UFC President Dana White has indicated a potential return to presidential politics in 2028, citing a close friendship with Secretary of State Marco Rubio. White, whose endorsement was influential in Donald Trump's 2024 presidential victory, suggested this possibility in recent remarks.
This comes as the UFC announced a "sports diplomacy" partnership with the State Department. White and Rubio signed a memorandum of understanding last month, which will involve UFC athletes and coaches serving as "sports ambassadors" for young athletes globally through the State Department’s Sports Envoy Program. This marks the first time the UFC has entered such a formal agreement with the State Department, mirroring a similar arrangement by the NFL.
When asked by OutKick's Tomi Lahren about potential leaders for 2028, White responded, "I’ve become really close to Rubio. We’ve become really close." He added that he has become "very close" to Rubio and that they have become friends. White described Rubio as "a great guy," noting his intelligence and demeanor.
While White stopped short of officially endorsing Rubio for president, he acknowledged Rubio as a strong potential candidate. White also mentioned Vice President JD Vance, another Republican frequently discussed as a 2028 contender, stating Vance is also "a great guy."
Rubio and Vance are considered leading Republicans for a potential 2028 presidential run. Rubio, who previously ran for president in 2016, has expressed support for Vance as a potential nominee.
UFC Chief Operating Officer Lawrence Epstein stated that the league is "thrilled" about the partnership, aiming to "build bridges through community engagement." He highlighted the global nature of the UFC, with athletes representing 75 countries.
Secretary Rubio praised the UFC's rise, attributing it to values such as "excellence, discipline, opportunity, and meritocracy." He expressed the State Department's pride in launching the partnership and its commitment to growing the sport of mixed martial arts (MMA).