Zuffa Boxing facing lawsuit, MVP criticizes Dana White for UFC fighter pay and more

But MVP’s remarks were not the only topic of conversation on Wednesday, thanks to White dealing with possible legal action from a fellow boxing promoter, Max Holloway jumping to Justin Gaethje’s defense, Joe Rogan reacting to Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao 2, and a late change to Jorge Masvidal’s $500,000 bare-knuckle MMA tournament.

Who had the bigger impact on the UFC? 🤔

Michael ‘Venom’ Page is unhappy with the UFC pay structure

Many have suggested that fighters on the UFC roster should have an issue with Conor Benn joining Zuffa Boxing on a reported one-fight deal worth $15 million. If Michael ‘Venom’ Page represents the consensus, it seems that they are.

During an appearance on Uncrowned’s Boys in the Back show, Page admitted having a major gripe with the promotion’s current pay structure after the start of the new broadcast deal with Paramount.

“(Benn’s reported contract) is not something I’m happy about,” the UFC welterweight said.

“(The) increase in the bonus structure…I wasn’t bothered to be excited initially because, for me, that doesn’t do enough, comparatively to the money they’ve just brought in for themselves.

“Dana White has always been quite excited about going into the boxing world and other things, like the slap fighting…but then to see it and how highly he values people away from the sport that built his reputation, it’s upsetting — disappointing more than anything.

“We have deserved more.”

Frank Warren threatens legal action over Zuffa Boxing launch

According to The Telegraph, Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions is threatening to sue TKO and Saudi Arabia’s Sela over the launch of Zuffa Boxing.

The British promoter is reportedly preparing to pursue legal action due to exclusion from the partnership between TKO and Sela, with whom Queensberry signed an exclusive deal in 2023 and put on fights such as Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou.

Warren’s promotion is arguing that by TKO and Sela partnering to create Zuffa Boxing, they have gone against previous contracts by excluding Queensberry and doing deals behind their backs. The claim is that the British promoter has lost $1 billion in income due to the alleged violation.

It remains to be seen what will unfold, but those under threat of legal action have already gone on the offensive, with the Turki Alalshikh-owned Ring magazine claiming that Queensberry Promotions is in financial trouble.

Max Holloway says Justin Gaethje’s chances vs Ilia Topuria are being underestimated

Justin Gaethje is expected to welcome Ilia Topuria back to action in a lightweight title unification fight this summer.

Many are dismissing the American’s chances based on his performance to win the interim belt against Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324.

But Max Holloway won’t rule Gaethje out against Topuria, despite knowing first-hand what it’s like to face off against the Spaniard’s brutal power.

“You know, people seem to think that after Justin’s last fight, that means Ilia will win easily,” Holloway told Stake.

“I think sometimes you have to do what Justin did against Paddy. You have to make it ugly and put people in a fight, when they’re not used to that style.

“I think Justin made that fight look how he wanted it to look, and congrats to him,” he added.

Joe Rogan reacts to Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao 2

The combat sports community will not be short on blasts from the past in 2026.

In addition to Ronda Rousey returning to fight Gina Carano in MMA, Floyd Mayweather is making a professional comeback. After facing Mike Tyson in the first half of 2026, ‘Money’ is expected to run it back with Manny Pacquiao at the Las Vegas Sphere in September.

UFC commentator Joe Rogan reacted to Mayweather vs Pacquiao 2 during a recent episode of his podcast that featured Terence Crawford as the guest.

“They’re gonna do it again, and they’re both 50! It’s crazy,” Rogan said.

“Yeah, I’m gonna watch it, f— yeah I’m gonna watch it. I’m gonna watch him fighting Mike, I think that’s crazy,” he added.

Mohammed Usman replaced by Thiago Santos in $500,000 Gamebred FC tournament

There has been a late change to Jorge Masvidal’s upcoming event.

While he prepares to make his own return to competition after retiring in 2023, Masvidal continues to work as a promoter. Next up for him is a 16-man heavyweight tournament in bare-knuckle MMA under his Gamebred FC banner.

Among the names originally announced was Mohammed Usman, despite his recent 30-month ban for a failed drug test in the UFC.

But it hasn’t taken long for ‘The Motor’ to pull out due to undisclosed reasons. It was announced Wednesday that ex-UFC title challenger Thiago Santos has replaced Usman.

“Marreta” took a scorecard from UFC GOAT contender Jon Jones in their 2019 title fight. He most recently lost to Denis Goltsov in the 2024 PFL season.

Santos will now take on Guto Inocente in the Gamebred FC tournament, which also features Anthony Smith and Chase Sherman.