In recent days boxing promoter Dana White was at a Trump dinner that he claimed after a shooting incident occurred was ‘awesome’ strangely.
How something like that could be awesome came across as an odd response in his interviews.
White unusually seemed very not himself and very off and nervous.
It wasn’t the usual setting where he is at big UFC and now big boxing events of course.
Recently White and Zuffa Boxing started well in boxing and the Paramount Plus network in particular have improved their content and production of fights so far.
But they still have a way to go.
It is all about the fights at the end of the day.
For those new to boxing that are not aware, White is now a fully licensed boxing promoter.
Here are 10 key facts about Dana White’s move into boxing promotion — perfect if you’re new to boxing:
Dana White in Boxing: 10 Facts for Newcomers
- He’s launching “Zuffa Boxing” in 2026
Dana White, UFC president/CEO, is officially entering boxing with a new promotion called Zuffa Boxing, holding its first event January 23, 2026. - His boxing model copies the UFC
White says he’s taking “everything I loved about boxing and everything that I hated about boxing” to build Zuffa Boxing the same way he built the UFC. The goal: turn boxing into a league like the NFL or NBA. - He’s using a “Contender Series” system
Starting in 2026, Zuffa Boxing will match undefeated fighters vs undefeated fighters, like UFC’s Contender Series. “The best will fight the best” and fighters will “graduate” to bigger fights. - White wants to fix boxing’s record problem
He’s openly critical: “Everybody’s undefeated in boxing ’cause nobody fights anybody.” In Zuffa Boxing, “your ‘O’ will actually mean something” because top guys will fight each other. - He has major backing
Zuffa Boxing is a partnership between White, WWE/TKO President Nick Khan, and Turki Al-Sheikh/Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority. It’s backed by TKO Group Holdings, parent of UFC and WWE. - Big UK broadcast deal already signed
Sky Sports signed a multi-year deal with Zuffa Boxing for at least 5 shows per year on UK soil. White vowed to sign the “best fighters in the world” after the deal. - U.S. broadcast home is Paramount+
Starting 2026, all Zuffa Boxing events will livestream exclusively on Paramount+ in the U.S.. The deal calls for 12 events per year, though White said he may do 16-18. - First champ signed: Jai Opetaia
White’s first major signing was cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia in January 2026, with his first Zuffa Boxing fight already announced. - He’s been involved in boxing his whole life
White: “I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for boxing. Boxing was absolutely, positively my first love.” He managed boxers before buying the UFC in 2001. - He thinks boxing is “busted”
White told Vegas PBS: “This is a busted sport.” He believes boxing has no reinvestment, no TV deals, and no structure. His goal: rebuild it with stars, TV deals, and regular events.
So far this year some good fights from White but the matchmaking can improve still.
His rival promoter Eddie Hearn apparently is very interested in boxing Dana White.
Who knows what will happen with Dana White this year.
Boxing will see great fights regardless.
