Matchroom Boxing executive Eddie Hearn has announced his intention to sign several leading UFC fighters in the coming months, with the ultimate goal of launching his own MMA promotion. This move could shift the long-standing rivalry between Hearn and UFC CEO Dana White from the boxing ring to the octagon.
Earlier this year, White launched Zuffa Boxing, quickly securing contracts with several major talents. Among them was Conor Benn, Hearn’s former protégé from Matchroom, who signed a one-fight, $15 million deal with Zuffa Boxing. This unexpected decision by Benn only intensified the bad blood between White and Hearn. In recent months, the sides have exchanged barbs, with Hearn consistently criticizing the business model of UFC and Zuffa Boxing, particularly regarding fighter financial compensation.
In response to White’s signing of Benn, Hearn joined the team of UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall in an advisory role, making him a key figure in future negotiations. However, according to Hearn, the partnership with Aspinall is just the first step in his plans to enter the world of MMA.
Eddie Hearn: MMA Promotion Will Be ‘Done the Right Way’, 5-6 UFC Stars to Sign by 2026
In a recent interview on Politely Raw with Pacman Jones, Hearn was asked about a potential move into mixed martial arts, and his answer only fueled his nascent feud with White.
“It’s something we’re working on, but I want to do it right. I don’t understand the sport well enough yet. Thanks to signing Tom Aspinall, I’m starting to understand the fighters, to study contracts. I could go to a broadcast partner right now and strike a $10 million MMA deal, but I want to do everything correctly, achieve success, and implement the project properly,” Hearn admitted.
“There’s a real chance that [Matchroom] could be signing, by summer, 5-6 of the biggest names in the UFC. The biggest problem the UFC has is that they’re not developing the profiles, personalities, and stories of these fighters. I’m not saying Jake Paul’s card is the best of the best, but all the participants on that card are huge names with vibrant personalities that you know!”
“And then we have Conor McGregor, the sport’s biggest star, sitting idle… if Conor Benn gets $15 million, then what does ‘The Mac’ get?” Hearn continued. “I say, $100 million! These are the very personalities that are ‘dying’ in the UFC.”
Hearn’s statements came after Conor McGregor’s highly anticipated MMA comeback was not included in the upcoming UFC Freedom 250 card (White House card). McGregor has not entered the octagon since breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier in 2021.