UFC CEO Dana White is making waves in the boxing world with ambitious plans that could reshape how fans experience the sport. In a recent interview with CBS Sports, White revealed that Zuffa Boxing is actively developing a new boxing ring design and exploring potential rule changes as part of their comprehensive vision for the sport’s future.
White disclosed that his team recently held extensive design meetings focused on creating an innovative boxing ring. “We’re already working on a new design for the ring, and I don’t know if you noticed how we had the LEDs around the ring in the last one,” White explained, referencing their recent Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford event. The LED integration around the ring represents just the beginning of Zuffa’s production innovations.
The announcement comes as Zuffa Boxing prepares to launch on Paramount Plus in January 2026, following a landmark media rights deal. White emphasized that production quality remains a top priority, stating, “That meeting was yesterday too. We had a huge design meeting for a new boxing ring. So yes, we will bring lots of different elements to the production and to the sport.”
Beyond visual enhancements, White isn’t ruling out more fundamental changes to boxing itself. When asked about potential rule modifications, he responded candidly: “Yes, possibly even rule changes. I wouldn’t say no to that. I’m not sitting here saying we’re going to change rules and we have a list of rules we want to change. But I wouldn’t say no, that’s not possible either.”
This approach aligns with White’s broader philosophy of thinking bigger than traditional boxing promoters. “I think those guys all think small. They don’t think the way that I think,” White commented about established promoters in the sport
White acknowledged that hardcore boxing fans might resist his innovations, noting, “All the things that I will tell you that we can solve are the things that the hardcore boxing people will tell you, oh my God, that’s the worst thing that could ever happen.”
With backing from Saudi Arabia’s Sheikh Turki and the resources of the TKO entertainment conglomerate, White has the financial power and industry influence necessary to implement significant changes in boxing.
