Three years ago, I put out a short YouTube video that barely cracked a dozen views. The premise? That the UFC’s future wasn’t just in MMA — it was in boxing. At the time, it probably sounded like wishful thinking, or just another “what if” in a long line of fan theories. Fast forward to today, and Zuffa Boxing is the headline across combat sports media. Looking back, the points I raised then feel almost prophetic.
Boxing Chasing Big Fights
In that video, I talked about how boxing, unlike the UFC, has to rely on big names on both sides to sell a fight. The UFC is a brand — fans tune in to see who’s next, whether on Contender Series, Fight Nights, or The Ultimate Fighter. Boxing, meanwhile, needs star power and marquee matchups. That gap in approach was exactly why I suggested Dana White had an opening: create a boxing product where MMA’s most familiar names cross over.
The Missed First Step
I floated the idea of Conor McGregor vs. Jorge Masvidal in a boxing match. Not because it was the perfect stylistic fight, but because it was the perfect bridge. Two proven draws, stripped of kicks and takedowns, standing in a ring to trade punches. The novelty alone would’ve sold. And if Dana wanted to put his stamp on boxing, why not do it with fighters already under the UFC banner rather than chasing De La Hoya-style partnerships or outside promoters?
Lessons from Bare Knuckle & Pro Wrestling
I also pointed out that Bare Knuckle FC was quietly building a monster, scooping up old names and turning curiosity into market share. Today, that prophecy has only grown louder. If the UFC didn’t establish its own space in boxing, other combat sports outfits would gladly fill the vacuum. I compared it to WWE vs. AEW: once an alternative becomes viable, stars will split — and the money will follow.
Why This Still Matters
Here we are in 2025, and Zuffa Boxing is suddenly real news. Looking back, the seeds were there all along. Conor’s fight with Mayweather proved the crossover audience existed. Celebrity boxing and Bare Knuckle boxing proved that star-powered UFC names could sell outside pure MMA. And Bare Knuckle proved fans are curious about “modified rules” fighting. My point then was simple: if Dana didn’t seize that lane, someone else would.
My point now is not to say, “I told you so,” but rather to remind fighters with major promotional aspirations: things are changing. It’s time to put in the work, ride the wave of change, and make that dream a reality.