Dana White, the UFC's charismatic president, has long expressed a desire to venture into the world of boxing. However, as the recent comments from TKO Group Holdings' leadership suggest, turning this passion project into a reality may prove to be a daunting task, requiring a significant financial investment or a more organic approach to building a new boxing promotion from the ground up.

Navigating the Complexities of the Boxing Landscape

The Fragmented and Broken State of Boxing

According to TKO Group Holdings' president and chief operating officer, Mark Shapiro, the current state of boxing is "confused and fragmented" at its best, and "broken" at its worst. This presents both challenges and opportunities for those looking to make their mark in the sport. Shapiro acknowledges that the sport presents an "interesting growth opportunity" for the company, but any potential involvement would likely require a strategic partnership or an organic approach, rather than a traditional merger or acquisition.

Leveraging Expertise and Relationships

Shapiro highlights the deep expertise and longstanding relationships that both Dana White and WWE president Nick Khan possess in the "sweet science" of boxing. This suggests that any foray into the boxing world by TKO Group Holdings would likely involve leveraging the knowledge and connections of these industry veterans to navigate the complex and fragmented landscape.

The Challenges of Funding and Execution

The TKO Group Holdings leadership's comments make it clear that they are not interested in simply writing a check to fund White's boxing ambitions. Instead, they seem to favor a more organic approach, where a partner would be responsible for the financial backing, while TKO Group Holdings would focus on the operational aspects of running a boxing promotion.

Diversifying Interests and Keeping Busy

In the meantime, Dana White appears to be keeping himself occupied with other projects, such as his involvement with the up-and-coming Irish boxer Callum Walsh, as well as his ventures into the world of bull riding and the Power Slap promotion. These diverse interests suggest that White's boxing aspirations may not be his sole focus, at least for the foreseeable future.

The Potential for a Wacky Fight Resurrection

The article also hints at the possibility of a "wacky fight" being resurrected, which could potentially provide an avenue for White to explore his boxing interests, even if it's not through a full-fledged promotion. This could be an intriguing avenue to watch for in the future.In conclusion, Dana White's desire to venture into the world of boxing remains a complex and multifaceted pursuit. While the TKO Group Holdings leadership seems hesitant to provide the necessary financial backing, the potential for strategic partnerships and organic growth opportunities suggests that White's boxing ambitions may not be entirely off the table. As the industry landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how White and his associates navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities that arise in the ever-changing world of combat sports.