Dana White escalated his verbal war with Eddie Hearn, delivering sharp criticism during a media session in Las Vegas.
The UFC president hosted his most thrilling Zuffa Boxing event yet at the Meta Apex. Efe Ajagba stopped former world champion Charles Martin in a brutal heavyweight clash. After the fight, White faced the media, and his ongoing dispute with Hearn resurfaced.
Hearn had called the decision to stage Jai Opetaia vs Brandon Glanton for the Zuffa Boxing cruiserweight title “cringe.” He criticized moving away from traditional sanctioning bodies. Tonight, White fired back from his Las Vegas home venue.
Dana White Questions Hearn’s Vision
Once close allies, White and Hearn now exchange increasingly tense words. The British promoter repeatedly jabs at his American counterpart, who is known as a master of verbal sparring in combat sports.
White dismissed Hearn as a visionary. He told reporters, “I saw Eddie Hearn saying that the belt is cringey. I don’t think anybody looks at Eddie Hearn and says, ‘Oh, this guy is a visionary.’ The guy’s been in boxing forever.”
White added, “I look at him like most politicians. You’ve done nothing in the sport except stay in the lane, play by the rules, and ride along. You ended up becoming part of the problem.”
White Lands a Personal Blow
White did not shy away from personal criticism, targeting Hearn’s family ties in boxing. “I don’t want to sit here and smash Eddie Hearn, but he works for his dad. You know what I mean?” White said. “He’s never had any type of vision like we do.”
White continued, “We are going to change the entire sport. I understand the status quo doesn’t like it. That doesn’t mean they can’t do their thing. If your thing is as good as you think, do it. Good luck to you. I’ll do my thing, and they’ll do theirs.”
