The relationship between boxing promoter Eddie Hearn and UFC president Dana White is rapidly cooling. What began as mutual respect — and even cooperation ahead of Zuffa Boxing’s launch in 2025 — has shifted into an ongoing exchange of subtle jabs in interviews. As both men push to shape the future of combat sports, tension between them is becoming harder to ignore.
From Mutual Respect to Public Shots
Hearn has often praised White’s achievements in mixed martial arts, and the pair once appeared to share a professional understanding. But that goodwill hasn’t lasted. Now, almost every media appearance seems to include a pointed comment from one side or the other, reflecting a rivalry for influence in the fight promotion world.
Hearn Reacts to Zuffa Boxing’s Early Cards
Commenting on Zuffa Boxing’s upcoming event, Hearn weighed in on the promotion’s debut direction. The card is headlined by Irish prospect Callum Walsh, who remains undefeated at 15-0, as he takes on Carlos Ocampo, who holds a 38-3 record.
“People will criticize the product at first,” Hearn said. “They’ll say, ‘What is this — Callum Walsh versus Ocampo at the APEX?’ But these guys are thinking long term. They’ve got a five-year plan, not a six-month plan. The card might look weak to some, but it doesn’t matter. They’ll be just fine.”
As Zuffa Boxing begins its journey, Hearn’s comments reflect both skepticism and acknowledgment — and underline that his competitive stare toward Dana White is firmly locked in.
