“NFL games, college football, basketball, all this stuff, there’s nothing like going to a UFC event…” said Dana White once. Unsurprisingly, his bold claim has sparked criticism, especially since NFL events like the Super Bowl regularly rank among the most-watched broadcasts in US television history.

Still, Dana White considers UFC the best, but he does not hold grudges against other American sports leagues. Over the past three decades, he has led the promotion and navigated every storm and challenge. UFC belongs to him, and White has done whatever it takes to make it the world’s top promotion. When he praises his team, he calls them “second to none” for delivering high-quality events that can compete with any other sport. Now, CBS has pressed White on his unusual comparison when he joined them for an interview ahead of UFC 324 on Paramount+.

Dana White on why UFC remains at the top in the sports world

When CBS morning show hosts Gabe King and ex-NFL star Nate Burleson asked how UFC could compete with the excitement of “thrilling touchdowns” in the final moments of an NFL game, Dana White responded, “The best fighters in the world, and you know, there are so many different ways to win and so many different ways to lose.”

White highlighted the Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen fight at UFC 117 in 2010, widely regarded as one of the greatest MMA fights of all time.

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Sonnen dominated Silva for all five rounds and seemed on track for a decision victory. But then, in the fifth round, Silva mounted a dramatic comeback and secured the win by submission with 1:50 remaining.

“And there’s just so many different ways to win and lose. It is exciting. And I was just saying to her back there, there’s nothing better than the NFL on Sundays. NFL on TV is incredible. I don’t love the NFL live right now. I’m a big Celtics fan. Basketball on television is brutal. Basketball live is unbelievable,” Dana White added.

“The thing about the UFC experience-it’s great on TV. Whether you’re at home with your family and friends, or watching it in a bar, it is even better live. You have it all three ways.”

Now, Dana White and his team have moved beyond the traditional $80 pay-per-view model and launched a new era with Paramount+, giving fans access for under $89.99 per year (around $8.99 per month). They will also broadcast select fights on CBS Sports, which will likely help curb UFC piracy.

Looking ahead, the promotion is set to make 2026 historic, highlighted by the “one-and-done” UFC White House event. For the first time, the president’s residence will host a major sports spectacle.

UFC CEO sets sights on taking over Washington DC

UFC is pulling out all the stops to organize the UFC White House event, set for Donald Trump’s birthday on June 14th, to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. The UFC has not announced the fight card yet, but it is already generating major headlines.

The promotion will host high-profile guests like Elon Musk and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson. UFC expects a limited live audience, with current American champion Kayla Harrison already confirmed, while stars like Conor McGregor and Jon Jones are working to secure spots on the card. Meanwhile, the UFC and its logistics team are transforming the South Lawn into a full-scale octagon.

“We literally just got done going through all the logistics—how to set it up there, how many people we can have. It’s looking like we’ll have 5,000 people live on the White House…”

Still, Dana White is also focusing on the fans’ experience. The promotion will turn the park outside the White House into a fan arena with giant screens.

“And across the street is the park, called the Ellipse, I think. We can have 85,000 people there. We’ll have big screens, a stage, music throughout the day. We’re basically going to take over DC that whole week with lots of different things for fight fans, and obviously, a one-of-one event to be able to have it at the White House,” Dana White added.

With Dana White raising the bar for the White House event, fans are feeling the hype too. What are your thoughts on the buzz surrounding the UFC White House event? Do you think the promotion can deliver on its reputation? Share your opinion below.