Following UFC Tampa, the promotion’s final event of the year, Dana White dropped a tantalizing hint that has fight fans buzzing.
Reflecting on a banner year for his promotion — one filled with massive fights, record-breaking moments, and unforgettable highlights — White suggested that even bigger surprises await in the near future.
Speaking to the media at the post-fight press conference, the UFC CEO shared his excitement about what lies ahead for both the organization and his other ventures, including Power Slap and Nitro Circus. While he remained tight-lipped about specifics, his comments hinted at seismic plans in the works.
Every year over the last 17 years, I’ve said, ‘How is next year gonna be bigger than this year?’” White said. “And some of the stuff that we’re already working on is...on multiple levels, not just UFC. We got Power Slap meetings going on down there. SLS [Street League Skateboarding], which I own a piece of, did an event down there today, and UFC stuff is being worked on right now in Brazil.
White then upped the intrigue, promising a major announcement that would shock fans.
I anticipate a lot of big fights,” he said with a grin. “I’ve got something in the works right now that’ll drive you [media] crazy. All you guys will be running around. I got something in the works that you will never f**ing see coming for 2025. It literally started to come together last night. Yeah, we got some fun stuff coming up.
While fans speculate about the cryptic remarks, the UFC is gearing up for its first event of 2025. UFC Vegas 101 is set to take place on Jan. 11 at Las Vegas' Apex, headlined by a women’s strawweight rematch between Mackenzie Dern and Amanda Ribas.
With White’s tease of groundbreaking news for 2025, anticipation for what the new year will bring is already at an all-time high.