UFC's Dana White Taps Out of Political Ring, Cites 'Disgust'
In a surprising wrestling match with his own political ambitions, UFC president Dana White declared he's had enough, calling politics 'gross' and vowing to steer clear after cozying up to Trump—now that’s a heavyweight retreat!
In a swift takedown of his political aspirations, Dana White has announced that he's officially tapping out of the political ring, labeling the whole scene as 'gross' and 'disgusting'. After a lengthy flirtation with Trump—who he deemed a champion among UFC fans—White is backing away from politics faster than a fighter dodging a chokehold, proving that even the toughest of promoters have their limits when it comes to political grappling.
During a recent interview, White firmly stated, "I’m never f–king doing this again," reflecting a certain level of exasperation with the political arena. One can only imagine what prompted this declaration: perhaps a particularly grueling debate over whether pineapple belongs on pizza, or an exhausting discussion on immigration with fewer rounds than a standard UFC fight. Regardless, it's clear that the octagon is far more appealing than the political stage for the UFC mogul.
White's long-standing friendship with Donald Trump began during the early days of the UFC, suggesting that their bond is more than just political opportunism; it goes way back to a time when both were still figures trying to break through in their respective arenas. With this camaraderie, it’s hardly surprising that he supported Trump during the election, helping to connect the former president with younger male voters—a demographic seemingly eager for anything associated with fighting, whether it be in the octagon or the political arena.
At UFC 309, White showcased his endorsement of Trump, expressing that the former president received an overwhelmingly enthusiastic reception from fans. "These people don’t hate him," White remarked, likely gesturing to the audience as if to say, ‘Look, they’re applauding him, they’re not throwing octagonal pies at him.’ This sentiment directly contradicts the rather unflattering media portrayal of Trump that White was quick to criticize, as if pointing out that, yes, despite what the polls might say, he has witnesses who definitely saw Trump receiving cheers rather than jeers.
Interestingly, White also attributed some of Trump's popularity with younger voters to his appearances on various popular podcasts, seeming quite pleased with his role in this campaign strategy. Apparently, strategizing for a social media era is no more difficult than gearing up for a pay-per-view event—just fill the airwaves with the right voices and let the masses tune in. It’s safe to say that, much like a fight card, picking the right platform can make or break a candidate’s appeal.
However, after stepping into the political octagon, it's evident White found the political fray more treacherous than he anticipated. That realization has nurtured his newfound aversion to politics altogether. In a world filled with countless angles and opinions, calling politics 'gross' suggests that even elite fighters like White are not immune to the sticky web of political maneuvering. Who could blame him for preferring the straightforwardness of a well-fought bout over the verbal sparring that comes with political life?
So, for now, Dana White is back in the cage, trading in political tussles for the adrenaline-pumping spectacle of fighting. While White has stated that he wants 'nothing to do with politics,' he has previously been significantly involved in political discussions and supported Donald Trump. UFC fans can expect more of the action and less of the political commentary that, frankly, nobody asked for. White has declared, 'I’m never f–king doing this again' when discussing his involvement in politics, implying that he’d much rather pen the next chapter of his career in the realm of sports, where the only fights are regulated by rules and a referee, rather than endless debates and contorted narratives.
In the end, this episode might serve as a reminder that not all matches are worth engaging—a lesson White is learning in the most public of ways. As he embraces the authenticity of the octagon, fans can only hope the fallout from his political involvement doesn’t distract him from the main event: keeping the UFC the champion’s league of brutal, yet entertaining, combat sports.