UFC bantamweight raises a doubt after Dana White teases boxing venture

With the announcement of Dana White's upcoming boxing promotion on Sept. 19, many are wondering how closely the organization would work with the UFC. Some have publicly questioned if White would allow UFC fighters to box in his new promotion, including a few fighters on the current roster.

Former ranked contender Adrian Yañez was at the front of the line asking to box in the new promotion despite his doubts about that being a reality. Regardless, Yañez showed clear enthusiasm for the idea, saying he would "gladly" fight another crossover UFC athlete.

Yañez tweeted:

"Will [Dana White] let UFC fighters box? If so, put me in. I'll gladly box another UFC fighter."

Despite having no formal boxing experience, professional or amateur, Yañez has a notoriously boxing-heavy approach to his fight style. Having never completed a takedown in the UFC and boasting a 100 percent takedown defense, Yañez is often brought up by fans as one of the best boxers in MMA.

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Has Dana White ever allowed UFC fighters to box?

Before Dana White officially announced his intention to enter the boxing world, the UFC CEO had been predictably critical of the sport. As such, the UFC has only let a select few fighters compete in the ring while under contract with its organization.

Conor McGregor is the most notable example of the exception with it being the only time White co-promoted in boxing for the lucrative super fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. However, more recently, the UFC also let retired fighters Jorge Masvidal and Jose Aldo compete in boxing despite both still being under contract.

With White's upcoming promotion presumably set up to be adjacent to the UFC, it would not be surprising to see UFC fighters compete in the ring. White and the UFC allows its athletes to compete in grappling events with UFC Fight Pass-branded promotions including Fury Pro Grappling and UFC Fight Pass Invitational.