The UFC under CEO Dana White has seen itself grow from strength to strength. According to a report shared by John Nash, the UFC’s profits grew from $119 million in 2015 to $387 million in 2022! The numbers indicate that for every dollar the promotion generates in revenue, a third of it ends up as a profit. Hence, it comes as no surprise that the UFC has become one of the most popular combat sports promotions in the world today!

In a recent conversation on the ‘Flagrant’ podcast, UFC bantamweight champion, Sean O’Malley discussed the dominance of the UFC over boxing with comedian Andrew Schulz. Both men agreed that the UFC offers a better ‘product’ when compared to boxing. And their remarks shed light on the UFC’s meteoric rise under Dana White’s guidance!

Dana White was lauded for overtaking boxing with the UFC 

In the clip from the podcast, Schulz asserted that UFC offers more value than boxing, emphasizing the multiple intriguing fights on a UFC card compared to a boxing card. He stated, “If I watch you (O’Malley) headline right, not only do I get to watch you, I might pay for you, but I’m going to get at least 3 or 4 other fights that I’m interested in.”

The sentiments were echoed by his co-host, Akaash Singh, who while admitting his casual fan status, affirmed that he recognizes both fighters in at least two UFC bouts but only one boxer in a boxing card.

Schulz contrasted the audience engagement, noting that UFC fights draw packed crowds from the prelims, while boxing arenas remain empty until the fighters enter the ring. He revealed, “If you go to a UFC fight, it is absolutely packed, from the prelims, it’s a better product.”

However, O’Malley interjected, mentioning the financial aspect, to which Schulz contended that boxing is essentially having a “going out of business sale”. He criticized boxing’s poor business practices which benefit only the top-tier fighters and harm the overall brand.

Schulz applauded UFC and Dana White’s approach towards building a strong brand by reinvesting in the business, and acknowledged that “but the way that you basically move past boxing, is doing exactly what you guys did.”

The conversation underscores the UFC’s ability to create a more appealing product, both in terms of fan engagement and business sustainability, compared to the declining state of boxing. And in another interview, Sean O’Malley revealed the unique circumstances that led to his rise to the top of UFC stardom!

Snoop Dogg was responsible for the rise of the ‘Sugar Show’

Sean O’Malley attributes part of his success to rapper Snoop Dogg’s early endorsement during O’Malley’s debut on the Contender Series in 2017. Snoop Dogg’s animated commentary during ‘Sugar’s knockout victory helped elevate the fighter’s profile.

In a recent interview with The Breakfast Club, O’Malley emphasized the significance of that moment in shaping his career.

O’Malley recalled, “It’s crazy how my career has played out. That was the beginning of the craziness. Snoop Dogg is commentating on my fight when I was 21, 22 on the Contender Series. It’s the first time they’ve done it. I knock that dude out, and he yells ‘O’Malley’ like 30 times. That was crazy.”

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The rapper’s early endorsement and the unique post-fight interaction have become integral parts of O’Malley’s journey, contributing to his popularity within the UFC. As he continues to thrive in the octagon, the influence of that memorable Contender Series moment remains a significant chapter in O’Malley’s remarkable career.

Do you think the UFC will eventually overtake boxing completely under Dana White’s leadership? Why or Why not? Share your thoughts in the comments below! 

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