Dana White Talks Winning $3.2M Gambling, Conor McGregor's $100M+, UFC Pay & Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul

UFC President Dana White joins Shannon Sharpe at Club Shay Shay for a comprehensive and entertaining conversation that spans the history and future of mixed martial arts, personal anecdotes, and behind-the-scenes stories.

Shannon kicks things off by reminiscing about his experience attending UFC 1. Dana then dives into his recent participation in "The Roast of Tom Brady," sharing what it was like to perform in front of 12,000 people, his unique relationship with Tom Brady, and the process of crafting his jokes, including calling comedian Bill Burr for advice. Dana gives credit to Drew Bledsoe and Shannon takes a light-hearted jab at Kim Kardashian, to which Dana offers his own praise. He concludes with high praise for Tom Brady, calling him a savage.

Dana then dives into his upbringing with a single mom who worked as a nurse, growing up in a lower-middle-class environment, and moving from Boston in the fifth grade with a thick accent. He shares his lifelong love for fighting, dropping out of college after less than a semester, and the reasons why college didn't suit him. Dana recounts being run out of Boston due to FBI investigations involving Whitey Bulger, fleeing to Las Vegas, and how that move turned out to be fortuitous.

The conversation also covers the UFC's groundbreaking move to Spike TV, financing the first season independently, and the emphasis on live event experiences over TV broadcasts. Dana explains how he convinced Joe Rogan to become a commentator after seeing him on the Keenen Ivory Wayans show and an interview where Joe expressed his passion for fighting.

Dana discusses the situation with Francis Ngannou, stating he has no regrets about how things played out. He affirms that the UFC did everything possible to make the Jon Jones vs Ngannou fight happen, emphasizing that Jones isn't afraid of Ngannou and is the baddest fighter of all time. Dana believes Jones would defeat Ngannou just as he did Ciryl Gane and elaborates on Jones's status as the baddest human in fighting sports history, a potential fight with Stipe Miocic, and what makes Jones so formidable—a true "killer" with a dark side.

On the financial side, Dana addresses the ongoing debate about fighter pay, asserting that fighters are earning more and that many quotes on the subject come from reporters who lack understanding of the business. He also reflects on the Conor McGregor vs. Floyd Mayweather bout, highlighting issues within boxing’s economics. Discussing potential matchups like Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul, Dana insists Tyson, at 58, shouldn't be fighting.

He recounts getting The Rock into social media and shares the success of Power Slap, an endeavor that gained massive followers quickly. Dana envisions celebrities participating and even invites Shannon to join.

In a fun segment, Dana speculates on which athletes from various sports would make great UFC fighters, naming Tom Brady, Michael Jordan, Shaq, and others. Dana's love for gambling comes to the fore as he talks about his nightly blackjack sessions, his venture into baccarat, and his strategy of betting as much as possible, even impacting a casino's quarterly report.

Join Shannon Sharpe and Dana White for a riveting episode filled with honesty, insider stories, and the unfiltered insights of one of the most influential figures in sports today. Whether you're a die-hard UFC fan or simply enjoy candid conversations, this episode of Club Shay Shay is essential listening.

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About Club Shay Shay:
Club Shay Shay is a weekly podcast hosted by Shannon Sharpe – 3x Super Bowl champion, member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and co-host of First Take on ESPN. Each week Shannon will sit down with athletes, celebrities and influencers to break down, analyze and discuss the latest headlines in sports, pop culture and everything in-between. Get on the VIP list at Club Shay Shay NOW and never miss an episode!

Dana White | EP. 129
   • Dana White Talks Winning $3.2M Gambli...  

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