When the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) convened for what was expected to be a procedural discussion, few anticipated the firestorm that would follow. By the end of the two-hour session, the commission voted 6-0 in favor of supporting the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act, a bill endorsed by UFC CEO Dana White and TKO Group leadership.

The proposal, co-authored by Representatives Brian Jack and Sharice Davids, aims to overhaul the original Ali Act by introducing Unified Boxing Organizations (UBOs) that could operate outside current sanctioning structures. Supporters argue the move would raise minimum fighter pay and create modern facilities, like a UFC-style Performance Institute in Florida. Opponents, however, claim it opens the door for UFC-style control in boxing, consolidating power under one corporate umbrella.

Over 90 members of the public joined the hearing virtually, and the comment period reflected the divide. Among those endorsing the act were Nick Khan (WWE President and TKO board member), John McCarthy, Forrest Griffin, and Chris Leben — names tied to the UFC ecosystem. On the other side stood a wall of veteran fighters like Sara McMann, Matt Brown, Carlos Newton, and Nathan Quarry, who argued the amendment would erode competitive balance and fighter autonomy.

CSAC’s executive director, Andy Foster, who oversaw the meeting, now finds himself in the crosshairs. Critics claim the vote was rushed after the originally scheduled December discussion was bumped up unexpectedly to October, fueling suspicions that the commission favored TKO’s agenda. The optics of Dana White‘s direct conversations with CSAC commissioners didn’t help either.

This unanimous support by the CSAC for the Muhammad Ali Boxing Revival Act, backed by Dana Whire and TKO sparked a debate among prominent members of both the boxing and MMA communities. Let’s take a look at who said what and what the implications could be based on community expert opinions.

Lou DiBella, Matt Brown, and others speak up on CSAC’s verdict backing Dana White and TKO

Ariel Helwani, who initially raised the red flag, may have summarized the confusion best with, “Looking at this list, it struck me that not a single prominent active or retired boxer was on the call. Also, none of the big boxing promoters. Mainly a collection of MMA people, even though this affects boxing way more than MMA. It actually doesn’t affect MMA at all. I’m curious as to why.”

Boxing promoter Lou DiBella didn’t mince words either, “You have a really good idea, Ariel. You’re a smart guy; you can surmise why, no???? And it was a kangaroo court anyway; clear if you do the homework,” he told Helwani on X. DiBella, one of boxing’s most outspoken voices, implied that the vote was predetermined, a show of compliance rather than consultation.

When Helwani asked him to elaborate, DiBella added pointedly, “Call me or interview me. It’s not 140 characters. And most players in combat sports operate in their own perceived interests, no? And most players serve masters and rely on others for their $$$, no?”

Former UFC welterweight Matt Brown, who opposed the bill during the hearing, clarified his concern online with, “The goal is to get the Ali Act to MMA, and with this revision, it wouldn’t matter if it expanded to MMA.”  Brown, known for his blunt honesty, highlighted a key irony. While MMA fighters have long fought for Ali Act protections, this version could neutralize those efforts entirely. His stance wasn’t about boxing alone; it was about precedent.

Veteran journalist John S. Nash echoed the sentiment, pointing out the legal ripple effects by writing, “It potentially impacts the Davis v Zuffa case, which cites the Ali Act congressional history. So if MMA fighters are interested in seeing damages like the Le class got or future injunctive relief, its important. Also, the new bill makes moot the idea of expanding the Act to MMA.” His observation connected the dots between law, politics, and business, showing that this wasn’t just a boxing issue but a combat sports industry turning point.

CSAC’s unanimous vote may have lit the fuse for a much bigger fight, one not inside a ring or cage, but in the court of public opinion. For boxing purists, the Muhammad Ali Revival Act was supposed to uplift a sport in decline. For many MMA veterans, it looks more like an act of consolidation disguised as reform. For Dana White, it’s business as usual. And for Andy Foster, the man at the center of it all, the real bout may have only just begun.