Dana White Insists He Is Involved in Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury Showdown

Dana White has reiterated that he is definitely involved in staging the blockbuster clash between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. In recent weeks, the public feud between Joshua's promoter, Eddie Hearn, and the UFC CEO has centered on whether White will have any role in the anticipated December showdown. Although he holds no direct promotional contract with either fighter, both White and the event's financial mastermind, Turki Alalshikh, have insisted on his involvement—something Hearn has fiercely pushed back against.

The public back-and-forth had recently cast doubt over whether the fight would even go ahead. However, on the eve of the first official press conference, White maintained that everything has been sorted and that he is firmly part of the promotional setup.

"There is no confusion whatsoever," White told reporters following Tuesday night's Contender Series. "Look at everybody involved: from the network that's broadcasting the fight, to the guy that's actually f***ing paying for it, to what I'm saying. It feels like I've been saying this for f***ing years, though it's probably only been weeks. And the whole time, I've been saying the exact same thing...

The fight is happening. Everything is done," White continued. "The deal is done. Everything I've been saying is true. Why would I keep doubling down if it wasn't?"

White has previously asserted that the issue was settled, only for Hearn to immediately dispute his comments. The two promoters have been embroiled in an increasingly bitter war of words throughout much of 2026. The tension ignited when White ventured into boxing with Zuffa Boxing and shortly after signed Conor Benn—a fighter Hearn had promoted for years. The pair have since traded barbs through the media, with White even offering to settle their feud in a fight. According to the UFC boss, the complications around Fury vs Joshua are purely down to ego.

"It's not hesitation, it's ego," White said. "It's all ego. It has nothing to do with any of the other bullshit. And look, boxing has fallen off in the United States. It's not as big as it was 20 years ago. It's become a very UK-centric sport, and all this talking, whining, crying, and all the nonsense you hear is coming out of the UK."

White also insisted that despite the sharp exchanges, he is actually enjoying the drama, telling reporters that situations like this are right in his wheelhouse. While his exact capacity in the Fury vs Joshua showdown remains to be officially defined, White will not be in attendance for Wednesday's launch event, confirming he will miss the London press conference.

"No, because I was here," White replied when asked if he would travel for the press conference. "I would have gone if I didn't have the Contender Series."

Fury and Joshua are expected to finally meet on December 11 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.