In a development that underscores the frosty relations between two of combat sports' most prominent figures, UFC president Dana White has issued a notably cool response to a recent meeting request from boxing promoter Eddie Hearn. The pair, who have publicly clashed on numerous occasions over the years, found their schedules conflicting, preventing a potential face-to-face discussion in Las Vegas.
A History of Tension and Surprise
It is widely acknowledged that Dana White and Eddie Hearn have maintained a contentious relationship, frequently exchanging verbal barbs and holding divergent views on the business of combat sports. This backdrop made Hearn's outreach particularly unexpected, with White admitting to being taken aback by the invitation. "It was kind of weird... He wanted to meet up on Sunday and we didn't," White remarked, questioning the underlying motives given Hearn's recent critical commentary.
Clashing Schedules in Sin City
The proposed meeting was intended to occur during a busy period in Las Vegas, where both men were overseeing separate events. White was fine-tuning details for Zuffa Boxing's first show of 2026 at the Meta Apex, following the promotion's formation last year with backing from Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh. Meanwhile, Hearn was up the road managing his own Matchroom boxing card. Despite the proximity, their timetables did not align, with Hearn citing a tight flight schedule to New York as the reason for the missed connection.
Hearn had initially messaged White on Saturday, expressing a desire to connect, but the logistical hurdles proved insurmountable. "I messaged Dana to meet him, I think he messaged to meet yesterday. But I had a flight, we had to get to New York, because we had a slot that we could only take off on and if we didn't make that, who knows when we'd have got here?" Hearn explained to Ariel Helwani, indicating that the intention was genuine despite their past disputes.
White's Scepticism and Hearn's Compliments
White's reaction to the aborted meeting was laced with scepticism, especially in light of Hearn's previous "nutty interviews" and scathing assessments of Zuffa Boxing. The UFC boss seemed puzzled about what the discussion would entail, given their history of being "at each other's throats." This dynamic has been fuelled by Hearn's open scepticism towards the new boxing promotion since its inception, which has rapidly gained headlines in the combat sports world.
Interestingly, amidst the hostility, Hearn offered rare praise for the UFC's business model during the same interview. He highlighted the efficiency of their pay structure, which has often faced criticism. "As a business, it's incredible that they can get their talent to fight for those numbers, given the revenue the show generates. You're telling me you're generating $50 million in revenue and the main event fighters are getting $750k to $1 million? Or whatever the actual figure is. What a business. Wow," Hearn stated, acknowledging the UFC's financial acumen despite their personal rivalry.
The Broader Context of Combat Sports
This episode unfolds against a backdrop of significant activity in both boxing and MMA. The UFC recently returned after a six-week hiatus, featuring an interim lightweight title fight between Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje. Simultaneously, Zuffa Boxing is making strides under White's leadership, with its second event taking place recently, further intensifying the competitive landscape that Hearn and White navigate.
The ongoing verbal sparring between White and Hearn reflects deeper tensions within the industry, as traditional boxing promotions like Matchroom contend with new entrants like Zuffa Boxing. While a meeting could have provided an opportunity for dialogue, White's cold response suggests that any thaw in their relationship remains unlikely in the near future, keeping fans and analysts speculating about potential collaborations or further conflicts.
