Dana White has pushed back against criticism from Roy Jones Jr. regarding Zuffa Boxing’s growing influence in the sport, defending the promotion’s approach to fighter treatment at the post-fight press conference following Zuffa Boxing 06 in Las Vegas.
Jones had questioned in a recent interview whether Zuffa’s long-term presence could alter how boxing historically operates. White addressed the comments directly and dismissed the idea that fighters are being mistreated or politically managed under the Zuffa structure.
“I don’t know whose ass you got to kiss around here to get fights. Probably got to be Ish or Harrison or somebody. I think that if you asked any of the fighters, they would tell you that we treat them very well, treat them like professional athletes. Any of the interactions that I’ve had through Ish and Harrison has been nothing but respectful.”
White acknowledged that disruption inevitably generates resistance from established figures within any industry, framing Jones’ criticism as a predictable consequence of what Zuffa is doing.
“Everybody’s entitled to their opinions. I’m sure when you come into a business and you start to cause disruption, you’re going to ruffle some feathers. It’s going to happen.”
Zuffa Boxing has built its early identity around matching undefeated fighters against each other earlier than is traditionally common in boxing, and White has been consistent in saying the promotion will not protect fighter records at the expense of meaningful matchmaking. He has also stated that fighters will not face pay cuts or contract changes as a result of losing, a policy designed to differentiate Zuffa from traditional boxing structures.