Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jul 8
Dana White Hints at 2028 Role as UFC Seals 1st State Department Partnership
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jul 8

Dana White Hints at 2028 Role as UFC Seals 1st State Department Partnership

2 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 8

Summary

  • Dana White said he may stay active in presidential politics after Donald Trump leaves office, citing a growing friendship with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and saying of 2028, “never say never.”
  • Last month’s memorandum with the State Department gave that relationship a public platform: UFC athletes and coaches will join the Sports Envoy Program as ambassadors for young athletes worldwide.
  • White stopped short of backing Rubio outright, saying he also likes Vice President JD Vance and calling it “not a bad thing” for Republicans to have two strong potential 2028 candidates.
  • The agreement is UFC’s first formal State Department partnership; the promotion said its roster spans 75 countries, while Rubio cast the deal as a way to extend MMA’s global reach through U.S. sports diplomacy.

Insights

Can a sport defined by caged combat truly build diplomatic bridges, or could it project an image of American aggression?
As the state partners with a company linked to presidential investments, how will ethical conflicts and taxpayer interests be protected?