Dana White is a prominent name in the world of combat sports. The man is a major reason behind the success of UFC. However, before being a great MMA promoter, Dana White is an excellent businessman who also has ties with several notable names even in other sports. One of his famous connections was the NBA legend, Kobe Bryant.
Advertisement
Kobe Bryant is widely regarded as one of the finest NBA players of all time. He was also a close buddy of UFC president Dana White. Their friendship was so strong that the Lakers’ star was involved in the UFC, as White recently disclosed.
What did Dana White say about Kobe Bryant?
Dana White recently appeared on the popular sneaker channel ‘Complex,’ where he spoke extensively about his passion for sneakers. However, at one point during the show, the subject shifted to Kobe Bryant.
That’s when White mentioned his acquaintance with Bryant. He additionally stated that Bryant had made an investment in the UFC-Endeavor partnership in 2016. White said:
“I knew him personally. He and I were friends, and he actually invested in the UFC. When Endeavour bought (UFC), they let all their clients come in and take a piece. He took a piece.”
During the conversation, White also disclosed that he vividly remembered the moment he learned of Bryant’s death. He further stated that when all investors were offered the opportunity to convert their shares into cash, he elected not to.
Rather, the NBA icon, who was worth around $600 million, desired that his investment remained in the world’s leading MMA organization. While talking about the same Dana White stated:
“He was such a good guy. I’ll never forget where I was and what I was doing when I heard that Kobe died. He further added, “When all the celebs had to cash out their UFC thing, it was like days before he passed away. He was super pumped about the investment, and I love Kobe.”
Unfortunately, Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter crash in 2020. As a result, the NBA legend was never able to see UFC’s rise. Bryant, however, has made a lasting influence on the world of sports, and even UFC fighters look to him for inspiration.
Bryant inspired a UFC star’s career
Many people have looked to basketball great Kobe Bryant for inspiration. Given his accomplishment in the NBA, ‘Mamba’ is regarded as one of the greatest athletes of all time. ‘The Mamba mentality’ is popular among athletes all around the world.
Furthermore, numerous players from many sports follow in his footsteps. One of them is the UFC bantamweight champion, Marlon Vera. The UFC star revealed in an interview with MMA Junkie how Bryant influenced him in MMA.
The NBA legend was always a constant in training, regardless of the conditions. Thus, like Bryant, Vera revealed he took up this habit and eventually it became one of the key reasons for his success.
What do you guys think about Bryant’s influence on other athletes? What are your thoughts on White’s words?
