Dana White and Hunter Campbell have thrown their weight behind Adin Ross, eyeing UFC’s Meta Apex in Las Vegas as the stage for his next Brand Risk Promotions boxing spectacle. The move signals a significant leap for influencer-driven cards, positioning the May 16 date alongside a UFC fight night headlined by Arnold Allen vs Melquizael Costa.
UFC chiefs embrace celebrity boxing at the Apex
During a recent stream on Kick, Ross revealed that UFC president Dana White and Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell are championing his next boxing event at the Meta Apex. Known for hosting UFC Fight Nights — including the back-to-back show opposite Ronda Rousey’s Netflix comeback in Los Angeles — the venue could soon welcome Brand Risk Promotions into its storied combat sports rotation.
Traditionally based in a Miami warehouse, Ross’ promoter has already staged events in Nashville to secure sanctioning for unorthodox matchups. Now, with UFC officials’ support, Brand Risk could solidify its presence in Nevada, widely regarded as the combat capital of the world.
Menery vs Manziel and crossover implications
At the heart of the proposed card stands the influencer clash between Bob Menery and former NFL star Johnny Manziel, an MMA bout that Dana White has controversially backed with a £8,000 wager that it won’t materialise. Despite the scepticism, Ross insists the Menery-Manziel main event will deliver the spectacle fans crave and boost Brand Risk’s rising profile.
This fusion of boxing and MMA talent under one roof highlights the UFC’s openness to new entertainment formats, potentially paving the way for more crossover attractions at future UFC events.
What this means for the UFC event calendar
Slotting a Brand Risk card into the UFC’s Meta Apex schedule could reshape how fight nights are programmed. With Arnold Allen set to face Melquizael Costa on the same evening, the Apex will juggle traditional bantamweight action alongside celebrity boxing bouts, offering fans a diverse fight card unlike any other.
For Ross, the backing of White and Campbell represents a stepping stone to mainstream legitimacy — and a test case for blending influencer culture with combat sports on a grand scale.
As the May 16 date approaches, all eyes will be on Las Vegas to see if Brand Risk Promotions can deliver a memorable show under the UFC banner.
FAQ
When is Adin Ross’ Brand Risk Promotions event scheduled?
The show is rumoured for May 16 at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas, coinciding with a UFC Fight Night featuring Arnold Allen vs Melquizael Costa.
Will the Bob Menery vs Johnny Manziel fight take place?
Despite Dana White’s bet that the influencer MMA bout won’t happen, Adin Ross remains confident the Menery vs Manziel main event will go ahead as planned.
How does this tie in with UFC at the Meta Apex card?
The event would run alongside a UFC fight night, merging Brand Risk’s celebrity boxing format with the promotion’s traditional bouts under one roof.
What support has Dana White given in the past?
White and Campbell have previously attended Ross’ events and even provided commentary, signalling their interest in his unconventional approach to fight promotion.
