Zuffa Boxing 07 results are coming in live from Bournemouth International Centre in Bournemouth, Dorset, England, as the seventh event from Dana White’s boxing promotion will see the promotion’s first event outside the United States — let alone outside Las Vegas.
The TKO Group-backed boxing league’s debut in England is headlined by Chris Billam-Smith taking on Ryan Rozicki in cruiserweight action.
Joe Tessitore calls the action alongside analysts Max Kellerman and Andre Ward.
How to Watch Zuffa Boxing 07
Date: Saturday, June 6, 2026
Venue: Bournemouth International Centre, Bournemouth, Dorset, England
Zuffa Boxing 06 results are coming in live from Meta APEX in Las Vegas, as the sixth event from Dana White’s boxing promotion will see the promotional debut of a boxing standout’s son.
The TKO Group-backed boxing league brings another night of fights, headlined by Shane Mosley Jr. taking on Serhii Bohachuk in middleweight action.
Joe Tessitore calls the action alongside analysts Max Kellerman and Andre Ward.
Zuffa Boxing 05 results are coming in live from Meta APEX in Las Vegas, as the fifth event from Dana White’s boxing promotion will see a matchup of talented veteran lightweight contenders.
The TKO Group-backed boxing league brings another night of fights, headlined by the 24-0 Andres Cortes taking on 23-1 Eridson Garcia. Former WBC featherweight champion Mark Magsayo will be involved in the co-main event, taking on Feargal McCrory.
Joe Tessitore calls the action alongside analysts Max Kellerman and Andre Ward.
It wasn’t even close. Jai Opetaia put on a dominant performance to defeat Brandon Glanton and retain his Ring Magazine cruiserweight title — while also becoming the inaugural Zuffa Boxing cruiserweight champion.
The fight main evented the fourth Zuffa Boxing card, held on March 8 at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada.
After feeling things out for most of the first round, Opetaia managed to work the left hand, even when standing and circling on the outside. Even as Glanton tried to cut off the ring, Opetaia was landing the better punches through the first two rounds.
Opetaia appeared to be in a comfortable groove by round three, and he appeared to do damage with his uppercuts and hooks in the fourth. Glanton tried to get inside and managed to do so in the fifth; however, Opetaia was ready with combinations and continued to land.
Glanton was deducted one point in the sixth round for excessive holding. It didn’t matter much, however, as Opetaia’s control remained. Glanton was even deducted another point in round eight after hitting Opetaia with a low blow.
Opetaia didn’t finish Glanton but continued to remain in firm control, even wobbling him in the bout’s final minute. Opetaia nearly swept the judges’ scorecards to take a clear one-sided decision for all the gold.
Jai Opetaia Becomes Inaugural Zuffa Boxing Cruiserweight Champion At Zuffa Boxing 04
I think it’s safe to say Glanton has a good chin. He’s gonna lose wide but he ain’t no walk in the park for anyone. And Jai is a superb fighter #OpetaiaGlanton
— Under Construction (@UnderCo56515875) March 9, 2026
Well that nickname the most honest in the game Brandon “Bulletproof” Glantion must in fact be bulletproof lasting like that. Jai with the shutout teeing off on dude. Props to Brandon tho warrior #boxing#OpetaiaGlanton#ZuffaBoxing04
Opetaia now moves to 30-0. This marked his eighth straight defense of the Ring cruiserweight title. Opetaia was also the IBF cruiserweight champion, having held the title twice within the past couple of years, but the IBF stripped him due to the organization not sanctioning the fight.
Glanton has still won four of his last six, but he’s now 1-2 in his last three fights. Prior to tonight’s loss, he scored a sixth-round TKO win over Marcus Browne in October.
Zuffa Boxing 04 results are coming in live from Meta APEX in Las Vegas, as the fourth event from Dana White’s boxing promotion will see the promotion’s first-ever champion crowned.
The TKO Group-backed boxing league brings another night of fights, headlined by a fight between the undefeated Jai Opetaia and Brandon Glanton to determine the inaugural Zuffa Boxing cruiserweight champion. Opetaia’s Ring Magazine cruiserweight title will also be at stake.
