UFC vs Boxing Debate heats up with stars Shakur Stevenson and Terence Crawford. [Image Source: CBSISTATIC]
The ongoing UFC vs boxing debate flared up once again on February 10, 2026, when popular streamer Adin Ross declared his preference for UFC over boxing during a live broadcast. His straightforward comment—that UFC and MMA are far superior to boxing—triggered immediate responses from leading boxing figures, including Terence Crawford and Shakur Stevenson, who challenged Ross’s opinion head-on. This confrontation took place in a digital arena but quickly captured widespread attention among fans of both sports.
Adin Ross stated during his livestream,
“Boxing is very boring to me. It’s just that UFC and MMA are so much better,”
—a claim that did not sit well with boxing champions. The tension escalated when Stevenson interjected, urging Ross to reconsider and retract the statement. However, Ross remained unyielding, calling his stance a true fact, which led to a fiery exchange on the merits and entertainment value of each sport.
Shakur Stevenson and Terence Crawford Confront Adin Ross’s UFC Preference
During the heated debate, Shakur Stevenson insisted that Ross was mistaken, saying,
“You gotta take that back,”
directly challenging the streamer’s assertion. A member of Ross’s entourage supported the argument for UFC, claiming UFC events deliver a superior experience, but Stevenson and Crawford were resolute in defending boxing’s prestige and skill.
Stevenson’s frustration was evident when he exclaimed,
“Come on. This ni–a, bro. Ain’t no way this ni–a came with me, right?”
underscoring the disbelief that Ross’s position could stand against boxing’s legacy. After a period of silence, Crawford finally voiced his disagreement, stating firmly,
Image of: UFC
“UFC would never be better than boxing.”
Despite their efforts, Ross did not soften his stance, keeping the argument alive.
This dispute was further amplified through social media, with the account Kick HQ sharing the moment along with Ross’s claim and Crawford and Stevenson’s quick rebuttals. The viral clip highlighted the sharp divide in opinions between the boxing world and UFC fandom.
Stevenson summed up the fundamental difference by emphasizing, “The skill level is different.” This reflects a view held by many boxing purists, who point to notable crossover fights such as Conor McGregor versus Floyd Mayweather and Tyson Fury versus Francis Ngannou, where MMA fighters struggled to overcome the technical prowess and power striking of elite boxers.
Boxing’s Resurgence and UFC’s Expanding Influence in Combat Sports
Though once considered a declining sport, boxing has experienced a resurgence, partly fueled by the emergence of influencer fighters like Jake Paul who have drawn new audiences to the ring. Meanwhile, UFC’s expansion into boxing through Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing is another sign the boundaries between the sports are blurring. White, the UFC president, transformed MMA into an immensely popular powerhouse, and now aims to reshape boxing’s landscape similarly.
Terence Crawford, while openly critical of UFC’s fighting skill in comparison to boxing, acknowledged last year that in certain respects, UFC is ahead of boxing. This nuanced view reflects the complex relationship between the sports, combining respect with rivalry.
Terence Crawford Praises UFC’s Support for Fighters Despite Differences
Dana White’s impact on combat sports extends beyond just the UFC’s competitive edge. Crawford praised UFC’s culture of supporting fighters even after losses, contrasting it with boxing’s harsher approach towards defeated athletes. On the P4P Podcast with Henry Cejudo and Kamaru Usman, he remarked,
“One thing I love about the UFC is that a guy can lose and still be supported. Nowadays in boxing, Floyd [Mayweather] made it to where you lose and they’re kicking you to the curb and [saying] you’re a bum, you’re this, you’re that. It’s like, [the] dude lost to a good fighter. You know what I mean?”
Terence Crawford, Professional Boxer
This observation highlights an important cultural difference between the two sports, with UFC fostering a more forgiving and encouraging environment for fighters’ careers. Crawford’s recent experience fighting Canelo Alvarez under Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing, backed by Saudi Arabia’s promoter Turki Al-Sheikh, gave him firsthand insight into UFC’s operations and contributed to his respect for certain facets of the MMA organization.
What the Future Holds for the UFC vs Boxing Debate
The argument over which sport reigns supreme—UFC or boxing—is far from settled. Each side offers unique appeals: boxing’s refined striking and deep history versus UFC’s multifaceted combat and dynamic events. These discussions continue to animate fans and athletes alike. As crossover bouts and influencer-driven fights increase, the boundary between the sports may continue to blur, reshaping combat sports as a whole.
With prominent voices such as Terence Crawford, Shakur Stevenson, and Adin Ross fueling the debate, the UFC vs boxing conversation remains energetic and unresolved. Fans eagerly await to see which UFC athlete might successfully challenge boxing’s elite in the future, adding new chapters to this ongoing rivalry.
Adin Ross tells Shakur Stevenson and Terence Crawford that the UFC is better than boxing, and they were QUICK to disagree 😳👀
