Weeks before the inaugural Paramount+ event, UFC 324, Dana White took on a fight against Congress. The MMA promotion’s  President appears to be walking back claims previously made to Congress by UFC COO Lawrence Epstein, raising the possibility of renewed scrutiny from lawmakers. So, what changed?

In documents submitted to Congress, Epstein argued that the proposed Muhammad Ali Revival Act would help Zuffa establish its own unified boxing organizations (UBOs), giving fighters more choices rather than eliminating sanctioning bodies. Yet, White’s recent appearance on The Stephen A. Smith Show tells a different story.

Dana White is out to get rid of sanctioning bodies

“So, I’ve been talking smack about boxing for a long time. And now it’s time to put my money where my mouth is. I’m going to get rid of the sanctioning organizations,” Dana White told Smith. He believes this approach will allow him to make fights where the best face the best, even though UFC lightweight No. 1 contender Arman Tsarukyan was recently passed over for a title opportunity.

Instead, White booked Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett. Both fighters are ranked lower than Tsarukyan, and the bout is for the interim title. Regardless, he went on to claim that Zuffa Boxing would aggressively target emerging talent. “We’re going to sign all the young up-and-coming guys,” White added during the interview, before aiming at most undefeated boxers.

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“If you break into the top 10 and you’re still undefeated, your undefeated record means something,” White continued. “Everybody’s undefeated in boxing because nobody fights anybody.” White insists that once Zuffa Boxing takes over, the best will fight the best. Despite the fact that His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, who is also backing Zuffa, has already made such matchups possible through Saudi Arabia’s immense financial backing.

‘Ahalkalakets’ was unhappy that he was not a part of the UFC 324 event. He didn’t let Pimblett slide as well. With ‘the Baddy’ already seemingly setting up his next fight with Dan Hooker, Tsarukyan commented on the Pimblett-Hooker beef calling both of them ‘trash cans.‘

Even with White’s aggressive rhetoric, attracting boxing’s biggest stars may prove difficult. While younger fighters may be open to signing with Zuffa, established names like Gervonta Davis and Shakur Stevenson are unlikely to sacrifice their earning potential under the promotion’s proposed pay structure.

That said, only time will tell whether White can accomplish his mission. But in the meantime, he has shared an update regarding Zuffa’s upcoming event.

UFC CEO reveals main event for Zuffa Boxing debut

So, who will headline the card? Well, it’s Callum Walsh. White announced the matchup during an appearance on Stephen A. Smith’s radio show, once again signaling Walsh as the boxer he plans to build into a breakout star under the Zuffa Boxing banner.

Ireland’s Walsh, trained by Freddie Roach, enters the fight undefeated and coming off a notable win over Fernando Vargas Jr. on the Canelo Alvarez–Terence Crawford undercard. He will face tough but battle-worn opposition in Carlos Ocampo, who has previously shared the ring with elite names like Errol Spence Jr., Tim Tszyu, and Sebastian Fundora.

Dana White is done playing nice as he goes after boxing’s power players. But will he be successful?