What will not be at stake, however, is the IBF cruiserweight title, as the sanctioning body elected to strip Opetaia, as the IBF does not recognize Zuffa Boxing as a legitimate sanctioning body.
Joe Tessitore calls the action alongside analysts Max Kellerman and Andre Ward.
Conor Benn has broken his silence on his departure from Matchroom Boxing, issuing a public statement addressing his move to Zuffa Boxing.
Benn thanked promoter Eddie Hearn and the Matchroom team for a decade of support, from his early days as a professional to headlining stadium shows.
“They were not only with me for those highlight moments but stood shoulder to shoulder with me during the tough times,” he wrote.
He hopes Hearn can remain part of his team in some capacity going forward.
On the Zuffa Boxing move, Benn was direct:
“Zuffa Boxing presented me with an opportunity I simply couldn’t refuse.”
First and foremost, I want to thank Eddie and the entire team at Matchroom for everything they’ve done for me over the past decade.
From guiding me when I first turned pro, to headlining stadium shows. They were not only with me for those highlight moments but stood shoulder to… pic.twitter.com/u4dD4tsnAe
He expressed ambition about what the partnership will bring, calling for legacy fights and the biggest stages.
“I fear no man at any weight, and I’m ready to give the fans the fights they’ve been calling for. I’m in my prime, and together we have bold, ambitious plans.”
You can read the full statement here:
“First and foremost, I want to thank Eddie and the entire team at Matchroom for everything they’ve done for me over the past decade. From guiding me when I first turned pro, to headlining stadium shows. They were not only with me for those highlight moments but stood shoulder to shoulder with me during the tough times.
It’s been a journey beyond anything we could have imagined, and for their belief, support, and guidance, I will always be truly grateful, but Zuffa Boxing presented me with an opportunity I simply couldn’t refuse. I’d love Eddie to continue to be part of my team and for our partnership to evolve in this new chapter.
I’m filled with excitement and hunger for what’s ahead with Zuffa Boxing. I want the legacy fights, the biggest nights, the biggest stages. I fear no man at any weight, and I’m ready to give the fans the fights they’ve been calling for. I’m in my prime, and together we have bold, ambitious plans.”
Conor Benn has sensationally left long‑time promoter Eddie Hearn and signed with Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing in a move that immediately raises the stakes in White’s growing rivalry with traditional boxing power brokers.
The British star had spent his entire professional career under the Matchroom banner, but on Friday it was confirmed he has split from Hearn to ink a new promotional deal with Zuffa.
Benn paid tribute to his now‑former promoter in a statement, thanking Hearn and Matchroom “for everything they have done for me over the past decade” and calling the journey “beyond anything we could have imagined,” before adding that Zuffa Boxing presented an opportunity he “simply couldn’t refuse.”
The 24‑1 contender avenged his only career loss with a victory over Chris Eubank Jr in their November rematch at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium — Benn had lost their first meeting in April before winning the sequel — and has since been linked with major fights against the likes of Ryan Garcia, Mario Barrios and Shakur Stevenson.
Zuffa Boxing vs. Matchroom
For White and Zuffa Boxing, landing Benn is a huge statement as the new outfit builds out its 2026 schedule and looks to challenge the sport’s established order.
Turki Alalshikh has given the world its first look at the official Zuffa Boxing championship belt, sharing a photo on X of himself holding the diamond-encrusted strap alongside UFC CEO Dana White and WWE/TKO president Nick Khan during a meeting in Las Vegas.
Zuffa Boxing Championship Belt
Alalshikh called it “the first Zuffa Boxing belt – made with beautiful diamonds” and described the reveal as “a huge start for Zuffa,” adding that only the very best fighters will be “lucky enough to win this belt.”
Today I am happy, I met with my brothers Dana and Nick in Las Vegas and they gifted me the first Zuffa Boxing belt – made with beautiful diamonds. This is a huge start for Zuffa, and only the very best will be lucky enough to win this belt. 💪🏻🥊🔥🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/yUpVUl222S
The belt features “Zuffa Boxing Champion” branding and is positioned as the promotion’s own world title line, separate from the WBC, WBA, IBF, and WBO. Early fan reaction online has been overwhelmingly negative, with many critics blasting the design and some calling it one of the ugliest belts in boxing history. Alalshikh reportedly limited replies on the original post amid the backlash.
