Dana White | In Depth w/ Graham Bensinger

Our 2011 interview with UFC President Dana White is now available.
White describes the challenges of taking over the Ultimate Fighting Championship, how he grew it into a worldwide phenomenon and the ban on MMA in New York.
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[@chrispbmw8732]

Isn’t he fucking awesome?

[@Last_Chance.]

Lol

[@adamzaneagle]

20 mins in and I just realized this interview is from 8 years ago

[@gotetnies]

Dana doesn't age. 😅

[@benyardley9513]

12

[@jdg2921]

this interview was before conor was in the UFC. He took it to another level

[@that1guy899]

Conor ain't shit! 😂

[@Bluepickles333]

Your dad took you to a movie, brought you to the front row, then gave you money for snacks? Damn that’s horrible

[@yeahok115sure]

How does this only have 3k views. Dana White is a really interesting man, and his no BS way of business and life is why I like him!!

[@randazza]

I think this is 10+ years old

[@etienneboulerice7938]

It's a repost from today

[@bookerman16]

Yeah its real old

[@BrdOutaMyMnd]

Truth be told he's told this story over 100 times. He says it like it's his first time saying it but all Dana white life interviews have the same details. Just saying.

[@blackslav1497]

Me too.

[@M.L.7]

Great interview! I would love to see a 2023 follow-up interview.

[@travisreed4070]

Wanna a 2024

[@1.21Gigawatts_]

1:20 Beverly hill cop was released in December 1984. Dana was born July 1969. That makes him a 15 year old kid at the theaters. But he claims he was 9

[@gotetnies]

Let it go man, let it go,... 😅

[@ManeRoosta931]

Maybe he was a late bloomer, and when he was 15 he felt like he was 9 so he remembers think he was 9lol

[@1.21Gigawatts_]

@@gotetnies absolutely not 😭😭

[@MsAnitawilson]

Yes I thought that he did say he was with his sister maybe she was 9 years old ??

[@plutothree1]

I thought the same thing as soon as Dana said that---the math wasn't right. Why did he need to lie about that?

[@SpreadAU]

Great interview

[@gj62]

Dana 1.0 was pre fox, 2.0 is this, 3.0 is Rhonda, Conor and pre espn, and currently we are on Dana 4.0

[@svavar82]

Great interview.

[@collindaley9562]

Would love to see some more interviews in the mma world, great interview keep ‘em coming 🤙

[@blackslav1497]

What? MMA Hour MMA Junkie MMA FIghting Calf Kicker Submission Radio. I literally could go on and on. WTF are you saying?

[@jakezabel]

@@blackslav1497he’s clearly saying he would like to see Graham do more interviews in the mma world

[@blackslav1497]

@@jakezabel Ohhhhhh. Thanks.

[@collindaley9562]

@@jakezabel thanks bud lol

[@collindaley9562]

@@blackslav1497 you forgot to mention The Schmo

[@hnfg6102]

Please interview Dana White again in 2023-4. The people want it Graham!

[@avereus5603]

Always the first graham is the best host, interviewer ever ❤❤

[@liamsi75]

I've seen interviews in many languages and different coutries, and he's the best. Usually you feel it's about 90% the guest but the interviewer inserts himself 10% to prove his presence... Graham makes it 100% about the guest, no ego at all.

[@Last_Chance.]

Meh.....

[@sethlivingstone1999]

My favorite Dana White video. Traditional sit down interview but with long and thought out responses.

[@MrRAC420]

Great Interview, Graham you should do a new one with Dana White and other UFC Hall of Famers

[@jimlahey3919]

No one believes you enough to search for the truth

[@Pooki2024]

Dana isn’t a hall of famer, what are you talking about ?

[@iggmeister4137]

​@@Pooki2024he didnt mean it like that

[@KingKirbzzz]

@@jimlahey3919That’s crazy. Imagine if anybody asked though.

[@Last_Chance.]

Meh....

[@83szakal]

It’s cool interview seen it long time ago 🙂

[@Trendleader863]

I've been waiting for the full version of this for 12 years! Also the one with Lorenzo Fertitta around the same time

[@WaySheGoesBubs21]

I thought Dana looked younger lol

[@FrankBullitt390]

Had to be old, the ownership structure is way different now, the brothers sold it

[@Downwithlibtards]

I question the integrity of a fight league run by a degenerate gambler.

[@Trendleader863]

@@Downwithlibtards or the Fertitta's who come from a mafia family lol

[@swisstoni2913]

I like listening to this bloke talk.

[@bolshoikush9093]

Great interview! Expect interview with Lorenzo

[@dougarchbold1489]

Dana is an amazing survivor! Now that he has it all. He will never stop because he created Frankenstein and he’s the only one that can keep it alive. So he’s on the wheel.

