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Mr. HAMADEH of Arizona. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Dana White, a visionary of American sports, a stalwart patriot, and the president and CEO of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Dana embodies the spirit of the American innovator who turns bold ideas into reality. For over 25 years, his dedicated leadership of the UFC has transformed mixed martial arts from a niche competition into one of the most widely watched and fastest-growing sports in the world. Under his care, UFC has expanded its reach, built a global fan base, and consistently showcased the discipline, athleticism, and competitive spirit that resonate with audiences across our Nation.
Accompanying Dana's tremendous success as a businessman is an unwavering loyalty to his friends, his country, and the principles he believes in. From the earliest days of his career, Dana has demonstrated a willingness to stand by those he considers family and to give back to the country that made his success possible. His longtime friendship with President Trump is an important part of that story, beginning with Dana's first UFC cards at the Trump Taj Mahal and continuing through years of mutual support.
Dana has consistently used his platform and resources to support the American people, from helping rebuild communities and businesses after the devastating COVID-19 lockdowns to providing financial assistance to victims of the insidious attempt on President Trump's life in Butler, Pennsylvania. Whether in business, philanthropy, or public life, Dana has repeatedly demonstrated that loyalty is not simply something he talks about, it is something he lives.
Dana's profound commitment to leveraging the UFC's success for the betterment of our Nation culminated in an unprecedented celebration of America's 250th Anniversary: UFC Freedom 250. Through painstaking effort, Dana with support from the White House executed a historic celebration of American excellence, featuring displays of our military might, live musical performances, and seven extraordinary fights broadcast to more than 34 million people worldwide. More than simply a sporting event, UFC Freedom 250 showcased American strength, ingenuity, and patriotism on a truly global stage.
Hosted on the South Lawn of the White House, this landmark event underscored Dana's pivotal role in elevating MMA from a niche sport to a global phenomenon and a staple of American culture. His enduring legacy of patriotism and leadership merits the highest recognition.
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