The criticism hasn’t slowed Zuffa’s push forward. The promotion has already confirmed a streamlined championship system featuring just eight traditional weight classes — heavyweight (200+ lbs), cruiserweight (200 lbs), light heavyweight (175 lbs), middleweight (160 lbs), welterweight (147 lbs), lightweight (135 lbs), featherweight (126 lbs), and bantamweight (118 lbs). The back-to-basics approach eliminates all modern “super” divisions and lighter weight classes, with one champion planned per division.
First Zuffa Champion To Be Crowned March 8
The first fighter to hold the new belt will be determined at Zuffa Boxing 04 on March 8 from the Meta APEX in Las Vegas. Dana White has confirmed that Jai Opetaia vs. Brandon Glanton will headline the card with the inaugural Zuffa Boxing World Cruiserweight Championship on the line.
Opetaia (29-0, 23 KOs) is the reigning IBF and Ring cruiserweight champion, though those belts will not be at stake in the Glanton fight. The undefeated Australian signed with Zuffa Boxing last month and will be making his U.S. debut. Glanton (21-3, 18 KOs) is ranked No. 10 in The Ring’s cruiserweight rankings.
Zuffa Boxing 04 streams on Paramount+ as part of the promotion’s five-year broadcast deal that guarantees 12 cards in 2026.
Dana White criticized boxing promoters after Zuffa Boxing 03 on February 15, 2026, at the Meta Apex in Enterprise, Nevada. White believes his new venture is already dominating the boxing landscape, and can’t believe how easy it’s been so far.
During the post-fight press conference, White commented on the perceived lack of resistance from established boxing promoters to Zuffa Boxing’s entry into the market. White said,
“This is like beating up babies. I feel like I came in and I’m beating up babies. I expected more. I expected some pushback. I expected them to be more game. This is all way out of their league, like absolutely, positively out of their league. I’m actually a little shocked.”
White added that Zuffa will not work with the four major sanctioning bodies and called Eddie Hearn’s comments about a Zuffa belt “cringey.”
The comments followed Efe Ajagba’s (20-1, 14 KOs) TKO victory over former IBF heavyweight champion Charles Martin (29-4-1, 26 KOs) in Round 4 (1:11). White also criticized WBC President Mauricio Sulaimán, calling him “the greatest P.R. guy for how fucked up boxing is.”
White has signed former featherweight champion Mark Magsayo and is interested in recruiting former two-division champion Teofimo Lopez. Zuffa Boxing 04 is scheduled for March 8, 2026, featuring Jai Opetaia vs. Brandon Glanton.
UFC President Dana White has officially announced that IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia will face Brandon Glanton in the main event of Zuffa Boxing 04 on March 8 at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas, with the inaugural Zuffa Boxing World Cruiserweight Championship on the line.
The historic bout crown the promotion’s first-ever world champion.
Opetaia enters as the consensus top cruiserweight in the world and brings a recent knockout streak into the matchup, while Glanton arrives as a heavy-handed underdog who has proven competitive against elite-level opposition despite falling short in previous high-stakes fights.
The Ring-rated Opetaia has established himself as the division’s premier talent, while Glanton represents a dangerous challenge with the power to change the fight with a single punch.
Zuffa Boxing 04 takes place on March 8, 2026, at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas.
Zuffa Boxing 02 results are coming in live from Meta APEX in Las Vegas as Dana White’s boxing promotion looks to follow up its debut card.
Nine days after its first numbered card, the TKO Group-backed boxing league brings another night of fights, headlined by 140-pounders Jose Valenzuela and Diego Torres. Joe Tessitore calls the action alongside analysts Max Kellerman and Andre Ward.
Zuffa Boxing 01 results are coming in live from Meta APEX in Las Vegas as Dana White’s boxing promotion makes its historic debut.
Tonight marks the first numbered event from the upstart league from TKO Group, and the launch of the new Paramount+ era, one night before UFC 324. Joe Tessitore calls the action alongside analysts Max Kellerman and Andre Ward.
