Dana White is on a mission to shake up the boxing world, and he’s not holding back. In a bold move that’s left many stunned, he’s declared his new venture, Zuffa Boxing, is dominating the scene with surprising ease—so much so, he’s likened it to ‘beating up babies.’ But here’s where it gets controversial: is the boxing establishment really as weak as he claims, or is White’s confidence bordering on arrogance? Let’s dive in.
Zuffa Boxing hosted its third event in Las Vegas on Sunday, and White is openly amazed at how little resistance he’s faced from the sport’s long-standing power players. Promoters like Eddie Hearn and Oscar De La Hoya, along with sanctioning bodies such as the WBC, have been vocal—but according to White, their words carry no weight. ‘There hasn’t been any pushback,’ he stated at the Zuffa Boxing 3 post-fight press conference. ‘I expected more fight from them, but it’s like they’ve rolled over.’
White’s frustration with the current state of boxing is no secret. He’s repeatedly criticized the sport for its ‘going out of business sale’ mentality, where big fights are prioritized over long-term planning. Zuffa Boxing, he claims, is different. ‘We’re building something sustainable,’ he said. ‘And this is the part most people miss: we’re not just talking—we’re doing.’
But the chatter hasn’t stopped. Hearn, in particular, has taken public jabs at Zuffa Boxing, calling their new titles ‘cringey.’ White fired back, ‘Eddie Hearn is part of the problem. He’s been in the sport forever but has done nothing visionary. He’s just playing by the rules, and that’s not enough.’ Is White right, or is he underestimating the established order? Let us know in the comments.
White also didn’t hold back on Oscar De La Hoya, whose recent personal and professional struggles have made headlines. ‘De La Hoya is mentally ill,’ White said bluntly. ‘He’s talking big, but his own house is in disarray.’ While some might find these comments harsh, White sees them as proof that Zuffa Boxing is rattling the industry. ‘Everybody feels it,’ he added. ‘It’s going to be a fun year.’
What’s truly bold about White’s approach is his refusal to play by the old rules. He’s openly stated he won’t work with sanctioning bodies like the WBC or IBF, instead focusing on building his own empire. ‘I’m doing my own thing,’ he declared. ‘If they want to keep doing theirs, good luck. But we’re changing the sport.’
And this is the part most people miss: White isn’t just talking about change—he’s backing it up with action. Zuffa Boxing’s first major championship fight is set for March, with Jai Opetaia facing Brandon Glanton for the cruiserweight title. ‘Judge us by what we’ve done,’ White challenged. ‘At the end of the year, you’ll see the difference.’
But not everyone is convinced. WBC president Mauricio Sulaimán, who’s been in the spotlight for controversial decisions, represents the old guard White is determined to disrupt. ‘Sulaimán is the greatest PR guy for how messed up boxing is,’ White quipped. ‘He’s incredible—at showing the world what’s wrong with the sport.’
So, is Dana White the visionary boxing needs, or is he overstepping? Is the boxing establishment truly as weak as he claims, or is he underestimating the competition? Share your thoughts below. One thing’s for sure: Zuffa Boxing is making waves, and the industry is watching. Whether White’s approach will revolutionize the sport or backfire remains to be seen—but it’s undeniably going to be a wild ride.
