Dana White: UFC, Fighting, Khabib, Conor, Tyson, Ali, Rogan, Elon & Zuck | Lex Fridman Podcast #421

Introduction (00:00:00)

• Powerful people such as Putin, Trump, Elon Musk, and Zuckerberg are all fans of fighting.
• Dana White is the president of the UFC, a mixed martial arts organization that revolutionized fighting.

Mike Tyson and early days of fighting (00:00:57)

• Dana White's passion for combat sports was ignited by watching Muhammad Ali's fights and the 1987 Haggler Leonard fight.
• Inspired by boxing's Battle of it, White incorporated the aspects he admired while avoiding the negative aspects, such as the commentary, when creating the UFC.
• White criticizes the commentary during Mike Tyson's fights, emphasizing the importance of experienced fighters or experts providing commentary rather than inexperienced individuals.
• The evolution of martial arts and the UFC over the past three decades has been remarkable, surpassing the progress made in the previous 300 years.

Jiu jitsu (00:11:35)

• Dana White initially lost interest in UFC when grappling and wrestling became dominant, but he regained interest after trying Jiu-Jitsu and realizing his vulnerability.
• Rolling with high-level grapplers like Frank Shamrock humbled White, and he now prefers no-gi Jiu-Jitsu for its real-world applicability.
• Royce Gracie's success in early UFC events showcased the effectiveness of Jiu-Jitsu, surprising many by defeating larger opponents with technique.
• Jiu-Jitsu is particularly suitable for women as a self-defense tool, as it emphasizes technique over size and strength, enabling them to defend themselves against larger attackers.

Origin of UFC (00:17:39)

• Dana White, along with Lorenzo and the Fertitta brothers, purchased the UFC for $2 million, recognizing its potential and the positive qualities of the fighters.
• The early days of building the UFC were challenging, with White facing corruption, dishonest individuals, and threats from rival MMA promoters.
• White emphasizes the importance of passion, consistency, and a strong team in achieving success.
• He highlights the need for attention to detail and involvement in every aspect of the business, especially in the early stages.
• White is excited about the upcoming UFC event at the new arena, which will also be shown in movie theaters and on ESPN.

Joe Rogan (00:31:50)

• Joe Rogan's free commentary during the UFC's early financial struggles played a crucial role in the organization's rise.
• Rogan's passion for UFC and his ability to articulate the intricacies of the sport helped viewers understand and appreciate MMA.
• Dana White values Rogan's loyalty and considers him a key component to both the company and the sport.
• White emphasizes the importance of loyalty as a two-way street and expresses gratitude for the loyalty shown to him by people like Joe Rogan.

Lorenzo Fertitta (00:37:56)

• Dana White and Lorenzo Fertitta have a successful business partnership due to their contrasting personalities.
• White is impulsive and expressive, while Fertitta is level-headed and composed.
• Their complementary skills helped the UFC survive its early financial struggles.
• The Fertitta brothers' initial investment of $2 million, followed by an additional $44 million, has had a profound impact on the lives of many people.
• The UFC has revolutionized combat sports and created a new global sport.

Great fighters (00:40:23)

• Dana White believes that legends are made when fighters face even odds and overcome challenges.
• He emphasizes that fighters should not be paranoid about the organization being against them and should focus on preparing for their fights.
• White highlights the importance of older fighters being ready for younger fighters who want to take their position.
• He explains that being the underdog can sometimes be beneficial for a fighter's long-term story and can create legendary moments and build stars.
• White mentions several examples of underdog victories, including Conor McGregor against Jose Aldo, Nate Diaz against Conor McGregor, and Gregor Gillespie against Khabib Nurmagomedov.
• He believes that winning as an underdog can elevate a fighter to the conversation for the greatest of all time, as seen with Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Khabib vs Conor (00:44:20)

• Dana White discusses the criticism he received for promoting the Conor McGregor vs Khabib Nurmagomedov fight, particularly the incident with the bus.
• He emphasizes the importance of storytelling in building up fights and creating rivalries.
• White highlights the difference in impact and exposure that fighters experience when they join the UFC compared to other organizations.
• He mentions the example of MVP and Kayla Harrison, who felt the difference in energy and impact upon joining the UFC.
• White praises Kayla Harrison's athleticism and toughness, describing her as a "badass" and a two-time Olympic gold medalist in Judo.

Jon Jones (00:47:27)

• Jon Jones is in the conversation for the greatest of all time (GOAT).
• He has never been defeated in the Octagon.
• He dominated the light heavyweight division, which was the toughest weight class at the time.
• He moved up to heavyweight and won easily.
• His dominance, longevity, and willingness to go into the deep rounds make him a strong contender for the GOAT title.
• Beating DC, who is also one of the greatest of all time, further solidifies his position.
• Khabib Nurmagomedov had the potential to be in the running for the GOAT but didn't stick around long enough due to injuries and setbacks.

