De La Hoya Weighs in on White vs. Hearn Feud
Oscar De La Hoya has made his position clear in the ongoing feud between Dana White and Eddie Hearn. Since White revealed his intention to venture into boxing promotion, the UFC CEO has shown no hesitation in stirring things up, particularly with Hearn. A pivotal moment in this rivalry occurred when White signed Matchroom Boxing’s Connor Benn, a move that Hearn took to heart and may have inspired him to sign UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall to his management team.
The conflict has intensified to the extent that both White and Hearn have expressed willingness to step into the boxing ring against each other, a prospect that amuses De La Hoya, a multiple-time boxing champion. He remarked humorously, “I can knock out Eddie Hearn with one punch. Interestingly, Eddie Hearn could probably outmatch Dana White!” De La Hoya openly supports Hearn in this playful rivalry.
De La Hoya’s support for Hearn extends beyond a physical contest; he aligns with Hearn’s views on the promotional landscape. In response to Ronda Rousey’s assertion that the UFC has turned into “one of the worst places to go” for fighters, De La Hoya commended Rousey for her bold stance.
“I completely understand her perspective,” De La Hoya explained. “It all comes down to profit margins for them on the other side, and she’s right. Ronda’s comments are impactful coming from a true legend.” He noted that fighters are beginning to see that a massive organization like the UFC prioritizes profits for executives over fair compensation for athletes.
With the UFC’s recent $7.7 billion broadcasting deal with Paramount, the pay disparities between UFC fighters and those in other major sports have become increasingly apparent. White’s signing of Benn for an estimated $15 million for a single fight has led notable fighters, such as Jon Jones and Conor McGregor, to voice their frustrations with the promotion.
De La Hoya encourages UFC fighters to speak out more openly. “Each fighter in the UFC is starting to realize they deserve better,” he stated, showing support for fighters like Jon Jones who are voicing their concerns. He believes the UFC aims to suppress individual fighters, fearing that anyone could overshadow the brand itself.
Final Thoughts on UFC Vegas 114
UFC Vegas 114 was an event to remember, with fighters performing exceptionally well and showcasing their skills. De La Hoya’s insights on the promotion’s landscape add an entertaining layer to the ongoing discourse about fighter pay and management in the UFC.