[@GhostOfSparta632]

Great interview but I noticed @33:55 you got your pic wrong that is Chris Leben not Forrest Griffin lol... Dana White you forgot to mention another legend... GSP!

[@ManoloSeFue]

I grew up without my father. Never met him, Even if he was a drunk i still would have like to of met him. Atleast he actually picked him up that day.

[@manifestbigmuscles]

My heart goes out to you brother!

[@Last_Chance.]

I feel you brother. God bless you

[@jbrayda9]

I don't know who my father is either. But its his loss. 🤷‍♂️

[@jonvia]

Gotta love Uncle Dana

[@bigben42]

Long live Dana White

[@jeffhughes9169]

It takes a strong will and mind to come from hard times to full success from Las Vegas sensei tiger Thompson Thompsontaekwondo

[@lilytea3]

0:20: 😔 The speaker reflects on their difficult childhood, with absent parents and a single mother, but acknowledges that it shaped them into who they are today. 4:36: 🗣 Dana White discusses his past jobs, his aggressive nature, and his work ethic. 7:55: 📞 The speaker discusses how the entertainment industry keeps working during the holidays, and shares their experience of balancing work and family. 12:06: 👥 The speaker had a encounter with individuals associated with Whitey Bulger and was asked for money. 16:13: 🥊 The UFC was on the verge of going out of business before it was purchased by the current owners. 20:49: 😔 The lowest point for Dana White was when Lorenzo called him and said he couldn't keep funding the UFC. 24:21: 🥊 Dana White discusses the challenges he faced in building the UFC brand and creating a sport. 28:30: 🥊 Dana White shares stories about his experiences growing the UFC and his appreciation for Donald Trump's support. 32:47: 👊 Dana White reflects on the success of the first season of The Ultimate Fighter and the financial opportunities it provided for MMA fighters. 36:49: 💰 UFC revolutionized the fight industry by offering fighters a share of the Pay-Per-View revenue and bonuses, making them on par with other sports leagues. Recap by Tammy AI

[@NOAHKASUALLS]

this sounds like my dad lmao

[@kevvymetal666]

Dana was 15 when Beverly Hills Cop came out. 9 sounds better though for the story.

[@mveedrums6682]

This interview was in 2011 ND conor debut was in 2013, by that time it took 2 more years for dana to finally find his soul mate...

[@Last_Chance.]

Facts

[@duramaxdad]

The suit confirms your suspicions.

[@joey_ricciardi117]

2 things that aren't true.. The Top Boxers make WAYY more money. And boxing is not dead at all. Right now boxing as a whole is better than it has been in the last 15 years. I love the UFC and BOXING!

[@Last_Chance.]

I remember when Graham did an interview with Mike Tyson a long time ago. Dude was so green and nervous lol

[@bumlookercheekymonkey3985]

Dana white love or hate em you gotta respect him for going out the with nothing more than a vision and built an empire.

[@Last_Chance.]

He didn't do it alone. It never would have happened without rich friends

[@TWIZZY_RlCH]

poor dana... having to get popcorn when the movie started 💔

[@thebrownbeastfromcaliforni6334]

😢😂

[@MT-BB-]

A Bouncer?? What like he test dribbled basketballs at the Spalding factory? Or he was security for a kitten farm? No way I'm hiring a young Dana to keep my bar in order 🤣

[@moreclips805]

Danas a good man. Rough around the edges, but loyal to the core.

[@thomasmattheww]

Greed took his soul .

[@twall4799]

Great description. He's an asshole but makes you like him.

[@Last_Chance.]

Loyal to money but that's it

[@moreclips805]

You do realize Dana owns 10% of the company right? Anyone who's worked for a large company understands there are shareholders that expect monthly distributions. WME purchased a majority for 4 billion, which is a hell of a lot of money. Would you invest 4 billion into a company to keep it around, simply not to make money? Of course not. If it wasn't for the ufc most of the fighters would be picking up shifts at your local 24 hrs fitness or boxing gym lol they would earn nothing for their skillset if it wasn't for the ufc. Sport likely wouldn't be legal if it wasn't for Dana.

[@sayhitosteve2785]

He's a compulsive liar, a cheat, and an all-around sociopath admired by dupes.

[@DarbyLDillard]

Yea. You usually do cuss a lot. But isn’t it nice knowing I’m 8 minutes in and you have shown you can talk without cussing. Nice touch.

[@l33tloy]

when stephan bonnar and forrest griffin fought....cuts to bonnar then leben

[@aisforannihilation1662]

This is why I always laugh when ppl bitch about fighter pay which sure, I'm always behind making more but I do at least understand the immense costs to put on a show & how they r all in house productions meaning their filmers, editors & MASSIVE staff behind the scenes. Add todays bonuses of P.I., all those employees including physical therapists, massage therapists, doctors, insane equipment, nutritionists, kitchen preparing diets for ppl etc, Usada. So much more besides all that too.

