Fury-Joshua tickets sell out in Cardiff as White concedes Hearn won location dispute

Key points

• Fury vs. Joshua is scheduled for December 11, 2026, at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
• Tickets sold out in less than an hour, with over 500,000 people in the queue.
• Dana White admitted Eddie Hearn was right to insist on a UK location, reversing his previous stance.
• The fight will be broadcast on Netflix, with White claiming a production role despite Hearn’s objections.
• Frank Warren is also listed as a promoter for the event alongside Hearn and White.

Background

The dispute between Dana White and Eddie Hearn has escalated since the launch of Zuffa Boxing earlier in 2026. Previous coverage noted that White was booed at a September launch event and that Hearn warned the UFC faced threats due to White’s focus on boxing. A contractual clause reportedly bars TKO Group Holdings from the fight, but White has insisted on involvement, leading to public friction before the recent de-escalation.

How outlets are covering it

MMA Fighting and MMA Mania report that White has softened his stance, crediting Hearn for securing the UK location and acknowledging the sellout. BBC Sport notes that White described the feud as 'bored' and emphasized the fighters over the promoter conflict. Bloody Elbow highlights fan division, with some arguing that UFC involvement dilutes the focus on British boxing, while others see it as a necessary spectacle to boost viewership. All sources agree the fight is proceeding, but they differ on whether White’s involvement is a legitimate promotion or a contractual breach.

Why it matters

The rapid sellout confirms the enduring global appeal of the Fury-Joshua rivalry, validating Hearn’s decision to prioritize UK market demand over White’s preference for a US venue. The resolution of the location dispute removes a major logistical hurdle, allowing the event to proceed as a Netflix exclusive. However, the unresolved status of White’s promotional role may continue to generate controversy, potentially affecting the event’s branding and the broader relationship between boxing and MMA promotions.

What to watch

The fight is set for December 11, 2026, with the main event expected to occur in the early hours of December 12. The Principality Stadium may remain open until 3:30 am to accommodate the late start. Fans will watch for any final announcements regarding the inclusion of MMA bouts on the card, a topic that remains speculative but is being debated by fans and media.