Ronda Rousey may have been gone from the Octagon for nearly a decade, but her bond with UFC CEO Dana White remains as strong as ever. The former bantamweight champion and Hall of Famer still speaks highly of White, crediting him as the heart and driving force behind the UFC’s success.
During a recent appearance on Bertcast with Bert Kreischer, Rousey praised White’s leadership and influence, saying the UFC might lose its edge when he eventually steps away.
“I think without Dana, its soul is gone,” Rousey said. “I love him so much. When Dana’s done, I think the dominant MMA organization title will be up for grabs. I think Dana is it. Without him, it’s just three letters.”
It’s hard to argue with her as White’s impact on MMA is undeniable. Since teaming up with Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta to purchase the UFC for just $2 million in 2001, he’s turned it into a global powerhouse now worth billions. Under his leadership, the promotion secured a massive $7.7 billion streaming deal with Paramount that kicks off in 2026, proof of how far the brand has come under his watch.
Rousey also drew a sharp comparison between White and her former WWE boss, Vince McMahon. After her final UFC fight in 2016, Rousey transitioned to professional wrestling, becoming a major star and titleholder in WWE. That experience gave her insight into how differently both men run their empires.
“Dana White wants his company to be as successful as possible and make as much money as possible,” Rousey said. “He’s got that new money kind of veneer. He wants to earn his respect in that space with all of his peers.”
By contrast, Rousey said McMahon’s motivations weren’t about the bottom line.
“I think Vince didn’t really care how successful the company was or how much money he was making,” she added. “He cared about how much influence he had on other people culturally. He was trying to impress his viewpoint on the world through that. The bottom line be damned.”
Although she didn’t criticize her WWE tenure too harshly, Rousey has previously voiced frustration with certain executives, including longtime producer Bruce Prichard. Still, her preference was clear.
“I mean, I’m a capitalist,” she said with a laugh. “So [I pick] Dana.”
Rousey’s admiration for White underscores how deeply she values his vision and consistency. For her, the UFC’s soul lives and breathes through Dana White, and without him, the sport’s biggest promotion might never be the same.
