UFC CEO Dana White dismissed the idea of “toxic masculinity” during a nationally televised interview on the season premiere of 60 Minutes Sunday night, saying the Ultimate Fighting Championship is “unapologetically masculine” and rejecting criticism aimed at the sport’s culture, as reported [1] by Fox News.
White sat down with correspondent Jon Wertheim to discuss the UFC’s growth, particularly among young male audiences, and whether his past criticisms of the “wussification” of America still applied.
Wertheim asked White if there was a risk that the promotion’s culture could “bubble over too much,” referencing the phrase “toxic masculinity.”
“What’s that mean?” White asked, interrupting the question with a laugh. “What’s the definition of ‘toxic’? … How can somebody be too masculine? Can you be too masculine?”
After further discussion, White answered directly. “No. The answer is hell no,” he said.
The longtime UFC executive also addressed issues beyond the sport, focusing on free speech and what he described as excessive punishment in public life. White condemned cancel culture and criticized efforts to end people’s careers over offensive or poorly judged statements made online.
“I think you’re a disgusting human being if you’re celebrating the death of another human being, but people make mistakes and people are gonna do dumb things,” White said. “I don’t like trying to destroy people’s lives over doing something dumb.”
White also spoke about his personal interactions with U.S. presidents, including his longtime support for President Donald Trump.
Earlier this year, White confirmed that he and President Trump are planning to host a UFC event at the White House in 2026 to coincide with the nation’s 250th birthday celebration.
Despite his political leanings, White told Wertheim that he shows respect to all presidents, regardless of party. He recalled attending Trump’s second inauguration, where he was seated near several former presidents.
According to White, some observers suggested he appeared to be glaring at former President Barack Obama. White said the moment played out differently.
“President Obama turned around—the only president that did—and shook my hand, and said, ‘congratulations on all your success,’” White said. “And I said, ‘thank you very much, Mr. President.’”
White emphasized that respect should always be shown to those who hold the nation’s highest office. “The sitting president or an ex-president of the United States wants to come to your event, you treat them with respect,” he said.
The UFC, under White’s leadership, has continued to grow into one of the most influential sports organizations in the world, with a global audience and a strong following among younger fans.
His comments on masculinity and free speech reflected his ongoing push to defend the sport’s culture while challenging broader political and cultural debates.