Oscar De La Hoya Rips Dana White's "Failed Science Project" Zuffa Boxing

The Golden Boy Promotions CEO unloaded on White and Zuffa Boxing, calling the promotion a "disaster" and its new championship belt "made-up".

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In a scathing Clapback Thursday segment on Instagram, boxing promoter Oscar De La Hoya criticized UFC president Dana White and his Zuffa Boxing promotion, calling it a "failed science project" and claiming the new Zuffa Boxing World Championship belt is "made-up" and has no real significance.

Why it matters

The ongoing feud between De La Hoya and White has escalated, with the two promoters trading barbs over the success and legitimacy of Zuffa Boxing. This latest exchange highlights the competitive tensions in the boxing world as new players like Zuffa try to challenge established promoters like De La Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions.

The details

De La Hoya ripped into White and Zuffa Boxing, saying the promotion is "basically hosting club shows in the basement of UFC in front of 50 people" and that the new Zuffa Boxing World Championship belt is just a "made-up belt" with no real history or significance. He also criticized White for being funded by the Fertittas and Turki, claiming White didn't put his own money into Zuffa Boxing because he doesn't truly believe in it.

  • On February 20, 2026, De La Hoya responded to White's recent comments about him on Instagram.

The players

Oscar De La Hoya

The 53-year-old CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, a major boxing promotion company.

Dana White

The president of the UFC who also launched the Zuffa Boxing promotion.

Eddie Hearn

A prominent boxing promoter who has also criticized the Zuffa Boxing World Championship belt.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I have never in my entire life seen someone believe they're absolutely killing it while they're actually doing jack s---. Zuffa is officially a failed science project... They're basically hosting club shows in the basement of UFC in front of 50 people.”

— Oscar De La Hoya, CEO, Golden Boy Promotions (Instagram)

“Don't get me started on the made-up belt. They actually made up a belt, and they want you to believe it has generational value. My f---ing Tom Ford belt has more history and significance. Eddie Hearn's Heirloom leather belt passed down from his great-grandfather's estate has more excellence.”

— Oscar De La Hoya, CEO, Golden Boy Promotions (Instagram)

The takeaway

The ongoing feud between boxing promoters like Oscar De La Hoya and Dana White's new Zuffa Boxing venture highlights the competitive tensions in the sport as established players try to fend off upstart challengers. The war of words over the legitimacy and significance of Zuffa's new championship belt underscores the high stakes involved as promoters vie for credibility and market share.