Dana White, the CEO of the UFC, recently shared a heartfelt story about his experience saving a girl’s life through charitable donations. Speaking on the In Search of Excellence podcast with Randall Kaplan, White recounted how he was approached by a man seeking financial assistance for his daughter’s urgent heart surgery.
The man, who had returned from Thailand after training in muay thai, explained that his daughter desperately needed heart surgery within days to survive. He implored White to donate $50,000 towards the surgery. White was deeply moved by the urgency of the situation and the man’s impassioned plea, realizing that he had the means to help.
Feeling compelled to act, White reached out to verify the legitimacy of the situation and, upon confirming its authenticity, promptly donated the requested amount. His emotional recounting of the incident underscores his commitment to using his resources to make a positive impact on people’s lives.
White’s charitable endeavors extend beyond this instance, as evidenced by his previous donations and support for various causes. In 2017, he pledged $1 million to aid the victims and families affected by the tragic shootings in Las Vegas. Additionally, White has supported cancer survivors like Cody O’Connor, who founded the Champions Do Overcome charity to help families of children battling cancer.
Moreover, White’s generosity has inspired others within the UFC community to give back. Fighters like Dustin Poirier, through his Good Fight Foundation, have made significant contributions to charitable causes. Poirier, after his fight with Khabib Nurmagomedov, received a donation from the Russian fighter, which White generously matched, exemplifying his commitment to philanthropy within the sport.
