With Turki Alalshikh’s backing, UFC’s boss says a unified, league-style model will build new stars and fix a “busted” sport.
Dana White says his long-teased boxing project will finally debut in 2026, built around a format he likens to Dana White’s Contender Series: top prospects vs. top prospects, steady activity, and clear pathways to bigger stages. White, partnering with Saudi adviser Turki Alalshikh and leveraging TKO resources, believes a more centralized structure—and better weekly storytelling—can fix fragmented matchmaking.
The plan has skeptics, especially around the Ali Act’s guardrails and friction with sanctioning bodies. Still, White insists the roster is forming and that investors are aligned to fund deep cards—not just top-heavy main events.
Highlights (X & YouTube)
What it means
- Format first: Weekly, merit-driven matchmaking could create stars faster—if other stakeholders play ball.
- Regulatory test: Any league-like consolidation must navigate the Ali Act and sanctioning-body politics.
- Market timing: Launching after the UFC–Paramount shift lets TKO cross-promote to a broader mainstream audience.