Dana White

White launches Power Slap, a competition in which participants receive undefended slaps. Neurologists and head injury specialists publicly warn that such blows may cause concussion and potentially serious brain damage. The Nevada State Athletic Commission nevertheless agrees to regulate the discipline.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Negotiations between the UFC and Francis Ngannou fail despite an offer White describes as the highest ever made to a heavyweight in the organisation. Ngannou explains that he sought greater contractual freedom, the ability to display sponsors in the cage, health insurance for fighters and athlete representation, among other things. He leaves the UFC in 2023. The dispute subsequently becomes personal, with White repeatedly criticising him and stating again in September 2026 that he no longer wants to work with him.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Direct responsibility

The Le v. Zuffa settlement does not end antitrust challenges. Johnson concerns the period since July 2017; Cirkunovs notably challenges arbitration clauses and class-action waivers; Davis contests alleged effects on fighters in rival organisations; Costantino adds a consumer-related claim in 2026. White testifies in 2026 about his role in negotiating contracts and matchmaking.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Protagonist is a witness

White becomes a prominent public supporter of Donald Trump, speaking at the Republican conventions of 2016, 2020 and 2024 and participating in his media strategy. This closeness fuels criticism of the UFC's politicisation. In June 2026, the organisation holds UFC Freedom 250 on the White House lawn, an unprecedented event combining sport, political power, sponsors and economic interests linked to Trump.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Political responsibility

Former fighters accuse Zuffa/UFC of using its market power, exclusive contracts and control over fight opportunities to keep compensation artificially low. An initial 335-million-dollar settlement is rejected by the judge. A new 375-million-dollar settlement is subsequently approved and paid in 2025.

The UFC signs a major partnership with Anheuser-Busch to bring Bud Light back as its official beer, months after the conservative boycott triggered by the campaign involving Dylan Mulvaney. White says he selected the brand partly because its 'core values' aligned with those of the UFC, a formulation that fuels cultural debate around the deal.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Direct responsibility

Mark Hunt sues the UFC, Dana White and Brock Lesnar after UFC 200, alleging fraud, battery, aiding and abetting and conspiracy, among other claims, arguing that the promotion allowed Lesnar to fight despite doping risks. Certain claims had been reinstated on appeal before discovery.

State of the evidence

Allegations

Attribution

Accused

A video filmed in a club in Mexico shows Anne White slapping Dana White, who immediately responds with at least one slap. White acknowledges his action and says he has no excuse. The affair prompts calls for professional consequences, including a demand by the California Legislative Women's Caucus for his removal as UFC president.

State of the evidence

Admitted by the person

Attribution

Personally implicated

At the start of the pandemic, White seeks to hold UFC 249 on 18 April 2020 despite the cancellation of most sporting events and public health restrictions, exploring a tribal venue in California and the idea of 'Fight Island'. Lawmakers and health professionals criticise the plan.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Direct responsibility

Ernesto Joshua Ramos uses a sexual video involving White and a woman with whom Ramos previously had a relationship to try to obtain money. Ramos pleads guilty to extortion and serves a prison sentence. He subsequently sues White in 2020, claiming that a confidentiality agreement entitled him to payment.

Attribution

Personally implicated

Role of the person profiled

Protagonist is the victim

White supports signing former NFL player Greg Hardy, whose initial conviction for assault and threats in a domestic violence case had been overturned after a de novo appeal and the complainant's absence at the retrial. The controversy intensifies when the UFC schedules him on the same card as Rachael Ostovich, herself a recent alleged victim of domestic abuse.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Direct responsibility

Following an atypical test result for Jones and Nevada's inability to assess his licence in time, White and the UFC move UFC 232 from Las Vegas to Los Angeles just six days before the fight. Other fighters and many supporters learn of the change late, facing additional travel, medical and tax costs.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Direct responsibility

The UFC imposes Reebok as its exclusive outfitter during fight weeks, removing individual sponsor displays from the Octagon. Several fighters and managers claim to have lost substantial amounts, sometimes considerably more than the new tenure-based payments. White calls some critics 'short-sighted' and publicly mocks Brendan Schaub's sponsors.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Direct responsibility

After Ariel Helwani reveals Brock Lesnar's return before the official announcement, the UFC has him and two colleagues removed from UFC 199 and revokes his accreditation. Helwani says he was told he was banned for life and subsequently claims White had criticised him for being too negative. Following the backlash, the UFC restores accreditation two days later.

State of the evidence

Documented

After Jon Jones refuses to face Chael Sonnen on eight days' notice, White decides to cancel UFC 151 and publicly blames Jones and his coach, even describing the card as the event they had 'murdered'. The aggressive communication itself triggers criticism of UFC management.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Direct responsibility

In an official UFC vlog, White launches a tirade against journalist Loretta Hunt, using a homophobic slur and misogynistic language following a critical article about backstage accreditation. The video is removed and GLAAD calls for an apology.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated