UFC's Dana White Named One of Most Influential People of 2011

Over the past several years, mixed martial arts has soared through the roof and has become the world's fastest growing sport.

Specifically, the UFC has become the center stage for all fighters across the globe.

And a major reason for the UFC's success is due to the world-class athletes that devote their lives to the sport of MMA.

However, behind every powerful organization is the engine that makes the company go.

The UFC's engine is Dana White, who is unarguably the most influential person in the sport of mixed martial arts today.

Not only is White an overwhelming influence on the UFC, but to the rest of the world.

White's hard work and dedication recently paid off when he was selected as one of the most influential men on the planet by AskMen.

White ranked 38th on AskMen's Top 49 Influential Men Survey.

While White has slipped from previous years (No. 32 last year, No. 9 in 2009) down to the 38th position, he still considers it a great honor.

"I'm honored for even being thought of for a third time, especially for the fact that readers have voted for this," White said.

What makes White's selection even more meaningful is the simple fact that more than 500,000 individuals cast their votes for this award.

White continues to be the centerpiece for one of the world's fastest growing organizations.