Matchroom Boxing executive Eddie Hearn plans to sign several top UFC fighters in the coming months and eventually launch an MMA promotion.
The ongoing rivalry between UFC CEO Dana White and Matchroom Boxing’s Eddie Hearn could move from the ring to the cage.
White launched Zuffa Boxing earlier this year and has signed several top-tier talents just a few months into its infancy. Conor Benn, Hearn’s former pupil under Matchroom, signed with Zuffa Boxing for a one-fight, $15 million deal earlier this year.
In addition to Benn’s shocking decision to sign with Zuffa Boxing, the bad blood between White and Hearn continues to skyrocket. The two sides have traded barbs in recent months as Hearn has repeatedly criticized the UFC and Zuffa Boxing’s business structure, specifically how fighters are financially compensated.
In response to White’s Benn signing, Hearn joined UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall’s team in an advisory role and will be a key presence in future negotiations. But according to Hearn, the Aspinall partnership is just the beginning of his envisioned move into MMA.
In a recent interview on Politely Raw with Pacman Jones, Hearn was asked about a potential move into Mixed Martial Arts, and his answer adds fuel to his budding feud with White.
“It’s something we’re looking at, but I want to get it right. I don’t understand the sport enough yet. With the signing of Tom Aspinall, I’m able to understand the fighters, look at the contracts. I can go to a broadcast [partner] now and sign a $10 million MMA deal, but I want to get it right, I want it to be a success, and done in the right way,” Hearn admitted.
“There’s a real chance that [Matchroom] could be signing, by the summer, 5-6 of the biggest names in the UFC. The biggest problem that the UFC has is that they’re not driving the profiles, personalities, and storylines of these fighters. I’m not saying that Jake Paul’s card is the best of the best, but all of the people on the card are massive names, with big personalities that you know!
“And then you have Conor McGregor sitting there, the biggest star in the sport, sitting there…if Conor Benn’s getting $15 million, then what’s the Mac getting?” Hearn continued. “I say $100 million! These are the personalities that are dying in the UFC.”
Hearn’s comments come after Conor McGregor’s highly-anticipated MMA comeback was left off of the upcoming White House card at UFC Freedom 250. McGregor hasn’t fought since shattering his leg against Dustin Poirier in 2021.
Golden opportunity to put out some good broadcast team.
I bet they fuck it up completely though with AC Slater and some other retards.
If they brought in the pride lady for ring walks and Shiavallo for the play by play team they might be onto something.
Have some entertaining ring walks. Occasional mismatches. And don’t pay to fight/win. Pau to fight and a bonus based on the fight quality.
Here comes Elitexc 2.0!
PFL London!!
Epic
Hearn is so butthurt over the Conor Benn thing.
I wonder if Hearns mma promotion is better than DE LA Hoyas.
The PFL is considering a total rebrand to get more viewers, MVP is entering into MMA with a big show on Netflix, & now Hearn wants to start an MMA organization. They would be wise to work together to form one promotion that could be a legit competitor to the UFC. I’m sure Netflix would be interested in showcasing such a league.
Maybe they can name themselves The International Elite Extreme Affliction World Bodog Series of Battleship-ellator Fight Force League.
Actually I’ve long felt in the post-PRIDE Fc era, with unified rules, that the dumbest thing you can do is try to copy the ufc or put some dumb twist on MMA. Everything really good the commissions will allow has been done. The only way to beat the UFC is to further homogenize the sport. Netflix is doing the smart thing. It’s not called Netflixtreme Fighting or something silly like that, it’s MMA bouts headlined by Rousey vs Carano. People will watch good fights with interesting personalities and good fighting styles. The challenge is building stars and acquiring known talent that people will tune in for. Bellator and PFL both has a giant roster full of incredible fighters no one watched fight. It’s no easy task. The best idea is advertise the headliner, not the event and make it an enjoyable, accessible viewing experience