Dana White Challenges Eddie Hearn to Boxing Match at UFC Apex

UFC boss doubles down on offer for the two promoters to settle their rivalry in the ring.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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UFC President Dana White has challenged Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn to a boxing match at the UFC's Apex facility in Las Vegas. White said if Hearn is serious about the fight, he should "fly out here" and they can step into the ring. White acknowledged the absurdity of two veteran fight promoters in their 50s entertaining such a matchup, but said he's willing to do it if Hearn accepts.

Why it matters

The back-and-forth between White and Hearn highlights the growing rivalry between the UFC and Matchroom Boxing as the two promotions compete for top talent and influence in the combat sports landscape. A potential boxing match between the two would generate significant interest and attention, though many view it as an unlikely publicity stunt given their ages.

The details

White doubled down on his challenge to Hearn during the UFC 326 post-fight press conference, saying that if Hearn wants to fight, he should come to the UFC Apex facility in Las Vegas. White acknowledged he's 56 years old and shouldn't be boxing, recalling his failed attempt to prepare for a fight with Tito Ortiz when he was 38. White said the fight would have to be the first prelim of the night, which would be "embarrassing" and disrespectful to the real fighters on the card.

  • White first issued the challenge to Hearn on Piers Morgan's "Uncensored" show this past Thursday.
  • Hearn accepted White's challenge the following day in an interview with iFL TV.

The players

Dana White

The 56-year-old president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Eddie Hearn

The 46-year-old chairman of Matchroom Sport, a prominent boxing promotion company.

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What they’re saying

“It's serious and it's a joke. I'm f***ing 56 years old, I shouldn't be f***ing boxing anything. The last time I even tried to get ready to box was for Tito [Ortiz] — I was 38 and that was a f***ing nightmare, OK? And Eddie Hearn's a p****, he don't want to f***ing box anybody. Come on. F***ing Eddie Hearn boxing. Listen, if that's what [he wants], then f***ing fly out here, we'll go over to the Apex and we can box.”

— Dana White, UFC President (Yahoo Sports)

“Of course, I'd do it, because how could you say no? Then you'd be a p****, wouldn't you? By the way, Netflix would pay an absolute fortune, or live on DAZN — the global home of boxing. So I'd probably make a fortune to do it. And if I got chinned, I get chinned. But I'd probably spark him out, to be fair.”

— Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Boxing Promoter (iFL TV)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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