Dana White Slams Critics for Claiming $500 Million Man ‘Lost Interest’ in UFC

UFC CEO Dana White calls out critics questioning his interest in the UFC after recent lackluster announcements and interviews.

Dana White Slams Critics for Claiming $500 Million Man ‘Lost Interest’ in UFC

Dana White fires back at critics (via Bleacher Report)

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There is no doubt that Dana White is responsible for building the UFC from a shunned sports promotion into one of the biggest in the world today. He first served as the organization’s President and now holds the title of CEO. Despite this, recent speculation suggested he may have lost interest in the sport entirely. White recently addressed these doubts, clarifying his continued commitment to the UFC and its growth.

White took over the UFC in 2001, serving as President, and was recently promoted to CEO after the UFC-WWE merger into TKO Group Holdings. Since then, he has transformed the organization into a global phenomenon with the help of his team, including Hunter Campbell and Sean Shelby. UFC events have been held at major venues such as Madison Square Garden and the Las Vegas Sphere.

Many have recently noticed White appearing less excited during UFC announcements and media events. He gave a recent interview with Paramount CBS, where he seemed somewhat dull while answering questions. This sparked speculation about his ongoing interest in the sport he helped build. White later addressed these concerns directly, clarifying that he remains fully committed to the UFC.

So I did one interview with CBS and I didn’t answer the question the way they thought I should answer the question, so I don’t care about the UFC anymore? Well, I’ll tell you what, here’s my answer: Come see what we do in 2026 going into 2027, and you will find out that I care very much about the UFC. I’m taking on more and I don’t know what they saw in the CBS interview – I don’t even know how to answer that question. It’s weird one question in the interview, to think [from this that] I don’t care about the UFC anymore. It’s kind of a weird thing.

Dana White via SBJ

White’s previous responsibilities were primarily limited to the UFC and its day-to-day operations. Over time, he has become heavily involved in both the Power Slap League and his Zuffa Boxing venture. His goal to expand into professional boxing and become a major figure in the sport has demanded significant attention. This growing workload may have led some fans to question his commitment to the UFC.

In addition to his other ventures, White is tasked with overseeing the UFC’s smooth transition to Paramount+. He has signed a record $7.7 billion streaming rights deal with Paramount+ for a seven-year period. This agreement will allow all UFC events to be streamed in one place for fans worldwide. It also shifts the promotion away from the traditional pay-per-view model toward a subscription-based system.

Dana White has always defended the UFC from fans and critics and is no stranger to public scrutiny. His leadership has consistently guided the promotion through challenges and controversies. The wider stakes of his recent comments highlight that one interview should not overshadow his active role. White’s statement reinforces that he remains fully focused on growing the UFC and protecting its global standing.

Dana White talks about the costs of hosting a UFC event at the White House

The UFC White House event is scheduled for June 14, 2026, on the South Lawn of the White House. The event plans to host around 5,000 VIP guests and place the octagon directly on the lawn. Extensive coordination with the Secret Service and adaptation of the sloped terrain are required for the setup. UFC CEO Dana White has highlighted the scale and complexity of staging a fight at this historic venue.

Dana White highlights the UFC White House cost
Dana White highlights the UFC White House cost (via MMA Fighting, White House)

Hosting an event of this magnitude at a historically and culturally significant location is undoubtedly a financial challenge. White has already spoken about spending more than $700,000 to replace the South Lawn’s grass to accommodate the octagon. Beyond that, he recently highlighted other logistical and structural challenges for the event, which will undoubtedly add further complexity.

There’s a laundry list of challenges. First of all, the South Lawn slopes like this, let’s start there. There’s only a certain amount of people you can get in. And then, Secret Service, I’ve been to the White House a million times and I get a lot of leeway at the White House. Everybody knows I’m not there to hurt anybody, so when we bring in 4,500 people that night plus all the production staff and everybody that has to be a part of the event. Logistically pulling this off is insane.

Dana White via TNT Sports

While there is significant anticipation surrounding the UFC White House event, no official fight announcements have been made. The promotion has not yet confirmed any matchups or headline bouts for the card. Dana White has stated that fights will begin to be decided only after the conclusion of UFC 324. Until then, the lineup for the historic event remains undecided.

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