Eddie Hearn is watching with interest as Dana White steps into boxing, especially with the challenge of balancing that alongside his MMA commitments.
The UFC CEO held his first Zuffa Boxing event at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas on Friday night, marking another step into the sport.
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That follows just after he secured a deal with cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia.
Dana White is also said to be in ongoing discussions with Oleksandr Usyk, adding more weight to his growing presence in boxing.
Eddie Hearn predicts pushback from fighters over pay disparity
Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images
Eddie Hearn and White, once friends, have seen their relationship shift into a full-blown rivalry over the past few months.
Anthony Joshua’s promoter has not exactly rolled out the red carpet for the Connecticut native’s move into boxing, and it does not look like things will ease up anytime soon.
According to Hearn, White could run into issues with his main business as soon as 2026.
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He thinks UFC fighters will not be happy when they see how much money is being paid out to boxers under the Zuffa banner.
Hearn said to IFL TV: “I think one of the really interesting things, when I look at the business, is gonna be how the UFC talent roster reacts to the amount of money these guys are paying fighters.
“I think there will be a revolt from the UFC fighters, to be honest.
“Because I think they’ll be thinking, ‘Why are we making so much less than the boxers when the show, the business, and the revenue is so much higher?’”
Justin Gaethje voices pay concerns ahead of UFC 324
Justin Gaethje has become the first UFC fighter this year to speak out about pay.
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When the UFC signed a $7.7 billion broadcast deal with Paramount, fighters were told more money would follow. But Gaethje says he has not seen any of it ahead of his fight this weekend.
‘The Highlight’ is set to take on Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title on Saturday night.
In response, White asserted that Gaethje had rejected an opportunity to receive increased pay for his most recent fight.
“Gaethje was offered more money, and Gaethje never responded,” the UFC president said.
During the press conference for UFC 324, a reporter asked about his contract situation, but Gaethje cut it short, saying he was there to discuss fighting, not finances.
It is unclear if other fighters share his frustration or if he is alone in this.
