Josh Weiner
In 2025, UFC President Dana White has been at the forefront of several significant developments in the combat sports world. Here’s an overview of the key events and announcements involving Dana White this year:
🥊 Launch of TKO Boxing with Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford
Dana White has officially entered the boxing arena by launching a new league under the TKO Group Holdings banner.The inaugural event is set to feature a blockbuster bout between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford. Industry insiders suggest that the event may be streamed on Netflix, which has previously collaborated with TKO for WWE events and other boxing matches.
🏆 Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall: The Anticipated Heavyweight Unification
A heavyweight title unification bout between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall has been a topic of intense discussion. While reports have surfaced about the fight being finalized, Dana White has clarified that no official agreement has been reached yet. He remains optimistic about organizing what he describes as potentially “the biggest heavyweight fight in UFC history”.
Fans have expressed frustration over the prolonged delay, especially as Aspinall has become the longest-reigning interim champion in UFC history. Some are calling for Jones to be stripped of his title due to inactivity.
🌍 Global Expansion: UFC Events in Spain and Beyond
Dana White has announced plans to expand UFC’s global footprint, with intentions to host events in Spain, South Africa, and other international markets. In Spain, the challenge lies in securing suitable venues, as many arenas are booked due to post-COVID backlogs. White has mentioned the possibility of using stadiums, such as Real Madrid’s Bernabéu, to accommodate events.
💼 Appointment to Meta’s Board of Directors
In a notable cross-industry move, Dana White has been appointed to the Board of Directors at Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram. This appointment, facilitated by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, comes with a compensation package valued at approximately $1.28 million. White continues to manage UFC operations while contributing to Meta’s strategic direction.
🎙️ Personal Reflections and Stories
In a recent interview, Dana White shared a memorable story about his first meeting with Conor McGregor. He recounted how he immediately recognized McGregor’s potential to become a superstar in the UFC.
Dana White’s activities in 2025 reflect his ongoing commitment to expanding and innovating within the combat sports industry. From launching new ventures in boxing to broadening UFC’s global presence, White continues to shape the future of mixed martial arts and beyond.
