After cementing his status in the MMA world, UFC CEO Dana White is now turning his attention to boxing. Having transformed the UFC into an $11.3 billion powerhouse, the head honcho hinted earlier this year at expanding into the boxing realm. His first move came in September with the Callum Walsh vs. Przemyslaw Runowski boxing matchup, held in Dublin under the UFC Fight Pass banner. The event sent shockwaves through the boxing community, showcasing White’s ability to elevate any promotion to new heights.

Renowned British boxing promoter Eddie Hearn couldn’t hide his envy of Dana White’s approach. Speaking on the PBD podcast earlier this week, Hearn admitted, “I am very jealous of the almost complete control they have over their talent.” White recently addressed Hearn’s remarks during a rare moment of acknowledgment from a competitor, speaking in a separate interview on the Noah Kara podcast on YouTube.

White dismissed Hearn’s suggestion that UFC negotiations are easier than those in boxing, stating, “Listen, negotiations are tough over here, just like they are anywhere. When you start negotiating with somebody, it’s challenging, but we’re fair, and the money is spread out between all the fighters.” Since Dana White announced his intentions to venture into the world of boxing, British promoters have become increasingly vocal, questioning whether he can replicate the UFC’s success in his speculated venture.

In a recent interview, Eddie Hearn highlighted a key difference between the two industries, claiming, “I feel like their model might be different. It might be some kind of smaller league of guys that you’re not aware of, but I love to work with those guys.”

The UFC operates on a multi-fight contract model, offering fighters long-term agreements, while boxing promotions require individual contracts for each fight. This forces boxers and their teams to negotiate a new deal every time they step into the ring. This difference has motivated fighters like former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou to explore opportunities in boxing, drawn by its potentially lucrative payouts.

Dana White refutes Francis Ngannou’s boxing narrative

It’s been nearly two years since Francis Ngannou parted ways with the UFC, driven by disputes over compensation and contract terms. Despite the passage of time, ‘The Predator’ remains a contentious figure for Dana White, who has repeatedly voiced his frustration with Ngannou’s departure from the promotion. White hasn’t hesitated to take shots at him over the years.

Since leaving the UFC, Ngannou has explored boxing, taking on two high-profile matchups: one against Tyson Fury and another against Anthony Joshua. Although he lost both fights, Ngannou reportedly earned big bucks from his outings—around $30 million.

However, the UFC head honcho is not willing to accept the narrative surrounding Ngannou’s post-UFC boxing career. During the UFC 307 press conference last month, White commented, “It doesn’t matter to me. But that’s a fact. He was offered more money because I know the real numbers. That’s not necessarily true. That’s the bullsht publicly that people believe, but that’s not the truth. Total bullsht, total bullsh*t. That’s that whole myth that makes everybody go.”

What do you think about Eddie Hearn’s comment? Do you agree that Dana White’s extensive control over fighters has contributed to his success? We’ve seen things fall apart in the past because of this approach. Share your thoughts in the comments below.