Dana White names Gina Carano as example of successful fighters who came from wealthy backgrounds: "Some people are born fighters"
Dana White opened up about the belief that fighters who come from difficult upbringings are more driven to become world champions. He claimed that it is true to an extent but noted that there have been others who have been naturally driven for success.
Fans have heard many stories of fighters who didn't grow up under the best circumstances such as Mike Tyson and Ken Shamrock, but there are several examples of others that came from better upbringings. With the UFC being a global entity, there has been an influx of elite-level athletes that even have college and university backgrounds rather than joining the sport as a last resort.
During his appearance on The Pete and Sebastian Show this past May, the UFC CEO said:
"[Carano's] father played for the Cowboys, but they own Caesars Palace...most of the casinos up in Reno...She comes from an extremely wealthy family. And she became a mixed martial artist, fighter and...fought Muay Thai too.
"Usually if you come from a rough upbringing...usually [they'll] become world champions. But I truly believe some people are born fighters and [Carano] is the perfect example of that." [15:50 - 16:43]
Check out Dana White's comments below:
Dana White sheds light on difference between fighter upbringings between boxing and MMA
In addition to highlighting Gina Carano's accomplishments as a fighter coming from a wealthy family, Dana White highlighted the difference between fighter upbringings in boxing and the UFC.
During the aforementioned appearance, White said:
"If you came from boxing, you came from the mean streets of somewhere and you probably headed for prison...But if you took martial arts growing up, your family had money, 'cause to get into martial arts wasn't cheap.
"Plus, most of these kids that fight in the UFC graduated from college 'cause they wrestled in college, so completely different backgrounds from MMA to boxing." [16:57 - 17:25]
Check out the full episode with Dana White below: