Dana White reacts to Zuffa Boxing signing Conor Benn: ‘Is there a bigger p*ssy than Eddie Hearn?’
MMA Fighting
February 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Dana White, president of the UFC and head of Zuffa Boxing, landed a significant blow in his ongoing rivalry with boxing promoter Eddie Hearn by signing Conor Benn to Zuffa Boxing. This move marks a major shift, as Benn had previously been under Matchroom Boxing, which is run by Hearn. The deal was announced on Friday, and Hearn responded by expressing his devastation, claiming he deserved a call from Benn to discuss the situation but was allegedly rebuffed.
White celebrated the signing at the UFC Houston press conference, mocking Hearn's reaction to losing one of his top fighters. He questioned Hearn's professionalism, suggesting that as a supposed friend and colleague, Hearn should have handled the situation with more grace. White also dismissed claims that Hearn had reached out to Benn or his lawyer about the deal, calling it "a crock of shit." This exchange highlights White's growing confidence in Zuffa Boxing's ability to compete in the boxing world, particularly since launching the promotion earlier this year.
White has been critical of traditional promoters like Hearn, whom he claims are struggling to keep up with his new approach. He hinted that more big signings and events for Zuffa Boxing are on the horizon, promising a strong debut year. This feud between White and Hearn adds excitement to the boxing world, as it underscores the competitive nature of the sport and the high stakes involved in securing top talent.
The signing of Conor Benn is significant because he is a highly touted fighter with a strong fan base. By poaching him from Matchroom Boxing, Zuffa Boxing has made a statement about its ambitions in the boxing industry. White's bold moves and public feuds are designed to attract attention and establish his promotion as a major player.
Ultimately, this rivalry between White and Hearn is not just about business—it’s also entertainment for fans of both MMA and boxing. The competition between Zuffa Boxing and Matchroom Boxing will likely continue to heat up, with more high-profile signings and events expected in the coming months. For sports enthusiasts, this means even more compelling matchups and drama off the拳台 as promoters battle for dominance in the boxing world.
Verticals
sportsmma
Originally published on MMA Fighting on 2/22/2026