Dana White: Zuffa Boxing Shocks Rivals with Fast Impact & Little Resistance

UFC boss says he expected more pushback from established boxing promoters and sanctioning bodies.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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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. White stated he anticipated a more robust challenge from veteran promoters and sanctioning bodies, but instead has found the landscape surprisingly open, with 'no pushback' so far. Zuffa Boxing's launch has sent ripples through the boxing world, but White believes the response has been largely talk, with little concrete action to counter his promotion's moves.

Why it matters

The entry of Zuffa Boxing, backed by the UFC's parent company, has shaken up the boxing landscape, prompting reactions from major promoters and organizations. White's comments suggest he sees the established boxing community as nervous about the disruption Zuffa Boxing represents, potentially signaling a shift in the sport's power dynamics.

The details

White's comments came after Zuffa Boxing 3 at the Meta APEX on Sunday. He stated he expected more pushback from veteran promoters and sanctioning bodies, but instead found 'the landscape surprisingly open.' Zuffa Boxing has drawn criticism for introducing its own title belt, which promoter Eddie Hearn reportedly called 'cringey.' White dismissed Hearn's critique, suggesting a lack of vision and innovation in Hearn's long career in the sport. The dynamic between Zuffa Boxing and established sanctioning bodies has also been a point of contention, with White stating his intention to operate independently of organizations like the WBC, IBF, and WBO.

  • Zuffa Boxing is preparing for its fourth event, scheduled for March, featuring a cruiserweight title fight between Jai Opetaia and Brandon Glanton.
  • White made his comments at the post-fight press conference following Zuffa Boxing 3 on February 16, 2026.

The players

Dana White

The CEO of UFC and head of Zuffa Boxing, the new boxing promotion backed by the UFC's parent company.

Eddie Hearn

A prominent boxing promoter who has criticized Zuffa Boxing's introduction of its own title belt.

Oscar De La Hoya

A former professional boxer and current boxing promoter, who has been the target of criticism from Dana White.

Mauricio Sulaiman

The president of the World Boxing Council (WBC), who has voiced apprehension about Dana White's approach to operating independently of traditional sanctioning bodies.

Jai Opetaia

A cruiserweight boxer who is scheduled to fight in Zuffa Boxing's fourth event in March 2026.

Brandon Glanton

A cruiserweight boxer who is scheduled to fight Jai Opetaia in Zuffa Boxing's fourth event in March 2026.

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What they’re saying

“There hasn't been any pushback. 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.”

— Dana White, CEO of UFC and head of Zuffa Boxing (MMA Fighting)

“I don't believe anybody looks at Eddie Hearn and says 'oh this guy's a visionary.' The guy's been in boxing forever.”

— Dana White, CEO of UFC and head of Zuffa Boxing (MMA Fighting)

“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, CEO of UFC and head of Zuffa Boxing (MMA Fighting)

What’s next

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.

The takeaway

Dana White's comments suggest that the established boxing community is nervous about the potential disruption that Zuffa Boxing represents, with little concrete action taken so far to counter the new promotion's moves. This could signal a shift in the power dynamics of the sport, as Zuffa Boxing seeks to offer a different model focused on long-term planning and fighter development.