Dana White, the long-time CEO of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), has joined Meta’s board of directors, marking his entry into the world of Big Tech. With a career spanning over two decades in sports management, politics, and entertainment, White brings a unique perspective to the table.
White acquired the UFC in 2001 for $2 million and transformed it into a multibillion-dollar company. His leadership led to mainstream success, with MMA stars like Conor McGregor and Ronda Rousey attracting more attention to the sport. The UFC now broadcasts in over 165 countries and has a valuation of $12 billion.
However, White’s tenure as UFC CEO hasn’t been without controversy. Some fighters have accused him of underpaying them, leading to a class action settlement requiring the UFC to pay $375 million to fighters who claimed antitrust violations. Additionally, White faced backlash for holding UFC events during the COVID-19 pandemic and for his role in a publicized domestic violence incident.
Despite these controversies, White has maintained close ties with President Donald Trump, who has been an early supporter of the UFC. White spoke at the 2016 Republican National Convention and has appeared at various Trump campaign events.
White’s appointment to Meta’s board comes as no surprise, given his relationship with Mark Zuckerberg, who also supports Trump’s policies. The two men have spoken publicly about their shared views on social media and AI. However, Meta’s recent decision to roll back DEI efforts and dial back content moderation has raised concerns among critics.
White’s involvement with Meta raises questions about the influence of politics and sports in Big Tech. As he joins the board of one of the world’s most influential tech companies, White brings his unique blend of experience from sports management, politics, and entertainment to a role that will likely shape the direction of Meta’s future developments.
Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/who-is-dana-white-ufc-trump-ally-meta-board-zuckerbeg-2025-1