Dana White has brushed aside the ongoing controversy surrounding his involvement in the Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua superfight, insisting the blockbuster boxing clash is finalized despite continued resistance from promoter Eddie Hearn.
For weeks, the build-up to the December showdown has been overshadowed by a public dispute between Hearn and the UFC CEO. While White and Saudi boxing financier Turki Alalshikh have pushed for White to play a role in promoting the event, Hearn has repeatedly opposed the idea.
Despite the back-and-forth, White says there is no uncertainty about the fight moving forward.
“There’s no confusion whatsoever,” White told reporters after the latest edition of Dana White’s Contender Series. “If you look at everything, from the network to the guy that’s actually fing paying for it, and to me saying what I’ve said. I’ve been saying it now feels like for fing years, but it’s probably been weeks, and I’ve been saying the same thing.
“It’s happening. It’s done. It’s a done deal. Everything that I’ve been saying is the truth. Why would I say it and double down, and triple down, and f***ing quadruple down if it wasn’t the case?”
The UFC boss believes the disagreement has little to do with the fight itself and more to do with personal egos behind the scenes.
White and Hearn have traded shots publicly throughout 2026, particularly since White expanded into boxing with Zuffa Boxing and signed Conor Benn, one of Hearn’s longtime fighters. Their rivalry has only intensified as negotiations around the Fury-Joshua event have unfolded.
“This isn’t a hesitation, this is an ego thing,” White said. “Total ego thing. It has nothing to do with any of this sh*t.
“And listen, boxing has taken a hit in the United States. It’s not as big as it was 20 years ago. It has become a very British sport, and all the sht that you’re hearing, the crying, and the bitching, and whatever the f**, is coming from the U.K.”
The outspoken executive also made it clear that he is enjoying the chaos surrounding the event, saying the situation is exactly the kind of challenge he thrives on.
Although White insists he remains involved in the promotion, he confirmed he will not attend the official launch press conference in London.
Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua arrived in London this week for media obligations ahead of Wednesday’s event, while White remained in Las Vegas to host Dana White’s Contender Series. When asked why he would not be present, White pointed to his UFC commitments.
“No, because I was here,” White said. “I would have been there if I didn’t have the Contender.”
