Tom Aspinall’s inglorious exit from UFC 321 appears to have sparked a chain reaction. Supporters and detractors have taken firm stands. Amid discussions about his UFC contract and a possible rematch with Ciryl Gane, a new narrative has emerged. Aspinall’s purported move to boxing, much like former heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou two years ago. Experts and pundits are still weighing in on the potential repercussions of a transition of such magnitude.

It seems to have unsettled a few, including former UFC fighter and current MMA insider Dan Hardy. His concerns have grown more acute, especially in light of the proposed amendment to the Muhammad Ali Act. Backed by TKO, parent company of the UFC and WWE, and now Dana White-led Zuffa Boxing, the revival act plans to introduce a new concept called the Unified Boxing Organizations (UBOs) to the sport of boxing. However, the move has met with severe backlash. Considering that White has previously hinted at restricting UFC fighters from crossing over to boxing, many, like Hardy, now wonder what happens if a fighter chooses to seek greener pastures.

Dana White’s ambitious blueprint for combat sports faces doubt

During a conversation on Submission Radio, Hardy spoke about Tom Aspinall’s potential move to boxing and the proposed Ali Revival Act. If one considers fighter freedom, pay, and the balance of power between organizations and athletes, the two topics connect. Arguing that boxing offers both higher pay and lower risk, Hardy suggested that a star like Aspinall could leave MMA. Major promoters such as Eddie Hearn or Oscar De La Hoya would likely offer him lucrative deals.

But there’s a catch. “I feel like this is partly the reason why the Ali revival act is coming through, because it will allow perks, which takes away the temptation for the fighters to go somewhere else and make actual money,” Hardy said. What he means is that it could seemingly lock fighters into the UFC system and reduce their negotiating power.

Hardy worries that the proposed act could harm both MMA and boxing, not just one. It may eliminate competition and limit fighter freedom while also lowering the overall pay scale across both sports. He added, “The livelihood and the future of the sport are hanging in the balance not only for MMA but also for boxing right now in many ways behind the scenes.”

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Given Hardy’s well-documented falling out with Dana White, his sentiments might be viewed through a particular lens. Even so, the points he raised warrant introspection.

The doubts and defenses surrounding Dana White’s revival act

Back in March, when news about the new boxing league circulated, White addressed the possibility of UFC fighters crossing over to boxing. He was clear. “No, never,” White said when asked about MMA fighters competing in the new boxing promotion. “I’m sure there are guys that want to box, but I literally don’t want to see any of that. We keep the boxers in the boxing and the MMA guys in the MMA. We’ll never have that.”

If one connects the dots, the proposed Revival Act’s concept of UBOs echoes the UFC’s structure. Zuffa may serve as an example of what a UBO might look like. White had already stated, “There will be a ZUFFA belt, and then there will be a ring belt, and yes, I will not recognize any of the other sanctioning bodies.” In essence, the UBOs would function like independent entities, much like the UFC, making their own decisions.

So that may have sparked concerns. However, White and other supporters have clarified that the UBOs will exist alongside existing promotions, sanctioning bodies, and organizations.

“Not one word is going to be changed. Not one thing. There’s just going to be an add-on to the Muhammad Ali Act,” White said on 3 Knockdown Rule. “If you’re a fighter, you can stay exactly the way it is now, or you can come bet on me and come and fight in our organization, and you know, there’s going to be plenty of options.”

So, it’s too early to draw conclusions. With the California State Athletic Commission reportedly giving a thumbs-up to the proposed Revival Act, fans might have to wait and watch as developments unfold.

Do you think the concerns of Hardy and others are justified when it comes to the future of boxing?