Dana White Discloses What Barack Obama Said to Him During Trump’s Inauguration

September 29, 2025

Washington D.C. – Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) CEO Dana White recently shared a previously undisclosed account of an interaction with former President Barack Obama during the inauguration of President Donald Trump in January. The revelation came during a recent appearance on 60 Minutes, shedding light on a seemingly unexpected moment of connection between the two figures.

A Moment at the Inauguration

White, a well-known supporter and friend of President trump, found himself positioned near former presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton at the inauguration ceremony. He noticed Former President Obama approaching, and his reaction sparked speculation online, with some suggesting a look of disapproval. However, White clarified the story, stating that President Obama was the only former president who acknowledged him with a handshake and words of congratulations for his success with the UFC.

“President Obama turned around, the only president that did, and shook my hand and said, congratulations on all your success,” White explained. “And I said, thank you very much, Mr. president. That’s what happened. I’ve never talked about that publicly,” White added.

Fighter Pay Under Scrutiny

The conversation on 60 Minutes also turned to the topic of fighter compensation, a longstanding issue within the UFC. This discussion gained renewed relevance following the proclamation of a new, considerable broadcast rights deal with Paramount, valued at $7.7 billion – a important increase from the current $1.5 billion agreement with ESPN.

When questioned about whether this financial windfall would translate into increased pay for UFC fighters, White offered a cautious response. “I can’t sit here and tell you it’s double, it’s one and a half, it’s triple…” he said. Though, he assured that fighter pay “is gonna be good” and firmly stated that UFC fighters currently earn a “fair” wage.

Broadcaster	deal Value	Years Active
ESPN	$1.5 Billion	2019 – 2025
Paramount	$7.7 Billion	2026 – 2036

Did you Know? The UFC’s new deal with Paramount is one of the richest media rights deals in sports history, rivaling those of the NFL and NBA.

White also jokingly addressed the possibility of hosting President Obama at a future UFC event, stating he would extend the appropriate courtesies.”If president Obama called and said, hey, I’d like to come see a fight… you treat them with respect,” he remarked.

The Evolving Landscape of Combat Sports Compensation

The debate around fighter pay within the UFC is part of a broader conversation occurring across the combat sports world. Historically, fighters have received a smaller percentage of revenue compared to athletes in other major leagues. However, growing media rights deals, like the one recently secured by the UFC, are putting increased pressure on organizations to address this disparity. Outside the UFC, organizations like Professional Fighters League (PFL) are experimenting with different pay models, including revenue sharing, to attract and retain top talent. The rise of fighter-led organizations and unions could further shift the power dynamics within the sport in the coming years, creating a more equitable compensation system for athletes.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dana White and UFC Fighter Pay

• What did Barack Obama say to Dana White? President Obama congratulated Dana White on his success with the UFC during the inauguration ceremony.
• Is Dana White a supporter of Donald Trump? Yes, dana White is a longtime friend of President Trump and has publicly supported him on multiple occasions.
• Will UFC fighters get a raise with the new broadcast deal? While Dana White didn’t specify exact figures, he indicated that fighter pay would improve as an inevitable result of the new $7.7 billion deal with Paramount.
• What is the current UFC broadcast deal worth? The current deal with ESPN is worth $1.5 billion, while the new deal with Paramount is valued at $7.7 billion.
• How does UFC fighter pay compare to other sports leagues? Historically, UFC fighters have received a smaller percentage of revenue than athletes in leagues like the NFL or NBA, but this is an evolving issue.

What are your thoughts on the new UFC broadcast deal? Do you believe fighter pay should be increased proportionally?

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How does Dana White’s pre-existing relationship with Donald Trump influence the interpretation of his account of the interaction with Barack Obama?

The Unexpected Encounter at the 2017 Inauguration

UFC President Dana White has recounted a surprising conversation he had with then-outgoing President Barack Obama during Donald trump’s inauguration in January 2017. The story, revealed in various interviews over the years, details a moment of shared observation and a surprisingly candid remark from Obama regarding the incoming management.This interaction offers a unique glimpse into the transition of power and the perspectives of key figures present. The event has become a recurring anecdote in discussions about the political climate surrounding the 2016 election and its aftermath.

The Setting: A Moment of Transition

The inauguration of Donald Trump was a highly charged event, marked by both festivity and protest.Dana White, a known Trump supporter, was in attendance. He found himself positioned near the outgoing President and First Lady Michelle Obama as the ceremony unfolded. This proximity led to an unexpected exchange. The atmosphere was described as tense, with a palpable sense of change in the air.Understanding the context of the 2017 inauguration is crucial to appreciating the weight of Obama’s words.

Obama’s Remark: A Prediction About Trump’s Presidency

According to White, as Trump took the oath of office, Obama leaned over and said, “Well, that was weird.” While seemingly simple, White interpreted the comment as a reflection of Obama’s disbelief at the outcome of the election and a subtle acknowledgement of the unconventional nature of the incoming presidency.

Here’s a breakdown of the key elements of the story:

* The Speaker: Barack obama, 44th President of the United States.

* The Recipient: Dana White, president of the Ultimate Fighting championship (UFC).

* The Event: Donald Trump’s Presidential Inauguration, January 20, 2017.

* The Quote: “Well, that was weird.”

* The Interpretation: A commentary on the unexpected election result and the beginning of a new, unpredictable political era.

White’s Public Accounts and Subsequent commentary

Dana White has shared this story on numerous occasions, including interviews with the Dan Patrick Show and other media outlets. He consistently emphasizes the casual, almost understated delivery of the remark, which he found particularly striking given the gravity of the situation. White has also noted that he initially hesitated to share the story publicly, fearing it would be misinterpreted or sensationalized. However, he eventually felt it was crucial to offer his firsthand account of the moment.

Political reactions and Media Coverage

The story has garnered meaningful attention from political commentators and media outlets. Some have interpreted Obama’s comment as a veiled criticism of Trump, while others see it as a simple observation about the unusual circumstances. The anecdote has been used to illustrate the broader political divisions that characterized the Trump presidency. News coverage frequently enough focuses on the contrast between obama’s measured tone and Trump’s more bombastic style.

The Meaning of the Interaction

This brief exchange between Obama and White highlights several key themes:

* The Peaceful Transfer of Power: Despite political differences, the inauguration represents a fundamental aspect of American democracy.

* The Unexpected Nature of the 2016 Election: Obama’s comment underscores the surprise many felt at Trump’s victory.

* The Personal Reactions of Political Leaders: The story offers a rare glimpse into the private thoughts and feelings of those at the highest levels of power.

* The Role of Sports Figures in Politics: Dana White’s prominent support for Trump and his presence at the inauguration demonstrate the increasing intersection of sports and politics.

Dana White and Donald Trump: A Longstanding Relationship

Dana White’s relationship with Donald Trump predates the 2016 election. Trump has been a longtime supporter of the UFC and has hosted several UFC events at his properties. This close association led to White becoming a vocal advocate for Trump during the campaign. The relationship has been a subject of scrutiny, with some questioning White’s motivations. Though, White has consistently maintained that his support for Trump is based on their personal friendship and shared business interests. This pre-existing rapport adds another layer of context to the inauguration story.

Analyzing Obama’s Statement: Nuance and Interpretation

The power of Obama’s statement lies in its ambiguity. “Well, that was weird” can be interpreted in multiple ways. It could be a simple acknowledgement of the unusual spectacle of a presidential inauguration, or it could be a more pointed commentary on the political climate. The lack of further elaboration allows for a range of interpretations, making the story all the more compelling. Linguistic analysis suggests the use of “weird” implies a deviation from the norm, hinting at a deeper sentiment.