Dana White, the UFC’s president and CEO, remembered pro wrestling icon Hulk Hogan Thursday night after his death in Florida.

White appeared on Fox News Channel’s "Jesse Watters Primetime" and reflected on Hogan’s appearance at the Republican National Convention. He said he was in a holding room with Kid Rock waiting to go on the stage when Hogan asked to speak with him.

"Hulk Hogan grabbed me and asked me if he could talk to me privately for a second," White said. "And he pulled me aside, and I’ll never forget that conversation that we had that night. 

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"He was a good man. He was special. He loved the president, and, obviously, he loved America."

White gave credit to Hogan, Muhammad Ali, Don King and the combat sports and sports entertainment world of that era for helping shape what the UFC is today.

"The way that the UFC is today and the things that I’ve done to build it all have a little piece of all those guys and their businesses," White added.

Clearwater police said officials were called to a cardiac arrest emergency at Hogan’s home. The pro wrestler was transported to a hospital and died about an hour later. Hogan was 71.

Hogan’s death sent ripples across the sports entertainment world. White was just one of dozens of people who paid tribute to the WWE icon throughout the day.

"WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away," WWE said in a statement. "One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s.

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"WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans."

A statement was released on Hogan's Instagram page.

"It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that we confirm we have lost a legend," the post said. "Our beloved Terry Bollea, known worldwide as Hulk Hogan, passed away today surrounded by his loved ones.

"At this time of grief, we ask that everyone please respect the privacy of his family and friends. May we all take solace in the wonderful memories he left behind for the millions of fans worldwide whose lives he touched for more than four decades. He will be missed, but never forgotten."

Hogan was a larger-than-life character who changed pro wrestling multiple times; first when he slammed Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III, and again, when he turned on wrestling fans and aligned himself with the New World Order in World Championship Wrestling.

He was a six-time WWE champion, won the Royal Rumble twice and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as an individual in 2005 and as a member of the NWO in 2020. He was also a six-time world heavyweight champion in WCW and the IWGP champion in New Japan Pro-Wrestling once.

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Former Rep. George Santos posted a theatrical farewell on social media Thursday night, just hours before he was to begin serving a federal prison sentence for fraud and identity theft.

"Well, darlings… The curtain falls, the spotlight dims, and the rhinestones are packed," Santos wrote on X.

"From the halls of Congress to the chaos of cable news what a ride it’s been! Was it messy? Always. Glamorous? Occasionally. Honest? I tried… most days. To my supporters: You made this wild political cabaret worth it. To my critics: Thanks for the free press."

The former New York congressman is expected to report to federal custody Friday to begin serving an 87-month sentence, just over seven years, after pleading guilty in 2024 to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.

Santos was assessed the maximum sentence in April by U.S. District Judge Joanna Seybert. He was also ordered to pay nearly $374,000 in restitution and forfeit more than $205,000 in fraud proceeds.

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His guilty plea followed a sweeping investigation into campaign finance fraud, donor identity theft and false COVID-era unemployment claims.

"This prosecution speaks to the truth that my office is committed to aggressively rooting out public corruption," said U.S. Attorney John J. Durham, who called the sentence "judgment day" for Santos and justice for his victims. Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly said Santos "traded in his integrity for designer clothes and a luxury lifestyle."

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Prosecutors shared how Santos and his campaign treasurer, Nancy Marks, doctored donor reports to qualify for national Republican party funding. They fabricated contributions from Santos' family and falsely reported a $500,000 loan from Santos, though he had under $8,000 in his accounts.

He also stole credit card information from donors, including "victims he knew were elderly persons suffering from cognitive impairment or decline" and made unauthorized charges to fund both campaign and personal expenses, according to the DOJ. Santos also used a fake political fundraising company to solicit tens of thousands of dollars which he spent on "designer clothing."

During the pandemic, Santos fraudulently claimed over $24,000 in unemployment benefits while employed at an investment firm. He also submitted false congressional financial disclosures to the House.

Santos was elected in 2022 after flipping New York’s 3rd District for the GOP. His résumé was easily debunked. He falsely claimed academic degrees, Wall Street jobs and family ties to the Holocaust and 9/11. 

He was expelled from Congress in December 2023 after a scathing ethics report, becoming just the sixth member ever removed from the People's House.

Santos has remained publicly active after his sentencing, selling video messages on Cameo and making social media posts. 

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His tweet concluded, "I may be leaving the stage (for now), but trust me legends never truly exit."

Unless pardoned, Santos is expected to remain incarcerated until at least early 2032. He has reportedly appealed to President Donald Trump for clemency. 

The White House and Santos did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.