“Wouldn’t want him to run for President,” Dana White heaps huge praise for ‘greatest governor’ Ron DeSantis’ development in Florida

UFC CEO Dana White talks about Governor Ron DeSantis and recalls his help with UFC shows in Florida during COVID.

“Wouldn’t want him to run for President,” Dana White heaps huge praise for ‘greatest governor’ Ron DeSantis’ development in Florida

Dana White talks about Ron deSantis ( Image via Imago/X)

UFC CEO Dana White shares a cordial relationship with Ron DeSantis, the Governor of Florida. Dana White is a prominent figure in the world of mixed martial arts. He recalled DeSantis’s support during the struggling times of COVID.

In a recent appearance on the Full Send Podcast, Dana White talked about Ron DeSantis and his candidacy for the presidency. This is what White had to say about the Presidential run for the Florida Governor:

DeSantis was one of the greatest governors of all time. If I lived in Florida I wouldn't want DeSantis to run for f***ing Presidency. I'd want DeSantis to be in Florida for the rest of my f***ing life.
Dana White via Full Send Podcast
YouTube video

Ron DeSantis announced his candidacy for the 2024 presidential race on May 2023, aiming to challenge Joe Biden in the upcoming election. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis supported the UFC CEO in resuming activities.

FS Video

DeSantis expressed gratitude on Facebook, thanking Dana and UFC for being the first sport back during the pandemic. He also extended a warm welcome to Florida for future events. Dana White reciprocated the appreciation, acknowledging DeSantis and Jacksonville officials’ support. He emphasized their role in the successful hosting of UFC events amidst the pandemic. This collaboration faced criticism but contributed to the UFC’s success during challenging times.

How Ron DeSantis played a role in supporting Dana White and the UFC during the pandemic

Dana White‘s UFC was allowed to host events right after COVID in Florida. Despite COVID challenges, Dana was determined to resume events. He emphasized the importance of restarting sports and mentioned the significant expenses involved. Governor Ron DeSantis signed Executive Order 20-91 in April 2020, permitting Florida venues to host UFC events behind closed doors during the pandemic.

Dana White
How Ron DeSantis helped Dana White (Image source: Imago )

Dana White aimed to make UFC events a symbol of resilience. The Jacksonville event in 2020 was highlighted as the first sporting event in the U.S. since the pandemic began. DeSantis and White faced much scrutiny for holding an event in Florida during the pandemic. However, DeSantis thanked Dana White and the UFC for being the first sport to resume during the pandemic, expressing a welcoming attitude towards the organization in Florida.

The UFC successfully continued operations during COVID-19, notably with UFC 249. The UFC held events without live audiences. Memorable bouts like Tony Ferguson vs. Justin Gaethje and Anthony Smith vs. Glover Texeira entertained fans during the pandemic in Florida.

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