Dana White’s long-awaited entry into professional boxing finally arrives tonight when Zuffa Boxing presents its inaugural card at the newly renamed Meta APEX in Las Vegas. The eight-bout event marks a historic moment for TKO Group Holdings as the UFC’s parent company expands into the sweet science with an ambitious plan to revolutionize the sport.
Main Event: Undefeated Irish prospect Callum Walsh (15-0, 11 KOs) faces experienced Mexican veteran Carlos Ocampo (38-3, 26 KOs) in a 10-round middleweight clash
Historic Launch: First official Zuffa Boxing card under the new Paramount+ broadcasting deal, one night before UFC 324
How to Watch: Paramount+ exclusive, prelims at 6 PM ET, main card at 9 PM ET
A New Era for Boxing Begins Tonight
White has teased Zuffa Boxing since 2017, but the promotion has finally come to fruition through a partnership between TKO Group Holdings and Saudi entertainment conglomerate Sela. The venture is led by White, WWE President Nick Khan, and Saudi General Entertainment Authority chairman Turki Alalshikh. With plans to build a 200-fighter roster and a guaranteed 12 cards in 2026, Zuffa Boxing aims to bring UFC-style matchmaking and production values to the boxing world.
The timing is strategic, with tonight’s debut arriving one night before UFC 324: Gaethje vs. Pimblett at T-Mobile Arena, creating a combat sports doubleheader weekend as both properties launch on Paramount+. Joe Tessitore will be on the lead play-by-play call alongside analysts Max Kellerman and Andre Ward.
Official Weigh-In Results
All 16 fighters successfully made weight on Thursday, setting the stage for tonight’s historic card:
Match
Weight/Rounds
Callum Walsh (159.5 lbs) vs. Carlos Ocampo (159.5 lbs)
Middleweight / 10 Rounds (Main Event)
Misael Rodriguez (159 lbs) vs. Austin Deanda (158.5 lbs)
Middleweight / 10 Rounds (Co-Main)
Cain Sandoval (144.5 lbs) vs. Julian Rodriguez (144 lbs)
Welterweight / 10 Rounds
Omar Trinidad (125.5 lbs) vs. Max Ornelas (125.5 lbs)
Featherweight / 10 Rounds
Floyd Diaz vs. Guillermo Gutierrez
Bantamweight / 8 Rounds
Emiliano Cardenas vs. Marcus Harris
Bantamweight / 6 Rounds
Robert Meriwether III vs. Cesar Correa
Catchweight (133 lbs) / 6 Rounds
Troy Nash vs. Jaycob Ramos
Featherweight (Opening Bout)
Fight Previews
Main Event: Callum Walsh vs. Carlos Ocampo
The 24-year-old Walsh has emerged as one of boxing’s brightest prospects under the guidance of legendary trainer Freddie Roach at Wild Card Boxing Club. The Cork, Ireland native has built an impressive 15-0 record with 11 knockouts, showcasing devastating power from his southpaw stance. Walsh earned his biggest career win on the Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford undercard in September, outpointing Fernando Vargas Jr. over 12 rounds at Allegiant Stadium.
Tonight marks Walsh’s return to 160 pounds after campaigning at super welterweight, and he weighed in at a career-heaviest 159.5 lbs. The WBC Continental Americas super welterweight champion enters as a heavy -700 favorite with the oddsmakers, with Ocampo available at +450.
Walsh currently holds the WBC Continental Americas super welterweight title and is ranked among the top 10 by multiple sanctioning bodies. His aggressive, come-forward style and heavy hands have made him a favorite of Dana White, who has championed the Irishman’s career through the UFC Fight Pass “Hollywood Fight Nights” series promoted by Tom Loeffler.
Ocampo brings a wealth of experience to tonight’s matchup. The 30-year-old Mexican has challenged for world titles on multiple occasions, including a 2018 IBF welterweight title shot against Errol Spence Jr. and a WBO interim super welterweight title fight against Tim Tszyu in 2023. While both of those bouts ended in first-round knockout defeats, Ocampo has bounced back with three consecutive knockout victories heading into tonight’s clash. With 26 knockouts in 38 wins, the Ensenada native possesses legitimate power that Walsh cannot afford to overlook.
