Dana White outlines dream plans for UFC Hawaii

Dana White wants UFC Hawaii to be the first sporting event at the planned New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District in Halawa, Oahu.

Hawaii has historically been a prominent market for combat sports and has been one of the biggest supporters of the UFC since its debut in 1993. Not only has the state been a passionate market in the company’s 33-year existence, but it has also produced several world champions—Max Holloway and B.J. Penn—and many other contenders. While White has been desperate to bring the octagon to The Aloha State, a lack of true infrastructure has prevented this from happening.

During an appearance on The Jim Rome Show, Dana White emphasized that there is “no better destination than Hawaii,” confirming that the UFC will be front and center with a massive fight card once the state finishes building its new arena.

“They’re building an arena there now,” White said. “Southern California and Hawaii were like hotbeds for mixed martial arts when we bought the UFC in 2001. First of all, I love destinations. Like, great destinations, and there’s no better destinations than Hawaii.”

“To be able to do a massive fight there once they build that arena, I look forward to it. I’d like to be the first event there. There’s no infrastructure there.”

Stadium events have been high on fans’ wish lists for the UFC, but Dana White has strongly been against them. Not a fan of building a fight card around an outdoor arena, White explained why he would never be tempted to do a show without a roof.

“[Hawaii] just tore down the old football stadium, too,” White continued. “But it was outdoors, and, you know, I’m done with outdoor events. Unless we’re in Abu Dhabi again where I can be the weatherman, we’re not doing outdoor fights… Never again will I go outside.”

“There’s no better destination than Hawaii. To be able to do a massive fight there, once they build that arena, I look forward to it. @danawhite on the possibility of hosting a #UFC event in Hawaii. pic.twitter.com/pOQO6d9HuO

— Jim Rome (@jimrome) September 9, 2026