UFC CEO Dana White, with his extensive knowledge of the pay-per-view (PPV) business, recently expressed skepticism about the reported success of influencer boxing cards. In a candid interview on The Full Send podcast, White dismissed claims of high PPV buyrates for events like the Misfits card, which featured KSI vs. Tommy Fury and Logan Paul vs. Dillon Danis.
White, known for his straightforward approach, challenged the assertion that the Misfits event achieved 1.3 million PPV buys. Drawing from his experience in staging numerous UFC PPV events annually, he pointed out the difficulty in achieving such numbers. White emphasized that if those figures were accurate, the entities behind these events would be hosting them more frequently due to the substantial profits involved. He argued that true success in the PPV arena would result in widespread demand from distributors, noting the recent exit of Showtime from boxing.
His criticism extended to the quality of influencer boxing matches, labeling them as “sh!tty boxing.” White remarked that watching highlights of these events offers a better experience than the full productions, which he finds lacking in quality. His comments reflect a broader skepticism about the long-term viability of influencer boxing, questioning the financial and entertainment value these events offer.
Dana White’s statements highlight the complexities and challenges in the PPV business, especially regarding the veracity of reported sales figures. His insights also shed light on the emerging trend of influencer boxing, questioning its sustainability and impact on the traditional boxing landscape.
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