"He called me an hour before the debate" - Dana White shares insights into Donald Trump's preparation for US Presidential debate with Kamala Harris
Dana White is a close friend of Donald Trump's, so it comes as no surprise to learn about the pair's communication prior to the former United States president's debate with Kamala Harris. At a recent post-fight press conference for Dana White's Contender Series, the UFC CEO addressed the debate.
What seemed odd was that White is yet to watch the debate, saying as much when asked by reporters at the press conference.
"No, I haven't seen it, but I'll tell you this. He called me an hour before the debate. I talked to him when I was coming here, right when we got off the plane. I was in L.A. today. And I said, first of all, this is the second time he has to debate. He already did a debate. They didn't like how the debate turned out, so they want to kick that guy out."
The UFC CEO subsequently tore into current United States president Joe Biden, who has been criticized in the past by notable MMA figures, like Joe Rogan. He then touched on how well-prepared Trump was ahead of the debate.
"He's unfit to run, yet he's still president of the United States. Now they bring in somebody who wasn't elected to actually be in there, and they'll only do it on ABC. It was three to one tonight for him. He was facing three to one. So, I don't know how it went or what happened, but I know he took it seriously. He said, 'Look, this is like a heavyweight fight. I'm not taking anybody lightly.'"
Check out Dana White's thoughts on the US Presidential debate (26:54):
White will likely have more polished thoughts on the debate once he watches it, and given how deeply he values his friendship with Trump, it's unlikely he'll back Harris.
Dana White and Donald Trump have a storied friendship
Dana White has welcomed Donald Trump to several UFC pay-per-views, even walking him into the arena personally. The pair's friendship dates back to the promotion's days in obscurity, when it struggled to find venues willing to host fights. In fact, Trump once expressed gratitude for White's public defense of him.
"Dana, you are the real deal!"
In a gesture of goodwill, Trump hosted the UFC when it was on the verge of financial ruin. White never forgot Trump's part in the promotion's continued survival and has thereafter exhibited tremendous loyalty to the former United States president.