SALAS IT IS! 26 JULY done ✅
— Richardson Hitchins (@HeIsRichardson) 30 May 2026
Hitchins enters the fight with a 20-0 record and hopes to establish himself as one of the key fighters on Zuffa Boxing’s growing roster. The problem is that Salas is not the type of opponent to immediately change the public perception of Hitchins or generate significant interest outside of hardcore boxing fans.
Salas, 27, owns a record of 24-2-2 with 18 knockouts and has put together a respectable run. His recent wins over Jesus Saracho and former welterweight contender Roiman Villa have boosted his standing, and he brings enough power to make him a credible threat.
Even so, many fans were hoping that Hitchins would be matched up against a more recognizable opponent for his promotional debut.
The announcement comes after weeks of speculation over who Hitchins would face in his first fight since signing with Zuffa Boxing. Several names circulated during the negotiation process, but Salas ultimately emerged as the choice.
The match appears to be designed to keep Hitchins active as he introduces himself to Zuffa’s audience before he can move into bigger fights later this year.
Hitchins has never struggled to win fights. His challenge was to convince fans that he belonged in the biggest fights at 140 pounds. A win over Salas would keep him undefeated, but it could do little to answer the questions boxing fans have been asking about his future.
July 26 offers a first look at Hitchins under the Zuffa banner. The bigger story may be who the promotion presents itself to next.
