Dana White promises tribute to Kobe Bryant at UFC 247

K. Bryant (left) and D. White (right) at a UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @danawhite

The death of basketball legend Kobe Bryant in a plane crash shocked the world on January 26th. After a series of tributes received, this Saturday (8), at UFC 247, it will be Ultimate's turn to pay respect to the athlete, who was an MMA enthusiast. According to the company's president, Dana White, there will be a moment reserved at this weekend's show to remember one of the greatest names in the history of the NBA.

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“We’re going to do something for Kobe,” White said.

The 'big boss' made a point of talking about what Bryant represented in life. For Dana, the NBA star's talent went beyond the limits of the court and could be seen in different areas, which makes him an outstanding human being.

“You look at Kobe as a basketball player, right? Then, the guy wins an Oscar ('Best Short Film', in 2018. Bryant participated as a screenwriter), and all the other things he achieved in his life. He is also one of the major investors in 'Body Armor' (a non-alcoholic beverage manufacturing company), which supports the UFC,” he said.

For White, nothing more fair than remembering Kobe in one of the main Ultimate events held in 2020 so far.

“He was a great guy. He was part of this company. Kobe Bryant was an incredible man in every area he could be in,” he concluded.

The tragedy

Kobe Bryant was the victim of a plane crash that occurred on the morning of January 26, in Calabasas (USA). At the time, the former athlete was taking a helicopter flight on his way to an amateur basketball game in which his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, who was also present on the aircraft, was going to participate.

All nine people present in the helicopter at the time of the crash died.

Kobe was 41 years old and had been retired from basketball since 2016.