UFC's Dana White remembers Hulk Hogan after WWE icon's death

UFC President and CEO Dana White honors the legacy of wrestling legend Hulk Hogan on ‘Jesse Watters Primetime.’

Dana White, the UFC’s president and CEO, remembered pro wrestling icon Hulk Hogan Thursday night after his death in Florida.

White appeared on Fox News Channel’s "Jesse Watters Primetime" and reflected on Hogan’s appearance at the Republican National Convention. He said he was in a holding room with Kid Rock waiting to go on the stage when Hogan asked to speak with him.

"Hulk Hogan grabbed me and asked me if he could talk to me privately for a second," White said. "And he pulled me aside, and I’ll never forget that conversation that we had that night. 

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Hulk Hogan rips his shirt before Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at Madison Square Garden Oct. 27, 2024, in New York.  (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

"He was a good man. He was special. He loved the president, and, obviously, he loved America."

White gave credit to Hogan, Muhammad Ali, Don King and the combat sports and sports entertainment world of that era for helping shape what the UFC is today.

"The way that the UFC is today and the things that I’ve done to build it all have a little piece of all those guys and their businesses," White added.

Clearwater police said officials were called to a cardiac arrest emergency at Hogan’s home. The pro wrestler was transported to a hospital and died about an hour later. Hogan was 71.

Hogan’s death sent ripples across the sports entertainment world. White was just one of dozens of people who paid tribute to the WWE icon throughout the day.

"WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away," WWE said in a