Dana White made a power play by signing Conor Benn to Zuffa Boxing as far as one MMA legend is concerned.
When news broke that Benn was jumping ship from Matchroom to Zuffa, it left the boxing world stunned. Benn had been aligned with Eddie Hearn for a decade. Hearn backed Benn, who had been under drug testing scrutiny. Matchroom was also able to get Benn two fights with Chris Eubank Jr. Those were the biggest fights of Benn’s career, but he still decided to sign with Hearn’s new rival.
In a new video posted on his YouTube channel, Demetrious Johnson praised White for hurling a dagger at his competition and effectively ending a decade-long business relationship (via MMAJunkie).
“Fifteen million dollars for one fight is crazy because what’s going to happen after this fight?” Johnson said. “Is the $15 million worth having Conor Benn? It’s the first time I’ve heard of him. From what everybody tells me, he’s a very good boxer. But is Khamzat Chimaev making $15 million? Is Ilia Topuria making $15 million? Is Merab Dvalishvili making $15 million? We don’t know because those numbers are always hidden, but I truly believe it’s a flex from Dana White.”
White and Hearn were once chummy and sung each other’s praise to the media. Things took a turn when the UFC boss decided to enter the world of boxing, which is actually where he got his start in the fight game. Hearn soon began throwing shots at White, and the situation has now become a war for market share.
Whether or not Zuffa Boxing can make a long-term impact on the boxing business remains to be seen. If nothing else, the promotion has already made a significant splash, and the blockbuster signings reportedly aren’t done.
Do you think Dana White signing Conor Benn to Zuffa Boxing was a flex? Let your voice be heard in the comment section below.