Dana White hails US President Donald Trump’s resilience and expresses gratitude for his early support for the UFC

UFC CEO Dana White and the USA President Donald Trump share a long-standing friendship built on trust and loyalty. Over the years, White has often spoken about Trump’s mental toughness and ability to handle pressure. In a recent interview, White again praised the former businessman-turned-politician, calling him one of the strongest people he has ever met. Their decade old friendship has played a big role in the early years of the UFC.

Despite legal troubles and serious threats to his life, Trump has continued to project strength in public. Even after the assassination attempt in 2024, he stood strong.

Dana White praises Donald Trump’s toughness and opens up on their bond

During a recent conversation with Stephen A. Smith, Dana White spoke at length about Donald Trump’s resilience. White said that Trump has endured intense pressure for more than five years and still managed to keep going. He described him as the toughest and most resilient person he has ever known. According to White, Trump’s mindset and ability to stay strong during difficult times set him apart from most people.

White also referred to the assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, in 2024. In that incident, a bullet grazed Trump’s ear before the Secret Service rushed him off the stage. Even while injured, Trump stood up and raised his fist toward the crowd. White said that moment felt unreal and cinematic. He explained that Trump’s calm and bold reaction under such danger was something straight out of a movie and showed rare courage.

The respect between the two men goes both ways. Trump has often spoken highly of White and credits him as a loyal friend. Their equation goes back to the early 2000s, when the UFC was struggling to find major venues. At that time, mixed martial arts was still viewed negatively by many, including politicians like former senator John McCain, who criticized the sport harshly.

Trump, however, gave the UFC a chance when few others would. He allowed the promotion to host UFC 31 and UFC 32 at the Trump Taj Mahal Casino in 2001. White has repeatedly said that this support helped keep the UFC alive during its early years. In a 2023 podcast appearance, Trump recalled attending an early UFC event and being impressed. He said White never forgot that support and described him as deeply loyal and a close friend.

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