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Dana White: New $7.7 Billion Dollar UFC Paramount Deal and 3-Year Health Review! | TUH #192

Gary Brecka

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TL;DR

The four things you'd lose by not watching

4 items

TL;DR

The four things you'd lose by not watching

4 items

Dana White reversed early-stage kidney failure, 764 triglycerides, and brittle hypertension in 6 weeks using Gary Brecka's protocol of a 10-week keto reset, methylated vitamins, and trimethylglycine, and has sustained normal labs for 3 years without medication.

The new UFC-Paramount rights deal is a $7.5 billion shift from pay-per-view to streaming, reducing annual fan cost from ~$1,350 to $104, signaling the growing dominance of live sports on streaming platforms.

Gary Brecka diagnosed Dana White's cousin with Lyme disease in 30 minutes from blood work after the Mayo Clinic failed, and a protocol resolved symptoms within 3 days.

Dana White's homocysteine dropped to 7, blood pressure normalized, and he eliminated all blood pressure meds, attributing his business success and energy to the health transformation.

Protocols

Concrete recipes — what, when, how much, and why

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10-Week Keto Reset Diet

WhatFollow a strict ketogenic diet for 10 weeks to reset metabolism, reduce triglycerides, and improve insulin sensitivity.

WhenInitially, then cycle in and out as needed.

Dose10 weeks

For whomIndividuals with metabolic syndrome, high triglycerides, insulin resistance, or those needing a reset.

WhyTo dramatically improve metabolic markers, reduce inflammation, and break sugar addiction.

CaveatsCan be challenging initially; after 6 weeks, Dana felt so good he became 'addicted' to feeling good. May cause weight fluctuations when cycling off, but health markers remain stable.

Gary Brecka prescribed a 10-week keto reset as the cornerstone of Dana's transformation. Dana's triglycerides dropped from 764 to 79, insulin from 32 to 9, and HbA1c from over 6 to 5.3. The diet was combined with whole foods after the reset. Dana now cycles in and out, indulging on trips but quickly returning to the routine without losing health gains. Gary emphasizes that this was not a pharmaceutical intervention but a dietary one, and that the majority of the results came from what went into Dana's mouth. The protocol is accessible: it doesn't require expensive supplements, just discipline.

Mechanism

Ketosis shifts the body from glucose to fat burning, lowering insulin, reducing hepatic fat, and improving lipid profiles. The diet also eliminates processed foods and sugars, reducing inflammation.

Personal experience

Dana: 'It didn't take 13 weeks, it took six. And it started to feel so good that you become addicted to feeling that good.' He also says, 'I'm going to Chicago this weekend for the fight and I'm gonna wreck Chicago... then when I get back I just jump back on my routine.'

Give me 13 weeks and I'll change your life.

Also said

“A lot of what we did was not fancy multi-million dollar equipment. A lot of it was keto reset diet, getting into a routine, dietary lifestyle changes.”— Emphasizes that diet was the primary intervention.

“the amount of supplements that I take a day now are less than the amount of pills I took back then.”— Shows reduction in medication/supplement load.

Trimethylglycine (TMG) for Homocysteine Reduction

WhatTake trimethylglycine (TMG) to lower homocysteine levels, which in turn can normalize blood pressure and reduce cardiovascular risk.

WhenDaily, as part of supplement regimen.

DoseNot specified; presumably standard dosing.

For whomIndividuals with elevated homocysteine, hypertension, or those on blood pressure medications looking to address root cause.

WhyHigh homocysteine irritates arterial lining, causing constriction and hypertension. TMG donates methyl groups to convert homocysteine to methionine, lowering it.

CaveatsShould be monitored with blood work; Dana was able to discontinue beta blockers and ACE inhibitors under supervision.

Dana was a 'brittle hypertensive' on multiple blood pressure medications. His homocysteine was high (exact number not given, but now it's 7). Gary used TMG to bring it down, and as homocysteine dropped, Dana's blood pressure normalized and he was able to stop all BP meds. Three years later, he remains off meds with normal BP. This is a key example of addressing a root cause rather than symptom management. Gary also used methylated vitamins to support methylation, which is necessary for thyroid function and homocysteine metabolism.

