Dana White Explains Why He Wants Boxing To Follow the UFC Model

UF CCEO Dana White reveals how a UFC-like model would make the sport of boxing more streamlined and easy to follow.

Dana White Explains Why He Wants Boxing To Follow the UFC Model

Dana White (via Sports Illustrated)

In Short
  • Dana White aims to transform boxing by implementing a centralized promotion model similar to the UFC.
  • Zuffa Boxing, launched in partnership with TKO Group Holdings and Sela, seeks to restructure the sport with global events and talent development.
  • Critics, including Eddie Hearn, question the feasibility of applying UFC-style systems to boxing, highlighting potential complexities.

Dana White transformed the UFC into a multibillion-dollar combat sports empire through global expansion and major broadcast partnerships. The promotion later merged with WWE under TKO Group Holdings, significantly increasing its worldwide valuation and influence. White now wants boxing to follow the same blueprint through Zuffa Boxing as he continues to expand his combat sports empire.

Zuffa Boxing was launched through a partnership between TKO Group Holdings and Saudi entertainment company Sela, which reportedly owns a majority stake in the venture. The promotion is led by White, WWE president Nick Khan, and Saudi executive Turki Alalshikh. The group aims to restructure boxing through centralized promotion, global events, and UFC-style talent development systems.

Zuffa Boxing launched its first numbered event, Zuffa Boxing 01, on January 23, 2026, at the Meta Apex. The card featured Callum Walsh defeating Carlos Ocampo in the main event, while later events included Efe Ajagba and Charles Martin headlining separate cards. White recently stated boxing needs centralized matchmaking and a UFC-style structure because he believes that is the only way to save the sport.

Look at the rise of the UFC. In 25 years, everyone told me you’ll never be able to beat boxing, and here we are today. The UFC is simple, easy to follow, not as many weight classes, no sanctioning bodies making fights not happen. Everything in life is about timing, and here, right now, is my time to get into boxing.

Dana White via Boardroom

Before launching numbered events, White inaugurated Zuffa Boxing with the September 2025 superfight between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford. The event became a major commercial success, reportedly attracting 41 million viewers globally through Netflix broadcasts. White also introduced UFC-style performance bonuses for undercard fighters, further showcasing his plans to apply UFC systems.

One of the main critics of White’s boxing plans has been Eddie Hearn, who has repeatedly questioned the application of UFC-style systems to boxing. Hearn has traded shots with White over recent months, with tensions growing through interviews and media exchanges. He also criticized the Zuffa Boxing cruiserweight title held by Jai Opetaia, arguing it adds unnecessary complexity to boxing’s structure.

All of this reflects a broader push from Dana White to position himself as a central figure in boxing’s future leadership and structure. The next major event, Zuffa Boxing 07, is scheduled for June 6, 2026, at the Bournemouth International Centre. The event is headlined by a cruiserweight main event fight, Chris Billam-Smith vs. Ryan Rozicki, marking the promotion’s first major international showcase.

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Boxing prodigy reveals how Dana White’s stance on the Muhammad Ali Act is bad for boxing

The Muhammad Ali Act is a United States federal law regulating professional boxing to protect fighters from unfair practices. It was passed in 2000 to improve contract transparency and prevent conflicts of interest. The law also limits promoters from acting as managers to reduce exploitation and maintain fairness. It was designed to ensure fighters receive clear financial terms and better competitive balance.

Dana White claims he hasn't faced any rivalry in boxing
Dana White claims he hasn’t faced any rivalry in boxing (via X)

Dana White has taken a strong stance on the Muhammad Ali Act, arguing it limits boxing’s ability to operate under a unified promotional system. He says the law protects fighters but restricts innovation. White has also stated that he is not trying to remove the act but instead to build Zuffa Boxing alongside it. This debate has led to criticism from Nico Ali Walsh over control and competition in boxing.

No, that’s how monopolies start. They buy up all the top talent. They put the promoters out of business and then you don’t have a choice.

Nico Ali Walsh via The Ariel Helwani Show

Nico Ali Walsh also joined Oscar De La Hoya in a Senate Hearing about the Muhammad Ali Boxing Revival Act, which focuses on updating fighter protections under the original Ali Act framework. The hearing addressed contract transparency, regulatory oversight, and promoter control in modern boxing. These talks come as Dana White continues promoting a centralized boxing model through Zuffa Boxing.

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