IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia and challenger Huseyin Cinkara successfully weighed in at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Center in Surfers Paradise, Australia on Friday. Opetaia (28-0, 22 KOs) defends against Cinkara (23-0, 19 KOs) this Saturday, December 6th.
Avoid Purdo & Morster?
It’s a fight that should ideally open the door for Opetaia to face the winner of the showdown between WBA and WBO cruiserweight champion Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez and David Benavidez from their May 2, 2026 bout. The likelihood of this happening is slim.
Benavidez has already said he wants to return to the light heavyweight division after challenging Ramirez for his two belts. Fans saw this as a sign that ‘The Mexican Monster’ wants no part of confronting Opetaia and will avoid him like the plague, just like Zurdo Ramirez did.
If Jai Cinkara smashes – Expect more ducking
The reality is, if Opetaia destroys his #1 IBF mandatory Cinkara on Saturday night, he is going to be even more shunned than he has been. He is in the ‘who needs em’ club and is considered a career destroyer.
Weighing results
- Jaia Opetay – 199.5 vs. Housing Cinkara – 200.5
The event will be shown live on UFC Pass outside of Australia.
Danny Green Backs Jai in brutal fashion
“Jai Opetaia is the best cruiserweight in the world, and tomorrow night he’s going to prove it. Cinkara is undefeated, but he hasn’t had the same opposition as Jai,” said former two-division world champion Danny Green. Jai McAllister Boxing.
“When you have nothing to lose, being in Cinkara’s position makes you more dangerous. Jai doesn’t look past Cinkara. They’re consummate pros. They’re being brought in for Ciinkara, and he’s going to be in a lot of trouble. He’s the real deal, and he’s terrifying.”
It doesn’t matter how desperate Cinkara is with his career. He’s overwhelmed going up against Opetaia and doesn’t have the credentials to have a chance to win. Cinkara’s resume is filled with unknown opposition from top to bottom.
Cinkara’s CV under the microscope
- Juan Diaz
- Armend Xhoxhaj
- Reinaldo Gonzalez
- Vaclav fireplaces
“Jai has to be next,” Green said when asked about David Benavidez challenging WBA and WBO cruiserweight champion Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez for his titles in early May 2026. “I think that works in Jai’s favor because it’s going to be an even bigger fight when Jai unites.”
Last updated on 12/05/2025
