Dana White has been UFC President for over two decades. Since taking the mantle in 2001, White has become one of the most successful promoters in combat sports history. He has created many outstanding shows, but the TUF is always close to him.

The Ultimate Fighter show has many fun moments, but the coaches challenge is one of the best. As White loves this segment of the show, he is always there for it.

At TUF 23, Team Joanna vs. Team Cláudia, the coaches challenge was a dunk tank competition. Both the coaches had to shoot a target five times, with the winner getting the money and the chance to dunk the loser. Even White took part against Gadelha and she showed him no mercy.

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After Gadelha dunked Jedrzejczyk in the challenge, White entered himself in the competition. The UFC head honcho said, “Now you have the opportunity to win another 5000. I’m gonna go up there.”

Once at the top, a scared looking White tried to make a deal with Gadelha. He said, “I’ll give you 10 thousand if you miss.”

However, Gadelha hit the target and dunked White.

Dana White explains how The Ultimate Fighter saved the UFC

The UFC is worth billions nowadays, but back in 2004-05, Lorenzo Fertitta had seen tremendous losses. Hence, he called White and suggested that they cut their losses.

TUF was their last attempt to save the UFC and the last investment they had for this brand. White has recalled the entire story frequently, and it still amazes everyone that a billion-dollar company survived because of one fight. The bout between Forrest Griffin and Stephan Bonnar ultimately saved the UFC.

White revealed, “That was the last 10 million dollar investment the brothers [Fertitta] were putting in. If The Ultimate Fighter flopped, that was the end of it [the UFC]”

White continued, “So then what happened was that The Ultimate Fighter was a f**king smash. Forrest Griffin vs Stephan Bonnar was the main event on the finale which ended up being a f**king ridiculous fight.”

The upcoming season of TUF, i.e. TUF 30, will return this year on ESPN+. Though fans expected Jorge Masvidal and Colby Covington as coaches, it couldn’t materialize.

According to MMA Mania, Julianna Peña and Amanda Nunes are front-runners to coach TUF 30.

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Are you excited about TUF 30? Who do you think should coach TUF 30? Which is your favorite season of TUF? Let us know in the comments section.