Co-Main Event: Misael Rodriguez vs. Austin Deanda
Mexico’s Misael Rodriguez (15-0, 7 KOs) continues to build on his Olympic legacy. The 30-year-old won a bronze medal in the middleweight division at the 2016 Rio Olympics, becoming Mexico’s first boxing medalist since 2000. Rodriguez’s path to the Games was remarkable, having to beg for money on the streets and buses of Mexico City to fund his Olympic journey after the Mexican Boxing Federation faced funding cuts.
In his most recent outing, Rodriguez outclassed Omar Chavez (son of Mexican legend Julio Cesar Chavez) over 10 rounds in January 2025, demonstrating the technical prowess that made him an Olympian. Managed by former world champion Abner Mares, Rodriguez is looking to make a statement against the undefeated Deanda (17-0, 11 KOs) from Amherst, Virginia, who enters as a relative unknown but carries serious power with 11 knockouts in 17 fights. Rodriguez is a -700 favorite while Deanda is +450.
Cain Sandoval vs. Julian Rodriguez
Sacramento’s Cain Sandoval (17-0, 15 KOs) enters tonight as the -230 favorite against New Jersey’s Julian “Hammer Hands” Rodriguez (24-1, 15 KOs), who is available at +180. The 23-year-old “Sugar” Sandoval has stopped his last four opponents and has been a regular on UFC Fight Pass programming.
Rodriguez rides momentum from the biggest win of his career. In June 2025, the 31-year-old from Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey delivered a stunning knockout of previously unbeaten prospect Avious Griffin on the Jake Paul vs. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. undercard. Rodriguez overcame an eighth-round knockdown to stop Griffin with just five seconds remaining in the final round, silencing critics who questioned whether his opponent’s 17-0 record was legitimate. Both men have knockout power to end the fight at any moment, making this an intriguing clash of styles.
Omar Trinidad vs. Max Ornelas
The featured preliminary bout pits former Ring Magazine top-10 featherweight Omar Trinidad (19-0-2, 13 KOs) against Las Vegas native Max Ornelas (17-2-2, 6 KOs). Trinidad remains unbeaten through 21 pro fights despite collecting two draws, and his 13 knockouts, 11 coming inside four rounds, demonstrate his finishing ability. Trinidad is a -265 favorite while hometown fighter Ornelas is +205.
Undercard Action
The preliminary card features several intriguing matchups. Troy Nash (5-0-1) and Jaycob Ramos (4-0) have the honor of opening the Zuffa Boxing era, with both eager to etch their names in history as the first fighter to claim victory under the new promotion’s banner. Bantamweights Emiliano “El Gallo Negro” Cardenas (9-0, 4 KOs), a protégé of two-time BWAA Trainer of the Year Robert Garcia, faces Marcus Harris (7-1) in a six-round contest. Undefeated Floyd Diaz (13-0) takes on Guillermo Gutierrez (13-2) in an eight-round bantamweight bout, while lightweights Robert “King” Meriwether III (9-0) and Cesar “C Money” Correa (5-0) square off at a 133-pound catchweight.
How to Watch Tonight
Date/Time: Tonight, Friday, January 23, 2026, Prelims at 6 PM ET / 3 PM PT, Main Card at 9 PM ET / 6 PM PT
Venue: Meta APEX, Las Vegas, Nevada
Streaming: Paramount+ (exclusive)
Price: Included with Paramount+ subscription
Broadcast Team: Joe Tessitore (play-by-play), Max Kellerman, Andre Ward
Don’t Miss MMA News Coverage
Stay tuned to MMANews.com for complete Zuffa Boxing 01 coverage, including live results, fight recaps, and post-event news as Dana White’s boxing venture officially gets underway tonight.
Zuffa Boxing has assembled an all-star broadcast team for tonight’s inaugural Z01 event, featuring veteran play-by-play voice Joe Tessitore alongside analysts Max Kellerman and Andre Ward.
