The boxing world’s most outspoken promoter has once again taken aim at the UFC’s business model, this time using a former competitor’s medical emergency as ammunition in his ongoing war of words with Dana White.
Golden Boy Promotions founder Oscar De La Hoya launched his latest rant during a recent ‘Clapback Thursday’ social media post, targeting White’s expansion into boxing through the TKO Group.
The controversy centers around Ben Askren, the former Bellator and ONE Championship titleholder who joined the UFC in late 2018. The 40-year-old wrestler-turned-mixed martial artist recently faced a life-threatening medical crisis, requiring a double lung transplant after severe complications from pneumonia. What should have been solely a health concern became a public financial struggle when Askren had to seek crowdfunding support for the expensive procedure.
“To make things easy to understand, this new league TKO is planning to pay their paid whatever they want, which will likely be pennies on the dollar based on the existing UFC model,” De La Hoya stated. He didn’t stop there, adding, “The same model that leaves their paid in broken bodies and empty bank accounts.”
The Golden Boy founder seized on Askren’s situation as evidence of what he sees as systemic problems in mixed martial arts compensation. “The latest heartbreaking example is former UFC fighter Ben Askren, who needed a double lung transplant and couldn’t afford it, so he publicly had to ask for help,” De La Hoya explained.
His criticism extends beyond individual cases to what he perceives as the UFC’s corporate priorities. “This is exactly my point,” De La Hoya concluded. “They don’t give a f*** about boxing, or athletes, or putting their lives on the line. They care about their bottom line and their stock price.”
The timing of these comments isn’t coincidental. As the TKO Group (the UFC’s parent company) prepares to promote high-profile boxing events including potential mega-bouts involving stars like Canelo Alvarez, questions about athlete compensation have become increasingly relevant.
The contrast between boxing’s top-tier purses and MMA payouts remains stark. While elite boxers can earn eight-figure sums for single bouts, many mixed martial arts competitors grind through years of competition for significantly less.
De La Hoya’s attacks on White aren’t new, but they’ve gained renewed intensity as the UFC CEO ventures deeper into boxing promotion. The Mexican-American boxing legend has consistently positioned himself as an advocate for athlete welfare, frequently contrasting what he sees as boxing’s more generous compensation structure with the UFC’s approach.
Double lung transplant procedures typically cost between $300,000 and $400,000 out of pocket for patients without comprehensive coverage. For a former professional athlete like Ben Askren facing such expenses, the financial burden can be overwhelming regardless of past earnings.
Notably, the situation prompted unexpected solidarity across combat sports lines. Jake Paul, the YouTube personality turned boxer who has frequently criticized UFC compensation practices, publicly called for assistance with Askren’s medical costs. Even Dana White himself ultimately contributed to helping cover the former wrestler’s expenses.
Whether Oscar De La Hoya’s latest verbal assault will influence TKO’s boxing venture remains to be seen, but it certainly ensures the conversation about athlete welfare continues to dominate headlines as both sports evolve.
