For the second time in the last few weeks, UFC President Dana White has made it clear that his company will explore the idea of promoting and staging boxing events in 2018.
Back in August, White was a big part of the promotion for the cross-sport boxing match between comebacking Floyd Mayweather Jr. and the UFC's biggest superstar, Conor McGregor.
“Obviously, we’re taking a look at it and I’m interested,” White told Mike Swick on his podcast this past week. “I’m not saying I’m going to come in and start running boxing but I’m interested in dipping my toe in the water and maybe signing a few fighters and seeing what we can do. I’m interested in doing some stuff in boxing next year.”
White did make it clear that there be no more cross-sports events between boxing and MMA - at least not done by him.
“I don’t want any more of that bullsh*t,” White said. “If you’re going to box, box, if you’re going to do MMA, do MMA.”
Not everyone is thrilled about White's idea of entering the world of boxing.
In a recent interview, Top Rank's CEO Bob Arum flipped his lid and went after White - stating that the UFC was no longer a rising entity, and feels White is looking for a new angle to make his company some money.
“My thoughts are that UFC is desperate,” Arum told Michael Woods of NY Fights. "Their numbers are way off, they have no marquee star. Look at their PPV numbers. They barely break 100,000 homes on their shows. They’re having trouble getting renewal on their contract with FOX. They have to do something. One of things they may try and fall back on and try and acquire a boxing presence. About a year ago, I was approached by someone repping UFC, they wanted to buy Top Rank.”