Zuffa Boxing has landed its first truly meaningful name, sealing a deal with line, Ring and IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia in a move that instantly changes the ceiling of the company’s boxing ambitions.
Both sides confirmed the signing on Friday, although no debut date or opponent was announced. Dana White publicly welcomed Opetaia to the promotion, marking the first time Zuffa had added an active champion with real division leverage, rather than a name built for showcase fights.
Opetaia closes the deal on a dominating run. The 30-year-old southpaw went 3 for 3 in 2025, stopping unbeaten opponents in every outing. His most recent appearance ended with a violent knockout of IBF mandatory challenger Huseyin Cinkara on December 6 at the Gold Coast Convention Centre. That match was delayed almost a year after Cinkara suffered an ankle injury in camp, forcing Opetaia to face David Nyika last January instead. Nyika lasted four rounds.
Between those fights, Opetaia knocked out undefeated Italian Claudio Squeo in five. The game reflected a growing frustration that had already become public. Opetaia made no attempt to hide his displeasure with a division that repeatedly failed to bring its other titleholders into the ring with him.
Those unresolved issues are the obvious point of tension in this deal. Opetaia was vocal about unifying the cruiserweight division. However, Zuffa Boxing has made its position clear. It does not intend to cooperate with sanctioning bodies. That philosophy has already shaped his early cards and leaves open the question of whether Opetaia’s championship goals and Zuffa’s business model can fully coexist.
Zuffa’s first three events will stream on Paramount Plus from the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Callum Walsh headlines the January 23 opener against Carlos Ocampo. A February 1 show remains without a confirmed headliner. The third card on February 14 features heavyweights Efe Ajagba and Charles Martin. None of the fighters involved have a sanctioning body affiliation.
Opetaia currently holds the IBF belt in his second reign and has been the line and ring champion since outpointing Mairis Briedis in July 2022. He was stripped during his first IBF run for taking an unranked defense at the end of 2023. Since reclaiming the title in May 2024, he has added four defenses, all by knockout.
Its division rivals remain visible, but far away. Gilberto Ramirez, unified WBA and WBO champion, will face David Benavidez in May. WBC titleholder Noel Mikaeljan remains inactive. Opetaia has kept their names in circulation, even as dates keep floating.
Zuffa gave himself credibility by signing him. Whether that can get him the fights he actually wants remains the unresolved part.
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Last updated on 16/01/2026
