The Unlikely Friendship: UFC CEO Dana White and President Donald Trump
Dana White, the charismatic and outspoken CEO of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), has forged an unlikely yet robust friendship with former President Donald Trump. Over the past eight years, White has become one of Trump’s most ardent supporters, but the relationship wasn’t always so straightforward. In fact, there was a time when the two were on opposing sides, at least in the business world.
The Early Days: Trump’s Support for the UFC
Back in the early 2000s, the UFC was struggling to find venues to host its events. It was a period when the sport of mixed martial arts (MMA) was still viewed with skepticism by many, and securing viable locations was a constant challenge. It was during this time that Trump extended a hand to the UFC, offering the arenas connected to his New Jersey casinos and hotels. This crucial support came at a time when Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta had just bought the promotion and were working diligently to revitalize it. Trump’s backing was instrumental, and it made a lifelong fan out of Dana White.
The Business Rivalry: Trump and the Affliction Promotion
In 2008, the dynamic between White and Trump took an interesting turn. Trump decided to lend his name and celebrity to the fledgling Affliction promotion, headed up by executive Tom Atencio. Affliction quickly positioned itself as a rival to the UFC, signing several prominent athletes with past experience in the promotion. The debut event even went head to head with a UFC card on the same night. Despite the competitive nature of this move, White never took aim at Trump for getting involved with Affliction. In an interview with Forbes, White recounted the situation, emphasizing his unwavering respect for Trump.
“He did [launch his own promotion],” White said. “That’s funny. What happened was I think it was TMZ interviewing me one time and they’re like ‘Donald Trump’s about to go head to head with you, what do you have to say about that?’ I said, I’ll never say anything bad about Donald Trump. Donald Trump was good to us. But it’s a testament to how much he likes fighting and what he saw in the UFC back in those days.”
A Brief but Memorable Rival Promotion
Affliction’s foray into the MMA world was brief. The promotion managed only two shows before a third was cancelled, and it quickly crumbled thereafter. Despite the short-lived nature of Affliction, White was unfazed by Trump’s involvement. “Not at all [threatened],” White said. “It’s the exact opposite. They were trying to get me to say something bad about him, and I said I never will. This guy was there in the beginning, he’s always been a good friend to me.”
A Shift in Dynamic: Trump’s Presidential Ambition
While White had always been a vocal fan of Trump, the relationship took a significant turn when Trump announced his run for the presidency in 2016. Trump approached White about speaking on his behalf at the Republican National Convention, a request that changed the nature of their relationship forever. “In 2015, when he hit me up and said, ‘Would you speak at the Republican convention for me?’ He started out with ‘if you don’t want to do it, I completely understand,’" White recalled. Despite warnings from others not to get involved, White decided to support Trump, recognizing the former host of "The Apprentice" as a good friend who had been there for him when he needed it most.
Deepening Ties: White’s Role in Trump’s 2024 Re-Election Campaign
White’s ties with Trump continued to grow stronger during Trump’s re-election campaign in 2024. White stumped for Trump throughout the year, spoke for him again at the Republican National Convention, and even took the stage during his celebration after winning in November. Their relationship, once forged through business and mutual respect, had evolved into a deep and lasting friendship, built on shared values and a commitment to success.
A Lasting Legacy of Support and Friendship
The story of Dana White and Donald Trump is a testament to the power of friendship and mutual support. Despite the business rivalry that briefly divided them, their relationship remained strong, built on a foundation of trust and shared experiences. As White continues to lead the UFC and Trump navigates the political landscape, their friendship stands as a unique and enduring bond, a reminder that even in the competitive world of business and politics, true friends can be found in the most unexpected places.
