Dana White and Turki Alalshikh Announce New Boxing League with UFC-Style Structure

The league, set to launch in 2026, aims to simplify boxing with fewer weight classes and a single champion per division, backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.

The league will eliminate the traditional multi-belt system, opting for one champion per division to streamline boxing's structure, similar to the UFC model.
Dana White, UFC president, and Turki Alalshikh, a Saudi sports mogul, are spearheading the initiative in partnership with TKO Group Holdings.
The announcement includes a significant financial investment from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund to reshape the sport and attract top talent.
Canelo Alvarez, one of boxing's biggest stars, has expressed openness to competing in the league, citing its potential benefits for fighters.
The initiative has drawn mixed reactions, with some praising its potential to improve boxing's organization and others criticizing the departure from traditional systems.