Intro

Warning: this episode contains strong language.

Over the past five years, one sports league has gained popularity faster than any other: Ultimate Fighting Championship, or U.F.C.

Matt Flegenheimer, a correspondent for The Times, discusses the man behind the league and how his longtime friendship with President-elect Donald J. Trump has transformed what once was a fringe sport into a culture and political powerhouse.

Guest: Matt Flegenheimer, a correspondent at The New York Times who focuses on in-depth profiles of powerful figures.

Background reading: 

• Dana White, the U.F.C.’s chief executive, has shot to the peak of Trump-era culture and political influence. What does he want?

For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.

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