Is Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing bad news for boxers? Forbes Next 1000 honoree questions Saudi-backed shift in the sport

UFC CEO Dana White is set to launch a new boxing league, Zuffa Boxing. This new venture is backed by TKO Group, which is also the parent company of the UFC, along with financial support from Saudi Arabia. Zuffa Boxing will host its first event on January 23, 2026.
Recently, Antonio McMillion, a Forbes Next 1000 Honoree, has raised concerns about the long-term impact on boxer earnings. He believes the new structure may reduce the massive purses fighters have become used to. While Zuffa Boxing aims to fix long-standing issues in the sport, McMillon feels the financial landscape could soon tighten.

Concerns grow over Saudi funding and fighter earnings in Zuffa Boxing

Antonio McMillion recently shared his thoughts on X regarding Saudi Arabia’s role in boxing. He suggested that Saudi funding is slowly being redirected away from traditional boxing promotions. In his view, support is increasingly leaning toward projects connected to TKO Group and Dana White.

McMillion explained that Saudi Arabia appears to be reducing its backing of boxing events not tied to TKO. He noted that while some Saudi-funded fights are still scheduled, these could be among the last of their kind. He believes this gradual shift could create problems for fighters who became used to unusually high purses. According to him, inflated paydays have changed expectations, and without that level of funding, the market could become unstable.

He pointed to examples like Tyson Fury’s recent fights and other blockbuster matchups that were made possible largely due to Saudi backing. In his opinion, those purses were not sustainable long term. McMillion added that Saudi investment is not disappearing, but it may be redirected toward Dana White’s boxing plans rather than the sport’s biggest traditional promoters.

Later, McMillion clarified his comments. He stressed that Saudi Arabia is not leaving boxing suddenly. He emphasized that the shift is gradual and explained that he was sharing an opinion, not reporting news. He also said he does not deal in exaggeration or attention-seeking claims.

If McMillion’s view proves accurate, Zuffa Boxing may not offer the massive paydays seen in recent years. Fighters who join the promotion are unlikely to command elite-level purses unless they bring major star power. Big-name boxers may hesitate to sign without strong financial guarantees.

Despite the debate, Zuffa Boxing is moving forward. The first event will take place at the UFC APEX. Undefeated Irish prospect Callum Walsh will headline against veteran Carlos Ocampo. Dana White praised the matchup, highlighting Ocampo’s experience and Walsh’s unbeaten record. White described the card as an exciting start and promised an action-packed night.

Also Read: Dana White hails US President Donald Trump’s resilience and expresses gratitude for his early support for the UFC

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