UFC's Dana White: Goal is to Have Ultimate Fighting in Every Country

Transcript

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Summary

In this video, Dana White, the president of UFC, answers various questions about the growth and success of the organization. He discusses the decision to purchase UFC despite it not making money at the time, the importance of live events in driving the growth of the sport, and the global appeal of fighting. He also talks about key decisions and milestones that have driven the growth of UFC and the challenges faced with regulation and competition. White addresses the excitement factor in fights and the goal to make them more engaging for the audience. He also talks about the inclusion of women's fighting in UFC and the challenges faced with competitors and drug testing. The video ends with White discussing the future goals and vision of UFC, including expanding into new countries and continuing to build the sport.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why did you and your partners decide to buy UFC?

The old owner of UFC was going out of business, and my partners and I saw potential in the fighters and the market. We believed that if they were marketed properly, the business could turn around. Additionally, we believed that fighting is a universal sport that appeals to people of all backgrounds, which made us think it would work everywhere.

Q: What were some key decisions or milestones that drove the growth of UFC?

One key decision was to focus on live events, which create an exciting and energetic atmosphere. Another milestone was getting the UFC on pay-per-view, despite initial resistance from venues and regulations. The support from Donald Trump and the success of events at his arena also played a role in the growth.

Q: Why has UFC been able to surpass boxing in popularity in recent years?

Boxing has declined due to various reasons, including the greediness of the promoters and the lack of exciting fights. UFC, on the other hand, has consistently provided compelling and competitive fights. The sport has also evolved and transformed more than martial arts have in the last 10,000 years, which has helped in maintaining fan interest.

Q: How did you manage to get UFC regulated in different states despite initial opposition?

Senator John McCain played a crucial role in pushing for regulation, as he highlighted the importance of having a governing body and following standards. UFC embraced regulation and worked with state athletic commissions to present the sport as legitimate and safe. This approach helped reduce opposition from politicians and gain acceptance in various states.

Q: What has been the impact of TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy) in MMA?

TRT was initially seen as a scientific solution to help aging fighters maintain testosterone levels. However, it has been abused, leading to unfair advantages and health risks. As a result, UFC has taken a strong stance against TRT and implemented stricter drug testing policies.

Q: Why did you decide to include women's fighting in UFC?

Initially, there weren't enough talented female fighters, and there was concern about mismatches in fights. However, the emergence of fighters like Ronda Rousey and the level of competition in the 135-pound division convinced me that it was the right time to introduce women's fighting. The success of the fights and the support it received validated the decision.

Q: How do you deal with fighters who miss promo events or fail drug tests?

There are times when I get mad at fighters, and there are battles that happen. However, it's all business. I have personal relationships with many fighters, but I also have to ensure that they meet their obligations and follow the rules. When there are issues, we address them and work towards solutions.

Q: What measures are you taking to make fights more exciting and engaging for the audience?

UFC incentivizes fighters to be more engaged and exciting through financial incentives. Fighters are rewarded for their performance, such as bonuses for the best fight or knockout. The goal is to ensure that fans get their money's worth and are entertained when they watch UFC events.

Q: What is the future vision and focus of UFC?

The goal is to continue expanding globally and making UFC the premier combat sport. There is still work to do in countries like France and other places where UFC is not yet established. The focus is on creating a sport that is universally appealing and continues to deliver thrilling live events and engaging fights for the audience.

Q: How does UFC differentiate itself from other competitors in the combat sports industry?

UFC's success lies in its approach of building a sport and ensuring that fighters adhere to consistent rules and regulations. Many competitors tried to replicate the UFC model but failed because they didn't have a clear plan or the willingness to invest time and effort. UFC doesn't compete with other organizations but rather sees them as feeder leagues that contribute to the growth and talent development in the sport.