Hearn Says Zuffa Boxing Might Be Finished Already

Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn says Zuffa Boxing may already be done, citing a six-month gap in U.S. shows and the high-profile exit of Shakur Stevenson before he fought a single bout under the banner.

Hearn told media this week that Dana White and his team underestimated the boxing business and are now paying the price with what he described as a physical and mental breakdown, Bad Left Hook reports. "I think Zuffa Boxing, I think they might be finished already," Hearn said. "They have not done a show in America since July. It's November next week."

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Why Hearn Thinks White Is Struggling

According to Hearn, White entered the sport expecting the same level of control he wielded in MMA, only to face tougher media scrutiny and resistance from fighters and promoters. "You're not going to get your own way, you're going to get faced with criticism, the media ask much tougher questions, and you will not enjoy it," Hearn said. "Well, that's the understatement of the year because they have had an absolute disaster, Zuffa."

Hearn contrasted Zuffa's two UK shows with those staged by rival promoter Ben Shalom, calling Shalom's events five to ten times better. He dismissed one Zuffa card as awful and the upcoming show as bang average, suggesting the company has no clear path forward in either the American or European markets.

🎟️ Get tickets: Buy tickets to Zuffa Boxing 12 on Ticketmaster →

Stevenson's departure before his first fight represented what Hearn called a PR disaster for Zuffa. The lightweight contender signed earlier this year but left the promotional stable without stepping in the ring, raising questions about White's ability to retain elite talent. Hearn said he expected more fight from the UFC boss but now feels the collapse is accelerating. Zuffa Boxing has not announced a U.S. event for the remainder of 2026.

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• Bad Left Hook — ‘They might be finished already’: Eddie Hearn says Zuffa Boxing collapsing