Dana White and Eddie Hearn Feud Intensifies Over Talk Of Boxing Showdown
The verbal feud between Dana White and Eddie Hearn has once again escalated following renewed debate over a potential boxing match between the two promoters. The most recent fight was a first-round stoppage in favor of Ben Whittaker over Braian Suarez, during which Hearn took advantage of the post-fight media attention to attack the UFC CEO.
Hearn charged White with turning his back on a fight, after once publicly suggesting the same. White later responded, dismissing the idea of a promoter-versus-promoter fight and calling the concept embarrassing for boxing.
White Backed Out, Claims Eddie Hearn
Hearn claimed that the only thing that stood in the way of the matchup was Dana White. He said that White had publicly pronounced the fight, and now downplays it. As Hearn says, White should be ready to go through with the fight. Hearn further suggested the fight would be a commercial success, claiming it could headline a major venue like The O2 Arena and generate strong global pay-per-view numbers.
The Matchroom promoter, Eddie Hearn, said, “I mean, some may say bigger than me. Well, I don’t know. But certainly in America. “So we’ve got the American audience, we’ve got the UK audience. Can you imagine how the f— I would sell this show? Oh, my God. Anyway, it’s all probably fantasy, but I do think about it on every run. “In bed every night I’ve picked my ring walk, I’ve actually designed my robe. But, like I said, it’ll probably just be fantasy because unfortunately, Dana White backed out of the fight.”
He added that with White’s popularity in America and his own profile in the United Kingdom, the matchup could draw attention from both markets. Hearn also joked that he had already imagined his ring walk and fight robe, though he admitted the idea may remain a fantasy.
Dana White Fires Back
White did not directly address every insult but strongly rejected Hearn’s claim that the two promoters would represent one of boxing’s biggest fights. White stated that if a promoter and another promoter were considered the biggest attractions in boxing, it would reveal a major problem within the sport. He also criticized Hearn for making what he considered foolish comments despite having promoted legitimate high-level events throughout his career.
White further remarked that neither he nor Hearn deserved to share a card with real fighters, adding that if such a bout ever happened, it should be placed at the very beginning of the event rather than in a featured slot.
Growing Rivalry Tied To Boxing Expansion
The growing presence of White in boxing under Zuffa Boxing has added much tension to the two figures. A key point of contention was when Conor Benn allegedly quit Matchroom to sign a high-paying multi-year deal with the new venture led by White. Hearn reported the move as a huge setback, whereas White interpreted it as an indication of his intention to box.
Their competition has not only been in fighter signings. The management group led by Hearn recently brought on board UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, a move many perceived to be a retaliation for the increasing influence of White in the world of boxing.
White Questions Credibility
White has also accused Hearn of acting like a politician by making promises about changing boxing despite spending many years in the industry. He has encouraged critics to judge Zuffa Boxing based on its results by the end of 2026 rather than dismissing the project early. Meanwhile, Hearn has mocked White’s new championship plans, reportedly referring to the proposed Zuffa title as a “Mickey Mouse” belt.
With both men continuing to trade shots publicly, the feud between White and Hearn remains one of the most talked-about business rivalries in combat sports. Whether the two ever settle matters in a boxing ring or continue battling through interviews and headlines, their growing conflict is adding another layer of intrigue to the future of boxing promotion.
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