Dana White visiting Donald Trump. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter Dan Scavino Jr.
Having led the UFC for over 20 years, Dana White has relied on the support of several figures over the years to bring the sport out of the shadows in the US and transform the UFC into the largest MMA organization in the world. In this context, the bald man stated that Donald Trump played a crucial role in the organization's success at the beginning of this century.
See too
Last week, during an appearance on the 'Cutlercast' podcast , hosted by former bodybuilder Jay Cutler, the UFC CEO stated that Trump emerged as an ally during a period when the mainstream media and most US business leaders viewed MMA with suspicion.
"The UFC had such a stigma that the locals didn't even want us. Trump said, 'Come to the Taj.' He came to the first fight of the night and stayed until the end. After that, he was the first to congratulate me when something good happened to the company, like when we got our first cover in The New York Times," recalled the organization's CEO.
️ Dana White says Donald Trump helped organize the first UFC event after he and the Fertitta brothers bought the company:
"The UFC had such a bad stigma attached to it that venues didn't even want us. Trump said 'come to the Taj'.
He came for the first fight of the night and… pic.twitter.com/ive3roFeGh
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) August 27, 2025
The first Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event under Zuffa's management took place at the Trump Taj Mahal in February 2001. At UFC 30, Tito Ortiz defended his light heavyweight title (up to 93 kg) against Evan Tanner and won by knockout in just over 30 seconds.
This wasn't the first time the UFC had held an event there. While still under SEG's management, UFC 28 took place there. The arena opened in 1990 and closed in 2016.
D. Trump (right) watches the UFC alongside D. White (left). Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @danawhite
Exclusive: Michael PQD talks about his brutal UFC debut victory.
You need to log in to comment.