Mechanism

Homocysteine is an amino acid that, when elevated, can damage the endothelium and promote atherosclerosis. TMG (betaine) acts as a methyl donor in the remethylation of homocysteine to methionine, reducing its concentration. This alleviates arterial irritation and can lower blood pressure. Gary also notes that methylation is crucial for thyroid hormone conversion (T4 to T3), so TMG and methylated vitamins support overall metabolic health.

Personal experience

Dana: 'I'm not on any meds.' Gary: 'As the homocysteine came down, your blood pressure, if you remember, returned to normal and it's still normal and you're not on blood pressure meds.'

We used a simple amino acid called trimethoglycine to metabolize this homocyine out of the bloodstream. As the homocyine came down, your blood pressure, if you remember, returned to normal and it's still normal and you're not on blood pressure meds.

Also said

“methylation is the precursor for deiodonization of the thyroid and the liver. You cannot deodinize T4 into T3 without things like selenium... and these come from the process of methylation.”— Explains why methylated vitamins were also used.

Frequent Low-Dose Testosterone Injections

WhatSwitch from a single bi-weekly testosterone injection to multiple smaller injections per week to lower estrogen and improve well-being.

WhenOngoing, as part of TRT.

DoseLower total weekly dose, split into multiple injections (frequency not specified, but more than once a week).

For whomMen on TRT who experience side effects like high estrogen, mood swings, or suboptimal results.

WhyLarge infrequent doses cause peaks and troughs, leading to higher aromatization to estrogen and side effects. Smaller, more frequent doses mimic natural rhythms and reduce estrogen.

CaveatsRequires medical supervision; Dana was already on TRT, so this was an adjustment, not initiation.

Dana had been on TRT before meeting Gary but was on the 'wrong kind, wrong dosage' and felt terrible. Gary changed him to a protocol of multiple injections per week at a lower total dose, which brought his estrogen down and made him feel better than ever. This is an example of how even hormone replacement can be optimized with a more physiological approach. Dana's previous doctor had him on a single injection every two weeks, which is a common but outdated protocol.

Mechanism

Testosterone can be aromatized into estradiol. High peaks from large doses increase substrate for aromatase, raising estrogen. Splitting the dose maintains more stable levels, reducing the estrogen spike and potentially improving symptom control.

Personal experience

Dana: 'I was taking the wrong kind, taking the wrong dosage, and he actually dropped my dosage of what I was taking and I never felt better with the way that Gary did it. The guy that I was with before fucked me all up.'

We went from a single injection every two weeks to multiple injections a week and spread out a lower dosage brought your estrogen down.

Also said

“I was on testosterone replacement therapy and I always was. I was on it for a long time.”— Clarifies he was already on TRT, so the change was in protocol, not initiation.

Methylated Multivitamins for Thyroid and Methylation

WhatTake a methylated multivitamin to support methylation, thyroid function, and homocysteine metabolism.

WhenDaily.

DoseNot specified.

For whomIndividuals with hypothyroid symptoms, high homocysteine, or suspected methylation issues.

WhyMethylation is required for deiodinization of T4 to T3, and for homocysteine metabolism. Many people have genetic variants (MTHFR) that impair methylation, making methylated forms more effective.

CaveatsNot a replacement for thyroid medication if clinically indicated; Dana's thyroid improved without meds.

Dana's T3 was in the hypothyroid range. Instead of prescribing thyroid medication, Gary used methylated vitamins and selenium to support natural conversion. This, along with TMG, improved his thyroid function and overall energy. Gary explains that without methylation, you cannot convert thyroid hormone, so addressing methylation is a root-cause approach. This is part of the 'basic supplementation' that moved the needle.

Mechanism

Methylation is a biochemical process that adds methyl groups to molecules. It is essential for converting T4 to active T3 in the liver and for recycling homocysteine. Methylated vitamins (like methylfolate, methylcobalamin) bypass potential genetic defects in the MTHFR enzyme, providing ready-to-use methyl groups. Selenium is also needed for deiodinase enzymes.

Personal experience

Gary: 'We did not put him on thyroid meds. We put him on methylated vitamins. Why? Because methylation is the precursor for deiodonization of the thyroid and the liver.'

methylation is the precursor for deiodonization of the thyroid and the liver. You cannot deodinize T4 into T3 without things like selenium... and these come from the process of methylation.

Also said

“his thyroid hormone T3 was in the hypothyroid range. We did not put him on thyroid meds. We put him on methylated vitamins.”— Directly states the intervention.

