Last year, the surprising merger between the WWE and the UFC stunned the combat sports community. This happened as Vince McMahon decided to step back from the WWE due to legal issues. Recently, Netflix launched a documentary series about the former head of the WWE, named Mr. McMahon. Following that, it has come to light that the McMahon family had previously missed out on a lucrative opportunity to purchase UFC at a low cost. Specifics about this costly mistake have now been revealed.
In the documentary series, Vince McMahon discusses the time when his son, Shane McMahon, proposed the idea of purchasing UFC. The MMA organization was experiencing financial difficulties and was up for sale. Shane was fully supportive of the idea and presented it to his father. However, Vince did not approve of the idea as it went against their business model. Vince believed that WWE focused more on show business and entertainment, whereas UFC was more focused on sports.
When it was presented in terms of buying UFC, I didn’t like that business model. Because our business model, you can create characters much like Disney or someone else, and we can use them forever. As opposed to a boxer/UFC [fighter], once you’re beat, once you’re hurt or something, your career’s over. We’re in show business. That’s a sport.
Vince McMahon via Netflix Documentaries (Mr. McMahon)
However, McMahon’s speculations didn’t plan out as he thought. Over the years, UFC has created stars such as Conor McGregor, Jon Jones, and Khabib Nurmagomedov. Now, the UFC is one of the largest sports organizations in the world, offering regular, exciting pay-per-view events. UFC CEO Dana White gets the credit for much of its success. His meticulous dedication and shrewd judgment for the promotion are the standouts of UFCs successful stint till now.
Shane McMahon talks wanting Vince McMahon to buy UFC.
Vince McMahon explains why he turned down buying the company.pic.twitter.com/XHX86bVUGv
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) September 25, 2024
The UFC CEO Dana White and the former WWE head share an intriguing history. Over the years, both Dana White and Vince McMahon were fierce rivals. Their rivalry even escalated to taking several verbal shots at each other. However, this changed after the grand merger of WWE and UFC. As such, White often heaped praises on Vince, the businessman. On the other hand, that’s not the case for Vince McMahon, as he once took a sarcastic take on the UFC CEO.
When Vince McMahon claimed himself as a ‘better businessman’ than Dana White
White and McMahon are arguably among the top businessmen in combat sports history. Over the years, their rivalry took several turns. In one instance, there were even talks about a potential wrestling between the two. Interestingly, the UFC CEO even had support from many prominent individuals in the community. That being said, they also take sly jabs at each other sometimes.
Vince McMahon heaps praises on Dana White (Image via Rolling Stone/ BJ Penn)In Saudi Arabia, during a boxing match, MMA Junkie had a conversation with Vince McMahon and The Undertaker. The media outlet asked questions about the relationship between the UFC CEO and McMahon. In response, the former WWE head disclosed that the two individuals have a great relationship. The Undertaker also mentioned that they are both skilled businessmen. McMahon, however, interjected and insisted that he is the superior businessman, correcting ‘The Phenom.’
I don’t bust anybody’s chops unless they get in the way. But Dana and I get along very, very well. He’s a really good guy. We’re good partners and good businessmen. We’re good businessmen and we get along. He’s a tough guy. I’m a better businessman.
Vince McMahon via MMA Junkie
The banter between White and McMahon went on for a long time but eventually stopped. Now, both individuals share a good bond and respect each other’s stature in the community. That being said, now it remains to be seen if that feud ignites again someday.
