UFC CEO Dana White says it's 'impossible' to build a successful business while working from home

UFC CEO Dana White said the dream of flexible hours is a trap for aspiring entrepreneurs.

"It's impossible. You can't do it. I'm in the office from 8:30 in the morning, and I don't leave the office till 7, 8, 9, 10 sometimes," White said.

Even on days when his schedule was fully planned, spontaneous conversations with colleagues could surface new issues, spark ideas, and change the course of his day.

White said entrepreneurship is a poor fit for anyone whose priority is protecting their free time, because business demands can arise at any time.

Running a business means dealing with a fresh set of problems every day, "but when you like what you do, it's fun," he added.

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"'You know, I'd really like to work for myself, and own my own business because I'd love to plan my schedule.' Oh, you're going the wrong way," White said. "What you need to do is find a 9-to-5 job where you have weekends and holidays off. That's your move."

He said in a March 2024 appearance on the "Lex Fridman Podcast" that he works "just as hard now" as he did when he was starting out.