Once insulting Soccer, Dana White gets real about Cristiano Ronaldo’s all-time superstar status
UFC CEO Dana White backtracks his past comments on soccer after meeting Cristiano Ronaldo at UFC Saudi Arabia.
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Dana White shares insights of his meeting with Cristiano Ronaldo (via X)
Cristiano Ronaldo, considered one of soccer’s GOATs, attended UFC Saudi Arabia, generating massive global attention due to his unparalleled popularity. As the world’s most-followed person, his presence created immense hype around the fight card. It was enough to make an impact on UFC CEO Dana White, who has been historically indifferent to soccer.
UFC Saudi Arabia turned out to be a massive success for the UFC given its influence in the Middle Eastern countries. Ronaldo visited the event with Saudi boxing promoter, Turki Alalshikh, who is a good friend of White. After the event, the UFC boss talked about his meeting with Ronaldo in detail.
I’m not a big soccer guy, As far as superstars, he’s one of the biggest superstars ever. You know what I like about him too? As popular, as successful, and as wealthy as he’s become, he’s a very nice, humble guy. I like him, he’s a very nice guy.
Dana White via UFC Saudi Arabia post-fight presser
This statement strictly contradicts White’s infamous rant about soccer being the ‘least talented sport in the world.’ In the interview, White also said his three-year-old can also play soccer, which makes it very easy. However, it seems like White has now come to realize the global appeal of soccer.
Dana White is asked where he ranks Cristiano Ronaldo in the top athletes of all time. pic.twitter.com/72Z8luIXK9
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) February 1, 2025
Soccer is the most popular sport in the world and is played in almost all countries. Unlike UFC fighters, top soccer players have way better contracts and are multi-millionaires. Ronaldo himself is worth around $900 million and has been following UFC for years.
Cristiano Ronaldo loves Dana White’s UFC
After conquering European football, Cristiano Ronaldo plays for the Saudi Arabian football team, Al Nassar as the captain. As a result, he often visits combat sports events that are held as part of the Riyadh Season. He has appeared in popular boxing bouts, such as the heavyweight clash between Anthony Joshua and Otto Wallin in 2023.
During that visit, Ronaldo also went viral for his meeting with UFC superstar Conor McGregor. Both superstars have known each other for years and have massive mutual respect. During his latest visit to UFC Saudi Arabia, the soccer superstar shared his honest opinion about UFC.
Everyone that knows me knows that I love UFC & I love Riyadh season, you do a fantastic show, congratulations guys.
Cristiano Ronaldo via Turki Alalshikh’s X
Cristiano Ronaldo:
— Al Nassr Zone (@TheNassrZone) February 1, 2025
“Everyone that knows me knows that I love UFC & I love Riyadh season, you do a fantastic show, congratulations guys”pic.twitter.com/5c3ZPxWtVn
Before this, Ronaldo had visited former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou‘s PFL debut, which took place last year. During that fight, fans learned about his knowledge and interest in MMA. It would be interesting to see whether Dana White invites Ronald to any pay-per-view event back in the US.
Related: Is Dana White firing Bryce Mitchell over Hitler-praising speech? UFC CEO reveals decision
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Ameetosh Dash
(947 Articles Published)