Chael Sonnen Issues Stern Warning to Eddie Hearn in Dana White Feud
Former UFC star Chael Sonnen has delivered a blunt warning to boxing promoter Eddie Hearn, stating he "f***** up" by making a critical error in his ongoing war-of-words with Dana White. This drama follows the shocking move of Conor Benn to Zuffa Boxing, a new promotion led by White, who is also the chief of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and Chairman of the Saudi Arabian General Entertainment Authority, Turki Alalshikh.
Conor Benn's Controversial Switch to Zuffa Boxing
The 29-year-old boxer Conor Benn has made headlines by signing a reportedly lucrative one-fight deal with Zuffa Boxing, ending his long-standing association with Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Boxing. This move comes just months after Benn sought revenge in a rematch with rival Chris Eubank Jr, setting up what was expected to be a blockbuster fight path. However, his next bout will now be under the Zuffa umbrella, intensifying the rivalry between Hearn and White.
Hearn expressed devastation at losing one of his highest-rated fighters, a sentiment that emerged days after White took aim at the British promoter in a series of surprise digs. In response, Hearn, 46, hit back at his counterpart, but Sonnen, who worked under White during his UFC career, intervened with a cautionary message.
Sonnen's Critique of Hearn's Strategy
Sonnen emphasised that Hearn committed a significant blunder by suggesting Dana White has a boss, referring to White's superiors. He explained, "Eddie comes out and he does the one thing that you can't do, Eddie Hearn f***** up. The one interesting thing about Dana, nobody wants a fight more." Sonnen highlighted White's enjoyment of competition, noting that White was disappointed by the ease of acquiring Benn, expecting more resistance in the negotiation process.
He elaborated, "Dana White was so excited when Oscar De la Hoya turned out to bat, it just turned out to be easier work. Eddie Hearn has a fighter named Benn. Zuffa Boxing makes an offer, Benn goes over, Dana kinda commented on how easy it was to get a top guy, he was expecting a bit of a battle." Sonnen added that White relishes such battles, making Hearn's comments about him having a boss particularly misguided.
The Implications of Hearn's Comments
Sonnen warned that Hearn's assertion that White answers to a higher authority is a major mistake. He stated, "It's a big mistake, it truly is a big mistake. The boss doesn't have a boss and he doesn't like when you say that he does, it's a big mistake by Eddie." While acknowledging Hearn as a formidable opponent, Sonnen urged caution in choosing battles, pointing out that the business of boxing is often misunderstood, with economics confusing many from the outset.
He referenced Benn's $15 million price-tag, attributing it to competitive bidding and fiduciary responsibilities. Sonnen concluded, "Eddie Hearn and Dana, this round is complete, this is a point for Dana, but Eddie Hearn attempted to say that the boss has a boss. Eddie just to clear this up, in case you feel it in your heart, Dana White does not have a boss."
Broader Context of the Feud
This exchange underscores the intense rivalry between boxing and MMA promotions, with personal jabs adding fuel to the fire. Hearn's emotional response to Benn's departure and White's aggressive tactics highlight the high stakes in combat sports management. As the saga continues, Sonnen's warning serves as a reminder of the delicate dynamics in such high-profile conflicts, where words can have significant repercussions.
