fighters, promotes them effectively, and delivers elite matchups. Its strategic business model, superior production, and global expansion ensure it remains MMA’s premier organization, outlasting and surpassing all competitors. Recently, PFL has made quite a noise when it comes to their narrative about competing with UFC.
However, in reality, the promotion has lost many of their top fighters to UFC. After Kayla Harrison, now Patricio Pitbull also wants to move to UFC to battle tough opponents. Dana White was never concerned about the PFL and has talked about their potential failure.
They’re canceling a lot of shows. I know that a lot of guys that are supposed to fight aren’t fighting. You guys know what the f**k’s going on. When you see that start to happen, you’re running out of money. Things aren’t looking good. You’re going to have people that want to jump ship.
Dana White via UFC 310 post-fight presser
Apart from PFL, currently, the biggest combat sports promotion to make new waves is BKFC. Partly owned by Conor McGregor, BKFC recently held their KnuckleMania 5 with over 17K attendance. It would be interesting to see how BKFC manages to capitalize on this incredible momentum.
Related: Dana White’s wife: Who is Anne White and how did she meet the UFC CEO?
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Ameetosh Dash
(945 Articles Published)