Dana White Reveals Unexpected Origins of Friendship with Floyd Mayweather
In a surprising revelation, UFC CEO Dana White recently shared intimate details about his longstanding relationship with Floyd Mayweather and his family. This connection, formed long before the UFC’s meteoric rise, underscores White’s deep roots in the combat sports world and sheds light on the intricate dynamics that led to some of the most iconic moments in sports history.
From Boxercise Coach to UFC Mogul
Dana White’s journey into the heart of combat sports began in his teenage years as an amateur boxer. However, witnessing the debilitating effects of CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy) on fellow fighters made him reconsider a professional boxing career. Instead, he found his calling as a ‘boxercise’ coach, first in Boston and later in Las Vegas. It was in Las Vegas during the early 1990s that White’s path crossed with the Mayweather family.
The Birth of a Lasting Friendship
During his recent appearance on ‘The Flagrant’ podcast with comedian Andrew Schulz, White delved into his early days in Las Vegas, recounting how he first met Roger Mayweather and the young Floyd Mayweather. “When I first came back to Vegas, there was a gym called ‘United Champions’,” White began. “This guy named ‘Nick One-kick’, who was a Muay Thai trainer, was there along with Roger Mayweather.”
A visibly surprised Schulz asked if White had known the Mayweather family for decades, to which White affirmed. Schulz then probed whether Roger Mayweather lived up to his fierce reputation. “Roger was a f**king maniac,” White bluntly stated, encapsulating the wild and intense environment of those early training days.
The UFC boss stated, “So when I first came back to Vegas there was a gym called ‘United Champions’, and this guy named ‘Nick One-kick’, who was a muay-thai trainer and Roger Mayweather.”
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Family Ties and Training Dynamics
The conversation took a poignant turn as White discussed the family dynamics within the Mayweather clan. With Floyd Mayweather Sr. incarcerated during Floyd Jr.’s formative years, his uncles Roger and Jeff Mayweather took over his training. White explained, “His dad was in jail, so Roger and Jeff took care of Floyd. They sort of took him under their wing and helped him out while his dad was in jail. That’s how me and Floyd became close.”
White revealed, “His dad was in jail, so while he was in jail, his uncles, you know Roger and Jeff took care of Floyd. Jeff was younger than Roger, yeah. So those guys, sort of took Floyd under the wing and helped Floyd out while the dad, his dad, was in jail. So that’s how me and Floyd became close and go to know each other early on and yeah, so it was me, Roger and Nick One-kick that worked out of United Champions.”
The Making of Mayweather-McGregor
These early relationships not only shaped White’s career but also laid the groundwork for one of the most spectacular events in combat sports history: the Mayweather vs. McGregor fight in 2017. This crossover event, which generated over $600 million in revenue, catapulted Conor McGregor to superstardom. During an appearance on ‘The Pivot Podcast,’ Mayweather reflected on the fight’s impact, saying, “Look how big these fighters got after facing me.”
“Look how big he got – If you look at these fighters. Look how big these fighters got after facing me.”
The Impact on McGregor’s Career
The Mayweather-McGregor bout was a turning point for McGregor, cementing his status as an MMA icon. White’s connections and promotional prowess were instrumental in orchestrating this event. It’s a testament to his influence in the combat sports world that he could bring together such high-caliber talent for a once-in-a-lifetime fight.
The Bigger Picture
Reflecting on Dana White’s revelation, it’s clear that his relationship with the Mayweather family has been a significant factor in his success. This bond not only influenced his career path but also contributed to the creation of stars like Conor McGregor. Without the fight against Mayweather, McGregor might not have achieved the same level of fame and financial success.
White’s ability to forge and maintain these critical relationships speaks volumes about his skill as a promoter and his deep understanding of the combat sports industry. It’s these connections that have enabled him to elevate the UFC to unprecedented heights, creating a legacy that continues to influence the world of sports.
