Dana White has been selected as one of the most influential business leaders of 2022.
Variety500 recently released its sixth edition of a list featuring 500 powerful business higher-ups. One of the selections was Dana White, the UFC president. Jed I. Goodman made the discovery and posted the news on Twitter with the caption:
“Dana White & Ariel Emmanuel make the 2022 Variety500, ‘an index of the 500 most influential business leaders shaping the global media industry.”
Ari Emanuel, the CEO of Endeavor, joined the list with White. Emanuel was a massive contributor to the partnership created with the UFC and other major business deals, including the acquisition of Open Bet. Another UFC associate appeared on the Variety500 list. Goodman had this to say on Twitter:
“Joe Rogan also on this year’s list.”
Joe Rogan remains an essential part of the UFC commentary team but has accomplished plenty outside of MMA. The Joe Rogan Experience podcast continues to make an impact around the world with millions and millions of viewers.
White’s appearance on the Variety500 list was well-deserved. The UFC president had a phenomenal year leading the premier MMA promotion to 25 consecutive sold-out events. The UFC also held their first event in France while opening facilities in Mexico and Africa. The UFC commentator and president joined an elite group of business leaders on the Variety500 list.
Dwayne Johnson and Stephanie McMahon join Dana White on the 2022 Variety500 list
The Variety500 list is a who’s who of successful business leaders. Dana White and Joe Rogan represented the MMA community, but a handful of other household names were present. Several selections were awarded a special spotlight, including Beyonce, Kim Kardashian, Bad Bunny, and Tyler Perry.
Variety500 also selected three members of the pro wrestling community. The wrestler-turned-actor Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson was chosen for his contributions to the film industry. The co-CEOs of WWE, Stephanie McMahon and Nick Khan, made the list for their ability to continue growing the number one pro wrestling promotion.
Meanwhile, White’s nomination provides more validation for his success as UFC president. The 2022 calendar year had its ups and downs for the UFC, but MMA continues to grow rapidly overall, and the 53-year-old business leader is a massive reason why.
