Early Life and Education of Dana White: A Complete Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Dana White, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Dana White is an American businessman, primarily known as the CEO and president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Under his leadership, the UFC has grown into a global mixed martial arts organization. His net worth was estimated at $500 million in 2019. He also owns Power Slap, a slap fighting promotion founded in 2022. In 2025 he was elected to the board of directors of Meta Platforms.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1987: Graduation from High School

In 1987, Dana White graduated from Hermon High School.

1996: Marriage to Anne Stella

In 1996, Dana White married Anne (née Stella).

January 2001: Acquisition of UFC

In January 2001, Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta acquired the UFC for $2 million, subsequently becoming a subsidiary of Zuffa, and Dana White was installed as the company's president.

2006: Purchase of Mansion

In 2006, Dana White bought a mansion in Pine Island Court, Las Vegas, from Frank Fertitta III for $1.95 million.

2007: $1 million bet on Jermain Taylor

In 2007, Dana White wagered $1 million on Jermain Taylor to win against Kelly Pavlik. Taylor lost the bout by technical knockout, which White said ruined his trip.

2010: Flash Entertainment Stake in Zuffa

In 2010, Flash Entertainment bought a 10% stake in Zuffa for a reported $150–175 million.

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.

July 2016: Zuffa Sold to WME-IMG

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.

October 2016: Purchase of Mansions

In October 2016, Dana White began buying mansions in Pine Island Court.

2016: Endorsement of Donald Trump

In 2016, Dana White spoke at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, endorsing Republican nominee Donald Trump.

June 2017: Purchase of Mansions

By June 2017, Dana White purchased 3 other mansions in Pine Island Court for a total of $6.2 million.

October 2017: Entering Boxing

In October 2017, Dana White announced at Freddie Roach's Wild Card West boxing club that he was "getting into boxing, 100 percent".

March 2019: New Contract and ESPN Deal

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

August 2019: Net Worth Estimated

In August 2019, Dana White's net worth was estimated at $500 million.

2019: Intention to Incorporate Boxing

In 2019, Dana White expressed his desire to incorporate boxing into the company portfolio of the UFC.

February 2020: Donation to America First Action

In February 2020, Dana White donated $1 million to America First Action, a super political action committee that supported Trump's re-election bid.

April 2020: Helping Rebuild the Economy

In April 2020, Dana White joined a group of industry leaders to help the United States rebuild its economy hit by the coronavirus pandemic.

2020: Attempt to Bring Brady and Gronkowski to Raiders

In 2020, Dana White worked to negotiate a deal to bring Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski to the Las Vegas Raiders, but the deal was nixed by Jon Gruden.

2021: Largest sports bet

In 2021, Dana White stated that the biggest sports bet he had placed was in 2007. He wagered $1 million on Jermain Taylor to beat Kelly Pavlik.

2022: Physical altercation with his wife, Anne

During a 2022 New Year's Eve party in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, Dana White and his wife Anne were filmed arguing and getting into a physical altercation. Both apologized and said they had consumed too much alcohol. The California Legislative Women's Caucus requested White's removal from the UFC.

2022: Boxing Promotion is a Broken Business

In 2022, Dana White backpedaled on his boxing plans, stating that boxing promotion is "a broken business that is an absolute nightmare to try to fix".

2022: Founded Power Slap

In 2022, Dana White founded Power Slap, a slap fighting promotion.

2022: Deal Details Revealed

In 2022, Dana White revealed details about his attempt to bring Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski to the Raiders, sharing it in an interview alongside Rob Gronkowski.

April 2023: UFC and WWE Merger

In April 2023, Endeavor announced a deal to merge WWE with UFC, forming TKO Group Holdings, and Dana White was named CEO of the UFC.

March 2024: High-stakes baccarat winnings at Caesars Palace

In March 2024, Dana White stated he plays high-stakes baccarat, wagering up to $350,000 per hand at Caesars Palace. He claimed to have won $26 million at Caesars Palace from January to March 2024.

2024: Endorsement of Donald Trump at RNC

In 2024, Dana White again endorsed Donald Trump and introduced him at the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

2024: Promotion of Callum Walsh Card

In 2024, Dana White promoted a card featuring Irish boxer Callum Walsh which was streamed on UFC Fight Pass.

January 2025: Elected to Meta Platforms Board of Directors

In January 2025, Meta Platforms announced that Dana White had been elected to its board of directors.

March 2025: Partnership for Zuffa Boxing

In March 2025, Dana White announced a partnership with Turki Al-Sheikh to create a new boxing league named Zuffa Boxing.

August 2025: Broadcast Deal with Paramount and CBS

In August 2025, Dana White stated that the UFC had reached a seven-year, $7.7-billion broadcast deal with Paramount and CBS set to begin in 2026.

2025: Re-entering Boxing Promotion

In 2025, Dana White re-announced his intention to enter boxing promotion, stating he was "coming in guns blazing".

2025: Elected to Meta Platforms Board

In 2025, Meta Platforms elected Dana White to its board of directors.

2026: Start of Broadcast Deal

In 2026, the seven-year, $7.7-billion broadcast deal between UFC, Paramount, and CBS begins, giving US fans access to UFC content without Pay-Per-View.