UFC President Dana White joined FOX News’ Jesse Watters Primetime to reflect on the death of Hulk Hogan, crediting the wrestling legend as one of the major figures who paved the way for his success in combat sports promotion.
White opened up about growing up during Hogan’s peak in the ’80s, calling the era unforgettable and full of larger-than-life personalities who shaped his view of sports and entertainment.
“I grew up in that era, that’s my era… The ’80s were incredible. Not just them, guys like Stallone and Arnold and the list goes on and on of the men’s men of that era. Reagan, I mean, I could go on and on.”
While White admitted he came up more as a boxing guy, he made it clear Hogan was part of the foundation that helped lead him to where he is today with the UFC.
“To say that the WWE, boxing, and other things of that time—from the Muhammad Alis to Hulk Hogan, Vince, and Don King— all of the guys who paved the way for me to be where I am today, all had an impact and a lasting impression in my life.”
“Definitely the way that the UFC is today and the things that I’ve done to build it all have a little piece of all those guys and their businesses.”
White also shared a personal moment from backstage at the 2016 Republican National Convention, when Hogan pulled him aside for a private conversation he said he’d never forget.
“He pulled me aside and, you know, I’ll never forget that conversation that we had that night. He was a good man. He was special. He loved the president and obviously he loved America.”
As the tributes to Hogan continue to roll in, White’s comments added a unique perspective from outside the wrestling world—one that still bears the fingerprints of Hulkamania.
Was Hogan’s impact bigger than wrestling? How do you think legends like him influenced sports today? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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