Dana White recently shared some behind-the-scenes details about failed deals during his time at UFC. In a recent interview with FOX News, White disclosed that a proposed agreement with HBO in 2007 fell apart because HBO wanted to have control over the production of UFC events. White, with the assistance of Ari Emanuel, who acquired UFC in 2016, terminated the deal.
White was concerned that allowing HBO to dictate production could have had negative consequences for the UFC brand. He also recounted an incident where a $1 billion acquisition offer from CBS disintegrated following a tense argument with Showtime executives during a conference call.
Despite these challenges, White stands by his decision to walk away from these arrangements, believing it was crucial in safeguarding the reputation and prosperity of UFC.