Ryan Garcia sets Zuffa Boxing uniform conditions for Dana White

Ryan Garcia will not wear Zuffa Boxing apparel even if he joins Dana White's fledgling promotion.

Garcia, who defends his WBC welterweight title against Zuffa-signed Conor Benn on Sept. 12 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, said on The MMA Hour that he values creative freedom over any contract offer. The bout is expected to be a co-promotion, though Garcia said the exact structure is still unclear.

Garcia demands custom walkout gear and music

Speaking to Ariel Helwani, Garcia explained that he designs his own fight outfits and walkout music and will not compromise that control for a Zuffa deal. "I'm wearing my own outfits, doing my own thing. If you don't like it, then I'll never sign with you," he said. "I'm not about to be a robot. I don't care how much money you offer me."

Garcia praised White's approach to building Zuffa Boxing and said he prefers the promotion's press conference format to traditional boxing events. Still, he drew a firm line on uniform mandates. "I just love the whole show of it and I feel like they should let certain fighters do that," he added.

Zuffa Boxing launched earlier this year as White's attempt to bring a UFC-style centralized model to professional boxing, setting up a clash with established promoters like Eddie Hearn. The Benn fight marks Garcia's first opponent from the Zuffa stable.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Ryan Garcia sets Zuffa Boxing conditions before potential deal with Dana White