In 2026, the dynamic between Eddie Hearn and Dana White is becoming more and more tense.
Hearn has regularly acknowledged White’s success in MMA,
They developed a rapport ahead of Zuffa Boxing’s launch in 2025, but that has not lasted.
These days, it seems like every interview features another jab from one side to the other.
Eddie Hearn claims boxing’s top spot and embraces challenge
White said last week that he was caught off guard by Hearn’s reaction to his new boxing league.
The UFC boss described the comments as “very negative and very confrontational,” and then accused Hearn of “talking like a politician.”
But Hearn is enjoying the challenge of going up against another major name in promoting.
He believes he is the best there has ever been, and now, he sees a chance to prove it.
Speaking to IFL TV, the 46-year-old said: “You’ll never hear me talking disrespectfully about Dana, being personal about Dana.
“It’s a fair game. They’re [TKO] an amazing company. You’ve got Mark Shapiro, Ari [Emmanuel], Dana, Nick Khan – these are geniuses.
“It turns me on. It’s what I want. I’ve got to prove that I’m the best. I believe I’m the best. I believe I’m the greatest boxing promoter that’s ever lived. And it might be deluded, but my track record suggests I might be right.
“I need heavy artillery up against me. I don’t need a geezer with a f—ing water pistol. I want the big f—ing tanks coming at me, and that’s what’s coming.”
Eddie Hearn calls Dana White’s boxing launch ‘lame’
Hearn had already suggested last month that the launch of White’s new boxing league would fall flat.
The reaction from fans did not help matters, as the details surrounding Zuffa Boxing’s debut event left many underwhelmed.
Scheduled for January 23rd at the UFC APEX – a venue that has never been popular among MMA supporters – the event is not doing much to change opinions.
Headlining the card is Callum Walsh, a 15-0 Irish prospect, who faces Carlos Ocampo (38-3).
“People will slate their product initially.
“‘What is this, Callum Walsh against Ocampo at the APEX?’
“These guys, they are long-term players. They’ve got a five-year plan, not a six-month plan.
“It’s very weak, but it doesn’t matter. They are gonna be just fine,” Hearn stated.
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