Dana White Talks Bulls, Bigger UFC Gates, and Fighter Activity While Showcasing Playmate at PBR Event

November 5, 2026 7 Views by

UFC CEO Dana White recently stepped away from the Octagon spotlight and into the world of professional bull riding, speaking with reporters at a Professional Bull Riders (PBR) event while overseeing his bucking bull, Playmate. The appearance offered a rare look at White’s growing passion for the sport, while also providing updates on several major UFC topics, including champion activity, Islam Makhachev’s future, officiating controversies, and the promotion’s upcoming blockbuster event at Madison Square Garden.

For longtime fight fans, the crossover may seem unexpected. For White, however, bull riding and mixed martial arts share far more similarities than differences.

Dana White’s Passion for Bull Riding Continues to Grow

White revealed that his involvement with PBR stretches back roughly a decade after an unforgettable experience riding a bull himself while filming an episode of Lookin’ for a Fight. What started as a spontaneous adventure quickly evolved into a serious passion.

According to White, the experience gave him a newfound respect for both the athletes and the animals involved in the sport. He later partnered with Texas-based bull owner Dennis Davis and began investing in bucking bulls, eventually becoming the owner of Playmate, one of the more notable bulls currently competing on the PBR circuit.

Playmate has developed a reputation as a difficult draw for riders. The son of three-time PBR World Champion SweetPro’s Bruiser, Playmate has emerged as one of the sport’s most explosive young bulls and made his PBR World Finals debut in 2025.

White drew direct comparisons between professional bull riders and UFC fighters, praising both groups for their toughness, durability, and willingness to compete in dangerous environments.

White Wants UFC Champions Fighting More Often

While discussing the current state of the UFC roster, White reiterated his longstanding belief that champions should remain active.

His ideal scenario remains simple: titleholders competing at least twice per year.

White acknowledged that maintaining that level of activity becomes increasingly difficult as fighters gain championship status and financial security. In his view, success can sometimes reduce the urgency fighters feel to compete frequently.

The comments come amid ongoing fan discussions surrounding champion activity across multiple UFC divisions, with several titleholders competing less regularly than previous generations of champions.

Islam Makhachev Situation Addressed

One of the more notable MMA topics discussed involved reigning welterweight champion Islam Makhachev.

White explained that a proposed January fight had been verbally agreed upon before plans ultimately changed. While he did not indicate any animosity between the parties, he acknowledged that Makhachev later shifted his position regarding the bout.

The UFC boss stopped short of announcing any official matchup but made it clear that the promotion would prefer to see champions remain active whenever possible.

Makhachev remains one of the UFC’s biggest stars, having built an impressive winning streak while defending the lightweight championship against elite opposition.

Dana White Defers Refereeing Questions to Athletic Commissions

White was also asked about recent officiating controversies involving veteran referee Dan Miragliotta and broader concerns regarding refereeing consistency.

Rather than weighing in on individual decisions, White emphasized that such matters fall under the authority of the Nevada State Athletic Commission and other regulatory bodies.

The UFC president maintained his longstanding position that referees and judges operate independently from the promotion, leaving disciplinary action and performance reviews in the hands of athletic commissions.

White also addressed questions about grappling-heavy fights and situations in which competitors appear stalled on the ground.

His answer reflected the UFC’s established approach: fighters must continually advance positions, pursue submissions, or inflict damage. If neither athlete remains active, officials may intervene and restart the action standing.

Madison Square Garden Event Expected to Generate Massive Revenue

Looking ahead, White expressed excitement about the UFC’s return to Madison Square Garden in New York City.

According to White, early projections indicate the event could become one of the highest-grossing gates in company history.

The UFC’s annual MSG cards have routinely featured championship fights and major attractions, making the venue one of the promotion’s most successful destinations worldwide.

If current projections hold, the upcoming event could join the growing list of record-breaking UFC live gates that have highlighted the company’s recent business surge.

White Voices Support for Josh Hokit

White also took time to show support for Josh Hokit, the former college football standout and professional bull rider.

Hokit has become a recognizable figure among combat sports and rodeo fans due to his athletic background and transition into professional bull riding competition.

White’s endorsement reflects the growing connection between the UFC and PBR communities, two sports that continually celebrate toughness, resilience, and high-risk competition.

The Common Ground Between PBR and UFC

Although bull riding and mixed martial arts occupy very different spaces in the sports landscape, White clearly sees shared DNA between the athletes who compete in both.

Whether discussing championship activity, major UFC business milestones, or the unique danger of climbing aboard a powerful bucking bull, White’s message remained consistent: elite competitors are defined by their willingness to test themselves under the most demanding circumstances.

For White, that philosophy explains why he remains invested in both worlds, from overseeing UFC title fights to cheering for Playmate as the bull continues making an impact on the PBR stage.

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Article Tags

Dana White, UFC, PBR, Professional Bull Riders, Playmate, Islam Makhachev, Dan Miragliotta, Josh Hokit, Madison Square Garden, UFC News, MMA News, Bull Riding, Combat Sports, UFC Champions, Mixed Martial Arts

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