“Add It To White House Card” – Fans React as Dana White Calls Out Eddie Hearn to Settle Promoter Beef with Boxing Match

UFC CEO Dana White calls out Matchroom Boxing chairman Eddie Hearn for a boxing match amid recent back and forth.

“Add It To White House Card” – Fans React as Dana White Calls Out Eddie Hearn to Settle Promoter Beef with Boxing Match

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

In Short
  • Dana White challenges Eddie Hearn to a boxing match amid their ongoing rivalry.
  • Fans express excitement on social media, suggesting the bout be added to an upcoming UFC event.
  • Critics warn that White's focus on boxing could distract him from managing the UFC effectively.

Dana White has spent more than two decades building the UFC into the dominant force in MMA through calculated expansion. The longtime executive is now attempting to replicate that success in boxing with the launch of Zuffa Boxing. However, the move has drawn criticism from Matchroom Boxing chairman Eddie Hearn. The UFC CEO recently issued an unusual challenge to settle their differences.

Hearn currently heads Matchroom Boxing and assumed responsibility for the promotion from his father, Barry Hearn, in 2012. Since taking control, he has overseen the company’s expansion into boxing across several major international markets and events. As part of his chairman role within Matchroom Sport, the British promoter also oversees the organization’s snooker, darts, fishing, and boxing divisions.

On the other hand, White recently launched Zuffa Boxing to enter the professional boxing scene. The project is a joint venture involving Sela, Turki Alalshikh, and TKO Group Holdings, represented by White and Nick Khan. Hearn has described the move as unnecessary for the sport and suggested that fighters could be underpaid. The disagreement has fueled their rivalry and led to White’s challenge.

Listen, if Eddie wants to box, we can box. I don’t think Eddie wants to box. Back in the day, I used to box with all the guys, boxers and UFC guys. I have boxed.

Dana White via Piers Uncensored

The latest comments come during a period where Dana White and Eddie Hearn are engaged in an increasingly visible professional rivalry. White recently signed British boxer Conor Benn to Zuffa Boxing on a reported $15 million single-fight deal. In response, Hearn strengthened his position by signing UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall to the Matchroom Talent under an advisory agreement.

Initially, both promoters exchanged mild criticisms when White began exploring boxing through Zuffa Boxing. Tension grew after the UFC CEO unveiled the Zuffa Boxing belt, which Hearn criticized. White responded by targeting Hearn’s role within Matchroom Boxing and noting he inherited the business from his father. The British promoter countered by pointing out that White’s venture relied on foreign investment.

The UFC boss has highlighted to Hearn that he played a role in two of the most financially significant boxing events, including Conor McGregor vs Floyd Mayweather and Terence Crawford vs Canelo Alvarez. However, Hearn maintains that White was only a small part of those events and takes too much credit for their success. It remains to be seen how Eddie Hearn responds to Dana White’s boxing challenge.

Fans react to Dana White’s challenge to box Eddie Hearn

Many fans have expressed excitement following Dana White’s public challenge, with social media buzzing about the potential clash with Eddie Hearn. Several supporters suggested that the rivalry could be settled in the ring itself, asking White to add a bout between him and Hearn at the upcoming UFC White House event on June 14th. The reaction highlights growing interest in seeing the two top promoters face off.

Dana White responds to Eddie Hearn's callout
Dana White responds to Eddie Hearn’s callout (via MMA Fighting, The Independent)

Other fans have voiced concerns that the UFC CEO may be too distracted from running the UFC due to side ventures and public challenges like this. Many are urging him to focus on strengthening his primary promotion and core business rather than calling out other promoters. Some supporters feel White is losing the intense passion and drive that originally propelled the UFC to its current status.

This latest challenge has reminded fans of White’s previous feud with Tito Ortiz. In the mid-2000s, White and Ortiz clashed publicly, with the latter criticizing UFC management. The tension escalated to the point where Dana White appeared willing to settle the dispute in the ring. Fans see parallels with his current rivalry with Eddie Hearn, viewing it as another high-profile clash with personal and professional stakes.

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