Dana Frederick White Jr., an American businessman and executive, was born on May 28, 1969, in Manchester, Connecticut. He is currently recognized as the president and CEO of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) organization.

Early Life

White developed an interest in combat sports at a young age. He worked as a bouncer in Las Vegas and opened fitness centers that combined aerobics with boxing. During this period, he met Lorenzo Fertitta, his future business partner.

Development

In 2001, after learning that UFC owner Bob Meyrowitz wanted to sell the organization, White convinced the Fertitta brothers to acquire it. The Fertitta brothers purchased UFC for $2 million and appointed White as president. Initially facing financial difficulties, UFC gained widespread popularity in 2005 with the launch of the reality show "The Ultimate Fighter."

Under White’s leadership, UFC became a globally recognized sports organization. The UFC 66 event in 2006 attracted over one million viewers. In 2016, UFC was acquired by WME-IMG for $4 billion, and White continued in his role as president.

Dana White at UFC 282 Press Conference

White expanded his influence into other sports disciplines in 2022 by founding the fighting organization "Power Slap." Additionally, in 2025, he was elected to the board of directors of Meta, entering the technology world.

Personal Life

Dana White married in 1996 and has three children: Dana III, Aidan, and Savannah. In 2022, following a health analysis that suggested a limited life expectancy, he adopted a healthier lifestyle, improving his well-being through a ketogenic diet and regular exercise.