Feb. 22, 2026, 9:40 a.m. ET
What was once a friendship between Dana White and Eddie Hearn has quickly intensified into a bitter rivalry.
Every time White or Hearn gets on a microphone these days, the tension ramps up. And in the wake of Conor Benn’s shocking move from Matchroom Boxing to Zuffa Boxing, that was on full display.
Following UFC Fight Night 267 in Houston, White reacted to the signing but was more focused on comments made by Hearn in its immediate aftermath.
“Well, I think you saw this week that I really am beating up babies,” White told reporters at Toyota Center. “Is there a bigger p*ssy than Eddie Hearn? Is there a bigger p*ssy than Eddie Hearn? This guy is supposed to be your friend. You’re f*cking crying? (Benn) made more money.”
Benn had been with Hearn and Matchroom Boxing since February of 2018, shortly after he hit the 11-0 mark. Fourteen fights and eight years later, he’s now sitting at 24-1. Benn marked the first major star White has added to his Zuffa Boxing roster since diving head-first into the sport.
In reaction to the news of Benn’s departure and signing, Hearn alleged that his longtime fighter, Benn, suddenly had turned his back on him. However, White said Hearn had matching rights and indicated Hearn lied about Benn not picking up his calls.
“He’s going to make more money, and he had the right to match it,” White said. “He could’ve matched it. … What a crock of sh*t, yeah. We’re literally beating up babies.”
