Las Vegas, NV – Dana White, the CEO of UFC and now head of Zuffa Boxing, expressed surprise at the lack of resistance his new boxing promotion is encountering from established figures in the sport. Following Zuffa Boxing 3 at the Meta APEX on Sunday, White stated he anticipated a more robust challenge from veteran promoters and sanctioning bodies, but instead has found the landscape surprisingly open.
“There hasn’t been any pushback,” White said at the post-fight press conference, as reported by MMA Fighting. “Here’s like beating up babies. I perceive like I came in and I’m beating up babies. I expected more. I expected some pushback. I expected them to be more game.”
The launch of Zuffa Boxing, backed by the UFC’s parent company, has sent ripples through the boxing world, prompting reactions from promoters like Eddie Hearn and Oscar De La Hoya, as well as organizations like the World Boxing Council (WBC). However, White believes the response has been largely talk, with little concrete action to counter his promotion’s moves. This perceived lack of opposition has led White to believe that the established boxing community is, in fact, nervous about the disruption Zuffa Boxing represents.
Zuffa Boxing’s Early Impact and Criticisms
White’s comments arrive as Zuffa Boxing prepares for its fourth event, scheduled for March, featuring a cruiserweight title fight between Jai Opetaia and Brandon Glanton. The introduction of a new title by Zuffa Boxing has drawn criticism, particularly from Hearn, who reportedly called the belt “cringey,” according to White. White dismissed Hearn’s critique, suggesting a lack of vision and innovation in Hearn’s long career in the sport. “I don’t believe anybody looks at Eddie Hearn and says ‘oh this guy’s a visionary,’” White stated. “The guy’s been in boxing forever.”
The dynamic between Zuffa Boxing and established sanctioning bodies has also been a point of contention. White has repeatedly stated his intention to operate independently of organizations like the WBC, IBF, and WBO, a stance that has drawn criticism from WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman. Sulaiman, as reported by Yahoo Sports, has voiced apprehension regarding White’s approach, even questioning his treatment at the Terence Crawford-Canelo Alvarez fight last September.
White responded to Sulaiman’s concerns on social media, asserting that the Ali Act would remain intact and that fighters would still be able to compete under its regulations. He also maintained that traditional sanctioning bodies would continue to operate as they currently do, while Zuffa Boxing pursues a different path.
White’s Critique of the Boxing Landscape
White has been a vocal critic of the current state of boxing for some time, describing it as a sport “going out of business.” He believes Zuffa Boxing is offering a new model focused on long-term planning and fighter development, a contrast to what he perceives as a short-sighted approach in the established boxing world. He believes the current system prioritizes occasional blockbuster events over sustainable growth.
The tension extends to personal criticisms as well. White took aim at Oscar De La Hoya, referencing his financial difficulties and legal battles with fighters, questioning De La Hoya’s credibility. He challenged De La Hoya to engage in a public rebuttal, stating, “Has he done a clapback Thursday recently? I would f*cking love to witness an episode of clapback Thursday this Thursday from Oscar De La Hoya.”
Dana White Criticizes Oscar De La Hoya, Eddie Hearn & Boxing Promoters – YouTube
Looking Ahead: Zuffa Boxing’s Future
White acknowledges that the success of Zuffa Boxing remains to be seen. He intends to evaluate the promotion’s progress at the end of the year, allowing the results to speak for themselves. He believes that the current lack of resistance from the boxing establishment is a sign of their underlying concerns about the potential disruption Zuffa Boxing represents. “I’m sitting here my third fight in. I’m either right or I’m wrong. We’ll find out,” White said.
The coming months will be crucial for Zuffa Boxing as it continues to build its roster, stage events, and navigate the complex landscape of professional boxing. The promotion’s ability to deliver on its promises of a more sustainable and fighter-focused model will ultimately determine its long-term impact on the sport.
What are your thoughts on Zuffa Boxing’s entry into the boxing world? Share your opinions in the comments below and let us know what you think the future holds for the sport.