Comprehensive Blood Work Analysis

WhatGet a detailed blood panel including markers like homocysteine, insulin, HbA1c, triglycerides, eGFR, vitamin D3, thyroid panel, and Epstein-Barr virus, and have it interpreted by a practitioner who looks at optimal ranges, not just 'normal'.

WhenInitially and periodically to track progress.

DoseAs needed, at least annually.

For whomAnyone with unexplained symptoms, or those wanting to optimize health beyond absence of disease.

WhyStandard lab ranges often miss early dysfunction. Dana's labs were 'normal' by conventional standards but indicated severe metabolic issues and early organ failure.

CaveatsRequires a knowledgeable practitioner; not all doctors will interpret labs this way.

Dana's initial labs showed hematocrit 51 (thick blood), eGFR in the 40s-50s (early kidney failure), triglycerides 764, HbA1c over 6 (pre-diabetic), insulin 32 (hyperinsulinemic), vitamin D3 low 20s, and an Epstein-Barr infection. Conventional doctors had missed these or only offered pills. Gary's analysis revealed the root causes, and the subsequent protocol reversed them. Three years later, all markers are optimal. This story underscores the value of comprehensive, functionally interpreted blood work.

Mechanism

Not a biological mechanism, but a diagnostic approach: looking at markers like fasting insulin (should be under 10, Dana was 32), homocysteine (optimal under 8), eGFR (above 90), triglycerides (under 100), etc., to catch problems early.

Personal experience

Gary: 'the day we met hematocrit... was over 51... kidney function, it was early stage renal failure... triglycerides fasted were 764... hemoglobin A1C... was over six... insulin level above 32.'

Nobody could fix anything that was wrong with me. It was either a new set of pills or a new mask for the CPAP machine.

Also said

“I have access to the best health care in the world. I can literally fly other places and meet new doctors and do things. Nobody could help me.”— Highlights the failure of conventional medicine even for the wealthy.

What's new

Personal practice updates, fresh positions, predictions

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sustained-health-transformation

Dana White's dramatic health improvements from 3 years ago have been maintained, proving the protocol's long-term efficacy and contradicting critics who claimed it was temporary or steroid-driven.

Why this matters: Counters skepticism about the longevity of lifestyle-based interventions.

Background

Three years ago, Dana was in critical condition with multiple markers of metabolic syndrome, sleep apnea, and early organ failure. After 6 weeks on Gary Brecka's protocol, his labs normalized. Now, three years later, his triglycerides are 79, eGFR in the 90s, homocysteine 7, HbA1c 5.3, and he's off all medications.

The episode revisits Dana's original labs and current numbers, showing that the changes are not a short-term fix. Dana describes how he cycles in and out of keto, indulges on trips, but quickly returns to routine without health deterioration. He emphasizes that the knowledge of how to fix things is key. Gary notes that the protocol was not expensive or pharmaceutical; it was basic supplements, diet, and lifestyle. This sustainability is a direct rebuttal to critics who suggested Dana was using steroids or that the results wouldn't last.

Personal experience

Dana: 'I'm three years into this thing. And I'm addicted to cold plunging. I never used to like to do sauna. Now I do the sauna. I do the red light. I do all that stuff.'

once you feel this good, you never ever want to go back.

Also said

“It didn't take 13 weeks, it took six. And it started to feel so good that you become addicted to feeling that good.”— Shows the rapid onset of benefits and behavioral reinforcement.

“the amount of supplements that I take a day now are less than the amount of pills I took back then.”— Highlights reduction in overall medication/supplement burden.

ufc-streaming-deal

The UFC signed a $7.5 billion rights deal with Paramount, moving pay-per-view events to a streaming model that drastically reduces cost for fans and reflects the industry-wide pivot to live sports on streaming platforms.

Why this matters: One of the biggest media deals in history, signaling the end of traditional pay-per-view dominance.

Background

Previously, UFC fans paid per event, with annual costs around $1,350. Cable TV is declining, streaming is rising. Netflix stock is high, and live sports are the new 'destination TV' because on-demand content can be watched anytime.

Dana explains that pay-per-view isn't dead, but the business is evolving. Streaming services need live sports to attract and retain subscribers. The new deal bundles all UFC content for about $104/year, a massive reduction. His 24-year-old son, who buys every pay-per-view, called it the greatest thing for fans. Fighter pay also increases with each new rights deal. This move is positioned as a win for fans, fighters, and the sport.

