Dana White has delivered his latest verdict on Eddie Hearn following the Zuffa Boxing 04 post-fight press conference.
The UFC president launched Zuffa Boxing in January 2026, a move that intensified tensions with Hearn despite the two men having previously shared a friendly relationship in combat sports.
Their public exchanges have grown increasingly sharp in recent months, but White’s latest comments suggested a subtle shift as he framed Hearn less as a direct rival and more as someone he will simply have to deal with in business.
Dana White dismisses Eddie Hearn as rival promoter
White was asked directly about Hearn during the press conference and made clear he does not see the Matchroom figure as a threat in the boxing market.
“Is he a rival promoter? I haven’t seen a f—— rival anything from Eddie Hearn or any of these other guys.
“He’s a manager now. Who gives a s—? We deal with lots of different people. I wouldn’t call Eddie Hearn a rival anything.
“He’s a manager. There’s a f—— million of them and we deal with them all. And, you know, have you ever heard, you know, us having problems with dealing with a manager? What is Eddie Hearn going to bring to the management table that we haven’t seen in the last 25 years? No, nothing. Crickets. Nobody.”
White’s remarks appeared to downplay Hearn’s influence by focusing on his new management work rather than his long-standing career as one of boxing’s most prominent promoters.
Eddie Hearn agency signs UFC champion Tom Aspinall
Hearn’s business expansion into athlete management has already reached the UFC through his company Matchroom Agency Talent.
The agency recently signed UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall to manage his career, marking a notable link between the Briton’s organisation and the MMA promotion led by White.
The deal adds another layer to the rivalry between the two executives, as Hearn’s presence now touches the UFC ecosystem.
Last week, their war of words escalated and both publicly agreed to settle their feud in a boxing ring, although it is unlikely to come to fruition.
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