Dana White Compares Chris Billam-Smith, Ryan Rozicki Fight To Rocky Movie

Zuffa Boxing boss praises Bournemouth main event and backs Rozicki corner’s seventh-round stoppage

Dana White compared Chris Billam-Smith’s stoppage win over Ryan Rozicki to a Rocky movie after the pair delivered a bruising main event at Zuffa Boxing’s first UK event. White also praised Rozicki’s toughness and said his corner made the right decision to stop the fight after seven rounds.

The Zuffa Boxing CEO was asked about the main event following Saturday night’s card in Bournemouth and admitted the fight exceeded even his expectations.

“The first time I ever met Rozicki, I was like, Jesus, this guy’s like the meanest Canadian I think I’ve ever met,” said White.

“What a hell of a fight. I mean, incredible fight from top to bottom, but the main event was like a Rocky movie.”

White said the matchup had all the ingredients he looks for when putting together a fight card, pointing to Billam-Smith’s proven ability and Rozicki’s reputation for toughness.

“We thought it was going to be a great fight. Obviously, we know how talented CBS is and we knew going in how tough and mean Rozicki was. So, it had all the makings of a great fight.”

The contest quickly became one of the most talked-about fights from Zuffa Boxing’s first UK event, with both fighters absorbing heavy punishment before Rozicki’s corner halted the bout after seven rounds.

White also praised the decision to stop the fight when it became clear Rozicki had taken enough damage.

“I was happy to see his corner call the fight. That’s the right move. Great stoppage.”

The UFC president has repeatedly stressed that competitive matchmaking will be a cornerstone of Zuffa Boxing, and Billam-Smith-Rozicki appeared to reinforce that philosophy.

Share on Facebook

Post on X