Following a high-profile weekend of fights, UFC and Zuffa head Dana White addressed the media during a post-fight press conference, fielding a barrage of questions regarding the company’s ongoing transition and positioning within the professional boxing landscape. Despite the traditional complexities and political hurdles native to the sweet science, White expressed immense satisfaction with Zuffa’s performance during its inaugural year, signaling ambitions for rapid global expansion and a broader event schedule in the near future.
Throughout the session, White offered candid insights into the promotional outfit’s current standing, addressing everything from international broadcast deals and relationships with traditional boxing sanctioning bodies to high-profile fighter departures and potential collaborations with rival promoters.
Here is a closer look at what the Zuffa chief had to say as the company approaches the end of its first year in the boxing business.
White on how he’d describe Zuffa’s first year in the boxing business
Reflecting on the initial months of Zuffa’s venture into boxing, White emphasized the importance of global reach and exposure for athletes. He noted that the company has successfully secured substantial distribution deals across multiple continents, bringing fights to audiences worldwide.
"We have 25 deals in 95 countries right now," White told reporters. "One of the big things I always tell fighters is obviously making money and all these things are important when you’re a professional athlete, but how many people see the great things that you accomplish in your career, too?"
Evaluating the timeline of the promotion’s rollout, White admitted that the early returns have exceeded his initial expectations, providing a strong foundation for future growth.
"I’m happy with where we are in just under a year. Really happy. We’re ahead of where I thought we might be."
On whether Zuffa has changed their position on working with sanctioning bodies
One of the defining challenges for any new promoter entering boxing is navigating the complex network of traditional sanctioning bodies and championship belts. White addressed whether Zuffa has adopted a rigid stance or if flexibility remains a priority when dealing with these organizations.
"We’re sort of dealing with that on a case-by-case basis and if we can work it out, we’d like to for the fighters," White stated. "If we can’t, then we won’t."
On whether he can get along with Eddie Hearn to promote Fury vs AJ
Relations between rival promoters often dictate the viability of boxing’s biggest fights. When questioned about Matchroom Boxing head Eddie Hearn and the prospects of working together to bring massive bouts like Tyson Fury versus Anthony Joshua to fruition, White downplayed any personal animosity.
"Yeah, I don’t have a problem with Eddie Hearn," White said. "When’s the last time you guys have heard me talk about Eddie Hearn? I mean, I don’t have a problem with Eddie Hearn… You’re asking me about Eddie Hearn right now."
On how he’d rate Zuffa’s year
Beyond the corporate metrics and television deals, White highlighted the personal enjoyment he has found in working within the sport of boxing alongside his established executive team.
"I’m happy with our first year," White reflected. "And for me, I’ve actually had a good time this year. I’ve had a good time, you know, working in the sport, on the sport, with the team that I’ve built. We’ve had a good time and we’re happy with where we’re at just a few months into our first year."
On if he anticipates having more US cards in the coming year
Looking ahead to the upcoming promotional calendar, White signaled a major ramp-up in event frequency, mirroring the global operating model that the UFC has successfully utilized for decades. Rather than limiting operations to traditional hotbeds, Zuffa aims to cast a much wider net.
"I think more cards, period. Everywhere," White said. "I think you’ll see us just like the UFC, taking the fights everywhere, all over the world, not just the US and the UK."
On the split with Shakur Stevenson
Addressing roster management and fighter relations, White touched upon the recent departure of high-profile talent Shakur Stevenson. Rather than casting the split in a negative light, White characterized the parting of ways as a mutual and amicable decision that simply came down to business alignment.
"Well, I don’t think we let Shakur go without a fight. I mean, we worked together and we were on a call one day and I said ‘maybe it’s just better if we all go our separate ways’ and everybody agreed," White explained. "It just didn’t work out. You win some, you lose some."
On how he plans to take over boxing when the biggest names in the sport are aligned with other promoters
With established promotional giants currently holding exclusive or long-term agreements with many of boxing’s elite pound-for-pound stars, reporters questioned how Zuffa intends to capture market dominance. White remained measured, emphasizing the long-term nature of the company’s venture.
"Well, we’re like eight or nine months into this thing," White noted. "We’ll see how it all plays out."
On whether he feels he needs to make it up to the British public for trying to take Fury vs AJ outside of the UK
The geography of mega-fights often sparks passionate debates among fanbases, particularly in the United Kingdom, where boxing culture runs deep. Following previous discussions about hosting major domestic matchups overseas, White was asked if he felt any obligation to appease British fans.
Following a noticeable pause, White dismissed the notion that amends needed to be made, pointing to strong commercial indicators as proof of widespread demand.
"[Long pause]… No," White responded. "I think that obviously when tickets went on sale, it killed it. It did incredibly well and I think it would’ve done well at Madison Square Garden, too."
On who is deciding the undercard of Fury vs AJ
As preparations continue for major upcoming cards, promotional duties and undercard matchmaking remain subjects of intense industry scrutiny. When pressed on the collaborative efforts and decision-making process behind the scenes regarding the supporting bouts for the Fury versus Joshua event, White kept his cards close to his chest.
"Well, we made some fights on the undercard… I’m not going to get into this stuff," White concluded. "I’ll see you in Cardiff, though."
