California once again shaped the direction of American boxing. On Wednesday, the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) voted 6-0 to endorse Zuffa Boxing’s plan to reform federal boxing laws. The sudden emergency meeting stunned critics and delivered Zuffa valuable publicity for its campaign to gain approval from Congress.
Zuffa Boxing, run by TKO executives Dana White, Nick Khan, and Turki Alalshikh, wants to bypass other promoters and control fighter rankings and championship belts. The company aims to create its own league-style system, much like the UFC, offering fighters set pay, structured contracts, and exclusive events.
Observers familiar with the UFC’s business model warn that Zuffa plans to tighten control over every fighter it signs. Zuffa promises a “better deal” — $150 per round, health insurance, and drug testing — but critics see a corporate takeover of boxing’s free-enterprise system.
Officials Defend Vote While Fighters Accuse Zuffa of Power Grab
At Wednesday’s session, TKO president Nick Khan defended Zuffa’s proposal.
“We’re creating a new system with more opportunities, fairer pay, and greater safety for fighters,” he said.
Andy Foster, CSAC’s executive officer and a former MMA fighter, backed the legislation.
“This bill will help low-income boxers and those injured in matches,” Foster said. “It’s good for boxing.”
Foster told BoxingScene that California, as the biggest boxing market in the U.S., must evaluate any law that could reshape the industry. He insisted the commission had a duty to act.
“We’d be negligent if we didn’t review this bill,” he said.
However, critics accused CSAC of rushing the process and ignoring warnings about Zuffa’s potential dominance. During earlier hearings, fighters and journalists questioned Zuffa’s transparency, but officials brushed off their concerns. Questions about UFC’s antitrust lawsuits and revenue secrecy were dismissed as “irrelevant.”
Fighters, Promoters, and Analysts Condemn the Decision
Opponents of the bill argue that Zuffa wants to eliminate traditional sanctioning bodies — the WBA, WBC, WBO, and IBF — to monopolize the sport. They point out that Zuffa’s $10 million in annual funding from Saudi investor Turki Alalshikh and a Paramount+ deal will give it immense leverage over the boxing market.
Supporters counter that boxing’s current model exploits athletes with sanctioning fees and low visibility, claiming Zuffa could revive fan interest.
“Zuffa is a business, not a charity,” one backer said. “But Dana White has made more millionaires than anyone in combat sports.”
Still, many fighters view the plan as a threat. Danny Garcia called the proposal “corporate extortion.”
“That’s stealing,” Garcia said. “Without disclosure rules, fighters will lose money while paying higher fees.”
Oscar De La Hoya delivered an even harsher critique. In an Instagram post, he accused CSAC of selling out the sport.
“They’re changing the law to screw fighters,” De La Hoya said. “This destroys boxing’s history and fairness. It’s a red flag for everyone.”
Despite mounting opposition, California’s approval now gives Zuffa Boxing the momentum to push the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act through Congress. Many believe the fight for boxing’s future — between corporate control and independent competition — has only just begun.
