{"id":259013,"date":"2025-11-03T15:11:11","date_gmt":"2025-11-03T15:11:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/259013\/"},"modified":"2025-11-03T15:11:11","modified_gmt":"2025-11-03T15:11:11","slug":"ronda-rousey-says-ufc-could-lose-its-soul-without-dana-white","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/259013\/","title":{"rendered":"\u00a0Ronda Rousey Says UFC Could Lose Its Soul Without Dana White"},"content":{"rendered":"

Even though Ronda Rousey hasn\u2019t competed in the UFC for almost a decade, she still follows the organization closely and maintains a strong connection with Dana White. The former champion believes White\u2019s presence is central to the UFC\u2019s identity and its continued dominance in combat sports.<\/p>\n

Dana White: The Driving Force<\/p>\n

During a conversation with Bert Kreischer, Rousey explained why she sees White as irreplaceable in MMA.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think without Dana, its soul is gone,\u201d Rousey said. \u201cI love him so much. When Dana\u2019s done, I think the dominant MMA organization title will be up for grabs. I think Dana is it. Without him, it\u2019s just three letters.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her perspective reflects White\u2019s long-term influence on the sport. Since acquiring the UFC with Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta in 2001 for about $2 million, White has overseen its transformation into a global brand valued in the billions. The promotion recently signed a $7.7 billion broadcast agreement moving its rights from ESPN to Paramount in 2026<\/a>, further highlighting his impact.<\/p>\n

Comparing UFC Leadership to WWE<\/p>\n

After retiring from MMA in 2016,<\/a> Rousey transitioned to WWE, where she worked under Vince McMahon. She noticed a clear difference in leadership approach between White and McMahon.<\/p>\n

\u201cDana White wants his company to be as successful as possible and make as much money as possible,\u201d Rousey said. \u201cI think he\u2019s got a lot to prove in that space. He\u2019s got that new money kind of veneer. He wants to earn his respect in that space with all of his peers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think Vince didn\u2019t really care how successful the company [was] or how much money he was making. He cared about how much influence he had on other people culturally. He was trying to impress his viewpoint on the world on everybody else through that. The bottom line be damned.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rousey made it clear that she preferred White\u2019s business-focused approach to running an organization over McMahon\u2019s style, which she felt prioritized influence over profitability.<\/p>\n

Bert Kreischer: I love Dana White, but he is the star of UFC.<\/p>\n

Ronda Rousey: When Dana\u2019s done I think the dominant MMA organization, that title, will be up for grabs. Yeah, cause I think Dana is it. Without him, it\u2019s just three letters. pic.twitter.com\/zyDa23hK8d<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Jed I. Goodman \u00a9 (@jedigoodman) October 31, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

Choosing Leadership<\/p>\n

Reflecting on her experiences, Rousey summed up why she favors working with White.<\/p>\n

\u201cI mean I\u2019m a capitalist,\u201d Rousey said. \u201cSo [I pick] Dana.\u201d<\/p>\n

Whether UFC can maintain its position as the premier MMA organization when White eventually steps down remains an open question. For Rousey, however, one thing is clear: Dana White is the heart of the UFC.<\/p>\n

Published on November 3, 2025 at 9:55 am<\/p>\n

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