“Animals are such agreeable friends. They ask no questions; they pass no criticisms,” said George Eliot, a sentiment UFC CEO Dana White understands deeply. Known for his sharp business acumen and no-nonsense approach, White is no stranger to public criticism, particularly from figures like Jake Paul. But when it comes to his animals, judgment has no place. They’ve always been a source of comfort and consistency in his life. Earlier this year, however, Dana and his family were hit with an unexpected tragedy. Around New Year’s, their beloved PBR bull named Twisted Steel passed away after battling undisclosed health issues.

Though Twisted Steel wasn’t a pet in the traditional sense, his role was in competitive events and livestock breeding. Moreover, he still held a special place in White’s heart, a companion in his own unique way. Sean Gleason, CEO of Professional Bull Riders (PBR), confirmed the bull’s death on social media, stating that White and Twisted Steel (#497 at the time) had formed a “special bond.”

While ‘beautiful boy’ wasn’t a typical companion animal, his loss created an undeniable void in White’s life, one that would be hard to replace. As the UFC prepares for its third return to Kansas City, the PBR is also gearing up for its own event in the city. In true Dana White fashion, he’s not leaving anything to chance. In a recent Instagram post, Dana revealed his new addition—a bull named Dana White’s Playmate. Alongside a video featuring his new bull, White shared the exciting news with a simple caption: “My boy Dana White’s Playmate is on his way to PBR Kansas City!” he wrote.

The event is set to take place on April 26 in Kansas City. What many may not realize is that the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) is owned by TKO Holdings Group, which purchased the organization, along with IMG and On Location from Endeavor for an impressive $3.25 billion earlier this year. In addition to their stacked roster, Dana White & Co. also own two other prized bulls: Sour Diesel and White Thunder. Together with his partner Dennis Davis, the Bossman continues to make waves in the bull-riding world. But what drew Dana White, known for his fierce involvement in the fight game, into the world of bull riding? Let’s explore.

Why did Dana White fall in love with bull riding?

Dana White made his debut in the bull riding competition in 2016, entering the arena with two bulls, Stank Face and F-Bomb. While both of those bulls have since retired, White’s passion for the sport has only intensified. However, the tragic loss of his bull, Twisted Steel, earlier this year took many fans by surprise, especially those who viewed Dana as solely invested in MMA, Power Slap, and boxing. Bull riding, for many, was a new and unexpected side of the head honcho.

White has often drawn parallels between bull riding and combat sports, recognizing a deep connection between the two. He once shared his perspective with Professional Bull Riding, saying, “Stepping into a cage in front of the whole world to face someone as skilled and trained as you is intense and terrifying. But then, you slide into that chute on a bull – they strap your hand in, and you signal to open the gate,” he continued.

“I remember thinking to myself, ‘I’m not sure I could do this. I’m not sure I’d actually go through with it.’ But then, the bull starts slamming your legs against the rails, and you quickly realize, the ride can’t be worse than what you’re already enduring in there. The mental toughness and sheer audacity required to be a bull rider is on an entirely different level.”

With Dana White already making an impact across various promotions, do you think professional bull riding could be something he’d consider launching his own promotion for, given his passion for the sport and his love for animals? Share your thoughts below.”