[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 132 (Thursday, August 13, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E787-E788]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING DANA WHITE, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF THE UFC, AND HIS LEGACY OF
LEADERSHIP AND PATRIOTISM
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HON. ABRAHAM J. HAMADEH
of arizona
in the house of representatives
Thursday, August 13, 2026
Mr. HAMADEH of Arizona. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of
Dana White, a visionary of American sports, a stalwart patriot, and the
president and CEO of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Dana embodies the spirit of the American innovator who turns bold
ideas into reality. For over 25 years, his dedicated leadership of the
UFC has transformed mixed martial arts from a niche competition into
one of the most widely watched and fastest-growing sports in the world.
Under his care, UFC has expanded its reach, built a global fan base,
and consistently showcased the discipline, athleticism, and competitive
spirit that resonate with audiences across our Nation.
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Accompanying Dana's tremendous success as a businessman is an
unwavering loyalty to his friends, his country, and the principles he
believes in. From the earliest days of his career, Dana has
demonstrated a willingness to stand by those he considers family and to
give back to the country that made his success possible. His longtime
friendship with President Trump is an important part of that story,
beginning with Dana's first UFC cards at the Trump Taj Mahal and
continuing through years of mutual support.
Dana has consistently used his platform and resources to support the
American people, from helping rebuild communities and businesses after
the devastating COVID-19 lockdowns to providing financial assistance to
victims of the insidious attempt on President Trump's life in Butler,
Pennsylvania. Whether in business, philanthropy, or public life, Dana
has repeatedly demonstrated that loyalty is not simply something he
talks about, it is something he lives.
Dana's profound commitment to leveraging the UFC's success for the
betterment of our Nation culminated in an unprecedented celebration of
America's 250th Anniversary: UFC Freedom 250. Through painstaking
effort, Dana with support from the White House executed a historic
celebration of American excellence, featuring displays of our military
might, live musical performances, and seven extraordinary fights
broadcast to more than 34 million people worldwide. More than simply a
sporting event, UFC Freedom 250 showcased American strength, ingenuity,
and patriotism on a truly global stage.
Hosted on the South Lawn of the White House, this landmark event
underscored Dana's pivotal role in elevating MMA from a niche sport to
a global phenomenon and a staple of American culture. His enduring
legacy of patriotism and leadership merits the highest recognition.
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