NFL GOAT Tom Brady Reveals His ‘First Cousin’ Works with UFC’s Top Brass Alongside Dana White
Legendary NFL quarterback Tom Brady reveals his personal connection to UFC matchmaker and Dana White's right hand Sean Shelby.
Tom Brady reveals that Sean Shelby is his relative (via KGOUC, X)
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Tom Brady is widely regarded as the greatest quarterback in NFL history. His career includes seven Super Bowl titles, multiple MVP awards, and unmatched longevity as the quarterback. Beyond football, Brady has remained closely connected to the UFC through frequent event appearances and business ventures. That link grew stronger after he revealed he is related to a member of UFC CEO Dana White’s executive team.
Brady’s credentials place him among the most accomplished athletes in American sports. His sustained success and postseason dominance defined an era in the NFL. Outside of football, he has built visible relationships within combat sports. Brady has had friendly interactions with UFC stars such as Alexander Volkanovski and Kamaru Usman.
Dana White oversees a wide executive structure within the UFC. Despite that, several key responsibilities are entrusted to a small inner circle of trusted advisors. Matchmaking and fighter relations are primarily handled by Hunter Campbell and Sean Shelby. The NFL legend recently revealed a personal family connection to Shelby, who plays a significant role in shaping UFC fight cards.
My cousin, Sean Shelby, has worked with the UFC for over 20 years. That’s my boy, my first cousin. I love you so much Sean and he has done a great job working with Dana over the years. I am a huge UFC fan, love all the fights.
Tom Brady via Nina Marie Daniele
Tom Brady reveals he is first cousins with UFC Matchmaker Sean Shelby pic.twitter.com/oNA8W5TwnC
— Nina-Marie Daniele (@Ninadrama) December 16, 2025
Sean Shelby joined the UFC in the mid-2000s and later became a central figure in talent relations and matchmaking. He is responsible for constructing fight cards across multiple divisions and managing negotiations with fighters. His authority often places him at odds with athletes disputing opponents, locations, or timing. Such conflicts are a regular and expected part of his role within the organization.
Brady was part of a high-profile investment group that purchased a stake in the UFC in 2016. The group included several prominent celebrities and athletes from different sports. Brady has maintained a strong personal and professional relationship with the White over the years. The UFC CEO also publicly expressed disappointment when Brady retired from football in 2023.
The connections between Tom Brady and the UFC now extend across business, personal, and executive levels. Shelby’s influence over matchmaking places him at the center of the sport’s competitive landscape. Brady’s comments underscored how close and important Shelby is to him on a personal level. Dana White continues to oversee and unify these relationships, reflecting Brady’s lasting impact beyond the NFL.
Tom Brady reveals his Greatest of All Time UFC fighters
The debate over the greatest fighter in UFC history has persisted for many years. Prominent figures across combat sports and beyond have weighed in on the discussion. Several legendary champions are routinely mentioned in these conversations. Names such as Georges St-Pierre, Anderson Silva, and Demetrious Johnson are often cited based on dominance and longevity.

Tom Brady recently addressed the UFC GOAT debate during a conversation with popular influencer and MMA reporter Nina Marie Daniele. When asked for his perspective, the NFL legend quickly identified two standout figures. Brady named former two-division champion Jon Jones and undefeated lightweight great Khabib Nurmagomedov. Both fighters are widely regarded among the most accomplished in UFC history.
Tom Brady was asked about his UFC GOATs, and he named Jon Jones and Khabib Nurmagomedov 🐐🏆 pic.twitter.com/AvVbw5JO3R
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) December 17, 2025
Brady’s comments were further contextualized by his direct presence at a major moment in UFC history. He attended the event at T-Mobile Arena in March 2023 when Jon Jones returned after a lengthy layoff. Jones captured the heavyweight championship in his divisional debut that night. The moment reinforced Tom Brady’s firsthand connection to ‘Bones’ legacy and the broader GOAT debate.
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