White On Fury-Joshua Delay: 'Total Ego Thing'

Dana White says the Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua heavyweight clash is locked in despite weeks of public friction with Eddie Hearn.

The UFC president told reporters Tuesday night that the December superfight is a done deal, dismissing ongoing reports of promotional uncertainty as an ego clash rather than a contractual snag. White confirmed he is part of the event but will skip Wednesday's opening press conference in London because of Contender Series duties in Las Vegas.

🎟️ Get tickets: Buy tickets to Dana White's Contender Series, Season 10, Week 8 on Ticketmaster →

White Blames British Promoter Rivalry for Fight Delays

White described the stalemate as purely about pride, not business, according to MMA Fighting. He pointed to Hearn's refusal to allow his involvement despite backing from Turki Alalshikh, the Saudi financier funding the bout. White said the resistance stems from boxing's shift toward British promoters and ongoing tension with Hearn since Zuffa Boxing signed Conor Benn earlier this year.

Hearn has repeatedly denied White's claims that everything is settled, per earlier statements carried by multiple outlets. The two have feuded publicly for months, with White at one point suggesting they settle it in the ring themselves.

🎟️ Get tickets: Buy tickets to Dana White's Contender Series, Season 10, Week 8 on Ticketmaster →

Fury and Joshua are scheduled to meet Dec. 11 at Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

Reported via:

• MMA Fighting — Dana White says Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua delay is a ‘total ego thing’ and explains why he won’t be at the press conference