Dana White’s ‘Boxing Takeover’ Plans Questioned by UFC Legend Anderson Silva

Brazilian UFC legend Anderson Silva questions UFC CEO Dana White's plans to give a total makeover to boxing as a sport.

Dana White’s ‘Boxing Takeover’ Plans Questioned by UFC Legend Anderson Silva

Anderson Silva criticizes Dana White's plans for boxing (via MMA Fighting, talkSport)

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UFC CEO Dana White is preparing to introduce significant changes to professional boxing through his Zuffa Boxing project. He aims to reshape the sport using the exact blueprint that helped build the UFC from the ground up. White’s plan focuses on centralized control and streamlined promotion. UFC legend Anderson Silva recently raised concerns about how this approach could negatively impact the sport.

White has positioned himself as a central figure in boxing’s future and has outlined goals that resemble an effort to act as a de facto CEO of the sport. His vision includes simplifying weight classes and reducing overlap between divisions. He has also emphasized creating better opportunities for lesser-known fighters to gain exposure. Another key objective is faster-paced events with fewer extended breaks.

A major point of debate surrounding Zuffa Boxing is White’s stance on the Muhammad Ali Reform Act. White has stated that fighters should have the option to compete under the Ali Act rather than being required to follow it. He has also suggested introducing an alternative structure of his own. Silva recently addressed this issue, warning that weakening existing protections could have long-term consequences.

People need to respect the boxing community, that’s the point. That’s my own concern. When you make something to help the sport and help the athletes, okay. But when you try to do something to control the whole thing, this is bad. This is very bad.

Anderson Silva via Fight Hub TV

The relationship between Silva and White has been strained since the legend departed from the UFC. Silva has publicly criticized White in the past, accusing him of using fighters to advance business interests. White has responded by stating that he has never held the Brazilian legend in low regard. He has maintained that he always respected Silva’s contributions to the UFC despite their disagreements.

Following the end of his UFC career, the ‘Spider’ transitioned into professional boxing and found notable success. He earned a decision victory over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in a high-profile bout. He later defeated former UFC light heavyweight champion Tito Ortiz. Most recently, he scored a knockout win over fellow UFC veteran Tyron Woodley on December 19.

Zuffa Boxing is being developed through a partnership involving Dana White, Nick Khan, Turki Alalshikh, Sela Group, and TKO Group Holdings. While the promotion has yet to implement many of White’s proposed changes, its long-term ambitions remain significant.

Silva’s comments add scrutiny to the project’s direction. Many MMA fighters believe that adding changes to the existing Muhammad Ali Act would jeopardize the boxing community. Given his accomplishments and standing in combat sports, his perspective could influence the future evolution of the sport.

Dana White set to give testimony regarding the UFC anti-trust lawsuit

The antitrust lawsuit, Cirkunov v. Zuffa, was filed by former UFC fighter Misha Cirkunov against Zuffa LLC in federal court. The case challenges arbitration clauses and class-action waivers included in UFC contracts signed from July 1, 2017, onward. Plaintiffs argue these provisions restricted fighters’ legal rights and negotiating leverage. The lawsuit seeks damages and a ruling that those clauses are unenforceable.

Dana White
Dana White (via The US Sun)

A recent development in the case has placed Dana White under direct legal scrutiny. U.S. District Judge Richard F. Boulware ordered White to testify under oath at a spoliation hearing scheduled for February 4 and 5, 2026. The hearing will examine whether relevant evidence regarding contracts and fighter pay was preserved correctly. UFC executive Tracy Long is also scheduled to testify.

White has repeatedly defended the UFC’s pay model, stating that fighters are compensated based on opportunity and performance rather than fixed structures. However, the antitrust case has intensified debate around whether those practices disadvantage fighters financially. With the UFC CEO now required to testify, fighter pay concerns have re-entered the spotlight.

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