Dana White says Hulk Hogan and Muhammad Ali helped to ‘pave the way’ for the UFC in tribute to late WWE star

Dana White paid tribute to the biggest pro wrestling star of all time.

On July 24, the MMA world responded to the news that Hulk Hogan had passed away at 71.

Terry Bollea had a huge impact on professional wrestling as the first household name that the sport ever produced.

His larger-than-life personality crossed over into MMA on several occasions, with Hogan recently walking Colby Covington to the Octagon at UFC Tampa last year.

Following reactions to Hogan’s passing from the likes of Sylvester Stallone, Dana White shared his thoughts on ‘The Hulkster’ and spoke about the impact that the WWE Hall of Famer had on his life and career..

Dana White credits Hulk Hogan among other huge influences for shaping the way that he has built the UFC

While the legacy of Hulk Hogan may be difficult to reflect on due to several high profile controversies, there’s no denying that he had a huge impact.

Dana White spoke about this during a recent appearance on Fox News where he paid tribute to the legendary pro wrestling star.

The UFC CEO spoke about how Hogan wasn’t just influential to him as a teenager of the 80s where ‘Hulkamania’ ran wild.

He claims that Hogan, alongside other highly influential figures from both combat sports and pro wrestling, shaped the way that he has approached promoting and building the UFC.

Terry Bollea may be a divisive figure among pro wrestling fans but his influence stretches much further than the squared circle.

“From the Muhammad Ali’s to Hulk Hogan, Vince [McMahon] and Don King. All the guys who paved the way for me to be where I am today, they all had an impact and a lasting impression in my life and definitely the way that the UFC is today and the things I’ve done to build it, all have a little piece of all those guys and their businesses.”

Dana White reflected on a recent interaction he shared with Hulk Hogan

As two big supporters of President Donald Trump during his presidential campaign, Dana White and Hulk Hogan’s paths crossed last year.

White told a story during his appearance on Fox News about how they shared an interaction after bumping into each other at the Republican National Convention before both of them took to the stage.

“When I got there, they walked me literally right into a holding room where they had me and Kid Rock,” White said. “On the way to my room, Hulk Hogan grabbed me and asked me if he could talk to me privately for a second.

“He pulled me aside, and you know, I’ll never forget that conversation that we had that night. He was a good man, he was special. He loved the president and obviously, he loved America.”

White also reflected on his love for the 80s and what Hogan, alongside other mainstream stars like Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger, represented.