Personal experience

Dana: 'My son gets an $80 pay-per-view sometimes twice in a month... he was like, Dude, this is the greatest thing to happen to the fans ever.'

pay-per-view isn't dead. The business is alive and strong... but what's happening is that cable television is going satellite and streaming is on the rise.

Also said

“Destination TV is live sports. So, these streaming services are realizing they all need live sports.”— Explains the strategic driver behind the deal.

lyme-disease-blood-diagnosis

Gary Brecka identified Lyme disease in Dana White's cousin from blood work in 30 minutes, after the Mayo Clinic failed to diagnose him over three days of testing; a protocol resolved symptoms within 3 days.

Why this matters: Demonstrates the diagnostic power of comprehensive blood analysis versus conventional hospital workups.

Background

Dana's cousin, in his 60s, experienced facial paralysis and limb weakness. Dana feared a stroke. The Mayo Clinic ran tests for three days in their cardiac unit and found nothing. While on a motorcycle trip, Dana sent the blood work to Gary, who immediately spotted Lyme disease, likely from the Northeast.

Gary sent a protocol while they were on vacation, and within 3 days the cousin looked and felt better, and the issue is now resolved. Dana says this is one of 15-20 similar stories. This anecdote is used to illustrate that Gary's approach can catch things that top-tier conventional medicine misses, and that it's not just for the wealthy—the cousin got help remotely.

Personal experience

Dana: 'I fucking you not. In 30 minutes, Gary calls me. I'm still at the bar. He says, Yeah, this is plain as day. Your cousin has Lyme disease.'

Gary sent over a protocol while we're on vacation on this motorcycle ride. Within 3 days, my cousin David started looking better, feeling better, completely cured him.

Also said

“they did all the tests on him, and they couldn't figure out what was wrong with him. He spent three days in their cardiac unit.”— Highlights the failure of a top-tier medical institution.

“this is one of 15 to 20 Gary Brea stories I could tell you.”— Indicates this is not an isolated incident.

debunking-cost-criticism

Gary and Dana address criticism that the health protocol is only for the wealthy, emphasizing that the core interventions—keto diet, whole foods, basic supplements, cold showers, grounding, breath work—are low-cost and widely accessible.

Why this matters: Directly counters a common objection to functional medicine and biohacking.

Background

Critics claim Dana's results are due to expensive treatments or steroids. Gary points out that the majority of what they did was not fancy equipment but dietary changes, methylated vitamins, TMG, and lifestyle practices like cold plunging (which can be done with a Tupperware container of ice). Red light therapy beds can be accessed via memberships, not necessarily purchased.

Dana adds that he now takes fewer supplements than the pills he was on before. The message is that the transformation didn't require GLP-1s, peptides, or steroids. Gary explicitly says, 'There was no steroids. There was no semaglutide... none of these fancy GLP-1 inhibitors.' This is aimed at the audience who might feel hopeless or think they need wealth to get healthy.

Personal experience

Dana: 'the amount of supplements that I take a day now are less than the amount of pills I took back then.'

A lot of what we did was not fancy multi-million dollar equipment. A lot of it was keto reset diet, getting into a routine, eating whole foods... basic supplements, methylated multivitamins, trimethlycine... That's what moved the needle for him.

Also said

“You can actually take a cold shower. You can throw water in a Tupperware container, put it in your freezer and put it in your tub and make yourself a cold plunge.”— Provides a concrete, zero-cost alternative to expensive cold plunges.

“the majority of what he did, grounding, breath work, sunlight, whole food diet, a 10-week keto reset... basic supplementation that you could get for 60, 90, $100 a month... That's what moved the needle.”— Itemizes the low-cost interventions.

Recommendations

Products, supplements, and tools mentioned in the episode

5 items

Methylated Multivitamins

Supplement

Used to support methylation, thyroid function, and homocysteine metabolism. Part of Dana's protocol.

Gary explains that methylation is crucial for deiodinization of T4 to T3 and for homocysteine metabolism. He used methylated vitamins instead of thyroid medication to correct Dana's hypothyroid range. This is a key supplement in his approach.

vs alternatives

Compared to taking thyroid medication; Gary opted for methylated vitamins to address the root cause.

We did not put him on thyroid meds. We put him on methylated vitamins.

