Eric Bischoff was impressed by UFC’s recent event at the White House and used the occasion to praise both Dana White and Vince McMahon while reflecting on an opportunity he once had to buy the mixed martial arts promotion.
Speaking on 83 Weeks, the former WCW executive admitted he was amazed by the scale and execution of the event, which took place on the White House lawn.
“What did I think of the event? Mind-boggling,” Eric Bischoff said.
Having spent years producing major live events, Bischoff noted that outdoor productions can be particularly challenging because of factors beyond anyone’s control.
“The complexity of doing a live sporting event outside is fraught. Everything from the weather to the wind to security issues, you name it, it can go wrong.”
Despite those concerns, Bischoff praised the production team for delivering a successful event.
“To see the event come off as well as it did from a production perspective was very, very impressive.”
The discussion led Bischoff to praise UFC CEO Dana White and compare him to former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, describing both men as highly successful businessmen rather than simply promoters.
“I admire the hell out of what Dana White, in particular, and everybody that’s come in behind him, has done,” Bischoff said. “You cannot look at what Vince McMahon built and not respect it, if you’re honest at all, controversy aside. If you look at Dana White, they’re businessmen. Calling them promoters is unfair. These are highly successful businessmen.”
Eric Bischoff Says He Was Not Interested In Acquiring UFC
Eric Bischoff also revealed that he was once offered the chance to purchase UFC during one of the company’s most difficult periods.
“I remember getting a phone call one Friday night when I was out having a beer with my wife, and the guy that was in top management called me and said, ‘Hey, would you like to buy the UFC for 2.5 million?'”
At the time, UFC was struggling with venue access and regulatory challenges in several states. While intrigued by the brand, Bischoff ultimately decided against pursuing a deal.
“I was interested in the brand, but not interested in the acquisition, because I didn’t feel like there was anything I could contribute to turn anything around. So I passed on that.”
Looking back, Bischoff expressed admiration for the work Dana White and the Fertitta family did in transforming UFC into a global powerhouse.
“If you look at what Dana White did, the Fertittas coming in, they lost over $350 million on UFC before they made their first nickel,” Eric Bischoff said. “That’s a commitment.”
