Dana White is adamant about one thing he absolutely doesn’t want to include in his newly launched boxing promotion.
On Tuesday, the UFC CEO, alongside Saudi Arabian General Entertainment Authority chief Turki Alalshikh, announced a historic collaboration to establish a new boxing league under the TKO banner. WWE president Nick Khan is also set to play a pivotal role on the promotion’s executive board.
According to a press release, the new promotion will introduce a systematic framework aimed at nurturing rising talent from around the world. Additionally, boxers will benefit from access to the state-of-the-art UFC Performance Institutes, while TKO will take charge of all event production, ensuring top-tier experiences for both live audiences and broadcasts.
Further insights into the new venture are expected to be revealed in the coming months. However, following the initial announcement, speculation has already begun to swirl, with various rumors circulating about the direction of the league.
During a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, White was asked if the new TKO boxing promotion could ever feature UFC fighters stepping into the boxing ring to face boxers in a future crossover event.
In response, the UFC head honcho, known for his skepticism toward crossover events, swiftly shut down the notion. However, he did acknowledge that there are several MMA fighters within the organization who are eager to test their skills in the boxing ring.
“No, never,” White said. “I’m sure there are guys that want to box, but I literally don’t want to see any of that. We’ll keep the boxers in the boxing and the MMA guys in the MMA.”
White has also rejected the idea of any potential crossover between the UFC and WWE, even after the two combat sports organizations unified financials to create TKO in September 2023.
Historically, White has been vocal in criticizing boxing promotions for focusing too much on star-studded main events while neglecting to build compelling undercards — something he’s always considered a hallmark of the UFC’s success. He has also voiced frustration with the fragmented and disjointed nature of boxing’s title systems .
