UFC CEO Dana White has revealed his intentions about acquiring a boxing promotion. While the UFC and WWE merger sent shockwaves through the combat sports and entertainment landscape, the UFC’s involvement in boxing would have caused an even bigger uproar!
However, according to White, who responded to a news report that suggested that the UFC has acquired ‘Top Rank’ boxing promotion, that is not the case! In a post on his social media, the UFC head honcho made it clear what the UFC’s plans are!
Dana White shuts down rumors surrounding ‘Top Rank’
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UFC CEO Dana White was once intrigued by boxing’s potential under the UFC model during the Floyd Mayweather vs Conor McGregor era. He even rekindled the conversation post-UFC 295 during a press conference. Despite abandoning the boxing venture since then, White had hinted at new plans during the event’s post-fight presser.
When asked about boxing involvement, White had praised Tom Loeffler from 360 Promotions. Leveraging the absence of HBO Boxing and Showtime Sports, White had revealed his intention to use UFC Fight Pass as a network.
But in a recent post on his Instagram story, White responded to a news report that stated, “Top Rank is being SOLD to Endeavor, home to UFC & WWE. Dana White now has his own boxing show”
UFC President, Dana White Creates A New Network For Boxing‼️
Dana White will work with Tom Loeffler & 360 Promotions to put Boxing on UFC’s Fight Pass…Wow‼️
There will likely be a “Contender Series” type of program that will follow as that is one of the most effective ways to… https://t.co/fB83oz6KcW
— AccordingToBoxing (@AccordToBoxing) November 12, 2023
White denied the news as being untrue and revealed, “Absolutely positively not true. We are not buying Top Rank”
As the landscape of combat sports continues to evolve, White’s disclosure provides clarity on the UFC’s current stance. Fans and industry observers will be keenly watching for any future developments in the dynamic intersection of MMA and boxing under the UFC’s purview. And with 2023 almost coming to a close, let’s look at what Dana White thought were the highlights of the year for the promotion!
White looks back on the UFC’s 2023 journey
Dana White shared his reflections on the promotion’s achievements and milestones during the year. In an interview with TNT Sports, White looked back at 2023 and revealed the factors that contributed to a great year for the promotion.
White highlighted the success of the ‘Dana White Contender Series’, and called it an incredible show and a fantastic talent-building platform. The seventh season ran from August 8 to October 10, resulting in a record 46 signings, surpassing the previous year’s 43.
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Acknowledging setbacks, White also mentioned the originally scheduled main event of UFC 295, Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic, being canceled due to an injury. However, he confessed, “Even when something bad happened, like the Jon Jones thing, the (Tom) Aspinall (vs. Sergei Pavlovich) fight was awesome, and we now have an English heavyweight (champion). There’s been a lot of fun stuff this year.”
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In essence, White’s reflections capture the dynamic and multifaceted nature of the UFC’s year, blending successes, challenges, and unexpected joys. What was your favorite UFC moment from 2023? Share it with us in the comments below!
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