The world is currently buzzing with news of Dana White wanting to try his hands in the world of boxing. It was since 2017 that the UFC CEO had a dream of doing something revolutionary in the sport but failed to do so. However, things have taken a new direction with Turki Alalshikh collaborating with White and investing a lot of money into the sport.

While the move seems to be pretty lucrative to the fans, it does come with its share of downfall. Boxing and MMA are two completely different sports with completely different personalities involved in it. So, what difficulties can the UFC head honcho face here?

Dana White’s move to boxing will be a bit different from MMA feels Ariel Helwani

UFC CEO Dana White’s recent trip to Ireland wasn’t just about watching rising star Callum Walsh—though the young sensation certainly delivered. For White, this was an opportunity to stir the pot, and as always, he seized it. At a pre-fight Q&A session, White hinted at some major announcements on the horizon, fueling speculation that his long-standing passion for boxing is about to take a new, game-changing turn. Though he remained tight-lipped on specifics, White’s track record suggests that when he teases something big, he means it.

But not everyone is sold on the ease of this potential transition. Among the skeptics is Ariel Helwani, the well-known MMA journalist who isn’t shy about speaking his mind. In a recent appearance on The Stomping Ground YouTube channel, Helwani praised White for his ability to make bold, often controversial, moves and back them up with tireless effort. “He is a die-hard boxing fan and always has been,” Helwani noted, emphasizing White’s genuine love for the sport. Yet, even with that enthusiasm, Helwani cautioned that the world of boxing is a different beast entirely.

White’s iron-fisted control over the UFC, where he has successfully built an empire by managing fighters with a tough-love approach, may not translate so easily into the boxing world. “Boxing is completely different,” Helwani warned. “You cannot tell fighters what to wear. You cannot be as strong-handed as he is.” For a sport notorious for its fragmented governance, inflated egos, and unique fighter autonomy, Helwani’s words carry weight. Boxers have more freedom in branding, negotiations, and choosing their paths, unlike the more centralized UFC model where White calls many of the shots.

Still, if there’s anyone who thrives on challenges, it’s Dana White. His career is defined by his ability to disrupt the status quo, turning what others deem impossible into reality. Whether it’s transforming the UFC into a global powerhouse or securing groundbreaking deals, White has a knack for making the improbable happen. And this venture into boxing—backed by the legendary Teddy Atlas—seems no different.

Teddy Atlas is super excited with the idea of Dana White trying his hands at boxing

One of Dana White’s biggest goals currently is to make the sport of boxing interesting again. During a recent conversation with the “Sports Business Journal,” the 55-year-old said, “I can make boxing interesting again and build a brand around it.” His interest in the sport has caught the attention of many, including renowned boxing trainer Teddy Atlas. The 68-year-old recently sat down for a chat on ‘Submission Radio’ and shared his opinion on the whole.

Atlas has seen the sport of boxing from very close quarters and feels it needs a change now. According to him, the fans do not enjoy watching the fights because of the lack of star attraction. The promoters also made a habit of setting up easy fights for their boxers just to keep their winning record intact. So, who can change that? Well, Dana White is the answer for you. White is known for his risk-taking ability, and with the amount of money Turki Alalshaikh is investing, Atlas had no doubt in saying, “I say come on in, come on in. We need you.” 

Helwani is indeed right that White does have a dictating attitude, and it has helped him in the UFC. However, Atlas has an entirely different take on it and says, “He’s the dictator. He’s that. Listen, if a dictator ain’t chopping heads off and getting things done sometimes, maybe we could learn a little something.” Can Dana White help boxing reach new heights yet again? Let us know your comments in the section below.