UFC President Dana White, whose endorsement was seen as a significant boost to Donald Trump's 2024 election victory, has suggested he may remain involved in presidential politics beyond Trump's term, pointing to his growing friendship with Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The comments matter because White is regarded as an influential figure capable of mobilising support, and his remarks fuel speculation about who might succeed Trump as the Republican candidate in 2028.

Speaking to OutKick's Tomi Lahren, White repeatedly stressed that he had "become really close" with Rubio, praising him as smart and likeable, though he stopped short of formally endorsing him, saying "I'm not saying I'm picking." He also spoke warmly of Vice President JD Vance, calling him "a great guy" and noting it was "not a bad thing to have two strong candidates." The remarks coincide with a new "sports diplomacy" partnership between White's UFC and the State Department, formalised in a memorandum of understanding signed with Rubio, under which UFC athletes and coaches will act as "sports ambassadors" via the State Department's Sports Envoy Program.