Dana White On UFC Hawaii Plans After Arena Deal

UFC president Dana White says the promotion will stage an event in Hawaii once a new arena opens in the state, calling it a destination that will make fans "lose their minds."

White addressed the long-delayed Hawaii debut during an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show this week, saying infrastructure has kept the UFC out of the islands despite Hawaii producing multiple world champions and ranking among the promotion's strongest markets since its early days. The new venue is scheduled for completion in 2028 or 2029, according to the UFC chief.

Hawaii Arena Key To UFC Debut Plans

"We've had multiple world champions from Hawaii," White said, per Sherdog. "The infrastructure there can't support a UFC event. But now they're building a new arena there. Supposed to be done in [2028, 2029]."

White framed Hawaii as an ideal location for both fans and UFC staff. "I like destinations where people want to go," he added. "When we do UFC Hawaii, people will lose their minds. Who doesn't want to go to UFC Hawaii?"

The promotion has never held a numbered event or Fight Night card in Hawaii, despite the state's ties to fighters like Max Holloway and B.J. Penn. The 2028-29 timeline suggests the event could land on the calendar within three years.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Dana White says fans will 'lose their minds' for UFC Hawaii