The stacked lineup brings decades of combined boxing broadcasting experience to Dana White’s new promotion as it launches from the Meta APEX in Las Vegas, streaming at 9pm ET on Paramount+.
Tessitore served as ESPN’s lead voice for Top Rank Boxing from 2002 until the partnership ended in July 2025, calling world championship fights including Tyson Fury vs. Deontay Wilder II and numerous Terence Crawford and Vasiliy Lomachenko title bouts. The Boxing Writers of America honored him with the Sam Taub Award for Broadcast Excellence in 2010, and he was inducted into the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame that same year. Tessitore also currently serves as WWE SmackDown’s play-by-play announcer alongside Wade Barrett.
Kellerman returns to boxing broadcasting after being laid off from ESPN in June 2023. The longtime boxing voice previously served as a color commentator for HBO World Championship Boxing and was part of HBO’s acclaimed announce team alongside Jim Lampley. He made his comeback at Netflix’s Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford card in September 2025.
Ward brings elite fighter perspective to the booth. The undefeated former champion (32-0) retired in 2017 holding unified light heavyweight titles after defeating Sergey Kovalev twice. He won Olympic gold at the 2004 Athens Games and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2021. Ward previously served as a boxing analyst for ESPN from 2017 until his contract expired in 2023.
Full Broadcast Lineup
Rounding out the team, former ESPN First Take host Molly Qerim will host pre- and post-fight coverage from the desk in her first job since departing the network in September 2025. She’ll be joined by Antonio Tarver, Mike Coppinger, and Mark Kriegel at the desk. Heidi Androl handles ringside reporting duties, while regular UFC cage announcer Joe Martinez serves as the ring announcer.
Tonight’s main event features undefeated Irish prospect Callum Walsh (15-0) against three-time world title challenger Carlos Ocampo (38-3). For the full fight card and how to watch, check out our complete Z01 preview.
The event marks the first of 12 guaranteed Zuffa Boxing cards in 2026 under the promotion’s deal with Paramount, arriving one night before UFC 324: Gaethje vs. Pimblett kicks off TKO’s new streaming era on Paramount+.
Zuffa Boxing has officially confirmed its inaugural event, Z01, scheduled for Friday, January 23, featuring three compelling matchups at the Meta APEX venue.
Irish middleweight prospect Callum Walsh headlines the card against Mexico’s Carlos Ocampo in a 10-round bout. Walsh, who has built momentum in recent years, faces a significant test against the experienced Ocampo as Zuffa launches its boxing venture under the same ownership as the UFC.
The co-main event features 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Misael Rodriguez taking on Austin Deanda in another middleweight clash. Rodriguez brings amateur pedigree to the professional ranks in what promises to be a competitive 10-round affair.
Rounding out the announced card, welterweights Julian Rodriguez and Cain Sandoval square off in an all-American showdown over 10 rounds.
The event streams exclusively on Paramount+ beginning at 9 PM ET / 6 PM PT, marking a significant moment for the combat sports landscape as Zuffa expands beyond mixed martial arts into the boxing space.
Z01 Main Card (January 23, Paramount+):
Callum Walsh vs. Carlos Ocampo (Middleweight, 10 rounds)
Misael Rodriguez vs. Austin Deanda (Middleweight, 10 rounds)
Julian Rodriguez vs. Cain Sandoval (Welterweight, 10 rounds)
Dana White’s long-awaited boxing venture officially kicks off on Friday, January 23, when Zuffa Boxing presents its debut event at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, streaming exclusively on Paramount+.
The event, branded as Z01, marks the first regular-series card under Zuffa Boxing’s long-term media rights agreement with Paramount. It arrives one night before UFC 324, creating a combat sports doubleheader weekend as TKO Group Holdings launches both properties on the streaming platform.
“We are planning to launch our first boxing show on January 23, which is the night before our first UFC show on P-Sky,” TKO President Mark Shapiro confirmed. “Back-to-back nights. A big weekend for TKO, to say the least.”
ARE YOU READY 😤#ZuffaBoxing01 is coming to the Apex LIVE on JAN 23! 🥊
The card features Irish prospect Callum Walsh (15-0) facing Carlos Ocampo in the main event, with Serhii Bohachuk meeting former WBA welterweight champion Radzhab Butaev in the co-main.
