Thu Jan 02 12:30:00 UTC 2025: ## UFC’s Rise to Power Linked to President Trump’s Friend, New York Times Podcast Reveals

**New York, NY** – A new New York Times podcast episode explores the meteoric rise of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and its CEO, Dana White, detailing the surprising connection to President-elect Donald J. Trump. The podcast, available on the new New York Times Audio app, features correspondent Matt Flegenheimer’s in-depth look at White and how his close relationship with Trump has propelled the once-fringe sport into a major cultural and political force.

Flegenheimer’s investigation reveals the strategies behind the UFC’s unprecedented growth over the past five years, making it the fastest-growing sports league. The episode delves into White’s ambitions and explores the impact of his association with Trump on the organization’s trajectory.

Listeners are cautioned that the episode contains strong language. The full podcast is available to New York Times subscribers via the new iOS app, as well as through the New York Times podcast website and other major podcast platforms.

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