Dana White Hints At Major UK Expansion Plans For UFC And Zuffa Boxing

Dana White has revealed ambitious plans to continue building the UK market through UFC and Zuffa Boxing, including the possibility of a future UFC Performance Institute in Britain.

“The UK runs boxing right now”

UFC CEO Dana White has hinted at significant expansion plans for the United Kingdom, including the possibility of a UK-based UFC Performance Institute, as Zuffa Boxing continues its push into the European market.

Speaking following Zuffa Boxing 7 in Bournemouth, White discussed the organisation's growing investment in Britain and suggested the UK will play a major role in the future of both UFC and Zuffa Boxing.

Following the success of Zuffa Boxing's debut UK event and a new broadcast partnership with Sky Sports, White believes there is significant opportunity to continue building the brand on British shores.

He said: “We are building the UK a lot.”

UFC Performance Institute Could Be Heading to the UK

The UFC Performance Institute is regarded as one of the leading high-performance training facilities in combat sports, providing athletes with world-class support in sports science, nutrition, recovery, strength and conditioning.

When questioned by Combat Evolved about the possibility of opening a UK-based UFC Performance Institute, White suggested the idea is now firmly on the radar.

He said: “The answer to that is probably yes.

“We haven’t worked toward it but it’s time.”

While no timeline was discussed, a UK facility would become the fourth UFC Performance Institute, joining existing centres in Las Vegas, Shanghai and Mexico City.

The comments represent one of the strongest indications yet that the UFC is considering further long-term investment in the British combat sports landscape.

Why the UK Is Central to UFC and Zuffa's Expansion Plans

White also discussed why UK boxing remains such an important market for the organisation's future growth.

He said: “Boxing has become a very European sport over the last 15, 20 years and the UK has dominated boxing.

“For us to come to the UK and put on an event like tonight, we're pretty pumped.”

The UFC president also highlighted British crowds as one of the major reasons the company continues to invest in the region.

He said: “There is nothing like watching a sporting event in the UK.

“The fans are different over here - it's so much fun.”

He added: “I always try to tell people, you have to see anything in the UK. Watch ping pong over here and it'll be incredible.”

While plans for a UK UFC Performance Institute remain in the early stages, White's comments are the clearest indication yet that Britain is becoming a major part of the UFC and Zuffa Boxing's long-term expansion strategy.

Fight fans will next see Zuffa Boxing return to Europe on August 8, when undefeated Irish star Aaron McKenna challenges Etinosa Oliha for the IBF middleweight world title at Zuffa 10 in Dublin's 3Arena.

Henri Crepin-Leblond

Henri is a reporter with experience covering a range of combat sports events and fighters across the UK scene. He has previously written for independent newspapers and has regularly covered promotions including Cage Warriors, PFL and Kingdom Combat Championship. His main focus is MMA, with additional interests in boxing and bare-knuckle boxing. He specialises in fighter interviews, pre-fight features and event reporting. Henri tries to bring genuine passion for combat sports into his writing. He enjoys being close to the action as well as capturing the build-up, bringing coverage to the fans who want to stay informed or learn more about what goes on behind the scene.