Career Timeline of Dana White: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Dana White made an impact.

Dana White is an American businessman best known as the CEO and president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). His leadership has been pivotal in transforming the UFC into a global mixed martial arts powerhouse. White's estimated net worth reached $500 million by 2019. In addition to his role in the UFC, he founded Power Slap, a slap fighting promotion, in 2022, and was elected to Meta Platforms' board of directors in 2025.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

January 2001: Acquisition of UFC and Appointment as President

In January 2001, Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta acquired the UFC for $2 million and installed Dana White as the company's president, marking a pivotal moment in his career and the history of the UFC.

2004: Investment in UFC without Profitability

By 2004, the Fertittas had invested over $40 million into the UFC without the company achieving significant growth or profitability, posing a major challenge to the organization's future.

2006: UFC 66 Generates Over 1 Million Pay-Per-View Buys

In 2006, UFC 66, headlined by Chuck Liddell and Tito Ortiz, generated over 1,000,000 pay-per-view buys, signaling a major breakthrough in the company's success.

2008: UFC Valued at $1.1 Billion

By 2008, Forbes valued the UFC at $1.1 billion, highlighting the significant growth and success of the company under Dana White's leadership.

2010: Donation for Liver Transplant

In 2010, Dana White donated $50,000 for a liver transplant to Tuptim Jadnooleum, the daughter of "Kru Nai" Rattanachai, an instructor at Tiger Muay Thai and MMA in Phuket, Thailand.

2010: Flash Entertainment Acquires Stake in Zuffa

In 2010, Flash Entertainment, a subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Government, bought a 10% stake in Zuffa for a reported $150–175 million, impacting the ownership structure of the UFC.

2011: Donation to Former High School

In 2011, Dana White donated $100,000 to his former high school to fund renovations to their athletic facilities.

2011: Dana White's Initial Stance Against Women in UFC

In 2011, during a street interview with TMZ Sports, Dana White responded "never ever" to the question of when women would be seen in the UFC, a stance he later reversed.

February 2013: First Women's Bout in UFC

In February 2013, the UFC held its first women's bout, featuring Ronda Rousey and Liz Carmouche, marking a significant shift in the organization's approach to gender inclusion.

2015: UFC Gross Revenue Reaches $600 Million

In 2015, the UFC's gross revenue reached $600 million, with Ronda Rousey and Conor McGregor accounting for a significant portion of the pay-per-view buys.

July 2016: Zuffa Sold for $4.025 Billion

In July 2016, Zuffa was sold to a consortium of investors led by WME-IMG for $4.025 billion, with Dana White continuing as president and retaining a stake in the new business.

October 2017: White Announces Entry into Boxing Promotion

In October 2017, Dana White announced his intention to enter the boxing promotion business, stating he was "getting into boxing, 100 percent."

2017: Donation to Las Vegas Shooting Victims

In 2017, Dana White donated $1 million to the victims of the Las Vegas shooting.

March 2019: White Signs New Contract with UFC

In March 2019, Dana White signed a new, seven-year contract to remain president of the UFC, coinciding with a deal between the UFC and ESPN.

August 2019: Net Worth Estimate

In August 2019, Dana White's net worth was estimated to be $500 million, reflecting his success in the business world.

2019: White's Initial Plans to Incorporate Boxing into UFC

In 2019, Dana White expressed his desire to incorporate boxing into the company portfolio of the UFC, expanding its reach into a new combat sport.

2019: Donation to The Good Fight Foundation

In 2019, after UFC 242, Khabib Nurmagomedov raised $100,000 for Dustin Poirier's charity, The Good Fight Foundation. Dana White followed and also donated $100,000 to Poirier's charity foundation.

April 2020: Joining Industry Leaders to Rebuild US Economy

In April 2020, Dana White joined a group of industry leaders to help rebuild the United States economy, which had been significantly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

2022: Founded Power Slap

In 2022, Dana White founded Power Slap, a slap fighting promotion, expanding his ventures outside of the UFC.

2022: White Backpedals on Boxing Promotion

In 2022, Dana White stated that boxing promotion is "a broken business that is an absolute nightmare to try to fix," retracting his earlier plans.

April 2023: Endeavor Announces Merger of UFC and WWE

In April 2023, Endeavor announced a deal to merge the UFC with WWE to form TKO Group Holdings, with Dana White becoming the chief executive officer of the UFC.

2024: Donation for Trump Assassination Attempt Victims

In 2024, Dana White donated $50,000 towards the support of victims affected by the attempted assassination of former president Donald J. Trump during a rally held on July 13 in Butler, Pennsylvania.

2024: White Promotes Boxing Card on UFC Fight Pass

In 2024, Dana White promoted a boxing card featuring Irish boxer Callum Walsh, which was streamed on UFC Fight Pass, marking his return to the boxing scene.

March 2025: Partnership with Turki Al-Sheikh for Boxing League

In March 2025, Dana White announced a partnership with Turki Al-Sheikh to create a new boxing league, modeled after the UFC, with backing from TKO Group Holdings and Sela.

2025: White Re-announces Intention to Enter Boxing Promotion

In 2025, Dana White re-announced his intention to enter boxing promotion, stating he was "coming in guns blazing," signaling a renewed commitment to the sport.