INTERVIEW: Dana White Talks UFC Freedom 250, Relationship With Trump, WHCD Shooting, 'Power Slap,' Zuffa Boxing + More

In this candid interview, Dana White, CEO of the UFC, discusses his multifaceted role as a sports executive, cultural figure, and political ally to former President Donald Trump. White reflects on the UFC's evolution over 25 years, emphasizing the sport's universal appeal and commitment to fighter safety, citing 30 years of zero fatalities. He defends his controversial relationship with Trump, framing it as a personal friendship rooted in decades of mutual support, not political alignment, while acknowledging criticism about the impact of his public associations on the business and fighters. White also addresses the White House fight on America’s 250th anniversary, clarifying that UFC is fully funding the event and that it’s a celebration of national pride, not political theater. He defends his personal conduct after a viral video of him slapping his wife, expressing deep regret and emphasizing accountability, especially for young men who idolize him. White also discusses the launch of Power Slap, his passion for Baccarat gambling, and his new venture, Zuffa Boxing, aimed at revitalizing boxing’s middle class. Throughout, he pushes back against the idea that he’s out of touch, asserting that his fan base has never voiced economic hardship to him, but acknowledges the need for greater awareness of societal struggles.