UFC CEO Dana White has recently tried to downplay his political image, claiming during an appearance on the Him & Her Show podcast that he’s “not really even that political” and that it’s a “misconception” that he leans far right. But his own public record suggests otherwise.
“Everybody thinks I’m, like, far right,” White said in the clip. “I literally, up until the world lost its mind, considered myself to be liberal. I leaned, you know, a little left… I’m not really even that political, to be honest with you.”
White’s comments have sparked a wave of responses highlighting his years of visible and vocal support for Donald Trump and the Republican Party.
A History of GOP Appearances
White’s political involvement began well before the pandemic or any so-called cultural unraveling.
At the 2016 Republican National Convention, White stood on stage and gave a full-throated endorsement of then-candidate Donald Trump.
“So tonight, I stand with Donald Trump,” White said during his speech.
“Let me tell you three things that I respect about this man. First, Donald has great business instincts. He supports businesses of all sizes. He’ll make it possible for them to grow and succeed, which is the backbone of a strong economy.”
He returned to the stage in 2020, speaking once more at the RNC in support of Trump.
And again, in 2024, White made yet another appearance tied to Trump’s campaign.
On election night, White was brought up to the microphone by Trump himself and used the opportunity to thank a network of Trump-aligned content creators and streamers.
“I want to thank the Nelk Boys, Adin Ross, Theo Von, Bussin’ with the Boys, and last but not least, the mighty and powerful Joe Rogan,” he said.
A Key Player in Right-Wing Media
White has become more than just a high-profile sports executive.
As reported by The Guardian, he’s emerged as a central figure connecting Trump’s movement with the so-called manosphere, a media ecosystem of podcasters, streamers and influencers that lean heavily into libertarian and far-right politics.
White has facilitated Trump’s appearances across these platforms, including multiple interviews with the Nelk Boys, Theo Von, and Adin Ross.
These creators, while often dismissed as fringe by traditional media, hold enormous sway among younger male audiences.
According to The Guardian, Trump himself frequently credited White as the main connector between his campaign and this powerful influencer class.
The UFC head is now considered a cultural influencer in his own right, helping Trump reach what some have called the “testosterone vote.”
Business and Politics Blurred
In 2026, the UFC is expected to host a fight at the White House, a move that underscores just how closely the organization has become tied to the current political climate.
UFC now brings in over $1 billion annually, and Power Slap, one of his more recent ventures, relies heavily on virality, short-form content, and shock value.
Critics argue that this fits neatly into a broader media strategy used by the political right: fast, loud, and emotionally charged content designed for maximum engagement.
He’s also deep into crypto and gambling promotion, with UFC’s biggest sponsor being crypto.com.
When he handed Barstool Sports reporter Robbie Fox $20,000 after a Vegas blackjack win in 2024, it was seen by many as emblematic of his brand: flashy, loyal to media allies, and always performing.
Fortune Called It Early
As far back as 2016, Fortune identified White as a rising star in sports promotion and a valuable asset to Trump’s campaign.
“He’s used the endorsements of people like White and former boxing heavyweight champion Mike Tyson to bolster his credentials as the ‘law and order’ candidate,” Fortune wrote at the time.
While other celebrity speakers at the 2016 RNC were considered past their prime, Fortune noted that White was “charismatic” and an influential figure on the rise.
The Disconnect
White now wants the public to believe he isn’t political, or that he somehow changed after 2020.
But the timeline tells a different story. From 2016 to 2024, he’s stood front and center at multiple Republican events, endorsed Trump, and helped forge the bridge between the GOP and a vast online media machine.
Whether or not White still sees himself as liberal is beside the point.
His platform, actions, and affiliations over the past decade suggest that when it comes to politics, he’s long been a key player, and one who has never needed to run for office to shape the conversation.
IMAGE CREDIT: ”Dana White, UFC 189 World Tour Aldo vs. McGregor London 2015” by Andrius Petrucenia, via Flickr. Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. Image adjusted for layout.