When does a CEO know it’s time to step down? Opinions vary widely, but for Dana White, the answer is as clear as it gets: never. The UFC CEO has made it clear that retirement isn’t part of his plan. When asked by politician Vivek Ramaswamy about hanging up his executive gloves, White’s response was characteristically blunt: “I’ll never retire. I’ll die working.” White’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary.

Fresh out of high school, he walked away from a job as a hotel valet because, despite the paycheck, he was deeply unhappy. His dream? To make it big in the fight business. Then came the turning point. At a wedding, White reconnected with an old high school friend, Lorenzo Fertitta. Their reunion would change the trajectory of White’s life—and the fight business—forever. From a near-bankrupt organization to the world’s premier combat sports promotion, White has built the UFC into a global phenomenon. Despite this unprecedented success, every chapter must come to an end—or does it? Let’s see what AI has to say on that front!

When will Dana White put down his gloves?

Dana White’s journey with the UFC has been one of relentless success and growth, though not without its share of challenges. Over the years, he has faced criticism over fighter pay and even dealt with an antitrust lawsuit. Yet, these setbacks have been overshadowed by the UFC’s monumental achievements. Despite his pivotal role, White acknowledges that the UFC will thrive even in his absence. Speaking to Sports Business Journal, he stated, “We’ve built a business that will go on with or without me. You know, the only thing with having me here is it would just be different. It would be somebody else’s vision. I run the UFC top to bottom, you know. So yes, it will go on and live forever. It will just be different.”

The UFC’s meteoric rise is a testament to the shared vision of Dana White and the Fertitta brothers. Together, they made a bold decision to invest just $2 million into what was then a struggling fight organization—a gamble that ultimately transformed the UFC into a multibillion-dollar global phenomenon. White has often credited their success to a crucial principle: keeping egos in check. Reflecting on this during a 2022 interview with TorchPro, he said:

“That’s the major key to success. Keep your ego in check. Remember why you got into this, how it all started. The Fertitta’s put the money in early on. It needed all three of us to do what we did to build it what it is today.”

Beyond the well-known milestones of White’s career, there’s one undeniable truth: the 55-year-old thrives on the grind and continuously adapts to the ever-changing landscape of the fight business. His ability to evolve, paired with strong relationships with Endeavor, fighters, and broadcast partners like Spike, FOX, and ESPN, makes him indispensable to the UFC’s success.

White’s passion for MMA isn’t just professional—it’s personal. He’s spoken about taking a jiu-jitsu class, calling it a “real red pill” experience, one that deepened his respect for the intricacies of combat sports. With his boundless energy and unrelenting drive, it’s not hard to imagine White leading the UFC well into 2040.

But what would the UFC landscape look like in 14 years? The real question isn’t just about White’s role—it’s about the next generation of stars. Who will step into the spotlight and define the UFC’s future?

Who will be UFC’s biggest stars in 2040?

The boss man has already started expanding his business outside of America and plans to host events in countries like Spain and other parts of Europe. He is also interested in expanding his empire to boxing and has already started other promotions like the Power Slap which is gaining a lot of notoriety. On top of that, Saudi Arabia is already in the plans with White’s association with GVA head Turki Alalsheikh. But what about the business in 14 years?

According to ChatGPT, the UFC could host events in Africa capitalizing on the legacies of stars such as Israel Adesanya, Kamaru Usman, and Francis Ngannou. AI said, “Building on the momentum of fighters like Adesanya and Ngannou, a future African star could capture titles in three weight classes, becoming the face of global MMA.” Apart from this, White may also consider South East Asia and India. Interestingly former dual-weight champion Conor McGregor has already hinted that he might have a boxing match in India with Logan Paul in 2025. So this goal does not seem far-fetched in the future. Moreover, after Zhang Weili’s rise, China could emerge as a dominant region for talent.

As for the fighters, in the upcoming years, the promotion could produce fighters who rival or even surpass the star power of the likes of Conor McGregor and Jon Jones. Fighters like Bo Nickal, Ian Garry, Umar Nurmagomedov, and rising Dagestani and African talents could dominate future eras. This is evident in Khabib Nurmagomedov’s role as a mentor and coach which has seen the rise of his fellow Dagestani athletes. Apart from new legacies, the UFC could also see celebrity crossover fights to attract fans from different fandoms.

On top of that, AI also predicted that technology would have a big role in this promotion in 15 years. The boss man has already included artificial intelligence to properly rank the fighters so this goal is also not far-fetched. There might be virtual reality fights and AI-powered matchmaking. White’s leadership style doesn’t suggest drastic changes to fighter pay structures though. However, advancements in fighter healthcare and retirement benefits may improve the UFC’s public image.

Last but not least the biggest stars in 2040 are a big question. There also might be a female fighter who rises the ranks and becomes as famous as the Irishman. But now let’s come to a most pressing question. What will happen when Dana White leaves?

Changes after Dana White’s retirement

According to our artificial intelligence friend, if Dana White manages to stay at the helm until 2040, his eventual departure could spark a transition similar to Vince McMahon’s exit from WWE. The UFC would likely be at its absolute peak by then, but replacing White’s charisma and relentless leadership would undoubtedly be a challenge.

While Hunter Campbell is a dependable figure who could step into a leadership role, the AI suggests that White’s absence would bring significant changes. One of the most notable could be a shift toward a more corporate and polished UFC—potentially losing some of the drama, theatrics, and personality that White brought to the organization.

By 2040, the UFC’s journey of global expansion would likely reach its conclusion, with the promotion firmly established in every major region around the world. White’s tenure would have cemented its status as the ultimate combat sports organization. Additionally, the AI predicts that former legends of the Octagon, such as Khabib Nurmagomedov or Daniel Cormier, might step into leadership roles. Their presence could help maintain the UFC’s authenticity and connection to its roots.

The future is, of course, subjective, but it’s fascinating to imagine the possibilities from a practical perspective. Could Dana White’s unparalleled passion and drive keep him leading the UFC beyond 2040? Or will his eventual departure mark the beginning of a new chapter? Share your thoughts in the comments below—we’d love to hear what you think!