Dana White Declares End to Political Involvement in Wake of Trump's Win

Dana White, CEO of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, has vowed to abstain from political activities after the recent election cycle.

In a blunt statement, White announced his decision to distance himself from politics, deeming his experiences during the 2024 election as distasteful, despite the victory of his preferred presidential candidate, as the Daily Caller reports.

White's announcement came during a Tuesday interview with The New Yorker. As CEO of the UFC, he has been a notable figure in both sports and political circles, due to his longstanding friendship with Donald Trump.

Relationship Between White and Trump

White’s political involvement peaked during the 2024 election cycle when he actively campaigned for Trump. His support was not new; the two have known each other for over 25 years.

Trump's early support was crucial for UFC, especially when the organization faced challenges securing venues because of its violent reputation.

Their relationship extended into various UFC events, with Trump making an appearance at UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden. The event, attended by notable figures such as Elon Musk and Tulsi Gabbard, saw Trump receive a warm welcome, contradicting some media narratives about his popularity.

White’s Disenchantment with Politics

Following the enthusiastic reception Trump received at UFC 309, White expressed his disillusionment with the political world. He described his involvement as "gross" and "disgusting," deciding it was time to step back.

"I’m never f**king doing this again," White declared in the interview. "I want nothing to do with this shit. It’s gross. It’s disgusting. I want nothing to do with politics." These strong words underscore his firm resolution to leave the political arena.

Public Endorsements and Political Statements

Despite his recent statements, White’s support for Trump has been prominent, including a speech at the Republican National Convention in July. There, he praised Trump as "the toughest, most resilient" person he has known. "I know President Trump as a fighter," he stated, linking his understanding of resilience through his experience in the "tough guy business."

His comments at the RNC did not just highlight Trump’s resilience but also reflected White’s personal admiration for the former president, whom he sees as a pivotal figure in his life and business.

Path Forward for Dana White

While White has made it clear that his days of political involvement are over, his focus remains on leading UFC. He continues to celebrate achievements within the sport, like acknowledging Jon Jones as “the greatest fighter to ever live,” despite the controversies surrounding him.

As Dana White steps back from the political limelight, his contributions to the UFC and the world of mixed martial arts continue to shape his legacy far beyond the political endorsements of the past.