Find Methylated

Trimethylglycine (TMG)

Supplement

Used to lower homocysteine, which normalized Dana's blood pressure and allowed him to stop BP meds.

TMG is a simple amino acid that acts as a methyl donor. Gary used it specifically to bring down homocysteine, which was driving Dana's hypertension. This is a targeted supplement based on lab work.

vs alternatives

Compared to beta blockers and ACE inhibitors; TMG addressed the root cause without side effects.

We used a simple amino acid called trimethoglycine to metabolize this homocyine out of the bloodstream.

Find Trimethylglycine

Cold Plunge

Tool

Dana White uses a cold plunge daily and arranges for one in every hotel. Gary notes that a DIY version can be made with a Tupperware container of ice in a bathtub.

Cold plunging is part of the lifestyle practices that contributed to Dana's transformation. It is widely accessible: cold showers or homemade ice baths are low-cost alternatives. Dana's obsession illustrates the behavioral change.

vs alternatives

Compared to expensive commercial cold plunges; a cold shower or DIY ice bath can provide similar benefits.

Personal experience

Dana: 'I don't leave home without a cold plunge.'

You can actually take a cold shower. You can throw water in a Tupperware container, put it in your freezer and put it in your tub and make yourself a cold plunge.

Find Cold

Red Light Therapy Bed

Tool

Mentioned as part of Dana's routine; Gary notes that memberships to facilities with red light beds are available, so you don't need to buy a $100k bed.

vs alternatives

Compared to purchasing an expensive home unit; memberships are a cost-effective alternative.

you can actually get memberships to places that have red light therapy beds. You do not need to spend 100 grand on a red light therapy bed.

Find Red

PEMF Device

Tool

Mentioned alongside red light therapy and sauna as part of the routine, but no details given.

there was red light therapy and PEMF and cold punches and saunas and that kind of thing

Find PEMF

Disclosed sponsorships1speaker disclosed

H2 Tab

Product Sponsored · disclosed

Dana White is a huge believer in hydrogen water. H2 Tab offers portable tablets that generate 12 ppm molecular hydrogen, with over 1,300 published studies on benefits for oxidative stress, energy, recovery, brain function. Cost is less than a dollar a day.

DisclosureSponsor of the podcast; ad read included in the episode.

The ad read states: 'H2 Tab delivers cost effective portable tablets that generate ultra clean molecular hydrogen at 12 parts per million. One of the highest concentrations on the market with over 1,300 published studies showing benefits of oxidative stress, energy, recovery, brain function, and so much more. Taking charge of your health has never been easier or more cost-effective. Just drop a tablet in water, let it dissolve, and drink it back. It's less than a dollar a day. Sciencebacked and part of my daily routine. I never travel without this, and it is my favorite biohack. Visit drinkh2tab.com.'

Personal experience

Gary Brecka (host): 'I never travel without this, and it is my favorite biohack.'

H2 Tab delivers cost effective portable tablets that generate ultra clean molecular hydrogen at 12 parts per million.

Also said

“It's less than a dollar a day.”— Emphasizes affordability.

Find H2

Notable quotes

Lines worth pulling out — contrarian, specific, or perfectly phrased

5 items

Give me 13 weeks and I'll change your life.

The initial promise that started the transformation, now proven true.

I probably was going to die within years.

Stark admission of how dire his health was, underscoring the severity of the turnaround.

pay-per-view isn't dead. The business is alive and strong... but what's happening is that cable television is going satellite and streaming is on the rise.

Insight into the media industry shift from a major sports executive.

50 is a whole another animal. When you turn 50, man, the wheels start coming off the bus.

Relatable warning about aging and the need for proactive health management.

the amount of supplements that I take a day now are less than the amount of pills I took back then.

Counterintuitive outcome of functional medicine—fewer interventions, better health.

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Topics covered

dana-white-health-transformationufc-paramount-streaming-deallyme-disease-diagnosishomocysteine-blood-pressureketo-reset-dietcold-plunge-routinetestosterone-replacement-optimizationmethylation-methylated-vitaminsblood-work-analysissustainability-of-lifestyle-changescriticism-of-functional-medicineaging-after-50pay-per-view-vs-streaminghydrogen-waterperfect-aminos

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Educational summary of the cited expert source — not medical advice. Open the source recording linked above and consult a qualified physician before acting on any protocol.