Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Dana White Hosts White House UFC Fight, Joins TIME 100

6/10/2026

42 10 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

UFC CEO Dana White will host a fight on the White House South Lawn on June 14, with featherweight champion Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje headlining.
TIME named White to its inaugural 100 most influential sports figures, alongside boxing champions Oleksandr Usyk and Amanda Serrano.
White grew the UFC into a global brand, sold it for $4 billion in 2016, and secured a $7.7 billion Paramount deal in 2025 that doubled ESPN-era revenue.

History

Historical Context

UFC debuted in Denver on November 12 1993, sparking mixed-martial arts interest. After the Fertitta brothers bought the struggling promotion for $2 million in January 2001 and installed Dana White as president, the 2016 $4.025 billion sale to Endeavor lifted revenue to $609 million by 2015. Today White will stage Ilia Topuria-Justin Gaethje on the White House lawn, showing MMA’s political reach.

1 of 2

Story summary

UFC CEO Dana White will host a fight on the White House South Lawn on June 14, with featherweight champion Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje headlining.
TIME named White to its inaugural 100 most influential sports figures, alongside boxing champions Oleksandr Usyk and Amanda Serrano.
White grew the UFC into a global brand, sold it for $4 billion in 2016, and secured a $7.7 billion Paramount deal in 2025 that doubled ESPN-era revenue.

1 / 2