Morning Report: Demetrious Johnson believes Dana White made massive $15M Conor Benn signing ‘out of spite’

MMA Fighting

February 25, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Demetrious Johnson, the UFC flyweight champion, has weighed in on Dana White’s recent signing of Conor Benn for $15 million, calling it a move driven by spite toward boxing promoters. Johnson believes White is flexing his financial power to challenge Matchroom Boxing, particularly after years of tension between White and Eddie Hearn, Matchroom’s boss. The deal, which took Benn away from Hearn, highlights the ongoing rivalry in combat sports promotions. The compensation disparity between boxing and MMA has long been a hot topic. While boxers like Benn can negotiate lucrative deals with multiple promoters, UFC fighters often rely on the UFC as their primary source of income, with salaries that are frequently underpaid and kept confidential. Johnson points out that only a handful of top UFC stars, such as Conor McGregor or Brock Lesnar, could potentially command $15 million, emphasizing how unique this payday is in MMA. White’s decision to invest heavily in Benn reflects his broader strategy to challenge boxing’s dominance. By signing high-profile fighters like Benn, White aims to assert Zuffa Boxing’s presence in the boxing world. However, questions remain about whether this move will pay off long-term for the UFC boss. Johnson speculates that the deal is more symbolic than strategic, designed to send a message rather than secure a lasting impact on the sport. For sports fans, this signing underscores the evolving dynamics between MMA and boxing. It also raises important discussions about fighter compensation in both industries. While boxers often negotiate with multiple promoters to maximize their earnings, UFC fighters are largely dependent on the UFC’s structure, which has historically undervalued its athletes. Johnson highlights the need for fighters to earn based on merit, suggesting that not everyone deserves a multimillion-dollar payday. Ultimately, White’s $15 million offer for Benn is a bold play in the ongoing battle between MMA and boxing promotions. Whether it succeeds or fails, it adds fuel to the fire of an already heated rivalry, keeping fans engaged with the drama surrounding combat sports’ business side.

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Originally published on MMA Fighting on 2/25/2026