White Reveals Only Conor McGregor and Ronda Rousey Ever Stood Out Pre-Fight
"I got in my fucking car and I called Lorenzo Fertitta. I said, Lorenzo, I don't know if this guy can fight, but if he can even throw a fucking punch, this guy's going to be the biggest fucking superstar ever. And then Ronda Rousey came up to me at an event and the rest is history."
About this episode
UFC President Dana White joined the Full Send Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation days before the historic UFC fight at the White House on America's 250th birthday. White revealed the event will feature 4,300 attendees, predominantly U.S. military members from all branches, and dismissed multiple controversies including claims that Sean Strickland was banned (he was deliberately not invited due to his history of confrontations) and that taxpayers are funding the event (UFC is paying for everything). White laid out ambitious plans for Zuffa Boxing, stating after only 5 months in business they're positioned to dominate the sport by 2027, dismissing established promoters as irrelevant and claiming his real competition is the NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL—leagues that reportedly panicked after the UFC secured an $8 billion Paramount deal. He revealed Power Slap generated 2 billion views in May alone and disclosed that in 25 years, only Conor McGregor and Ronda Rousey ever impressed him through personality before he saw them fight. White addressed fighter betting rumors, layoff concerns for Conor McGregor's return against Max Holloway, and his philosophy that lightning would delay but not cancel Sunday's event. Throughout the interview, White emphasized his focus on building rather than reflecting, stating he's in the busiest year of his career despite decades of success.
Key takeaways
- White revealed Zuffa Boxing aims to dominate the sport by 2027 after only 5 months, dismissing competitors stuck on obscure platforms.
- Power Slap generated 2 billion views and 2 million new followers in May 2025 alone, marking its biggest month ever.
- White confirmed Sean Strickland was deliberately not invited to White House event due to history of confrontations, not banned.
- UFC considers NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL as true competitors after $8 billion Paramount deal triggered panic among major leagues.
- White disclosed only Conor McGregor and Ronda Rousey ever impressed him through personality alone before seeing them fight.
- UFC White House event will host 4,300 people, predominantly U.S. military members, with UFC funding entire production.
- White stated lightning could delay but not cancel Sunday's historic White House fight on America's 250th birthday.