[@brianbertenshaw5150]

My father was exactly the same. I also felt the same about not regreting my life and I wouldn't change anything.

[@niyor3608]

His childhood seems as bad as Chael Sonnen's. It was rough

[@BOZ_11]

Fertitta was a member of the Athletic Commission, he banned MMA to buy UFC cheap Meyrowitz: "Well, you're leading me into... you know, an area that I really don't like to talk about. But, the fact is that we (UFC/SEG) went before, or were scheduled to go before, the Nevada Athletic Commission, as we did with every athletic commission. We worked very hard to make sure everybody understood it, and everyone knew what we where doing, and what we were talking about. There was a new young commissioner who seemed to like it and it looked like we had all the votes we needed. The night before at midnight I got a call telling me that this young commissioner decided this was just wrong for Nevada and that it would be a big mistake for Nevada to approve it... so that commissioner had changed his mind and was going to vote against it." Interviewer: "Do you happen to recall his name?" Meyrowitz: (Laughs) Interviewer: "Or what he's doing now? Or, maybe it's obvious?" Meyrowitz: "Well, for anybody who doesn't know, that commissioner is named Lorenzo Fertitta." Wiki - Robert "Bob" Meyrowitz is the co-creator of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He was the owner of the UFC until he sold it to Zuffa in 2001

[@kurstone04]

MAJOR MISTAKE @ 33:55 whyd you play Forrest like that! hahahahaha!

[@tkondja]

36:01 I’m not even sure it was 42 millions, you have to understand you dealing with Tito Ortiz here 😂

[@rossboss9988]

Graham Bensinger: “I need views and clout Also Graham Bensinger: ✨old videos ✨

[@froulouxio]

7:08 THIS. this is why i admire dana! nothing but straight authenticity when that man speaks. no politcally corrrect bullshit.

[@susanlevinson574]

Dana,when you gonn bring it to sunny south africa....

[@Dontwanthe24]

6:00 aggressive Dana unlocked

[@JWB86]

I love the younger, scrappy Dana!

[@Last_Chance.]

As you should

[@divercamman3997]

Talk about letting an interview marinate….for years

[@mingleii]

Gotta love Dana man.

[@Treeezzz]

Lol do you though?

[@Last_Chance.]

Meh.... Ya don't though.

[@JohnnySportsTalk]

Interview from 2011🤣 I mean thanks I guess better late then never

[@mikylaiyn4341]

He looks way younger here

[@OverHand]

Still today: The average NFL salary is around $2.7 million with a roster of about 1696 players. A rookie earn $750,000 The NBA players get paid an average salary of $7.5 million a year for season with a 600 players roster. A rookie earn $1,119,563 The average UFC fighter made $150,249 in 2022, down from average earnings of $160,022 with a roster of 578 fighters.A few more interesting stats : The median income in the U.S. in 2022 was $44,225, yet 27% of the UFC's fighters (165 fighters) made less than that in 2022. 282 fighters (46%) earned six figures in 2022 (42% in 2021). The vast majority of fighters making debut earn from $10k to $30k.

[@lockethomas7165]

Our 2011 interview with UFC President Dana White is now available." HUH

[@jballssmyrl1452]

Very interesting, I love Dana, he don't give af

[@thatyoudliketoknow1628]

Eyyy don't cut the interview early, wtf

[@jizim8947]

Best CEO out there...

[@beliVolidisko]

User friendly computers 😅😅

[@jackreacher2095]

Fucking 12 years later thanks alot

[@jimgray3346]

33:53 that ain't Forrest Griffin tho...

[@Sergio-ih6lk]

Now that was a great interview just saying.

[@Last_Chance.]

Meh......

[@ashraf200233]

👽👍 thnk's

[@charlestoddsullivanforpres6628]

UFC is the greatest company in the US.

[@iMertin]

Get a follow up

[@MCXM111]

Seems like Pierre Woodman has improved his English.

[@Squatch34]

Lol good one it’s actually rick Harrison from pawn stars

[@Last_Chance.]

​@@Squatch34lol

[@johnmurphy5428]

I would thank Dana for providing myself and my friends, who were a clique of hardworking young men, a pressure-release valve through those early UFC pay-per-views. Good friends and good memories, still. Thank you, Dana (and Furtittas).

[@RSW725]

What Year Is This From

[@gg-cm8ob]

2011

[@brianfarkas8172]

Graham ain’t human.

[@randlemcmurphy4594]

Beverly Hills cop came out When Dana was? fifteen! LOL and he's the 1 who didn't get punched in the head.

