Dana White is known for his relentless drive and ability to turn any venture into a lucrative business. From building the UFC into a $12 billion powerhouse to launching the Power Slap promotion whose value hovers around $750 million. After making his mark in MMA, the UFC CEO has now set his sights on Saudi Arabia, where Turki Alalshikh, the head of the nation’s GEA, holds the key to transforming the boxing world.

For the past two years, Alalshikh has been reshaping the boxing landscape, orchestrating high-profile matchups, and lowering pay-per-view prices to boost the sport’s popularity. His bold move to acquire The Ring magazine and revitalize its print version also made headlines, signaling a significant shift in boxing’s direction. This changing scene may present the perfect opportunity for Dana White to finally realize his long-anticipated boxing aspirations.

Although White has often clashed with figures like Bob Arum, he recognizes lucrative business prospects when he sees them. Former MMA referee ‘Big’ John McCarthy touched on this potential collaboration during the Weighing In podcast with Josh Thomson. In their discussion, McCarthy hinted at White’s interest in starting a new venture in boxing with Saudi Arabia. He said, “I wonder if they are gonna start to. I heard this is what I heard. They are going to start when Dana gets involved in boxing. They are going to start to put together three or four fight cards. Three or four fight cards where there are good cards together.”

Thomson raised concerns about the potential PPV audience but suggested a clever solution: by bringing in top fighters from different countries such as Australia, the UK, and Japan, White could tap into a diverse global fan base and maximize revenue. In hindsight, it seems only natural that White has already considered the potential of global stars in boxing. Having witnessed the success of Japanese fighters like Kai Asakura in the UFC, White has a keen eye for talent from across the world. Additionally, he has shown a strong interest in Irish boxer Callum Walsh, a rising star in the sport.

White’s support for Walsh has been evident, with the UFC CEO attending his fights, a move that has caught the attention of boxing promoter Tom Loeffler, further solidifying White’s involvement in the boxing world. Meanwhile, John McCarthy also touched on a deeper, personal motivation for Dana White’s interest in boxing.

What is Dana White’s motive for venturing into boxing?

The feud between Dana White and boxing promoter Bob Arum dates back to a 2020 press conference for the DWCS. During the event, a reporter brought up Arum’s comments about losing money on Terence Crawford’s recent fights, with the promoter remarking that he could “build a house in Beverly Hills” on his losses. White, known for his fiery temper, didn’t hold back and launched into a tirade, accusing Arum of being a poor promoter. This moment set the stage for a battle between the two, and the question arises: Is Dana White’s potential foray into boxing a way to settle this long-standing feud?

John McCarthy, on his podcast, seems to think so. He acknowledged White’s sharp business acumen and suggested that Dana’s involvement in boxing could, in part, be driven by his desire to prove himself right and challenge Arum. As McCarthy pointed out, “Dana is not stupid…he’s a very savvy businessman. And he understands the fight game.” Now, with the powerful backing of Saudi Arabian sports mogul Turki Alalshikh, White’s ambitions to enter the boxing arena seem increasingly plausible—and not just as a way to settle scores.

The question is: Can Dana White bring something special to the world of boxing? Will White’s foray into boxing revolutionize the sport, or is it just a personal vendetta? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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