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By Mauricio Viladegutt
Contributing Entertainment Writer
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UFC president Dana White has landed a surprising new role outside the octagon.
In an unsuspecting move, Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, will be adding a new board of directors member. That member is none other than White, marking a significant shift from his established career in mixed martial arts.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg – who is also an avid fan of MMA – made the announcement on Monday, January 6, revealing that White, along with John Elkann and Charlie Songhurst, would be joining the board. Zuckerberg expressed his excitement about the new additions in a post on Facebook, stating, "Dana, John, and Charlie will add a depth of expertise and perspective that will help us tackle the massive opportunities ahead with AI, wearables, and the future of human connection."
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It's safe to say fans are a little confused about the news, and have taken to social media to express their thoughts.
"What the f**k is Dana White gonna do on the $META board? organize UFC fights between the other members?" asked one user on X (formerly Twitter.)
Another noted, "Smart move but reeks of desperation. It's like paying the cool kid to be your friend lol."
Others pointed out potential UFC partnerships in the future. "This is a good strategic move by Zuck. Watch some kind of UFC and Meta partnership in the future," one said, while another theorized, "i bet they have a VR seat for fights. you can watch from the ref's perspective, like you're in the ring."
Zuckerberg, who has been a fan of White's for years, also shared that White's entrepreneurial spirit and ability to build a globally recognized brand made him an ideal fit for the position. White, who previously said he was never interested in serving on a board, shared his excitement about the new venture in a statement:
"I am a huge believer that social media and AI are the future... I am very excited to join this incredible team and to learn more about this business from the inside... There is nothing I love more than building brands, and I look forward to helping take Meta to the next level."
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