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Dana White Reveals How Shaquille O’Neal Helped The Growth Of UFC

Dana White Reveals How Shaquille O’Neal Helped The Growth Of UFC

Did you know that Shaquille O’Neal had helped the growth of UFC – and, therefore, of mixed martial arts (MMA) in general?
Yes, that’s right. The NBA legend did so especially in the early days of the UFC.

During an appearance on Shaq’s podcast, “The Big Podcast with Shaq”. White detailed how O’Neal’s involvement helped the UFC in its formative years:

Shaq did a lot of very good things for us early on when we were trying to build the UFC.

So, when we were launching the “Ultimate Fighter”, Shaq came in and laid down one of the baddest commercials for the Ultimate Fighter that you will ever see.

And what is crazy is when we went in to film it, he did it in one take.

And, well, the Ultimate Fighter – a reality TV show featuring up-and-coming MMA fighters – was a turning point for the UFC.
White credits the show’s success and the climactic fight between Forrest Griffin and Stephan Bonnar with saving the organization.

White also acknowledged other key contributors to the UFC’s growth.
Donald Trump provided venues by hosting events at his hotels, and Joe Rogan volunteered his commentary services for free.

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