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 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

July 28, 1969: Dana White's Birth

On July 28, 1969, Dana Frederick White Jr. was born. He later became a prominent American businessman and the CEO and president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Others born on this day/year

1987: Graduation from Hermon High School

In 1987, Dana White graduated from Hermon High School, marking the end of his secondary education and the beginning of his early career explorations.

1996: Marriage to Anne Stella

In 1996, Dana White married Anne (née Stella), whom he had met in the eighth grade, marking a significant milestone in his personal life.

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.

2006: Purchase of Mansion in Pine Island Court

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

2007: Million Dollar Sports Bet

In 2007, Dana White placed a $1 million bet on Jermain Taylor to beat Kelly Pavlik, which Taylor lost by technical knockout, resulting in White losing his bet.

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.

May 2012: Diagnosis of Ménière's Disease

In May 2012, Dana White revealed that he had been diagnosed with Ménière's disease, an inner ear disorder, leading him to miss his first UFC card in 11 years.

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 2016: Purchase of Additional Mansions

In October 2016, Dana White began purchasing additional mansions in Pine Island Court, signaling plans to expand his residential footprint.

2016: Endorsement of Donald Trump at Republican National Convention

In 2016, Dana White spoke at the Republican National Convention, endorsing Donald Trump and highlighting Trump's early support for the UFC.

June 2017: Continued Mansion Purchases

By June 2017, Dana White had purchased a total of three other mansions in Pine Island Court for a combined total of around $6.2 million, indicating significant investment in the area.

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.

February 2020: Donation to America First Action

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

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.

2020: Negotiations for Brady and Gronkowski to Join Raiders

In 2020, Dana White negotiated a deal to bring Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski to the Las Vegas Raiders, but the deal was nixed by Jon Gruden, resulting in them signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

2021: Statement on Gambling Habits

In 2021, Dana White discussed his gambling habits, including his high-stakes blackjack play and his $1 million sports bet in 2007.

2022: Founded Power Slap

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

2022: Disclosure of Failed Raiders Deal

In a 2022 interview, Dana White disclosed that he had attempted to negotiate a deal to bring Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski to the Las Vegas Raiders in 2020, revealing details of the near-acquisition.

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.

March 2024: High-Stakes Baccarat Winnings

In March 2024, Dana White claimed to have won $26 million at Caesars Palace from January to March, playing high-stakes baccarat with wagers up to $350,000 per hand.

2024: Endorsement of Trump at Republican National Convention

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

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.