Dana White Reflects on the Legacy of Hulk Hogan Following His Passing
In a heartfelt tribute, Dana White, the president and CEO of the UFC, remembered the legendary pro wrestling icon Hulk Hogan, who passed away in Florida at the age of 71. Appearing on Fox News Channel’s "Jesse Watters Primetime," White recounted a memorable conversation he had with Hogan during the Republican National Convention, where they were both present.
"Hulk Hogan pulled me aside and asked if we could talk privately for a moment," White shared. "I’ll never forget that conversation we had that night. He was a truly good man, a special person who loved the president and, of course, his country."
White acknowledged Hogan, along with other icons like Muhammad Ali and Don King, for their significant influence on the evolution of the UFC and the sports entertainment industry. "The way the UFC has developed today carries a piece of all those legendary figures and their contributions to the business," he added.
The Clearwater police reported that they responded to a cardiac arrest emergency at Hogan’s home. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Hogan sadly passed away shortly thereafter. His death has sent shockwaves through the sports entertainment community, prompting numerous tributes from fans and fellow athletes alike.
The WWE expressed their sorrow, stating, "WWE is saddened to learn of the passing of WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan. One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan played a crucial role in helping WWE achieve global recognition during the 1980s." They extended their condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.
A statement on Hogan’s official Instagram account confirmed the news, stating, "It is with a heavy heart that we announce the loss of a legend. Our beloved Terry Bollea, known globally as Hulk Hogan, passed away today surrounded by his loved ones. During this difficult time, we ask that everyone respect the privacy of his family and friends. His remarkable legacy will continue to resonate with millions of fans worldwide for years to come."
Hulk Hogan was a transformative figure in professional wrestling, famously slamming Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III and later reinventing himself by joining the New World Order in World Championship Wrestling. His illustrious career includes six WWE championships, two Royal Rumble victories, and induction into the WWE Hall of Fame both as an individual in 2005 and as a member of the NWO in 2020. He also held the title of six-time world heavyweight champion in WCW and once held the IWGP championship in New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
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— Ryan Gaydos, Senior Editor, Fox News Digital
