Wednesday brought serious turbulence for Dana White and his expanding fight empire. Zuffa Boxing faced backlash, legal threats, and public criticism from active UFC fighters. Several major names added fuel to an already heated news cycle. Fighter pay, promotional disputes, and high-profile comeback bouts dominated the conversation across combat sports.
Here are the five biggest stories from February 25, 2026.
Michael Page Blasts UFC Pay Structure After Benn’s $15 Million Deal
Michael Page openly criticized the UFC’s compensation model. His comments followed reports that Conor Benn secured a one-fight, $15 million deal with Zuffa Boxing.
Page expressed frustration during an appearance on Uncrowned’s Boys in the Back. He said the reported deal did not sit well with him. He also addressed the UFC’s revised bonus structure under its new broadcast agreement with Paramount.
Page said he never felt excited about the updated bonuses. He argued the increases failed to match the revenue the promotion now generates. He also questioned White’s enthusiasm for boxing and slap fighting ventures. Page suggested the organization values outside projects more than the fighters who built its reputation. He concluded that UFC athletes deserve significantly more compensation.
Frank Warren Threatens Legal Action Over Zuffa Boxing Launch
Frank Warren is preparing potential legal action against TKO and Saudi Arabia’s Sela. Warren promotes fights under Queensberry Promotions. He claims the launch of Zuffa Boxing violates previous agreements.
Queensberry signed an exclusive deal with Sela in 2023. The partnership staged major events, including Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou. Warren now argues that TKO and Sela excluded his company from a new boxing venture. He claims the move breaches contractual obligations.
Reports suggest Queensberry alleges losses of up to $1 billion. Meanwhile, The Ring has pushed back publicly. The magazine claims Queensberry faces financial instability. The dispute could escalate quickly if formal proceedings begin.
Max Holloway Defends Justin Gaethje Ahead of Topuria Clash
Max Holloway believes critics underestimate Justin Gaethje. Gaethje is expected to face Ilia Topuria in a lightweight title unification bout this summer.
Many analysts doubt Gaethje’s chances after his interim title win over Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324. Holloway disagrees with that assessment. He argued that Gaethje’s aggressive style can disrupt opponents. He said fighters sometimes must make bouts messy and uncomfortable.
Holloway praised Gaethje for controlling the pace against Pimblett. He insisted that such tactics could trouble Topuria as well. Holloway knows Topuria’s power firsthand and still refuses to count Gaethje out.
Joe Rogan Reacts to Mayweather vs Pacquiao 2
Joe Rogan reacted enthusiastically to the announcement of a rematch between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao. The two are expected to meet at the Las Vegas Sphere in September.
Mayweather already plans a 2026 bout against Mike Tyson. He will then reportedly face Pacquiao again in a professional contest. Rogan addressed the matchup during his podcast episode featuring Terence Crawford.
Rogan called the rematch crazy because both fighters approach 50 years old. He admitted he will watch the fight regardless. He also confirmed strong interest in Mayweather’s bout with Tyson. The comeback trend continues to reshape the 2026 combat calendar.
Thiago Santos Replaces Mohammed Usman in $500,000 Gamebred FC Tournament
Jorge Masvidal continues building his Gamebred FC brand while preparing his own return. The promotion will stage a 16-man heavyweight bare-knuckle MMA tournament with a $500,000 prize.
Originally, Mohammed Usman was set to compete. Usman recently served a 30-month suspension following a failed UFC drug test. He has now withdrawn for undisclosed reasons.
Former UFC title challenger Thiago Santos has stepped in as the replacement. Santos previously pushed Jon Jones to a close decision in their 2019 title fight. He most recently lost to Denis Goltsov during the 2024 PFL season.
Santos will now face Guto Inocente in the tournament. The event also features Anthony Smith and Chase Sherman. The late change adds another twist to an already dramatic week in combat sports.
