Dana White Answers Zuffa Boxing Questions about Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua, Conor Benn and Eddie Hearn

UFC CEO Dana White outlines his 2026 plans as he shares updates regarding the latest developments in the world of boxing.

Dana White Answers Zuffa Boxing Questions about Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua, Conor Benn and Eddie Hearn

Dana White's comments surrounding the recent developments in boxing (via Boxing Scene)

In Short
  • Dana White's Zuffa Boxing aims to modernize the sport with a new promotional structure.
  • Conor Benn signed a $15 million multi-fight deal with Zuffa Boxing, marking a significant financial move.
  • Dana White will promote the Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua fight, intensifying his rivalry with Eddie Hearn.

Dana White has become a major name in boxing through his Zuffa Boxing, expanding beyond his role as UFC CEO. Through Zuffa Boxing, White aims to modernize and revolutionize the sport, with a streamlined promotional structure that has reshaped fighter development. The promotion has made notable moves after British welterweight star Conor Benn signed a multi-fight deal, though details remain scarce.

Benn’s Zuffa Boxing deal is reportedly a $15 million single-fight agreement, marking the initial contract under White’s boxing venture structure. The signing represents a major financial push to bring Benn into the promotion during its early expansion phase. Before this move, Benn competed under Matchroom Boxing, where he built his profile as a rising welterweight contender on a long-term platform

Benn made his Zuffa Boxing debut by defeating former WBA and WBC champion Regis Prograis via unanimous decision in April 2026. The British star and White later confirmed a multi-fight contract during a Financial Times appearance with a discussion with Stephen A. Smith. At the UFC 328 press conference, White declined to share further details, citing strict confidentiality around the agreement.

Talk to him. Ask him what his deal is. But, I don’t give out anybody’s numbers, ever.

Dana White via UFC 328 press conference

When White initially revealed the reported numbers behind Benn’s first deal, it sparked backlash within his combat sports ecosystem. Former bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley openly questioned why he was not compensated at a similar level during his title reign. UFC legend Israel Adesanya also highlighted the pay gap between boxing and MMA, noting significant financial differences between the sports.

Another major development in the boxing world came when Saudi boxing figure Turki Alalshikh announced the long-anticipated heavyweight clash between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, targeted for the fourth quarter of 2026. During a livestream with journalist Nina Marie Daniele, White also revealed that he will be involved in promoting the bout as part of his busy 2026 schedule.

This is the busiest year of my career. I’m gonna be traveling everywhere. I’m focused on Zuffa Boxing hardcore this year, signing all these guys and putting on great fights. We did a deal with Sky in the UK. There will be great fights on Sky. I’m doing the Tyson Fury – AJ fight, too. I’m gonna be promoting that.

Dana White via Nina Drama on Kick

Anthony Joshua remains a key star of Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing, intensifying rivalry with Dana White’s boxing expansion. This competition has fueled speculation that White could target Tyson Fury for Zuffa Boxing. Conor Benn continues under his multi-fight deal, while Ryan Garcia is linked to a potential superfight. If these align, White’s 2026 schedule could be one of the busiest in combat sports promotion.

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Eddie Hearn Claims UFC Fighters Are Fuming Over Dana White Offering $15 Million to Conor Benn

Dana White goes off on Eddie Hearn’s recent antics

Dana White and Eddie Hearn previously shared a strong mutual respect and often spoke highly of each other in interviews. The two were once seen as friendly figures in combat sports who acknowledged each other’s success in MMA and boxing promotion. However, that dynamic has changed since White expanded into boxing with Zuffa Boxing, leading to a heated rivalry between the two ever since.

Dana White calls out Eddie Hearn for a boxing match
Dana White calls out Eddie Hearn for a boxing match (via Boxing Scene, X)

The rivalry between White and Hearn has escalated, with both promoters regularly taking public shots at each other in interviews, including challenges to a showdown in the ring. White has also said neither he nor Hearn deserves a fighter-level spotlight because of their limited combat sports experience. The tension rose again during UFC 328, where the UFC boss aimed a heated rant at the British promoter.

This fruit loop said he’s the biggest fight in boxing. While he has Bam Rodriguez, AJ and all the other guys out there. What a fruit loop you gotta be to say that.

Dana White via UFC 328 press conference

The latest development in their rivalry has been Eddie Hearn publicly refuting Dana White’s claim that he will promote Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua. The dispute centers on control of the fight, with Hearn challenging White’s suggestion of Zuffa Boxing involvement. He insisted promotional rights are not settled and pushed back on White’s comments, further fueling tensions between the two promoters.

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