Dana White, the influential UFC President and CEO whose endorsement helped President Donald Trump secure victory in 2024, has hinted at a possible return to presidential politics in 2028. White revealed he has "become really close" to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and described their relationship as a friendship.

This political development coincides with a new partnership between UFC and the U.S. State Department announced this week. White and Rubio signed a memorandum of understanding last month to establish the collaboration, under which UFC athletes and coaches will act as "sports ambassadors" for young athletes worldwide through the State Department’s Sports Envoy Program.

When asked by OutKick’s Tomi Lahren about leaders he is watching for 2028, White said, "It’s funny... a lot of the left media was saying to me, ‘So, you’re out of politics after this, right?’ And I can’t remember who it was that I said it to but … I said, ‘I’ve become really close to Rubio.’ We’ve become really close."

White emphasized, "People are asking me if I’m going to get out of politics when the president leaves and I just said, ‘I’ve become very close to Rubio.’ He and I have become friends."

Pressed on whether Rubio is his official pick to succeed Trump, White clarified, "I’m not saying I’m picking." He also expressed admiration for Vice President JD Vance, another rumored frontrunner for the 2028 presidential race, saying, "He’s smart, I like the way he handles himself."

The UFC-State Department partnership marks a rare example of "sports diplomacy," aiming to leverage UFC’s global reach to promote positive engagement among young athletes internationally.

Sources