Cain Velasquez Freed on Parole: MMA Champion Seeks Fresh Start

Dana Frederick White Jr. (born July 28, 1969) is an American businessman best known as the CEO and president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the world's leading mixed martial arts (MMA) organization. White joined the UFC in 2001 after he and the Fertitta brothers acquired the struggling promotion for $2 million. Under his leadership, the UFC evolved from a niche, controversial sport into a globally recognized and highly profitable enterprise, expanding its reach to over 30 countries and securing major television deals with networks like ESPN and FOX. The organization was sold in 2016 to WME-IMG (now Endeavor) for $4.025 billion, one of the largest sports transactions ever, but White remained as president and CEO[1][3][6]. Before his UFC career, White worked as a boxing instructor and MMA manager in Las Vegas, where he connected with fighters Tito Ortiz and Chuck Liddell. He also trained in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Outside of the UFC, White founded Power Slap in 2022, a slap fighting promotion that airs on digital platforms[1][3][4]. White has been a controversial figure, facing criticism over fighter pay, antitrust lawsuits (including a $375 million settlement in 2024), and his defense of certain fighters' contentious behaviors. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he was noted for downplaying the virus's severity and leading UFC to be the first major sport to resume events. He is closely associated with commentator Joe Rogan and has longstanding ties with former U.S. President Donald Trump, supporting Trump politically[2][4]. In 2025, White joined the board of directors of Meta Platforms, reflecting his growing influence beyond sports entertainment[1][2][7]. As of 2019, his net worth was estimated at $500 million[1][3].

Khabib Nurmagomedov is a renowned Russian mixed martial artist born on September 20, 1988. He is widely known by his nickname "The Eagle" and competes in the lightweight division. Throughout his career, Khabib has been affiliated with the American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) and maintains an orthodox stance with a reach of 70 inches[2]. Khabib's career is marked by his undefeated record of 29-0-0, making him one of the most successful fighters in MMA history[1][5]. He rose to prominence as the undisputed UFC Lightweight Champion, achieving this title through a series of dominant victories against top opponents. His retirement in 2020, following the death of his father and coach Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, marked the end of his active fighting career. Khabib's legacy extends beyond his in-ring accomplishments. He is celebrated for his humility and discipline, reflecting the values instilled by his family and cultural background. His influence on the sport is still significant, with many considering him one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time[4][6]. Khabib has also been involved in various roles outside fighting, including coaching and promoting MMA events. His influence on younger fighters, particularly those from his native Dagestan, continues to grow. Currently, Khabib remains involved in the MMA world, often offering insights and advice to other fighters. His comments on the sport and its personalities, such as Conor McGregor, continue to draw attention. Despite being retired, Khabib's name frequently appears in discussions about the best MMA fighters and his impact on the sport's global popularity[3]. His legacy as a champion and a role model continues to inspire new generations of fighters and fans alike.

Brock Lesnar is an American professional wrestler, mixed martial artist (MMA), and former collegiate wrestler born on July 12, 1977, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He gained early recognition as a dominant NCAA Division I collegiate wrestler, winning the national heavyweight title in 2000 while at the University of Minnesota. Lesnar made a rapid rise in professional wrestling after debuting in WWE (then WWF) in 2002. Within six months, he won the WWE Championship at age 25, becoming the youngest WWE Champion in history. Over his wrestling career, he has secured seven WWE Championships and three WWE Universal Championships. Lesnar has also won the King of the Ring (2002), Royal Rumble twice (2003, 2022), and Money in the Bank (2019) tournaments. Among his most notable WWE achievements is ending The Undertaker’s undefeated WrestleMania streak at WrestleMania 30 in 2014, a landmark moment in WWE history. Lesnar has headlined multiple WrestleManias and major pay-per-views such as SummerSlam[1][2][3][4]. Outside WWE, Lesnar competed in New Japan Pro Wrestling, winning the IWGP Heavyweight Championship once, and had a successful MMA career in the UFC. He became the UFC Heavyweight Champion in 2008, compiling a professional MMA record of 5 wins, 3 losses, and 1 draw. He briefly pursued a career in American football and was part of the Minnesota Vikings practice squad in 2004[2][3][5]. Lesnar is known for his physical dominance and signature finishing moves, including the F-5 and Kimura Lock. Managed often by Paul Heyman, he is nicknamed “The Beast Incarnate” and “The Next Big Thing.” As of late 2025, Lesnar remains an active and prominent figure in WWE, continuing to headline major events and maintain his status as one of the most formidable competitors in sports entertainment[1][3][4].