Wednesday delivered mounting pressure for Dana White and his expanding fight ventures. Zuffa Boxing drew criticism from active fighters and rival promoters. Legal threats emerged. Veteran names fueled debate. Fighter pay once again dominated the headlines.
Here are the five defining stories from February 25, 2026.
Michael Page Questions UFC Pay After Benn’s Massive Deal
Michael Page voiced clear frustration with the UFC’s current pay model. His criticism followed reports that Conor Benn secured a one-fight deal worth $15 million with Zuffa Boxing.
Page spoke candidly during an appearance on Uncrowned’s Boys in the Back. He said the reported contract did not make him happy. He argued that the UFC’s revised bonus structure fails to reflect the promotion’s growing revenues under its Paramount broadcast agreement.
Page said he never felt excited about the updated bonuses. He believes the increases fall short compared to what the company earns. He also pointed to White’s enthusiasm for boxing and slap fighting projects. Page suggested leadership places greater value on outside ventures than on roster athletes. He insisted UFC fighters deserve better compensation.
Frank Warren Prepares Legal Action Over Zuffa Boxing
Frank Warren is reportedly preparing legal action against TKO and Saudi Arabia’s Sela. Warren leads Queensberry Promotions and claims the launch of Zuffa Boxing breaches previous agreements.
Queensberry signed an exclusive partnership with Sela in 2023. The collaboration produced major events, including Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou. Warren now argues that TKO and Sela formed a rival boxing entity without honoring contractual obligations.
Reports indicate Queensberry claims potential losses reaching $1 billion. Meanwhile, The Ring has publicly countered those claims. The magazine suggests Queensberry faces financial strain. The situation could escalate quickly if formal proceedings begin.
Max Holloway Warns Against Counting Out Justin Gaethje
Max Holloway believes critics underestimate Justin Gaethje ahead of a projected showdown with Ilia Topuria. The two are expected to meet in a lightweight title unification bout this summer.
Skeptics question Gaethje’s chances after his interim title performance against Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324. Holloway disagrees with that view. He argued that Gaethje’s aggressive and chaotic style can disrupt elite opponents.
Holloway said fighters sometimes must make bouts ugly to succeed. He praised Gaethje for shaping the Pimblett fight on his own terms. Holloway has experienced Topuria’s power firsthand. He still refuses to dismiss Gaethje’s chances.
Joe Rogan Embraces Mayweather vs Pacquiao Rematch
Joe Rogan reacted enthusiastically to news of a second fight between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao. The rematch is expected to take place at the Las Vegas Sphere in September.
Mayweather also plans a 2026 bout with Mike Tyson before facing Pacquiao again. Rogan discussed the matchups during his podcast episode featuring Terence Crawford.
Rogan called the rematch wild because both fighters approach 50 years old. He admitted he will watch the event without hesitation. He also expressed excitement about Mayweather sharing the ring with Tyson. Veteran comebacks continue to shape the 2026 fight calendar.
Thiago Santos Steps In for Mohammed Usman at Gamebred FC
Jorge Masvidal continues expanding Gamebred FC while preparing his competitive return. The promotion will host a 16-man heavyweight bare-knuckle MMA tournament with a $500,000 prize.
Mohammed Usman initially joined the lineup despite serving a recent 30-month suspension for a failed UFC drug test. He has now withdrawn due to undisclosed reasons.
Former UFC title challenger Thiago Santos has replaced him in the bracket. Santos pushed Jon Jones to a close decision in their 2019 title fight. He most recently lost to Denis Goltsov during the 2024 PFL season.
Santos will face Guto Inocente in the tournament. The event also includes Anthony Smith and Chase Sherman. The late adjustment adds another dramatic twist to an already volatile week in combat sports.
