Dana White sees ‘1,000,000 the reason why’ now’s time to enter boxing ‘weapons blazing’

LAS VEGAS – In 2017, Dana White printed a Zuffa Boxing t-shirt and teased his entry into the world of boxing, however public promotion of the enterprise slowly fizzled out and the shirt might have rotated to the underside of the drawer.

Within the years that adopted when requested about crossover, White typically highlighted his gripes with boxing and the way in which he noticed the game run.

In 2024, White may be breaking out the shirt once more, even when there are a couple of wrinkles on it.

Closely concerned as “the HBO” (as he calls himself) of rising younger Irish boxer Callum Walsh, White definitively declared, “I’m in,” throughout a pre-fight Q&A on Thursday in Dublin.

“Each time I get on the cellphone with these guys, I’m going, ‘Am I out of my f*cking thoughts?’” White informed reporters, together with MMA Junkie, after Tuesday’s Dana White’s Contender Series 73. “It’s simply… However I feel clearly now’s the time, or I might’ve accomplished it (in 2017). I used to be kicking round. I used to be even speaking about Anthony Joshua at one time and stuff like that. I’m glad I pumped the brakes and we waited. Every little thing is about timing. Is now the time? We’re going to seek out out.”

Many specifics White stored near his chest. There was not detailing of the “who,” “when,” and “the place.” However the UFC CEO shed a bit of extra gentle on the “what” and the “how” as he spoke to reporters on the UFC Apex.

“I’ve a plan,” White mentioned. “I’m going to implement that plan and we’ll see how that works. … Individuals have been speaking in regards to the demise of boxing for 30 years and we’re nonetheless right here speaking about boxing proper now. I’ve all the time had an concept of how I assumed it ought to be accomplished. I don’t know if that’s doable, however we’re going to seek out out. I’m coming in weapons blazing.”

Dana White is “coming in weapons blazing” to the world of boxing promotion.

“Individuals have been speaking in regards to the demise of boxing for 30 years, and we’re nonetheless speaking about boxing proper now. I’ve all the time had an concept of the way it ought to be accomplished.” pic.twitter.com/fvojqJgq0o

— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) September 25, 2024

Whereas he’s labored intently with promoter Tom Loeffler for Walsh’s fights, White indicated he’d be open to working with different promoters – or not less than he ones he likes – whether or not that be Matchroom’s Eddie Hearn, or Queensberry Promotions’ Frank Warren, or another person.

“I’m certain you’ll be able to assume the individuals I might not be working with,” White added. “I don’t assume it’s important to be a f*cking genius to determine that one out.”

White mentioned he’d maintain the athletes separate and sounded disgusted on the concept of UFC fighters taking boxing matches between fights.

“God, I hope not,” White mentioned.

As to what he’ll convey to the desk as “the HBO,” White mentioned sure points of the UFC that he’s discovered to achieve success he’ll attempt to mirror.

“There’s 1,000,000 the reason why now’s (the time),” White mentioned. “In case you discover so far as boxing, at the same time as a lot cash as Sheikh Turki is throwing into this factor, tv offers aren’t actually ample proper now. There are only a lot of issues I feel I can try this different individuals haven’t accomplished but.

“… There may be clearly a number of work to do, however what did you discover about (the latest Callum Walsh occasion)? How briskly the fights went? No f*cking podcast between fights. Yeah. So sure, the fights will transfer quicker.”

One of many essential variations (along with pay construction) between boxing and MMA is promotional competitors. Whereas UFC rivals exist, a overwhelming majority of prime MMA expertise exists within the promotion. In boxing, the crop of the world’s finest fighters is unfold amongst dozens of promoters.

White was requested if he’ll attempt to configure the same situation in boxing as he did in MMA, the place many prime fighters are below contract, making it simpler to make huge fights. In response, White merely mentioned he thinks the UFC recipe is a working one.

“Effectively, it’s not like that hasn’t been accomplished earlier than (in boxing),” White mentioned. “There have been dominant promoters earlier than which have had many of the expertise locked up. However hear, I feel in case you requested anyone and even in case you requested yourselves, the UFC mannequin works. It really works.’”

White pointed to 2025 as to when extra particulars of his delve into boxing will floor, together with what athletes in addition to Walsh that he’ll work with.