What’s the difference between boxing and UFC as a product? According to UFC boss Dana White, it’s about reaching fans in every corner of the globe, more than anything. It would have been easy. Stick to Las Vegas, the fight capital of the world, rake in pay-per-view money and call it a day.
But that’s never been White’s style. The UFC head honcho’s approach is a stark contrast to boxing’s traditional model. From Sydney to São Paulo, from London to Las Vegas, the UFC became a global powerhouse under his guidance. And if you ask White, that’s the reason why the Octagon has seemingly left the squared circle in the dust when it comes to connecting with combat sports fans!
The secret behind UFC’s incredible rise compared to boxing revealed by Dana White
Dana White recently sat down for an interview with Mark Bouris on the ‘Straight Talk’ podcast. There he was joined by the premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns. While discussing the UFC’s international growth, White used Australia as an example of how MMA fans don’t just want to watch local fighters at events.
According to the UFC boss, “I had the card too full of Australians. Australia doesn’t love…Australia wants to see the people they watch on pay per view that they don’t get the opportunity to see all the time. And it’s like that when we go to Brazil. It’s like that when we go to Mexico. It’s like that when we go to Canada. This is a very unique sport. “
It’s a sharp contrast to boxing, which built its empire primarily in Las Vegas. Minns pointed this out as he inquired, “But like boxing, you guys could’ve just stayed in Las Vegas and not moved. Like, it was it was obviously a decision to say we’re going around the world.”
White’s answer? He never wanted the UFC to be stuck following the same old, beaten path. He wanted something different. How? White explained, “The no brainers, back in the day when we started this thing, it was Las Vegas, Atlantic City, New York, and LA sometimes. That was what boxing had done, but mostly Vegas and Atlantic City because, you know, they were paying for the events.
Unlike boxing, which revolved around promoters and casino deals, the UFC built its empire by traveling, bringing live events to small towns and major cities alike. The goal? Make every UFC card an unforgettable experience.
White further proclaimed, “Even when we go to fight nights, we go to small towns, and our live event is so good. For those of you that are that are watching this, if you’ve never been to a UFC live event, I guarantee you this. It is the most exciting live sporting event you will ever see.”
The UFC supremo’s estimated $500 million net worth is a testament to the heights he has taken the promotion to. However, White has long flirted with entering boxing promotion, currently backing undefeated Irish prospect Callum Walsh. So, could we see him launching his own league anytime soon?
White shuts down the rumors surrounding his involvement in boxing league with Turki Alalshikh
Rumors spread like wildfire in the fight world. One minute, a whisper. The next, a full-blown headline. And this time, it’s Dana White at the center of the storm. Reports suggest he’s on the brink of launching a new Saudi-backed boxing league alongside HE Turki Alalshikh. But is there any truth to it?
At the UFC 311 post-fight press conference, White wasted no time shutting down the speculation. In his trademark blunt manner, the UFC boss stated, “Er, no – there are stories being written out there [about me and boxing], but no… I saw that article; I think that article was incredibly premature and if there was a deal done, then it would have been announced, and you would have had quotes from me.”
The report in question? A New York Times piece claiming that White and Alalshikh were close to finalizing a deal for a Saudi Boxing League. But according to White, that’s nothing more than wishful thinking—at least for now.
While the UFC boss is keeping his plans under wraps, one thing is clear—boxing is at a crossroads. And Alalshikh, the powerhouse behind its recent resurgence, believes drastic changes are needed. During a recent interview, he confessed, “All the fighters want similar to the career of Floyd Mayweather – zero losses. This can happen one time every 50/60/70 years. We need like the UFC model now, where the champions are losing and winning.”
The UFC thrives on unpredictability—champions fall, contenders rise, and fans stay glued to the drama. Boxing, on the other hand, often plays it safe, protecting big names rather than letting the best fight the best. So, could we see Dana White enter a different arena soon and do what he did with the UFC’s incredible rise to prominence? What do you think? Let us know in the comments below!
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