Eddie Hearn says Dana White’s push to change the Muhammad Ali Act hides deeper motives

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Dana White’s move into boxing has already started to shake things up in the sport.

Set to begin in 2026, White’s plans promise major changes for boxing. White has also secured a deal with Paramount, which will broadcast 12 Zuffa Boxing events next year.

On top of that, he’s looking to develop a new version of the Muhammad Ali Act—a law introduced back in 2000 aimed at safeguarding the rights and welfare of boxers.

Eddie Hearn questions Dana White’s Ali Act plans

Dana White says his reason for making changes to the Muhammad Ali Act is to take boxing to the next level.

But Matchroom Sport chairman Eddie Hearn has suggested that White’s real goal is to limit how much financial information is shared with athletes under contract with UFC and Zuffa Boxing.

“The problem with the Ali Act for them is, you have to disclose to the fighters the revenue of the show, particularly from the broadcaster,” Hearn said on The Ariel Helwani Show.

“I think there are many different facets, but that is a major problem because they will be receiving a significant rights deal from Paramount.

“When you’re making millions in a rights deal and the talent is getting such a small percentage, that’s going to cause a problem.”

Hearn also discussed what might happen if UFC fighters had more clarity around show revenues.

White plans to introduce Zuffa Boxing title, won’t recognise existing belts

Dana White has no plans to recognise the sport’s current world titles in his new boxing league.

He recently outlined a two-year plan that includes introducing exclusive Zuffa Boxing championships.

“There will be a Zuffa belt and then there will be a Ring belt and yes, I will not recognize any of the other sanctioning bodies,” he said.

Speaking about his long-term goals for the promotion, White added: “Two years. You’ll start to notice a big difference in two years.

“One of the things, without sounding arrogant, if you look back throughout the last 25 years of me being in the UFC, everything that I said I would do, I have done.

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“I said I was waiting for the right time to get into boxing. Here we are now, and over the next two years, I will put my head down and I will grind and start to implement my vision.”