Dana White Net Worth: How UFC's President Built His Fortune

Dana White Net Worth: How UFC's President Built His Fortune.

What Is Dana White's Net Worth and Salary?

Dana White is a well-known American businessman and sports promoter with a net worth of around $500 million. He’s most famous for being the President of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), which is a major player in the mixed martial arts scene.

When the UFC was sold to William Morris Endeavor (WME) for a whopping $4 billion in 2016, Dana held a 9% stake in the company. Before that, he had sold most of the organization to the Fertitta brothers, who are billionaires in the casino industry. After taxes, Dana's share from the sale netted him about $360 million.

Thanks to his leadership, White turned the UFC from a struggling niche organization into a global MMA giant, helping to popularize the sport around the world. Under his watch, the UFC expanded internationally, landed big TV and sponsorship deals, and saw a huge boost in its fan base and revenue.

White's bold marketing tactics and the rise of star fighters have been key in bringing MMA into the mainstream. He’s been behind some of the biggest fights in the sport, solidifying the UFC's status as the top organization in MMA. His work has not only changed how people view MMA but has also been vital in making the sport more professional and regulated.

On top of his UFC success, White has ventured into other projects like Zuffa Boxing and has been involved in various charitable initiatives. His outspoken nature and hands-on style have made him a well-known figure in the sports industry, often grabbing headlines for his daring choices and impact on the growth of MMA.

Early Life

Dana White was born Dana Frederick White Jr. on July 28, 1969, in Manchester, Connecticut. He’s the son of June and Dana White and grew up mostly with his mom and grandparents alongside his sister, Kelly. His childhood was a mix of living in Las Vegas and Maine. Sports were a big part of his life, especially boxing, and he’s been a die-hard Boston Red Sox fan forever. He graduated from Hermon High School in Maine in 1987.

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Early Career

After high school, White headed to the University of Massachusetts but didn’t complete his degree. While studying there, he started a boxing program for at-risk kids in the city. To support himself, he also worked as an aerobics instructor. Eventually, he made the move to Las Vegas full-time and launched Dana White Enterprises in 1992.

Around this time, he began managing fighters like Chuck Liddell and Tito Ortiz. White also started exploring other fighting styles, including Mixed Martial Arts and Muay Thai, which would later shape the UFC.

Fortunately for White, he reconnected with Lorenzo Fertitta, a former high school buddy who had become a big deal at Station Casinos. They caught up at a wedding in the mid-'90s, bonding over their mutual passion for boxing and discussing their hopes to collaborate in the future.

The UFC

While managing fighters, White found himself in some heated disputes with the UFC. He dug into the finances of Semaphore Entertainment Group, the UFC's parent company, and discovered they were on the verge of bankruptcy. After getting the scoop, White reached out to his childhood buddy, Lorenzo Fertitta, to discuss making a bid.

Lorenzo quickly recognized the potential for profit and struck a deal to purchase the UFC. He also brought his older brother Frank into the mix. In 2001, the Fertitta brothers shelled out $2 million for an 81% stake in the UFC and soon named White as president. Since then, White and his crew have transformed the organization from something seen as brutal and illegal into a global sensation.

White has kept his role as president even after the company was sold. Thanks to his leadership, the sport's popularity has skyrocketed, turning it into a multi-billion dollar enterprise. In May 2017, the UFC announced that White would host a show called "Dana White's Contender Series," which is available exclusively on UFC's digital streaming platform, UFC Fight Pass. The show highlights rising fighters, giving them a chance to prove themselves for a shot at the UFC. On March 18, 2019, White announced he had signed a new contract with ESPN to continue as UFC president for another seven years.

In January 2023, White launched his slap-fighting competition called "Power Slap," but it was reportedly canceled by TBS.

UFC Sale to WME

Before selling the company, Dana held a 9% share of the UFC. In May 2016, news broke that the Fertitta brothers were in serious discussions to sell the UFC for around $6 billion. At that price, Dana's 9% would have been valued at about $540 million. By July 2016, it was officially announced that the UFC was sold to talent agency WME-IMG for $4 billion, leaving Dana with $360 million before taxes.

Fast forward to 2023, Endeavor (which was formerly WME-IMG) created a new public company that combined WWE and UFC, with White still in the role of UFC president.

Controversies

In 2009, White got into hot water for using some pretty harsh language towards reporter Loretta Hunt after she published a story that upset him. He threw around some anti-gay slurs while talking about the sources in her report. GLAAD stepped in, demanding an apology from both White and the UFC, which he eventually gave.

Fast forward to a New Year's Eve party in 2023 at a nightclub in Mexico, where White was seen having a heated argument with his wife. Things escalated when Anne slapped him, and he responded in kind. The whole incident was caught on camera. They both took the blame, saying it was due to drinking, and offered apologies for their behavior.

Personal Life

White has been happily married to his wife Anne since 1996. They first crossed paths back in eighth grade. Together, they have two sons, Aidan and Dana III, along with a daughter named Savannah. White likes to keep details about his family life under wraps.

In May 2012, White revealed that he was diagnosed with Ménière's disease, a neurological condition he believes was largely triggered by a fight he had in his youth. Fast forward to 2022, he found out he had very high triglyceride levels and some other health issues. Since then, he’s been following a keto diet, which has helped him with his sleep apnea and reduced his leg pain.

White was a strong supporter of Donald Trump during his first presidential campaign, even speaking at the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio. He continued to back Trump during the 2020 reelection campaign, participating in rallies and interviews to highlight how Trump was one of the UFC's early advocates, hosting one of its first major events at one of his venues.

In 2010, White contributed $50,000 for a liver transplant for Tuptim Jadnooleum, the daughter of a Tiger Muay Thai instructor. He also donated $100,000 in 2011 to his old high school for renovations.

Real Estate

In 2006, Dana White snagged a mansion in Pine Island Court, Las Vegas, for $1.95 million. Then, between October 2016 and June 2017, he picked up three more mansions in the same neighborhood, spending about $6.2 million in total. After getting demolition permits for those properties, White and his family now enjoy life in a stunning mega-mansion in Las Vegas.

Accolades

In 2009, White was honored with the Nevada Sportsman of the Year award. He also took home the Promoter of the Year title for nine consecutive years at the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards. From 2008 to 2019, he was recognized as Leading Man of the Year at the World MMA Awards. Additionally, in 2019, the Armed Forces Foundation presented him with the Patriot Award.

Dana White’s remarkable journey from a boxing enthusiast to the President of the UFC is a testament to his vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the sport. His efforts have transformed MMA into a global phenomenon, elevating the UFC to new heights of success.

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Beyond his business achievements, White’s philanthropic contributions and personal resilience showcase his dedication to making a positive impact on and off the mat. With a net worth of $500 million, Dana White continues to be a major influence in the world of sports and entertainment, leaving a lasting legacy in the UFC and beyond.