Dana White Defends Politics, Pushes Zuffa Boxing
UFC's Dana White is making waves ahead of UFC 300, responding to critics who say the company is "too political" by emphasizing authenticity. His Zuffa Boxing venture is also making aggressive moves, reportedly offering Conor Benn $15M in a deal designed to outmaneuver rival promoters.
Dana White's loyalty to Donald Trump stems from 2001, when Trump's Taj Mahal in Atlantic City hosted early UFC events while the promotion was struggling for legitimacy and venues. White has since been a vocal supporter, speaking at multiple Republican National Conventions and leveraging his platform to help Trump reach a younger male demographic. Despite his visible political alliances, White has recently attempted to distance himself from the political arena, calling it "gross" and "disgusting." He has stated that his support is for Trump as a friend and that he wants nothing more to do with politics, a claim met with skepticism given his public endorsements and donations. The modern Zuffa Boxing is a joint venture between UFC's parent company, TKO Group Holdings, and Sela, a company backed by Saudi Arabia. This partnership provides immense financial power, with Saudi partner Sela reportedly covering the massive $15 million purse for Conor Benn's one-fight deal. This venture is a revival of a long-stalled project White first teased in 2017 after the McGregor vs. Mayweather fight. After years of delays, Zuffa Boxing officially launched its first event in January 2026, with plans for up to 12 shows this year, including four "mega-events," all streaming on Paramount+. The deal for Benn was strategically structured to make it nearly impossible for his former promoter, Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing, to use his contractual right to match the offer. While officially a one-fight deal, TKO executives have expressed their hope of signing Benn to an exclusive contract with the Zuffa league. The move has ignited a war of words between the two promoters. Hearn has publicly criticized Zuffa's production quality, while White has dismissed Hearn's complaints, stating, "He could've matched it." This personal and professional rivalry adds a new layer of drama to the competitive boxing landscape. Zuffa's entry, bankrolled by Saudi money and promoted by Turki Alalshikh, aims to disrupt a market dominated by established entities like Matchroom, Top Rank, and Premier Boxing Champions. White's stated goal is to apply the UFC's centralized, league-style model to what he has long called the "broken" business of boxing. The $15 million offer has also sparked debate among UFC's own athletes, highlighting the significant pay disparity between top boxers and MMA fighters. Current and former UFC fighters expressed shock at the figure, reigniting long-standing conversations about fighter compensation under the UFC's revenue model.
