Dana White opens up on Hulk Hogan's love for Donald Trump in emotional tribute to the late wrestler
The WWE titan died at the age of 71 after suffering cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida on Thursday.
Hogan, a symbol of American patriotism and machismo, was an ardent supporter of the president, with the pair fostering a kinship over the years.
The former wrestler, whose real name is Terry Bollea, even famously endorsed Trump at the Republican National Convention ahead of last year's presidential election.
And following his death, UFC CEO White, another outspoken defender of the president, opened up on Hogan's love for his country and respect for Trump during an appearance on Fox News ' 'Jesse Watters Primetime' on Thursday.
'I was actually on a family vacation, I flew from Italy to Milwaukee, when I got there, they walked me literally right into a holding room where they had me and Kid Rock, but on the way to my room, Hulk grabbed [me] and asked if he could talk to me privately for a second, and he pulled me aside, and you know, I'll never forget that conversation that we had that night,' White explained.
'He was a good man, he was special, he loved the president, and obviously he loved America.'
Trump shared his own tribute to Hogan Thursday afternoon as he reacted to the loss of his close friend.
'We lost a great friend today, the 'Hulkster,' Trump wrote on social media. 'Hulk Hogan was MAGA all the way — Strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart.'
'He entertained fans from all over the World, and the cultural impact he had was massive,' Trump wrote, praising his 'absolutely electric speech' from the Republican 2024 National Convention.
'To his wife, Sky, and family, we give our warmest best wishes and love. Hulk Hogan will be greatly missed!' he concluded.
Hogan's death also prompted Vice President JD Vance to pay tribute to the famous wrestler.
'Hulk Hogan was a great American icon. One of the first people I ever truly admired as a kid,' Vance wrote on social media. 'The last time I saw him we promised we'd get beers together next time we saw each other. The next time will have to be on the other side, my friend! Rest in peace.'
Hogan is survived by his third wife Sky, who he wed in 2023, children Brooke, 37, and Nick, 34, who he shared with first wife Linda Claridge, and two grandchildren.
The shock death comes just weeks after his wife Sky denied rumors he was on his deathbed in a coma - and claimed his heart was 'strong' after he underwent a routine neck surgery.
The procedure was just the latest in a string of surgeries for the WWE legend after his career in the ring had left him with 'the body of a 140-year-old man,' a source revealed to DailyMail.com earlier this year.
White acknowledged Hogan's brutal battles through bumps and bruises for the sake of his 'passion.'
'Anytime anybody that's in a sport that's physical, you know, they're obviously very passionate, they love the sport, and you know, when you give your body, as these guys do, you're doing it because you love it and it's what you want to do for a living,' the UFC chief said.
'That's why, whether you're a fighter, a professional wrestler, a football player, it's what you choose to do because it's what your passion is.'
Hogan, who did not voice his support for Trump in his first election , revealed that the failed assassination attempt of the president in Butler, Pennsylvania inspired him to endorse the president in his reelection campaign.
'What happened last week, when they took a shot at my hero, and they tried to kill the next president of the United States, enough was enough and I said let Trumpamania run wild brother!' he shouted as he ripped off his t-shirt to show a Trump branded tank top.
Hogan said he and Trump had known each other for over 35 years, recalling the moments during his wrestling career at some of his hotel and casino venues.
In 1988 and 1989, the WWE's WrestleMania events were hosted near Trump Plaza in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Hogan also spoke at Trump's Madison Square Garden rally in New York City, just a week before the presidential election.
He also attended the president's inauguration, and one of his inauguration balls in Washington, DC in January.
'We have our country back!' Hogan celebrated on Fox News at the president's Liberty Ball as he ripped the sleeves of his tuxedo. 'We're going to get everything back to where it should be.'
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