“There Will Be a Revolt”- Eddie Hearn Warns Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing Could Spark UFC Fighter Uprising
Apart from UFC, one of Dana White’s biggest ventures is Zuffa Boxing, which held its inaugural fight last year and drew significant attention worldwide. The event featured Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford, the third-highest-grossing fight in combat sports history.
White has openly spoken about having several revolutionary ideas that he believes could fundamentally change the structure of boxing. Throughout this period, Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has consistently criticized his rival and questioned Zuffa Boxing’s direction.
In a recent interview, Hearn discussed the potential clash between UFC fighters and top executives over long-standing pay concerns. He highlighted unfair money structures across White’s MMA and boxing promotions, suggesting it could eventually lead to serious internal conflict.
“I think it’s fascinating what’s going to happen. I think there will be a revolt from the UFC fighters. I think they’ll be thinking, ‘Why are we making so much less than the boxers when the show and the business and the revenue is so much higher? ” Eddie Hearn via IFL TV.
Eddie Hearn has promoted several high-profile fights recently, strengthening his position as one of boxing’s most influential and successful promoters. He believes he is ready to go head-to-head with any rival, including Dana White, in order to remain at the top.
Ahead of the UFC’s return on Saturday with UFC 324, Zuffa Boxing will stage its inaugural event Friday night in Las Vegas. Dana White faces a demanding week as he balances Zuffa Boxing’s official launch alongside the UFC’s first event of 2026.
As White begins his newest combat sports venture, skepticism remains about Zuffa Boxing’s ability to impact the sport meaningfully. Despite doubts, rumored negotiations with heavyweight great Oleksandr Usyk suggest ambition behind the project’s future direction.
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UFC veteran Justin Gaethje complains to Dana White about fighter’s pay
The debate surrounding UFC fighter pay has existed for many years, repeatedly resurfacing amid growing revenue and global expansion. Fighters receive a much smaller percentage of UFC revenue compared to athletes in traditional leagues like the NBA, NFL, or boxing.
This disparity has fueled criticism from fans and fighters, who argue that compensation does not reflect risks, popularity, or performance levels. Recently, UFC 324 main event fighter Justin Gaethje spoke openly about pay following the organization’s new 7.7 billion Paramount deal.
“Oh man, to have 14 bonuses and not equal up to a million dollars, it’s not right. It should be a lot more than that. I hear Daniel Cormier saying that everybody’s going to get paid more on this card. I’m not getting $1 more than I would have if this deal didn’t happen,” Justin Gaethje via UFC 324 Media Day.
However, Dana White responded by claiming Justin Gaethje was offered more money, but the veteran ultimately chose to ignore it. Nevertheless, the UFC CEO has introduced changes to pay structures, including doubling performance bonuses to $100,000 at events.
White also added a $25,000 finishing bonus for fighters, aiming to further incentivize exciting and decisive performances. It will be interesting to see whether these changes encourage fighters to take more risks and deliver more entertaining fights.
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