UFC CEO Dana White has fired back at Roy Jones Jr. after the former boxing champion accused Zuffa Boxing of trying to destroy the sport and turn it into a replica of the UFC. Jones Jr. recently told Fight Hub TV that fighters have to “kiss their a—” to land bouts, and that Zuffa’s approach is dismantling boxing’s history.
“Most of the people around are too idiotic to understand what is really happening,” Jones Jr. said. “They don’t understand… By the time they get it, it’s already too late… We’re going to kill the history of boxing to make it look like the UFC?”
Jones Jr. was referring to the UFC-style model White wants to implement in the new boxing promotion. Instead of the traditional four sanctioning bodies, Zuffa aims to create its own Unified Boxing Organizations (UBOs), complete with belts and rankings. Critics argue this approach is coercive and works against fighters’ interests.
The Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act, passed by the House in March 2026, gives Zuffa the legal authority to pursue this model. It builds on the existing Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act of 2000.
At the post-fight press conference for Zuffa Boxing 06, White responded directly to the accusations:
“I think everybody’s gonna have opinions, and especially the traditional guys who came up the way that they did,” White said. “I don’t know whose a— you got a kiss around here to get fights. Probably got to be [Ishmael Hinson] or Harrison or somebody. When Roy says something like you got to kiss their a— to do this and that, I think that if you ask any of the fighters, they would tell you that we treat them very well, treat them like professional athletes.
“And any of the interactions that I’ve had through Ishmael and Harrison have been nothing but respectful. So, I don’t know where that’s coming from, but I do like Roy, and everybody’s entitled to their opinions. I’m sure when you come into a business, and you start to cause disruption, you’re gonna ruffle some feathers. It’s gonna happen.”
Despite White’s claims that fighters don’t need to cozy up to managers to get fights, Colby Covington recently alleged that the promotion “ices” athletes who refuse proposed matchups. According to Covington, turning down a bout can leave fighters sidelined indefinitely without pay.
Meanwhile, reports indicate Zuffa Boxing is closing in on a major name. According to Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix, undefeated star Shakur Stevenson is nearing an agreement to become the first elite pound-for-pound fighter to officially join Zuffa Boxing. Stevenson, 28, recently defeated Teofimo Lopez to capture the WBO and Ring junior welterweight titles, improving his record to 25-0.
That potential signing is sure to further ruffle feathers in the boxing establishment, including Jones Jr.’s.