[@mikeybigfoot1354]

Dana gains more favor with the fans

[@jasontheworldisyours]

Whatever happened to the people in Boston who threatened Dana at that gym?

[@mrjacktraeger]

Went to jail

[@briscoesjug1026]

Conor is still til this day looking for those guys . He's beat every old man looking for the right one's

[@Last_Chance.]

Dana put a price on there heads. They're no longer with us

[@austinbrenning6615]

Dana talking about his dad is identical to my childhood.. we would play the car game waiting for that fool to show up ... Never did and when he did, drunk

[@zb1307]

Haha sorry but that’s funny

[@lightskinned-blacks]

Dana was 15 when Beverly hills cop came out

[@minteherms6784]

That wasn't Bonnar and griffin that you guys did show us. You showed Bonnar and lieben🤦

[@leonardhill4440]

Everyone always thinks they have an incredible memory of their childhood show you check and find out they were very wrong and I like Dana w a lot but when you tell a story you have to have facts David was born in 1969 I was born 1971 Dana is two years older than me. It was Beverly Hills cop came out. It was in 1984. I just turned 13 Dana white or 15 not nine years old, but he says that he remembers perfectly.

[@aureliocasillas7363]

Dana drinking that baby blood now he look 20 years younger good on him

[@docb1844]

And now I power slap my own wife on international television ..... great work Dana! You honor your dad’s legacy in all that you do

[@kenweis7913]

The aggression when I smack my wife around

[@therealbrian732]

If he asked about conor, dana would say who the fook is that guy

[@taintedtroll7051]

Must be refreshing to work for a company that gets huge but doesn’t go down some corporate PC bullshit path

[@robertmistkowski9879]

Dana White's interviews are always good say what you want about the man but he's very good at what he does (Hold the slap the wife comments cuz he's definitely good at making it go away so it's all pointless to bring up anyways)

[@dudebrodude4388]

13:31 is where Graham falls in love

[@Last_Chance.]

9:10 3 things actually. He forgot to say that he always enjoys smacking the wife around when he has the time

[@jamescooper-hope6930]

Karl Pilkington has really gone places. Holy shit.

[@Last_Chance.]

Lol

[@williamkilduff9220]

Why is it so important that we hurt each other ,He says money 💰 is no objective then what is he in it for .

[@hakr1298]

this is old right? his voice changed a lot

[@tapuout101]

Love Dana, hes a class act.

[@TrentenLobo]

Like when he hits his wife in public? You can like the guy like I do, but class act? Really?

[@averagejoefishing7833]

Dude, uh hes not a class act

[@georgeschneider333]

Class act that smacks his wife. Great role model

[@Z28_rob]

@@georgeschneider333she hit him first dickwad one mistake doesn’t make him a bad person

[@JB-yt9im]

Love Dana, too, but class act isn’t how I’d describe him. Lol

[@avpgraphicswraps3894]

Why does he look so young

[@BexMilze]

You are like 12 years late

[@aivarioha]

re-uploading old interviews... lame

[@SpreadAU]

Gotcha

[@Last_Chance.]

And yet here you are. Extremely lame. Smdh.

[@rockercater]

***MY MOM RAISED ME***...*A DRUNK DAD WHO LEFT..Man Dana Made himself. That makes me proud..The streets raised me..I am one of the reasons there are MUTUAL COMBAT Here in PORTLAND..The DA got tired of dealing with assault cases that Both party's Won't press charges* .. *I was one of the FIRST Mutual Combat Case*They took pictures of my hands*bleeding*And let me go..DANA Made a Sport Just made it to late because Im to old but I used to Kick ass*... *CATER*

[@rockercater]

***I CAN REALLY SING I JUST NEED A *PRODUCER*

[@ButterBallTheOpossum]

Saying there has never been a serious injury in the UFC is a bit of a stretch. I mean guys have had their skulls fractured

[@kyjames3151]

Why upload old interview bruvva ? Come onnnnn give us some new shit

[@Last_Chance.]

Views=$. That's why

[@34thncrenshaw]

how old is this

[@tfromthasix1956]

2011

[@all_your_baser_belong_to_us]

What a fantastic interview. I have enormous respect for Dana.

[@cobrakaicyberdon]

I'm sure this is years old. 🤔 Im sure I've seen it before. 🤔

[@stevenabood631]

Great interview, but "there's never been a serious injury" in the UFC? Didn't Anderson Silva, Chris Weidman, and Conor McGregor get their legs snapped in half?

[@Last_Chance.]

This interview was before those things happened. This was in 2011.

[@user-xp1vo5ou7h]

Dana " Benjamin Button " White

[@satis1983]

Chris Leben @ 33:55

[@tannerlock2]

never heard that Whitey extortion story… wow!