Dana White Doubles Down on Muhammad Ali Act Hurting Boxing: “It’s Held Business Back”

The Muhammad Ali Act is one of the most discussed policies in recent times, and UFC CEO Dana White wasted no time sharing his opinion.

Dana White Doubles Down on Muhammad Ali Act Hurting Boxing: “It’s Held Business Back”

Dana White talks about the Muhammad Ali Act (via SportsRush, The Independent)

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Boxing continues to face tension between regulation and modernization, as new promotional strategies and media partnerships challenge long-standing structures. The sport’s fragmented governance, combined with evolving audience expectations, has created a landscape where both law and business play key roles. Amid this, UFC CEO Dana White has shared his perspective on the Muhammad Ali Act.

For the unversed, the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act, enacted in 2000, was designed to protect fighters and increase transparency within the sport. It established rules around promoter-fighter contracts, prohibited conflicts of interest, and sought to prevent exploitative practices. However, due to boxing’s lack of a centralized governing body, enforcement of the Act has been inconsistent.

White has remained vocal about the changes he wants to bring to the sport of boxing and has already started working on his plans. However, he wants to change the way the sport has functioned for years and wants to provide it with a modern aspect. He clarified that he was not seeking to amend the Act, but rather to implement reforms that modernize boxing operations without compromising key elements.

Not one word will be changed in the Muhammad Ali Act. We’re gonna add onto it. So, the fighters who want to fight under the Muhammad Ali Act exactly how it is will have the opportunity to do that. Or you can bet on me and fight with me under our version of the Muhammad Ali Act. Listen, the Muhammad Ali Act was put into place with all good intentions, but I think it’s held the business back.

Dana White via CBS Sports

In line with this vision, Zuffa Boxing, which is co-owned by White and Turki Al-Sheikh, has secured a significant media partnership with Paramount. Beginning in January 2026, Paramount+ will become the exclusive streaming home for Zuffa Boxing in the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. The deal includes 12 events in the first year, with potential for select events to be cast on CBS and other Paramount platforms.

Beyond media expansion, White has outlined plans to introduce reforms within boxing promotions. These include streamlined contract procedures, enhanced fighter support systems, simpler weight classes, and modernized matchmaking processes. The goal is to reduce administrative bottlenecks while maintaining compliance with existing regulations. Adding to this, White also announced UFC-like bonuses for boxers.

These moves could mark a turning point for the sport of boxing. While the Muhammad Ali Act remains a foundation for fighter protections, new promotional models, media deals, and internal reforms may reshape the sport. Dana White’s approach strikes a balance between legal safeguards and structural innovations, highlighting the challenge of modernizing boxing.

Dana White wants to rebuild boxing in the United States

Dana White has long maintained a professional relationship with Donald Trump, dating back to their work on the early days of the UFC and Trump’s involvement in promoting combat sports. This connection has influenced White’s perspective on business, promotion, and large-scale event organization. Drawing from that experience, he now aims to rebuild boxing in the United States with a more modern approach.

Dana White wants to make USA the base for boxing
Dana White wants to make USA the base for boxing (via The Independent)

Boxing in the United States faces both historical challenges and modern pressures, including fragmented promotion, inconsistent media coverage, and regulatory complexities. While White has made the UFC one of America’s most popular and centralized MMA promotions, he aims to do the same for boxing. He recently highlighted the importance of the United States in his future plans for boxing.

My idea of success and other guys’ ideas of success are completely different. Even if you are in Saudi, you cannot have a successful boxing business without the United States. You have to have a strong presence in the US, and that is going to be my goal, which is to rebuild boxing in the United States.

Dana White via CBS Sports

To support this vision, Zuffa Boxing has leveraged partnerships with major media companies, including Paramount, to expand the visibility and accessibility of events across the United States. By combining broadcast reach with strategic promotion and operational reforms, Dana White aims to strengthen the sport’s domestic appeal and position American boxing for sustainable long-term growth.

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