Dana White Exposes Eddie Hearn's Critical Error After Conor Benn Switch
UFC president Dana White has launched a scathing attack on British boxing promoter Eddie Hearn, accusing him of making a monumental misjudgement that allowed Zuffa Boxing to secure the signing of star welterweight Conor Benn. The controversial move, confirmed last month, represents a significant coup for White's new venture and a painful loss for Hearn's Matchroom stable.
White Revels in Hearn's Underestimation
In a candid interview with IFL TV, White did not hold back in his assessment of Hearn's approach to business and his failure to recognise the threat posed by Zuffa Boxing. "I get it, they've got egos, they think they know everything," White stated. "Underestimating me and my team is one of the dumbest things you can do. I don't think anybody in boxing is looking towards the future or how to build the business; they live fight to fight off scraps."
White emphasised that his business philosophy differs radically from what he perceives as the short-term thinking prevalent in boxing promotion. "It's not what I do. It's not the way I run my business," he declared. "Everyone is shocked because you have no vision and you obviously completely underestimated me."
Personal Tensions and Professional Rivalry
While insisting the conflict wasn't personal, White didn't shy away from characterising Hearn's behaviour in strong terms. "Nobody could deny he has been a guy who has acted like a p****," White remarked, referencing Hearn's initial dismissal of Zuffa Boxing as competition. The UFC chief revealed that he hadn't intended to target Hearn specifically but was provoked by his rival's public comments.
"When I got into this, I wasn't going to mess with Eddie at all," White explained. "But he comes out uncharacteristically acting crazy. He said, 'I look forward to competing with him'. The way I'm wired, 'are we fighting? Let's fight'."
The Benn Contract Details and Financial Backing
Reports indicate Benn's agreement with Zuffa Boxing is a single-fight deal worth approximately $15 million, though TKO president Mark Shapiro neither confirmed nor denied the specific figure during a quarterly financial call. Shapiro clarified that TKO, which owns 40% of Zuffa Boxing, isn't directly funding the purse.
"Sela, led by our great partner Turki Alalshikh, is covering the purse," Shapiro revealed, referencing the Saudi company that holds the remaining 60% stake in Zuffa Boxing. This arrangement mirrors the financing model used for previous super-fights like the Canelo Alvarez versus Terence Crawford bout in September.
Benn's Complex History with Matchroom
The signing represents a particularly bitter blow for Hearn, who stood by Benn during a prolonged drug-testing controversy that saw the welterweight fail two tests in 2022. According to Hearn, he lent Benn "hundreds of thousands of pounds" during this challenging period, making the fighter's departure to a rival promoter especially painful.
Despite the acrimonious split, Benn has expressed openness to working with Hearn again in the future, suggesting the 29-year-old might become a free agent relatively soon. The one-fight nature of his Zuffa contract leaves his long-term promotional future uncertain.
Strategic Implications for Boxing's Future
White's capture of Benn—considered one of Matchroom's most valuable assets alongside former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua—signals Zuffa Boxing's serious intentions to disrupt the established boxing promotion landscape. The venture, backed by TKO (which also owns WWE) and Saudi interests, represents a formidable new player in the sport.
Shapiro confirmed that while Benn is currently signed for just one fight, Zuffa hopes he will eventually compete exclusively in their boxing series on Paramount+. This long-term vision contrasts sharply with what White criticises as the short-sighted approach of traditional boxing promoters.
The confrontation between White and Hearn highlights growing tensions as new money and business models enter boxing, potentially reshaping how fighters are promoted and major events are organised in the coming years.
