“I don’t have the best relationship with the UFC. I don’t have the best relationship with Dana White. He’s been bullying me—especially online,” said former UFC champion Cris Cyborg, as she once fiercely called out UFC president Dana White. Her public outcry wasn’t just about personal mistreatment; Cyborg also revealed that the online harassment spilled over into her personal life, claiming that her daughter faced bullying at school because of the feud.

Over time, the tensions between Cyborg and White have noticeably cooled. Still, the controversy shed light on a deeper issue — bullying. And not just in classrooms or offices. The feud proved that bullying can happen at any stage in life, even among high-profile adults in powerful positions. In a twist of irony, Dana White himself once opened up about a violent episode from his past where he was on the receiving end, during a recent appearance on “What’s Your Story?”

With Stephanie McMahon, Dana White shared a story about a brutal street altercation outside his own home. “Let me tell you a funny story,” White began. “I was at my house one day, and these guys beat the sh-t out of me. Then the cops showed up. There were people getting out of their cars trying to help — and they got the sh-t kicked out of them too!” He continued, “Eventually, the police got there, and the guys even started fighting the cops. I jumped off as soon as they arrived.”

White then revealed just how badly the beating affected him. “I got a call the next day. I had tickets to see the Red Hot Chili Peppers, but I was so sore — from the top of my head to the tips of my toes. My whole body hurt. My ears were ringing. I actually lost hearing in one ear from that.”

For years, Dana White kept quiet about a health battle that’s affected nearly every part of his life. The UFC president has been living with Meniere’s disease—a rare and often debilitating condition that disrupts the inner ear, triggering sudden vertigo. But White did not let it deter him despite the toll it’s taken on both his personal and professional life. He rarely speaking about the daily struggles he faced behind the scenes.

Meniere’s disease isn’t well understood. While genetics can play a role, it’s often caused by fluid buildup in the inner ear—something that throws off balance and hearing in a major way. There’s no universal cure, and treatment options are hit or miss. What helps one person might do nothing for the next.

After exhausting options across the U.S., White finally found hope overseas—in Germany. Much like Doctor Strange searching the globe for healing, Dana’s journey led him to a breakthrough. But he didn’t get there alone. A close friend—who also happens to be a Major League Baseball star—pointed him in the right direction. So, who’s the MLB player who helped Dana White change his life? Let’s dig in.

Dana White credits A-Rod for life-saving recommendation

In just under three decades, Dana White has turned the UFC into the global juggernaut it is today — a billion-dollar empire driven by his relentless passion and unwavering determination. But while his professional accomplishments have been front and center, White’s personal health battles have often flown under the radar. Throughout the years, Dana has quietly struggled with several serious health conditions — from persistent hearing issues and fluctuating weight to dangerously high triglyceride levels.

One of the most defining moments in Dana White’s life came in 2012, when he publicly revealed his battle with Meniere’s disease—a crippling inner ear disorder marked by sudden, violent vertigo attacks that threatened to derail his career. Desperate for relief, White explored every possible treatment. And much like Doctor Strange scouring the globe for a cure to heal his broken hands, White’s relentless search eventually led him to a breakthrough—one that offered hope after years of frustration and suffering.

In 2012, the attacks became so severe that White had to skip UFC on Fuel TV 3 while searching for a medical solution. Traditional treatments failed to help, and the outlook looked bleak — until a surprising recommendation came from former New York Yankees’ third baseman Alex Rodriguez. A-Rod connected White with Dr. Peter Wehling in Germany, a specialist known for pioneering Orthokine therapy — also known as “blood-spinning.” This advanced treatment, popular among top-tier athletes, works by using the body’s own anti-inflammatory proteins to promote healing.

Grateful beyond words, White credits Rodriguez with helping turn his life around. “The only way you can go there is to have a referral. A-Rod got me in. Love you, A-Rod. Thank you. I’m a Red Sox fan and an A-Rod fan now, trust me. Boston guys will have to deal with it. The guy saved me.”

Now, Dana White appears to be in great health, having conquered his past injuries and health challenges. At 55 years old, how much longer do you think Dana White will stay at the helm of the UFC? What do you envision his retirement day looking like? Share your thoughts below.