UFC CEO Dana White and Saudi Arabian sports authority Turki Alalshikh have officially joined forces to establish a groundbreaking boxing promotion under the TKO Group Holdings banner. The venture, in partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Sela, aims to revolutionize the sport by introducing a more structured format similar to the UFC.
A Major Move into Boxing
For years, Dana White has expressed interest in entering the boxing world. Now, alongside Alalshikh and TKO—the parent company of WWE and UFC—White is finally making his mark. The newly announced multi-year partnership will see TKO overseeing the daily operations of the promotion, with White and WWE president Nick Khan leading the charge.
According to the official announcement, the new promotion will feature a system designed to develop boxing talent from across the globe. Fighters will also have access to the state-of-the-art UFC Performance Institutes in Las Vegas, Mexico City, and Shanghai, as well as TKO’s extensive production, media, and promotional expertise.
The Structure and Vision
TKO’s Chief Operating Officer Mark Shapiro first hinted at the deal in February, revealing discussions about forming a boxing league in collaboration with Alalshikh. Shapiro emphasized that TKO would serve as the producer, promoter, and operational manager of the league, securing a reported fee of $10 million-plus for their role.
White explained that the new league would follow a simplified, merit-based ranking system. Fighters will compete to move up the ranks, and once they break into the top five, they will face off to determine the true champion. Unlike traditional boxing’s fragmented four-belt system, White’s vision eliminates multiple titleholders per weight class, ensuring that one champion stands as the undisputed best.
“Everybody knows the format—the best fight the best,” White said. “You work your way up the rankings, and once somebody breaks into the top five, there is no question who the best fighters are in each weight class. They fight it out, and the champion is the best in the world. It’s a very simple model.”
Addressing Boxing’s Challenges
Boxing has long been criticized for its convoluted championship structure, where four different fighters can simultaneously claim to be the best in a division. Additionally, the sport has struggled to consistently deliver marquee matchups at the right time, with the long-delayed Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao fight serving as a prime example.
However, under Alalshikh’s influence, boxing has seen a shift toward high-stakes matchups. Over the past year, his Riyadh Season events have successfully delivered several highly anticipated bouts, signaling a positive change in the sport’s landscape.
A New Era for Boxing
Alalshikh expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, calling it a “landmark agreement between industry powerhouses” that will enhance the sport for both athletes and fans. He emphasized that the venture is not just about organizing fights but also about developing the next generation of boxing talent.
“This partnership sets the stage for an unparalleled experience for boxers and fans,” Alalshikh stated. “Together, we are developing the next generation of talent and delivering world-class events at a time when the sport is primed for further disruption.”
With TKO’s operational expertise, White’s leadership, and Alalshikh’s financial backing, this new boxing promotion has the potential to redefine the sport. As boxing continues to evolve, all eyes will be on this ambitious new league to see if it can bring much-needed structure and excitement to the world of professional boxing.
