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Mark Zuckerberg’s passion for innovation and the UFC collided in a monumental announcement: The Meta CEO brought UFC President Dana White onto Meta’s board of directors. Known for his admiration of the sport, Zuckerberg revealed the decision during a recent appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience.
“Oh, he’s awesome,” Zuckerberg shared with Rogan. “I’ve been talking to him for a while about that. Talk about an amazing entrepreneur.”
For Zuckerberg, the move was logical. Dana White’s journey with the UFC — transforming it from a fringe organization to a global powerhouse — embodies the entrepreneurial spirit of Meta values.
"He’s this guy who took something that was almost outlawed and turned it into one of the fastest-growing sports globally," Zuckerberg said, noting UFC’s meteoric rise alongside Formula 1.
Beyond White’s entrepreneurial success, Zuckerberg emphasized the strategic importance of having someone like White on the board.
"Dana’s done something legendary with the UFC. It’s not just a business story; it’s a brand loved by millions," he stated.
The Meta chief highlighted the increasing pressures from governments worldwide and how White’s tenacity could help navigate these challenges.
“Running this company is not for the faint of heart. We need strong people who can advise us on handling these situations,” Zuckerberg explained.
The pair’s camaraderie extends beyond boardrooms. Zuckerberg, a regular at UFC events, famously walked out with Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298. His deep admiration for White’s work ethic and fearless attitude was a significant factor in this appointment.
Zuckerberg concluded,
“Dana is a world-class entrepreneur, and I believe he’ll bring invaluable insight to Meta. I want to spend my time building things, and with someone like Dana, I know we’ll navigate whatever comes our way.”