Who is Dana White? Net worth and back story behind MMA kingpin behind getting UFC 249 on during coronavirus pandemic
Dana White is one of the main faces in global sport and the kingpin behind the UFC.
The trash-talking company president is the key man behind creating the biggest MMA events and fights and has been instrumental in getting UFC 249 on this weekend despite the issues surrounding the coronavirus pandemic.
Dana White is the president of UFC
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He has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to bring UFC action back to the fans despite the mounting problems that have come with the virus.
But who exactly is White and how did he become one of the main figures in world sport.
Who is Dana White?
Dana Frederick White Jr was born in Manchester, Connecticut, in 1969.
He was raised by his mother and her family for the majority of his childhood and took up boxing when he was 17.
He graduated from Hermon High School in Maine in 1987 before going on to begin his career in top-level sport.
How did Dan White get into the UFC?
White worked as manager for fighters Tito Ortiz and Chuck Liddell before hearing the UFC was looking for a new buyer.
He got in touch with childhood friend Lorenzo Fertitta, who was an executive at Station Casinos, and in January 2001, Lorenzo and his older brother Frank bought the UFC for $2million, installing White as president.
It was a struggle at first, but a last throw of the dice saw them introduce reality show The Ultimate Fighter in 2005 where Forrest Griffin and Stephan Bonnar’s thrilling fight in the finale won a new audience.
In 2016, The UFC was sold to a group of private investors for over $4billion, with reports White will get 9 per cent of all future profit.
Dana White at the Conor McGregor vs Khabib Nurmagomedov fight
What is Dan White’s net worth?
White’s net worth stands at an estimated $500million.
With him getting 9 per cent of the UFC’s profits, he makes around £18million a year just from that too.
What is Meniere’s Disease?
White suffered from Meniere’s disease – a disorder of the inner ear that causes ringing and vertigo.
In 2013 he underwent a stem cell procedure in Germany, and now says his Meniere’s Disease is ‘100 per cent cured’.
White said: “I am 100 per cent a new guy, man. I’m working out again. I’m doing all the things that I used to do. I’m travelling. My life is back.
“All they do is they go in there, they take your blood, they incubate it, they spin it and add stuff to it. I don’t know what the hell they do, I’m no scientist. I’m a million bucks now, man. I couldn’t feel better.”
Conor McGregor shows his strength as he works out in the gym
How has Dan White put UFC 249 on?
UFC 249 was originally set to take place in New York on Saturday, April 18.
Khabib Nurmagomedov was due to face Tony Ferguson but the fight was thrown out when it emerged the Russian would be unable to travel due to lockdown restrictions.
Justin Gaethje was drafted in as replacement, before the Covid-19 crisis put pay to any chance of the event going ahead.
UFC 250 was set for Sao Paulo in Brazil and this new event sees the cards from 249 and 250 combine for a stunning night of MMA action.
After announcing the new date of May 9, White said: “I can’t wait to deliver some great fights for the fans.
“I want to give a big thanks to Mayor Curry, VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena and Florida State Boxing Commission executive director Patrick Cunningham for getting this thing done and giving us a venue to put on these incredible cards, as well our media partners including ESPN and ESPN+, for bringing it to fans.
“My team is ready to go and the fighters are excited to get back in there with these back-to-back events.”
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