Conor McGregor (00:50:28)

• Dana White commends Conor McGregor for his reliability and dedication to the UFC, despite occasional tardiness.
• Unlike other fighters, McGregor never avoided challenging fights or demanded extra compensation.
• McGregor's impact on the UFC is significant, as he opened up new markets and became the organization's first true megastar.
• White believes McGregor's fighting skills are often overlooked, and his success is attributed to his willingness to face legendary opponents like Khabib Nurmagomedov.
• Legendary matchups, such as McGregor vs. Nurmagomedov and Jon Jones vs. Daniel Cormier, are crucial in building fighters' legacies.
• While a perfect record in the UFC is not the sole measure of success, it signifies an athlete's exceptional talent and places them among the most elite fighters in the world.

Trump (00:55:31)

• Dana White discusses the popularity of fighting and its appeal to influential individuals, including presidents, celebrities, and business leaders.
• Former President Donald Trump has been a long-time fight fan and supporter of the UFC, allowing the organization to hold its first event at the Trump Taj Mahal when it was struggling to find venues.
• White considers Trump a good friend and spoke at the Republican National Convention at his request.
• Despite facing constant public scrutiny, Trump is described as a resilient individual who remains composed, although he was visibly upset after the death of his ex-wife, Ivana Trump.
• Dana White believes Trump is a "savage" who can endure significant challenges and adversity.
• White believes that politics is the dirtiest and scummiest thing on Earth, comparing it to the early days of the fighting game.

Elon vs Zuck (01:01:09)

• Dana White was seriously working on organizing a fight between Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg.
• Both Elon and Zuck were interested and actively training for the fight.
• The potential fight generated significant public interest and speculation.
• White had projections, numbers, and was in contact with venues for the event.
• The fight did not materialize, but White enjoyed the process and found it entertaining.

Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul (01:02:30)

• Dana White is not a fan of people fighting at an older age, but respects Mike Tyson's decision to fight Jake Paul.
• Tyson is taking the fight seriously and training for it.
• White believes Tyson's unique aura and continued earning potential outside of fighting are factors in his decision to fight.
• Some fighters are motivated by money and fame, while others are driven by a genuine love of fighting and the pursuit of greatness.
• Tyson's early years in boxing showcased his passion and dedication to the sport.
• Achieving massive stardom at a young age can be challenging to navigate, especially with the accompanying wealth and attention.

Forrest Griffin vs Stephan Bonnar (01:05:18)

• The intense and brutal fight between Forrest Griffin and Stephan Bonnar on The Ultimate Fighter was a turning point for the UFC, captivating audiences and leading to a surge in viewership.
• Despite the lack of commercial success and streaming data at the time, Dana White recognized the fight's significance and believed it would lead to a brighter future for the UFC.
• The fight showcased the raw determination and fighting spirit of both Griffin and Bonnar, who were willing to risk it all for victory.
• Fighting fatigue in combat sports leads to self-doubt and questioning one's ability to continue, but fighters often push through and continue fighting, demonstrating incredible mental strength and determination.
• The people who make it to the top in combat sports are unique and special individuals who possess exceptional mental and physical abilities.

Gambling (01:12:31)

• Dana White's biggest gambling win was a million dollars, while his biggest loss was $3 million in one night. He takes responsibility for his losses and manages his gambling to avoid negative impacts on his personal and professional life.
• White views gambling as a series of battles within the larger war of 2024 and emphasizes the importance of facing challenges head-on and not succumbing to depression or negativity.
• He thrives in chaos and enjoys setting and achieving both short-term and long-term goals. White finds joy in being a fan of things he loves, such as live music and the Boston Celtics.
• White expresses gratitude for his life and the city of Las Vegas, which he feels perfectly suits him. He highlights his love for problem-solving and the success of Power Slap, despite the negativity surrounding it.
• White considers "Casino" as his favorite movie about Las Vegas casinos and acknowledges the impact of certain movies on his life, particularly those related to women.
• "The Secret" taught him about the power of positive thinking and karma, while "Vision Quest" inspired him with its message of self-improvement and perseverance.
• White praises "Vision Quest" as the greatest movie on one-on-one combat and expresses regret for missing a recent anniversary event for the film. He emphasizes the movie's profound impact on his life and its ability to convey powerful messages.
• "Rocky 3" inspired Dana White's love for wrestling, and he believes fighting brings out the basic humanity of a person.

Mortality (01:27:33)

• Dana White is not afraid of death but acknowledges that his feelings might change when facing it directly.
• He squeezes as much as he can out of every day and loves his life so much that he wishes he could stay awake for 24 hours and never sleep.
• Dana White believes that fighting is in our DNA and that humans are drawn to it regardless of race, nationality, or language.
• When fights break out, everyone's attention is captivated by the primal energy and emotions it generates.
• This fascination with fighting was a key factor in Dana White's decision to buy the UFC, believing it would resonate with audiences worldwide.
• The summary ends with a quote from Muhammad Ali about the power of challenging perceived limitations and the potential for change.