Zuffa Boxing operates as a joint venture between TKO Group Holdings and Saudi entertainment conglomerate Sela, with leadership from White and WWE President Nick Khan. The promotion has signed multiple fighters including former WBA super lightweight champion Jose Valenzuela, Vito Mielnicki Jr., and Justin Viloria, with plans to build a 200-fighter roster.
Z01 airs at 9 PM ET on Paramount+, followed by UFC 324: Gaethje vs. Pimblett on Saturday at T-Mobile Arena.
The January 23 debut fulfills the landmark media rights agreement announced in September 2025 between Paramount and TKO Group Holdings. Under the long-term deal, Paramount+ serves as the exclusive home of Zuffa Boxing throughout the U.S., Canada, and Latin America.
The agreement guarantees 12 Zuffa Boxing cards in 2026, with plans to expand in subsequent years. Select events may also simulcast on CBS and other Paramount platforms.
“I’m excited to bring great boxing events to a global audience,” Dana White said when the deal was announced. “There are millions of boxing fans that will now be able to watch competitive fights with up-and-coming boxers as well as the biggest stars in the sport. Paramount will be the home for UFC and boxing fans to watch the greatest fights in combat sports.”
Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority and President of the Saudi Boxing Federation, added: “This partnership with Paramount reinforces our vision to redefine the way viewers consume boxing. More fight fans will now have access to watch some of the most exciting boxers around.”
Cindy Holland, Chair of Direct-to-Consumer for Paramount, called the partnership “a bold new chapter – not just for us, but for the future of boxing,” emphasizing the deal advances Paramount’s priorities of delivering premium sports and year-round marquee live events to subscribers.
Zuffa Boxing has found its exclusive streaming home with Paramount+.
On Monday, TKO Group, the parent company of UFC and WWE, revealed that its boxing promotion will stream exclusively on Paramount+ in the U.S., Canada, and Latin America, with Paramount Skydance Corp. serving as the exclusive broadcast partner.
The partnership will kick off in 2026 with 12 live cards and supplemental programming, with plans for further expansion in the years ahead.
BIG NEWS 🚨@ParamountPlus will become the exclusive home of Zuffa Boxing throughout the U.S., Canada, and Latin America starting in January 2026! pic.twitter.com/qhxwQPrtgk
According to a press release, the fights will be accessible through Paramount’s direct-to-consumer streaming service, Paramount+. Beyond 2026, the number of live cards is set to grow, with select bouts also slated to air on CBS and other Paramount streaming platforms.
Zuffa Boxing is the newly launched professional boxing promotion created by TKO Group in partnership with entertainment conglomerate Sela. It is led by a powerhouse team including UFC CEO Dana White, Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority, Sela CEO Dr. Rakan Alharthy, and WWE President and TKO director Nick Khan.
The announcement comes on the heels of UFC’s major broadcasting shift from ESPN to Paramount, sealed last month with a seven-year, $7.7 billion deal set to begin in 2026. Under the agreement, UFC will feature a full schedule of 13 premier numbered events and 30 Fight Nights, marking a move away from most traditional pay-per-view models.
Image: @Turki_alalshikh/Instagram
Dana White Weighs In On Zuffa Boxing Deal With Paramount
Dana White expressed his enthusiasm about the Zuffa Boxing deal with Paramount. The UFC CEO highlighted that the partnership will bring high-quality boxing to a global audience, giving fans access to both rising talent and established stars.
“I’m excited to bring great boxing events to a global audience,” White said in a press release. “There are millions of boxing fans that will now be able to watch competitive fights with up-and-coming boxers as well as the biggest stars in the sport. Paramount will be the home for UFC and boxing fans to watch the greatest fights in combat sports.”
Another piece of the ventures under the Dana White umbrella — let alone the TKO umbrella — may soon be joining Paramount in short time.
Per a report from John Ourand of The Puck, Zuffa Boxing is likely to sign a broadcasting deal with Paramount, with an announcement coming as soon as possibly next week.
