While Christmas is a time for many to indulge in the festivities and the treats that come along with it, UFC CEO Dana White has a different approach! Two years ago, the UFC boss set out on a fitness journey that’s been nothing short of inspiring. Working with health coach Gary Brecka, White overhauled his lifestyle, dropped weight, and redefined his outlook on health. The results? A leaner, healthier, and more vibrant Dana White who isn’t shy about showing off his progress.

Back in June this year, White reflected on the journey in a social media post where he shared images of his spectacular transformation and wrote “2 years since I started my health journey with Gary Brecka thanks for changing my life brother!!! I feel incredible and thank you Kerri Kasem for connecting us.”

His health revolution, however, is more than just physical. It’s a mindset that allows for no breaks even on Christmas! In a recent series of posts on his Instagram story, the UFC head honcho shared images of himself inside the ‘Death Row’ gym. The gym is set up inside the promotion’s headquarters to ensure that White has all the tools he needs at his disposal to put in the work to maintain his physical condition.

But that wasn’t all as White also shared an image of the gym’s wall which contained a quote by Mike Tyson that read, “Don’t be surprised if I behave like a savage. I am a savage.” The Tyson reference added a gritty edge, hinting at White’s relentless drive and uncompromising approach to life and business. But what exactly does ‘Death Row’ mean in this context?

For that we’ll have to look at a social media post by Milos Sarcev, an IFBB bodybuilder and coach who shared a post on Instagram with the UFC boss earlier this year where he revealed, “@danawhite flew back from Costarica and straight from the Airport came to train – full body, including 2 crazy giant sets for upper body and two giant sets for legs (named THE DEATH ROW – by Dana).”

The timing of White’s post couldn’t be more fitting. Christmas, a season of reflection and renewal, seems to underline his commitment to living with purpose. The “savage” mindset he referenced isn’t just a Tyson-inspired mantra—it’s a way of life. But, surprisingly, that isn’t the only inspiration he gained from ‘The Baddest Man on The Planet’ as Dana White has also confessed in the past that the UFC’s incredible production owes a debt of gratitude to the heavyweight boxing legend!

Dana White reveals how Mike Tyson’s walkout gave him the blueprint for UFC commentary

When Dana White sat down with Mike Tyson for an episode of the ‘HotBoxin’ podcast, the conversation wasn’t just a trip down memory lane. It was a masterclass in inspiration. White revealed that the seeds for the UFC’s iconic production were sown during one unforgettable night in 1999. Tyson’s electrifying walkout to a DMX anthem ahead of his clash with Francois Botha left a lasting impression on the future UFC boss.

White confessed, “Tyson’s walking into the fight, and I use this as an example all the time, I show people, they (the commentators) are sh—ing on Mike from the minute he starts walking in.” That moment stuck with White like a thorn in his side. When the time came to shape the UFC’s identity, he knew exactly what not to do. Commentary, he decided, would celebrate fighters, not tear them down.

The UFC boss then continued, “I couldn’t f—-ing stand listening to these clowns. I used to literally watch HBO Boxing and mute the commentary because I couldn’t stand these f—-ng guys. So, when we started building the commentary for the UFC, you don’t ever see the commentators s—t on the fighters.”

For White, the lesson was simple but profound: respect the fighters, respect the craft, and above all, respect the moment. Tyson’s iconic walkout may have been in a boxing ring, but its echoes reverberate in every UFC event today. In conclusion, whether it’s grinding away in the gym on Christmas Day or ensuring fighters receive the respect they deserve, White’s “savage” mindset fuels every aspect of his life and career. Inspired by Mike Tyson’s grit and determination, White has not only transformed himself but also elevated the UFC into a global powerhouse. What do you think about the relentless grind displayed by Dana White? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!