Matchroom Boxing executive Eddie Hearn plans to sign several top UFC fighters in the coming months and eventually launch an MMA promotion.

The ongoing rivalry between UFC CEO Dana White and Matchroom Boxing’s Eddie Hearn could move from the ring to the cage.

White launched Zuffa Boxing earlier this year and has signed several top-tier talents just a few months into its infancy. Conor Benn, Hearn’s former pupil under Matchroom, signed with Zuffa Boxing for a one-fight, $15 million deal earlier this year.

In addition to Benn’s shocking decision to sign with Zuffa Boxing, the bad blood between White and Hearn continues to skyrocket. The two sides have traded barbs in recent months as Hearn has repeatedly criticized the UFC and Zuffa Boxing’s business structure, specifically how fighters are financially compensated.

In response to White’s Benn signing, Hearn joined UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall’s team in an advisory role and will be a key presence in future negotiations. But according to Hearn, the Aspinall partnership is just the beginning of his envisioned move into MMA.

Eddie Hearn: MMA promoting will be ‘done the right way’, 5-6 UFC stars signing in 2026

In a recent interview on Politely Raw with Pacman Jones, Hearn was asked about a potential move into Mixed Martial Arts, and his answer adds fuel to his budding feud with White.

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“It’s something we’re looking at, but I want to get it right. I don’t understand the sport enough yet. With the signing of Tom Aspinall, I’m able to understand the fighters, look at the contracts. I can go to a broadcast [partner] now and sign a $10 million MMA deal, but I want to get it right, I want it to be a success, and done in the right way,” Hearn admitted.

“There’s a real chance that [Matchroom] could be signing, by the summer, 5-6 of the biggest names in the UFC. The biggest problem that the UFC has is that they’re not driving the profiles, personalities, and storylines of these fighters. I’m not saying that Jake Paul’s card is the best of the best, but all of the people on the card are massive names, with big personalities that you know!

“And then you have Conor McGregor sitting there, the biggest star in the sport, sitting there…if Conor Benn’s getting $15 million, then what’s the Mac getting?” Hearn continued. “I say $100 million! These are the personalities that are dying in the UFC.”

Hearn’s comments come after Conor McGregor’s highly-anticipated MMA comeback was left off of the upcoming White House card at UFC Freedom 250. McGregor hasn’t fought since shattering his leg against Dustin Poirier in 2021.

Do you believe Eddie Hearn can shake up Mixed Martial Arts? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!