MMA Fighting adds that the nearing deal may connect with White’s social media posts last week that originally teased a big day before stating he jumped the gun on the post.
Zuffa Boxing Near Deal With Paramount
If this report is true, it would give TKO its second combat sports broadcasting deal with Paramount following its merger with Skydance. Last month, the UFC and Paramount agreed to a seven-year, $7.7 million deal that would see UFC events broadcasted on the Paramount+ streaming service, with certain numbered cards simulcasted on linear CBS channels.
Zuffa Boxing — run by UFC CEO and President Dana White, as well as WWE President Nick Khan, and financially backed by the Saudi Arabia General Entertainment Authority — officially launches in 2026, following its promotion of the Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford fight earlier this month.
TKO is looking at holding monthly Zuffa Boxing cards, as well as a couple of special “supercards” in a calendar year.
Just one day after Paramount acquired the UFC in a major money deal, they look to suddenly be adding another piece of the TKO pie to their empire.
Per a report from Front Office Sports, Paramount is now being considered the “front-runner” to acquire Zuffa Boxing, the TKO-backed boxing promotion that is being overseen by Dana White, the CEO and president of the UFC, and Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority in Saudi Arabia.
Zuffa Boxing is slated to begin as a fight league in 2026; however, they will serve as the main promoter for the upcoming Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford fight that takes place in Las Vegas on September 13 and airs on Netflix.
The FOS report states TKO will promote 2-3 “super fights” per year with Saudi Arabia.
Zuffa Boxing Nearing Deal With Paramount One Day After New UFC U.S. Broadcasting Agreement
“This is a low risk and TKO receives a roughly $10 million fee for serving as the managing partner and providing day-to-day operational management oversight,” Shapiro said in an earnings call last week. “And that’s all margin for us. TKO has no funding obligation.
“We get a fee to promote it, each one of these super fights. We get a fee to negotiate the media rights for each fight, which IMG does. So another reason we’re strong and proud that we brought IMG into the fold of our flywheel. We get a fee for On Location to sell hospitality packages. And we will put Zuffa Boxing fighters on the undercard of each of these super fights. We expect to net on average another 10 million [dollars] for every super fight we manage and promote.”
The UFC’s new broadcasting deal in the U.S. with Paramount, signed on August 11, will see 43 fight cards (13 numbered UFC events and 30 Fight Night cards) air on the Paramount+ streaming service. A number of those numbered cards (White and TKO executives Ari Emanuel and Mark Shapiro have given differing answers) will be simulcast on the linear CBS network.
ESPN is the current home of the UFC, though that deal expires in December. Last week, ESPN signed a five-year, $325 million U.S. broadcasting deal with the WWE, also under the TKO umbrella, to broadcast their Premium Live Events (PLEs) on their new direct-to-consumer ESPN app that launched Thursday, August 21.
However, in a new interview with Sports Business Journal, White says that a broadcasting for Zuffa Boxing has been completed, just not announced yet.
“We’ll see how this plays out,” White simply stated.
Zuffa Boxing Broadcasting Deal To Be Announced, Could ESPN Be In Plans?
Sports Business Journal also made reference to a report from World Boxing News last week that ESPN, whose deal with the UFC ends in December, may be involved in broadcasting Zuffa Boxing.
ESPN’s broadcasting deal with Top Rank Boxing concluded at the end of July, and World Boxing News suggested ESPN looked at a potential deal with Zuffa Boxing as a “trade” of sorts.
Top Rank Boxing’s end on ESPN means there is no boxing on any American television broadcast or cable channel for the first time in 80+ years.
Zuffa Boxing and its parent company, TKO, also parent company of the UFC and WWE, have also been a key supporter of the much-debated Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act. The act would allow for fighters to pursue opportunities with UBOs — which Zuffa Boxing would be, where the promoters can award their own championships, host their own events, and rank their own fighters — as opposed to the major sanctioning alphabet organizations.
White’s UFC signed a new U.S. broadcasting deal with Paramount on August 11, bringing 43 UFC events — 13 numbered cards and 30 UFC Fight Night cards — to Paramount+, with certain numbered cards airing on the linear CBS channel.
